Netanyahu ⁣Outlines Path to Peace⁢ with Demilitarized Gaza, Addresses Hostage Families’ Concerns

In a speech​ to the UN ‍General Assembly, Israeli Prime ​Minister ‌Benjamin Netanyahu stated that peace between Israel and Gaza is achievable, contingent upon the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip ⁣and the establishment of a “peaceful civil government.” He asserted that Hamas’s capacity to repeat ​the October 7th attacks‍ has been severely⁣ diminished,reiterating previous statements from Israeli army ⁣leadership that a “massacre as on October 7,2023 ⁢will never be repeated.”

Netanyahu vehemently denied allegations of genocide and a deliberate hunger policy ‌in Gaza, claiming the ratio of fatalities‌ between terrorists ‍and non-combatants is two to one. He directly addressed Palestinians in​ Gaza, stating, “Put⁣ your⁤ weapons down.‍ If you do that, you will live. If not, Israel will hunt you.” He indicated that the Israeli secret service is broadcasting these messages ⁤via IDF loudspeakers and telephone‍ lines within Gaza.

the Prime Minister also addressed the 48 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, stating that 20 are believed to be alive – all young men – and are being “starved, tortured and ⁣deprived of any daylight.” He directly appealed to the hostages, assuring them, ⁢”I will⁣ not rest until we have brought you home.”

During his speech, tal Kuperstein, father⁢ of hostage Bar Kuperstein, interrupted twice from the audience gallery, calling for his son’s freedom. Kuperstein, who is paralyzed following ‍a ‌stroke and car accident, has dedicated‌ himself to advocating for ⁤his son’s release. He ⁣was subsequently escorted from ‍the hall after his second interjection.

Netanyahu then read the names of the 20 hostages believed to be alive, omitting the names of Tamir Nimrodi and Bipin Joshi, whose fates remain unconfirmed, and those of deceased hostages. This omission drew ⁤strong ⁣criticism from families of the⁢ hostages.

Ronen Neutra,whose son Omer ‍was killed ⁤by Hamas and is still listed as a hostage,expressed his outrage,stating,”My son was born ​in New York,went to Israel to serve the army and gave his life.‌ But he is not even mentioned. He doesn’t⁤ care about⁢ everyone. ‍I don’t care about everyone. I was ashamed to listen⁢ to ⁤this speech.”

Many families of hostages have ​expressed⁢ a lack of⁢ trust in ⁣Netanyahu’s ‌commitment to ⁢securing their loved ones’ release, ⁤alleging he prioritizes the preservation of his government over the⁤ lives of the ‌hostages and is using their plight to garner international sympathy and silence critics of the ​war in Gaza.

Separately, US President Donald Trump told reporters on the same day ​that a deal for the ⁣end of the Gaza war‌ and⁢ the release of the hostages appeared to be nearing completion, ⁢stating, “It looks like we have an agreement on ‍Gaza.We will further inform you.”

I ​hope this article provides a​ clear and informative account of this​ notable exhibition.If you found this ⁣report valuable,please consider sharing it with your network,leaving a comment with your thoughts,or subscribing ⁣to World-Today-News.com for more in-depth coverage of global events. Your engagement helps us continue to‌ deliver ⁣the news that matters.

Axel Springer CEO to Receive Israel‘s Presidential Medal of Honor

Mathias Döpfner, Chief Executive Officer of the Axel Springer media company, will be awarded the president’s Medal of Honor by Israel. president Isaac Herzog announced the honor, stating the 62-year-old Döpfner is “one of the most prominent and brave voices in Europe and worldwide in many years of fight against anti-Semitism and in his steadfast support of the State of Israel.”

Herzog emphasized Döpfner’s commitment, saying, “Döpfner acts out of deep commitment to the values of freedom and democracy as well as in solidarity with the Jewish people.” He noted that under Döpfner’s leadership, Axel Springer has consistently demonstrated a strong connection to Israel, aligning with the founding principles established by Axel Springer himself.The President highlighted Döpfner’s long-standing advocacy for stronger German-Israeli relations, and his vocal support following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and the ensuing conflict.Herzog described Döpfner as having “become an international symbol of commitment, courage and loyalty to his values – even in Israel’s hardest hours.”

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place later this year, with a specific date yet to be announced. The Presidential Medal of Honor is Israel’s highest civilian distinction. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was the first German recipient, receiving the award in 2014.This year’s other honorees include US-Israeli philanthropist and billionaire Miriam adelson, historian Dina Porat, and Israeli high-tech innovator Yossi Vardi. The information was reported by dpa.

Rising Antisemitism Shifts Israeli Travel Plans, Driving Demand for ‘Safe’ Destinations

A surge in antisemitic incidents globally is prompting many Israelis to reassess their travel plans, seeking out holiday destinations perceived as safe havens. Destinations like Prague, Dubai, Thailand, and countries in Eastern Europe are experiencing a notable increase in demand – and later, rising prices – notably as Jewish holidays approach, according to reports from “Ynet.”

As the October 7th terrorist attack and escalating in recent weeks,global media has documented a disturbing wave of antisemitic attacks. These range from verbal harassment and discrimination in businesses to physical assaults. Recent events include anti-Israel protestors blocking Israeli tourists from disembarking a cruise ship on the Greek island of Syros.

On the popular island of Rhodes, several young Israelis were attacked following a club visit, and near Athens, an Israeli tourist was bitten by a Syrian immigrant, resulting in a partial ear amputation. Similar incidents have been reported in Australia, Austria, and the Netherlands. Beyond these high-profile cases,travelers are reporting hostile stares,insults,and exclusion from hotels upon revealing their israeli nationality.

Clear Price Increase

This growing uncertainty is demonstrably impacting travel bookings. Cities such as Prague (+23 percent), Budapest (+20 percent), Dubai (+17 percent), and Thailand (+15 percent) are witnessing considerable growth in Israeli reservations. Eastern European nations – Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, alongside Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Montenegro – are proving particularly attractive to Israeli tourists.

Tour operators like Kesher Tours are reporting a noticeable shift in demand, with travelers moving away from traditionally popular, but currently perceived as insecure, destinations in Western Europe towards those considered safer.

Mykonos and Santorini Remain Popular

Despite a decline in bookings for Athens (-22 percent) and Rhodes (-10 percent), Greece, with its numerous islands including Mykonos and Santorini, remains a key travel destination. Nir Mazor,head of Kesher Tours,notes that a strong Israeli presence and positive personal experiences frequently enough mitigate negative reporting and bolster traveler confidence.

Greek authorities have responded to the incidents by increasing police presence on the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Minister of National Security, Micalis Chrysochoidis, has pledged strict enforcement of anti-racism laws and is collaborating closely with Israeli tourism companies to ensure visitor safety.Experts attribute this trend to a reflection of heightened social tensions stemming from the Gaza War. Shirley Cohen-Korkaby, deputy managing director at Eshet Tours, advises travelers to adopt discreet travel strategies and avoid overt displays of Israeli identity to “minimize conflicts.”

Ultimately, the confluence of the political climate and rising antisemitism is fundamentally altering the travel behaviour of Israeli vacationers. They are increasingly prioritizing destinations where they can travel safely and without fear – a shift that is poised to have significant repercussions for the tourism industry worldwide.