Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has publicly confirmed for the first time that Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran in July. Katz made the revelation during a speech in which he vowed to target the leadership of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, responsible for launching missiles and drones at Israel. EDITOR’S … Read more
The shortlist for the 2024 Time Person of the Year award was announced on Monday, unveiling ten candidates under consideration for the prestigious title. The nominees, revealed on NBC’s Today Show, represent individuals and concepts that have made the most significant impact—whether positive or negative—over the past year. EDITOR’S PICKS PDP Declares Ethiope East Federal … Read more
Israel launched strikes on targets in Lebanon on Monday evening, fulfilling its vow to retaliate for an earlier Hezbollah attack on an Israeli military post. Both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire agreement brokered just last week. EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to Lebanon’s public health ministry, Israeli strikes on two southern villages … Read more
The Israeli military has warned residents of 60 villages in southern Lebanon not to return, even as a ceasefire enters its third day following over a year of intense fighting with Hezbollah, the Shia armed group. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) released a map delineating a buffer zone several miles deep, cautioning that anyone entering … Read more
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday, following an announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden that a deal to end the “devastating” conflict had been finalized. The agreement aims to halt nearly 14 months of cross-border fighting that has claimed thousands of lives. The truce, which began at 4 a.m. local time … Read more
The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, paving the way for a de-escalation in southern Lebanon. Under the terms of the deal, Hezbollah forces will retreat north of the Litani River, Israeli troops will withdraw from the region, and Lebanese Army soldiers will be deployed in their place. EDITOR’S PICKS … Read more
Israel is investigating claims by Hamas after the group released images purportedly showing the body of a female hostage in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking during Sunday’s cabinet meeting, stated that Israeli authorities could not confirm the authenticity of the photos at this stage. “We are in contact with the family, and a notification … Read more
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. In a statement, the pre-trial chamber rejected Israel’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction and cited “reasonable grounds” to believe the three men bear “criminal responsibility” for alleged … Read more
Thousands of police officers are being deployed in Paris to secure Thursday’s France-Israel football match, following last week’s violence in Amsterdam where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked. Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez announced that 4,000 officers will be on duty, with 2,500 stationed at the Stade de France in the northern suburbs and additional … Read more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Yechiel Leiter, a U.S.-born former chief of staff in the Finance Ministry, as the next Israeli ambassador to the United States. “Yechiel Leiter is an exceptional diplomat with strong oratory skills and a deep knowledge of American culture and politics,” Netanyahu announced in a statement on Friday. EDITOR’S … Read more
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched two rescue planes to the Netherlands on Friday following reports that Israeli football fans were injured during violent incidents in Amsterdam. “Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure … Read more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sacked his defense minister, Yoav Gallant. Netanyahu and Gallant had clashed publicly over the course of the more than year-long war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and in the Middle East. Netanyahu said he was firing Gallant due to trust issues and “gaps” between them in the management … Read more
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to renew ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while also pushing for increased humanitarian aid to be delivered to the Palestinian region. Blinken’s arrival in Israel on Tuesday marks his 11th visit to the Middle East since the … Read more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a controversial plan to forcibly remove all Palestinian civilians from northern Gaza, including Gaza City, as part of a broader strategy to isolate Hamas and secure the release of hostages. The plan, proposed by a group of retired Israeli military generals, calls for the evacuation of hundreds … Read more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his remorse to the families of the six hostages recently killed in Gaza, as he continues to face increasing criticism for not securing an agreement with Hamas to free the remaining captives. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Netanyahu said, “I told the families, and I repeat and … Read more
President Joe Biden has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure a hostage deal and a ceasefire with Hamas, according to reports suggesting that a new proposal will be presented to Netanyahu as a “final” offer. During a meeting in the Situation Room, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris discussed … Read more
Eko Hot Blog reports that the top prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges are related to the October 7 attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, … Read more
Netanyahu defies international warnings, launches ground offensive in Rafah. Israel evacuates 500,000 from Gaza’s Rafah, averting humanitarian crisis Israel vows to destroy Hamas, insists military victory is only solution. EKO HOT BLOG reports Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that nearly 500,000 people have been evacuated from Gaza’s Rafah city, dismissing fears of a humanitarian … Read more
President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to protect Gaza civilians. The US withheld heavy bombs from Israel due to concerns over civilian safety in Rafah. Biden’s move aims to pressure Israel to prioritize civilian safety, despite criticism from Republicans and Israeli defiance of US advice. EKO HOT BLOG reports that US President … Read more
Netanyahu asserts commitment to military action in Rafah, Gaza. Stresses determination to achieve objectives irrespective of ceasefire or hostage deal. Highlights Israel’s firm stance amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. Eko hot blog reports that In a firm declaration on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel would proceed with an operation in the … Read more