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Hamas and Islamic Jihad Defy Trump’s Ceasefire, ‘Negotiating with Himself’; No Disarmament Commitment

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Palestinian terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad both refused to commit to disarming this week — brazenly defying the peace plan President Donald Trump brokered and both terror groups accepted— with a senior Hamas official telling Reuters he could not say “yes or no” to surrendering weapons. At the same time, an Islamic Jihad leader claimed on Al Jazeera that disarmament was never even discussed, and Trump is “negotiating with himself.”

The back-to-back rejections expose the fragility of the week-old ceasefire and reveal both terror groups are positioning themselves to remain armed indefinitely while demanding political concessions Israel has refused for decades.

In an interview with Reuters published Friday, Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal was asked directly whether Hamas would give up its weapons. “I can’t answer with a yes or no,” Nazzal responded — a stunning refusal given that disarmament is the central requirement of Trump’s 20-point peace plan that Hamas agreed to sign just days earlier.

When pressed on what disarmament would even mean, Nazzal challenged the very concept. “The disarmament project you’re talking about, what does it mean? To whom will the weapons be handed over?” he asked Reuters, making clear Hamas views giving up arms not as an obligation but as a hypothetical subject for future debate.

Speaking Wednesday from Doha, where Hamas’s political leadership has resided for years, Nazzal went further — declaring Hamas intends to maintain armed control over Gaza indefinitely. “On the ground, Hamas will be present,” he stated, directly contradicting Trump’s plan requiring the terror group to cede all security functions to a technocratic civilian administration overseen by international monitors. (Read more from “Hamas and Islamic Jihad Defy Trump’s Ceasefire, ‘Negotiating with Himself’; No Disarmament Commitment” HERE)

Trump Threatens to ‘Go In and Kill’ Hamas if Gaza Executions Continue

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By New York Post. President Trump threatened Thursday to “go in and kill” Hamas terrorists if they continue to slaughter suspected adversaries in Gaza following the jihadists’ truce with Israel.

“If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” Trump warned in a short Truth Social post.

“Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Disturbing footage emerged on social media this week showing public executions of Palestinians, who were blindfolded and forced to their knees before they were shot from behind by Hamas gunmen.

The terror group claimed the targeted Palestinians were “criminals and collaborators with Israel,” according to the BBC.

Following the breakthrough cease-fire that has stopped – for now – two years of war, Hamas has worked quickly to reassert control of the Gaza Strip. (Read more from “Trump Threatens to ‘Go In and Kill’ Hamas if Gaza Executions Continue” HERE)

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Israel blocking Turkish rescue teams from Gaza until Hamas returns hostages’ remains – official

By The Jerusalem Post. Israel will continue refusing to allow a Turkish delegation of 81 rescue personnel and heavy equipment to enter the Gaza Strip until Hamas returns all the remains of deceased hostages that it can, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.

“There is a group of hostages’ bodies that Hamas can return right now [and] another group they know the location of, but they need equipment and assistance to retrieve them,” another source said. “And there are some bodies they genuinely do not know where they are.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Thursday: “We know for certain that Hamas can easily release a significant number of hostages in accordance with the agreement. What they are doing now is a fundamental violation of that agreement.”

After the meeting, Netanyahu spoke with Trump regarding Hamas’s delayed return of the remaining deceased hostages in Gaza. . .

Mediators have said heavy equipment and experienced rescue teams would be essential to recover the remains. (Read more from “Israel blocking Turkish rescue teams from Gaza until Hamas returns hostages’ remains – official” HERE)

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Horror as airports across America and Canada blast pro-Hamas messages over their loudspeakers

By Daily Mail. The public address systems of four airports across the US and Canada were hacked to blast pro-Hamas political messages and disparage President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benajmin Netanyahu.

Videos taken by confused passengers at Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania have emerged on social media as the group claiming responsibility for the stunt warned of ‘a second September 11.’

In the footage, a computer-generated sounding voice can be heard chanting ‘Free, free Palestine’ and ‘F**k Netanyahu and Trump.’ The voice can also be heard saying, ‘Turkish hacker Siberislam is here.’ . . .

