News
Lammy Urges Immediate Ceasefire During Israel Visit
David Lammy, the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. “I’m here to push for a ceasefire,” he stated. “The loss of life over the last few months… is horrendous. It has to stop.”
In addition to advocating for a ceasefire, Mr. Lammy urged the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an increase in the flow of aid to the territory. On Sunday, he held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa. He also met with family members of hostages who have links to the UK.
Sharon Sharabi, whose two brothers Elie and Yossi were taken hostage on October 7, remarked after their meeting, “Mr. Lammy promised to do everything to bring the hostages home. The UK government has committed to be involved in a process with all the relevant sides.” The Israeli military reported in February that Yossi Sharabi was killed, likely by an IDF air strike, and his body remains in Gaza.
During his meeting with Mr. Mustafa, Mr. Lammy expressed the UK’s commitment to peace and stability, as stated by the British Consulate in Jerusalem. They discussed the importance of an effective Palestinian Authority in achieving peace, and Mr. Lammy reaffirmed support for Mr. Mustafa’s government and its reform programme.
On Monday morning, Mr. Lammy met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Ahead of their meeting, he emphasized the importance of conducting war according to international humanitarian law and stated his intention to press Israeli leaders on this issue.
Expressing frustration over the lack of British aid trucks entering Gaza, Mr. Lammy echoed complaints from aid agencies about deliveries being blocked or delayed by complex inspections imposed by the Israeli military. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “appalling” and announced an additional £5.5 million in UK aid to medical charity UK-Med for its work in the territory.
Mr. Herzog introduced Mr. Lammy to the family of Tamir Adar, who was killed on October 7, and whose body was taken into Gaza, and to Yaffa, Tamir’s grandmother, who was taken hostage and later released.
Mr. Lammy also addressed the sales of arms, stating he would “look at the assessment and the legal considerations,” and promised to report to Parliament as soon as possible. Additionally, he indicated that he would make a statement about the future of UK funding to the UNRWA, the UN’s main agency providing aid in Gaza, in the coming days. The UK was among the countries that suspended funding to the agency in January over allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 attack.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 38,584 people have been killed in Gaza during Israel’s offensive. A UN-backed assessment last month highlighted a “high risk” of famine in the territory, with almost half a million people facing “catastrophic levels” of hunger. The ministry also reported at least 141 deaths in Israeli strikes since Saturday, with Israel claiming one of those strikes targeted senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings
Coldplay Set to Break Taylor Swift’s Wembley Record with 10-Night Run
Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Work Following Misuse of Funds
-
Spotlight4 days agoTop Legal Pitfalls Employers Must Avoid to Prevent Wrongful Termination Claims
-
Sports4 days agoBarcelona’s Ter Stegen to Undergo Knee Surgery After Injury
-
Sports4 days ago‘Haaland throwing ball at Gabriel a coward’s move’
-
Business5 days agoBritish Airways Suspends Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton Airport
-
News4 days agoJapan Battles Devastating Floods Following Record Rainfall, Six Dead
-
Entertainment4 days agoDeadline Set for Bids on Historic Peter Pan House in Dumfries
-
Sports5 days agoStones Snatches Late Equaliser to Deny Arsenal Victory at Etihad
-
News15 hours agoIsraeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict