The Israeli army continues on Friday, March 21, its floor operation in the Gaza Strip on Friday, March 21, after announcing Thursday to extend it in the south while continuing its operations “in the North and the Center” of the Palestinian territory. Hamas on its side called the Arab League and the organization of Islamic cooperation to put pressure to “put an end to the genocide” in the Gaza Strip by conducting “an urgent action” within the international bodies. According to the Civil Defense of Gaza, at least 504 people, among whom more than 190 minors have been killed since the resumption of Israeli strikes on Tuesday.
Info to remember
⇒ The Israeli President says he is “disturbed” by the resumption of strikes in Gaza
⇒ The head of the Shin Bet dismissed by the Israeli government
⇒ Arabic plan for Gaza: Emmanuel Macron on state visit to Egypt in early April
The Israeli President says he is “disturbed” by the resumption of strikes in Gaza
Israeli president Isaac Herzog said he was concerned Thursday of the resumption of strikes on the Gaza Strip, in a rare criticism of Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, who could undermine “national resilience”. “It is impossible not to be deeply disturbed by the harsh reality that takes place before our eyes,” he said in a video declaration, without however mentioning the Prime Minister. “It is unthinkable to take up the fights while continuing the sacred mission to repatriate our hostages,” he added.
Benyamin Netanyahu took responsibility for the launch of intense strikes on Gaza which left 504 dead since Tuesday, according to Hamas, then of a “targeted” terrestrial operation, to put pressure on the Islamist movement so that it releases the 58 hostages still detained in the territory. But the families of the hostages claim that these strikes could on the contrary endanger the life of the captives.
Isaac Herzog called on political leaders to “carefully weigh each measurement and to assess whether it strengthens national resilience, in particular if it contributes to the war effort and the return of the hostages”. The president, whose post is honorary but respected, also deplored that “thousands of reservists have been called recently”. “It is inconceivable to send our sons to the front while promoting controversial initiatives and […] Who create profound cleavages within our nation, “he added.
The chief of the SHIN BET dismissed, appeals filed before the Israeli Supreme Court
The Israeli opposition and an NGO announced on Friday morning the filing of appeal against the decision taken during the night by the government of Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet, the Israeli internal security agency. The movement for a quality government denounced in a press release a “illegal decision […] Putting a real risk for national security “. The center of center right Yesh Atid of the opposition leader Yaïr Lapid announced for his part having filed an appeal in the name of several opposition formations and denounced a” decision taken due to a conflict of flagrant interest of the Prime Minister, based on foreign considerations “.
A few hours earlier, the Israeli government had acted the dismissal of Ronen Bar, who had to take effect no later than April 10, justified by Benyamin Netanyahu by “loss of professional and personal confidence”.
Arabic plan for Gaza: Emmanuel Macron on state visit to Egypt on April 7 and 8
The French president announced Thursday evening in Brussels that he would go to Egypt on April 7 and 8, where he will exchange in particular on the Arab level for the reconstruction of Gaza. “I will go to Egypt for a state visit on April 7 and 8, where I will have a dedicated session on this subject,” he told the press after the European Summit. “We defend a cease-fire which is essential” in Gaza after the resumption of Israeli strikes, “the release of all the hostages by Hamas which is a necessity and a political solution to two states”, Palestinian and Israeli, explained the head of state. “The plan for Gaza which was made by the Arab states is an element that we support,” he said.
The Arab initiative is intended to be a response to the plan of the American president Donald Trump who plans to take control of the Palestinian territory and to expel its inhabitants. Prepared by Egypt, it plans to rebuild the Gaza Strip, destroyed by 15 months of war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, without moving its 2.4 million inhabitants. The plan puts Hamas away and provides for a return from the Palestinian authority, driven from the territory in 2007 by the Islamist movement. However, it was rejected by Israel and criticized by the United States.