Similar hacks were reported at three other airports by Transport Canada, the agency that regulates airport operations north of the border. The affected locations were Kelowna International Airport and Victoria International Airport in British Columbia and Windsor International Airport in Ontario.

The hack also impacted flight information displays and plastered pro-Hamas messages across the screens. In red lettering over a black background the text read ‘Isreal lost the war, Hamas won honorably you are a pig, Donald Trump.’ (Read more from “Horror as airports across America and Canada blast pro-Hamas messages over their loudspeakers” HERE)

Israel PM Netanyahu in Court for Graft Trial Appearance

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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was back in a Tel Aviv court on Oct 15 for the latest hearing in his long-running corruption trial, which opened in May 2020.

The prime minister kept a smiling face as he and his entourage of several ministers from his conservative Likud party were heckled by protesters en route to the tribunal.

It comes after US President Donald Trump suggested on Oct 13 that the Israeli premier should be pardoned in his three separate corruption cases.

His latest appearance at the Tel Aviv court also follows the return of the hostages taken by Hamas as part of Mr Trump’s US-brokered plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In one case, Mr Netanyahu and his wife Sara are accused of accepting more than US$260,000 (S$336,970) worth of luxury goods, including champagne, cigars and jewellery, from billionaires in exchange for political favours. (Read more from “Israel PM Netanyahu in Court for Graft Trial Appearance” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

“She Might Love Israel More”: Trump’s Remark About Miriam Adelson Sparks Criticism

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When President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset on Monday, much of the world’s attention was on his historic return to Israel — but it was one offhand comment that drew the most attention back home.

Gesturing toward billionaire Miriam Adelson, one of his most prominent financial backers, Trump joked, “I’m gonna get her in trouble with this one, but I actually asked her once, ‘So, Miriam, I know you love Israel. What do you love more? The United States or Israel?’ She refused to answer. That might mean Israel.”

The remark, which prompted laughter and applause in the chamber, underscored what many observers see as a contradiction in Trump’s political identity. For years, Trump’s “America First” message has defined his movement — yet here he was, highlighting the deep influence of a donor whose loyalties, by his own teasing admission, lie primarily with another country.

During his speech, Trump praised Miriam and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, for their generosity and political support, reminiscing about their frequent visits to the White House. “Miriam and Sheldon would come into the office, they’d call me. I think they had more trips to the White House than anybody else I could think of,” Trump said. “Look at her sitting there so innocently! She got $60 billion in the bank … and she loves Israel.”

He went on to credit the Adelsons with inspiring some of his most consequential pro-Israel decisions during his first term — including recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.

But Trump’s nostalgic praise also raises uncomfortable questions about the role of billionaire donors in shaping U.S. foreign policy. How much influence should private citizens — especially those with dual citizenship — have in decisions that affect America’s diplomatic posture?

In 2018, Trump awarded Miriam Adelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — citing her contributions to medicine, philanthropy, and Jewish causes.

Sheldon Adelson once described his worldview bluntly: “All we care about is being good Zionists, being good citizens of Israel.”

Trump’s comments have reignited debate over his relationship with the Adelsons and the broader influence of money in U.S. foreign policy. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) was quick to respond on X (formerly Twitter):

“Trump asked dual citizen Miriam Adelson, a billionaire running nasty ads against me in Kentucky, ‘what do you love more, the United States or Israel?’ She refused to answer him. He says that might mean she loves Israel more. This isn’t AI, it’s real video…”

Trump’s joking acknowledgment of Miriam Adelson’s divided loyalties may have been meant in jest, but it exposed a deeper tension at the heart of his political brand. While he continues to promote an “America First” foreign policy, his own words highlighted the extent to which personal relationships and donor influence have shaped U.S. policy toward Israel — a contradiction not lost on his critics.

Hamas Carries Out Public Executions — Just Hours After Signing Peace Treaty With Israel

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Hamas carried out mass public executions in Gaza on Monday, just hours after signing a peace treaty with Israel — as part of a series of bloody reprisals following the withdrawal of Israeli troops, gruesome video shows.

