ceasefire
Sir Keir Starmer to meet Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, and Emmanuel Macron in Germany
The leaders of the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France will talk about the situation in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine. Sir Keir Starmer will fly to Germany on Friday to meet with Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, and Emmanuel Macron to discuss the Middle East crisis. The leaders of the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France will meet to discuss the increasing humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, where the UN has warned that basic supplies for survival are running low, as well as the need for a hostage solution and de-escalation, Downing Street announced.
Netanyahu to Reject Ceasefire Calls, Vows to Fight Hezbollah ‘Until Victory’ in UN Address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to dismiss any hopes for a ceasefire in his upcoming United Nations speech, as Israel commits to continue its battle against Hezbollah militants "until victory." On Wednesday, Britain joined the United States, France, and other allies in proposing a 21-day ceasefire. Sir Keir Starmer, during his UN address, urged both sides to "step back from the brink." However, Netanyahu, upon arriving in New York last night, firmly rejected the truce proposal. He stated that Israeli forces would maintain their offensive against Hezbollah strongholds "with full force" and continue until Israel’s objectives are met.
ELN rebel offensive threatens peace process, says Colombian President Petro
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has warned that an attack on a military base in the country's east "practically closes" peace talks. Late on Tuesday, Petro blamed the Marxist National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group for a previous attack in Puerto Jordan, in northeastern Arauca province, that killed two soldiers and injured at least 21.
Blinken warns of ‘consequences’ for killing US-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi
According to Israel, Ms. Eygi was "hit indirectly and unintentionally by [Israeli army] fire which was not aimed at her." The US secretary of state has stated that there will be "consequences" for the killing of a US-Turkish activist by Israeli forces. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot in the head in Beita, near Nablus, on Friday while protesting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Blinken travels to Israel for Gaza ceasefire talks
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel shortly in his latest attempt to broker a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement in Gaza. His eleventh journey to the region since the conflict began in October comes just days after the United States submitted a modified proposal aimed at closing long-standing gaps between the two sides. The United States and Israel have voiced hope about a solution since discussions resumed in Doha last week, but Hamas claims any progress is an "illusion".
PwC fined £15 million for fraud at London Capital & Finance
PWC has been fined £15 million for failing to warn about alleged fraud at London Capital & Finance (LCF). The auditor is the first accounting company to be penalised by the City authority. The Financial Conduct Authority's inquiry discovered that while working on the minibond company's 2016 accounts, PWC's audit team discovered several red lights but neglected to notify the regulator.
Joe Biden ‘optimistic’ about Middle East ceasefire despite Israeli bombings in Gaza and Lebanon
The US president's words come as regional tensions have risen in recent weeks, with fatal Israeli attacks reported in Gaza and Lebanon. US President Joe Biden has expressed greater optimism about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas than in previous months. "As of an hour ago, we were still playing. I am optimistic. It's still not over. "Just a couple more issues, and I believe we have a shot," he told reporters on Friday.
As Middle East simmers, European leaders urge moderation
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have urged Iran and its allies to desist from planned strikes on Israel in response to the recent assassinations of prominent Hamas and Hezbollah members. On Monday, the leaders of the three European governments released a joint statement urging "de-escalation and regional stability" in the Middle East, as well as an immediate ceasefire. The death of two Iran-aligned leaders last month heightened global concern that the battle in Gaza will expand into an all-out regional warfare.
Israel-Gaza: Hopes as militants in Gaza declare a ceasefire.
After three days of violence in which at least 43 people were killed, there is optimism that Israel and Palestinian ...