While ceasefire talks in the Gaza war have been “constructive” according to Israeli sources, a deadly attack on US soldiers in Jordan has sparked new fears of an expansion of the Middle East crisis. US President Joe Biden threatened retaliation after three US soldiers were killed in a drone strike in Jordan near the Syrian border on Sunday. “Make no doubt about it – we will hold all those responsible accountable, at a time and in a manner of our choosing,” Biden said.
According to CNN, pro-Iranian fighters in Syria are believed to be responsible for the drone attack on the small Tower 22 base in Jordan, on the Syrian border. U.S. Central Command said at least 34 soldiers were injured.
After the deadly attack, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called on Iran to de-escalate. “We strongly condemn the attacks by Iran-affiliated militias on American troops. “We continue to urge Iran to de-escalate the situation in the region,” Cameron wrote on the X platform on Monday evening.
Israel calls talks on new hostage deal ‘constructive’
Meanwhile, Israel described talks in Paris on a possible new ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of more hostages as “constructive.” But there is still a “significant gap” between the different positions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Sunday after a meeting between CIA intelligence chief William Burns and representatives of Israel, Egypt and Qatar. Those involved wanted to meet again this week to continue the discussions.
According to information from the New York Times, a draft text from the US government was discussed in Paris, which was based on suggestions from Israel and the Islamist Hamas. Under the plan, Palestinian extremists would release more than a hundred hostages and Israel would halt its military operation in the Gaza Strip for about two months.
During a seven-day ceasefire in November, captured Israeli children and women were exchanged for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. But just over 130 people are reportedly still in the hands of the terrorists. There are said to be two children, 18 women and a 13-year-old, as well as several Germans. The oldest hostage is 85 years old, the youngest one year old.
According to the draft, fighting should be halted for thirty days in the first phase. During this time, Hamas must release female, elderly and injured hostages. At the same time, both sides must negotiate a second phase in which hostage Israeli men and soldiers are released in exchange for another 30 days of ceasefire.
France and Japan suspend payments to the aid organization UNRWA
Following other Western states, France and Japan have also suspended payments to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). No new payment is planned for the first half of 2024 and a decision will be made in due course, together with the United Nations and major donors, on the measures to be taken to ensure that all transparency and security requirements are met, the French Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. of.
The financial support will not continue until further notice, according to a statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry. UNRWA plays an important role in providing essential humanitarian assistance. Against this background, Japan is “extremely concerned” about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the terrorist attack on Israel.
The UN aid agency suspects that twelve of its employees may have been involved in the major attack by the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas on Israel on October 7. UN Secretary General António Guterres announced consequences and a review.
Several countries, including Germany, the US, Great Britain, Italy and Australia, had already decided to suspend their payments until further notice. The attack killed 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage into the Gaza Strip.
What will be important on Monday
Following the fatal attack on American soldiers in Jordan, further information about the attack is expected. There is heavy fighting in the south of the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli army, there was renewed “heavy fighting” on Sunday, especially in the area of Khan Yunis in the south of the bombed coastal area. A number of terrorists were eliminated and large quantities of weapons were found. Faced with massive Israeli attacks, thousands of civilians fled the Khan Yunis area towards Rafah on the border with Egypt. Aid organizations repeatedly warn of famine in the blockaded area. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