The graphic footage shows eight badly beaten, blindfolded men kneeling in the street before each is shot dead by Hamas gunmen in front of a cheering crowd.

The terror group said, without providing evidence, that the killings targeted “criminals and collaborators with Israel,” the BBC reported.

Among those killed was Ahmad Zidan al-Tarabin, reportedly responsible for recruiting agents to a rival non-Hamas-aligned militia, Israeli outlet ynet News reported.

Following the IDF’s withdrawal, Hamas has quickly looked to reassert its control over Gaza, targeting the “clans,” or family-based armed groups that had gained strength during the conflict. (Read more from “Hamas Carries Out Public Executions — Just Hours After Signing Peace Treaty With Israel” HERE)

U.S. Troops Deployed to Israel Amid Ceasefire Mission

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The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of approximately 200 U.S. troops to Israel in support of the recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Their mission: to establish and operate a civil-military coordination center aimed at managing humanitarian aid, logistics, and monitoring compliance with the ceasefire agreement. While none of the deployed personnel are expected to enter Gaza, the assignment places them squarely in the middle of a complex and high-stakes regional operation.

Defense officials emphasized that the U.S. troops will work closely with Israeli counterparts to facilitate the flow of aid into Gaza and ensure that both sides adhere to the terms of the ceasefire. The center will serve as a critical hub for communication and logistical planning, helping international organizations, NGOs, and military units coordinate efforts in what remains a tense and politically charged environment.

Though not considered a combat deployment, the mission carries real-world risks. The region remains volatile in the wake of months of violence, and infrastructure in Gaza has been severely damaged, making aid delivery and ceasefire enforcement difficult.

This deployment further reflects the long-standing U.S.-Israel military partnership. Since Israel’s founding in 1948, the United States has provided over $130 billion in military and security assistance. Supporters of the relationship argue that American involvement strengthens regional security, deters hostile actors, and reinforces U.S. influence in one of the most strategically important parts of the world.

Critics, however, have pointed to the scale of ongoing military aid and the risks of deeper entanglement in a deeply polarized conflict. The presence of U.S. troops, even in a support role, symbolizes a broader commitment that continues to shape American foreign policy priorities in the Middle East.

For the 200 troops deployed, the task ahead is demanding but vital. They will be responsible for ensuring that life-saving aid reaches civilians in Gaza, that ceasefire terms are properly observed, and that U.S. credibility as a stabilizing force remains intact.

Photo credit: Flickr

Israeli Politician Thrown Out After Interrupting Trump’s Address to Israel’s Parliament

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A far-left Israeli politician was jeered as he loudly interrupted President Trump’s address to the country’s parliament, just to quickly get tossed out by security.

Ofer Cassif, a member of parliament from the extreme left-wing Hadash party, began shouting while Trump was praising his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, for his part bringing “peace in the Middle East.”

It wasn’t immediately clear what Cassif was yelling. He was quickly bundled out by security to cheers from the majority of Israel’s MPs who otherwise gave countless rounds of applause to Trump.

Security also went over to another Knesset member and removed him.

Cassif shared a lengthy post on X ahead of Trump’s arrival, condemning the US president’s visit.

(Read more from “Israeli Politician Thrown Out After Interrupting Trump’s Address to Israel’s Parliament” HERE)

‘Let Me Finish My Thought!’ Trump’s Envoy Shouted Down by Israelis After Hailing Netanyahu

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Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, was shouted down in Israel Saturday after hailing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as being instrumental in the Gaza peace plan that was agreed to, in part, by both Israel and Hamas.

“This moment was made through the tireless dedication of leaders who would not rest until the world saw what could be achieved, one of them standing right here with me, Jared Kushner,” Witkoff said to a crowd of thousands in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Witkoff then proceeded to mention Netanyahu’s name in his round of thanks only to be met with loud boos and jeers from the crowd. . .

“I, I, okay, let me just finish my thought. I was, I was in the trenches… guys, let me just finish my thought,” Witkoff said, as he struggled to tamper down the jeers from the crowd. “I was in the trenches with the prime minister – believe me, he was a very important part here.”

Boos continued to ring out from the audience at every mention of Netanyahu, whose popularity among Israelis has plummeted since Hamas’ attack in 2023, with many Israeli critics accusing Netanyahu of deliberately undermining a hostage deal. (Read more from “‘Let Me Finish My Thought!’ Trump’s Envoy Shouted Down by Israelis After Hailing Netanyahu” HERE)

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Hamas Chief Declares War in Gaza Over, Says Terror Group Confident in Trump-Brokered Cease-Fire; Israel Continues to Attack Gaza as Palestinians Celebrate Ceasefire Deal

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By New York Post. Exiled Hamas chief Khalil Al-Hayya declared Thursday the war in Gaza has ended after the terror group received assurances from the US and other nations about the impending cease-fire deal brokered by President Trump.

Al-Hayya delivered the long-awaited message as the Israel and the Palestinian terror group signed an agreement to stop the fighting and allow the remaining Israeli hostages to be released.

The Hamas leader said his side has received guarantees from the US, Arab mediators and Turkey that the bloody war has come to a permanent conclusion.

He also said along with the end of the war, the deal will pave the way to reopen a key crossing with Egypt and see all jailed Palestinian women and children released by Israeli authorities. (Read more from “Hamas Chief Declares War in Gaza Over, Says Terror Group Confident in Trump-Brokered Cease-Fire” HERE)

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Israel Continues to Attack Gaza as Palestinians Celebrate Ceasefire Deal

By The New Indian Express. Israeli military on Thursday continued attacks on the Gaza Strip, with just hours for the initial phase of a ceasefire deal agreed upon by both Israel and Hamas to come into effect.

Israeli attacks in the vicinity of Hamad City, northwest of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, have killed atleast one Palestinian, reported Al Jazeera. Several others were injured in an Israeli drone attack that targeted Yarmouk School, west of Gaza City.

According to the territory’s Health Ministry, at least 10 Palestinians have been killed and 49 injured in Israeli attacks on several parts of Gaza in the past 24 hours.

The attacks came as US President Donald Trump late on Wednesday announced that Israel and Hamas has agreed upon the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, signalling a long-awaited ceasefire. (Read more from “Israel Continues to Attack Gaza as Palestinians Celebrate Ceasefire Deal” HERE)

Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid Denounces ‘Extremist and Failed Government,’ Calls for ‘New Direction’

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Yair Lapid, the leader of Israel’s opposition, denounced the “extremist and failed government” of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming it for the country’s current precarious position.

In an essay published in Foreign Affairs on the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas, Lapid let loose some of his most scathing criticisms of Netanyahu’s government yet, buoyed by the possible end of the war in Gaza. Lapid blames the current government for trashing Israel’s diplomatic position in the world, harming its relationship with the United States, failing to combat rising antisemitism, harming Israel’s democratic foundations, failing to respond to Hamas’s surprise attack properly, and more.

“Israel is not a failed state. It is a great state with a failed government. Its foundations remain strong. Israel is undeniably in crisis, but the source of the crisis is not structural. It is political,” Lapid wrote.

He contrasted the current situation Israel has found itself in with three years ago, when the country was normalizing relations with the Arab world, boasted world-class research and business fields, and “blended a profound philosophical and historical depth with the best of modernity.” . . .

“The crisis is the result of an extremist and failed government, led by a prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is implicated in criminal cases and has lost the support of the Israeli public. His years in power have corrupted him and those around him. This government is openly contemptuous of the principle of a democratic State of Israel committed to Western liberal values. In its place, it seeks to install a theocratic and illiberal regime, one that is exempt from media scrutiny and free of the nuisance of concepts such as the rule of law and the constant threat of free and fair elections,” Lapid ruled. (Read more from “Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid Denounces ‘Extremist and Failed Government,’ Calls for ‘New Direction’” HERE)