Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict

[Bkk Brian]

Fingers crossed for progress on this.

 

Deal for release of Israeli hostages close, Trump’s envoy claims

Israeli hostages held in Gaza could be freed within days, according to President Trump’s Middle East envoy, resulting in renewed hope for an end to the war.
“A very serious deal is brewing on the table — and it’s a matter of a few days,” Steve Witkoff told families of hostages he met at the White House on Thursday.
Trump also said progress was being made to bring the remaining hostages home, but did not give further details.

https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war/article/deal-israeli-hostage-release-trump-steve-witkoff-m9sg822hv

https://archive.ph/1fWsm

[Bkk Brian]

Excellent news, just rewards for another so called press.

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/ap-doubted-reliability-of-hamas-linked-reporter-years-before-oct-7-documents-show/

 

 

Hassan Eslaiah, was targeted in an Israeli airstrike this week, with the IDF saying he was a Hamas member. 

 

This was the photographer that took some of the award winning images of the terror attack as it happened. You can view a video of him at the attack here:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=318840324168979

 

 

It turns out AP doubted reliability of Hamas-linked reporter years before Oct. 7 according to newly released court docs. In fact its alleged AP new about his terror links since 2018!

 

"survivors of the Hamas attack and the families of victims sued the AP in a US federal court in Florida, accusing the agency of being complicit in the invasion by working with freelancers embedded with terrorists, including Eslaiah."

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

This is the same hospital that Hamas claimed 100 hundreds were killed by an Israel missile, turned out to be a misfired rocket from Hamas themselves.

 

Israeli strikes reported in central Gaza; hospital building said hit after warning to leave

Medics said two Israeli missiles hit a building inside a hospital, destroying the emergency and reception department and damaging other structures.

Health officials at the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital evacuated the patients from the building after one person said he received a call from someone who identified himself with the Israeli security forces shortly before the attack took place.

No casualties were reported, according to the civil emergency service, Israel has made no comment on the strike as of yet, it has repeatedly accused terror groups of using various civilian sites including hospitals as bases of operation.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-strikes-reported-in-central-gaza-hospital-building-said-hit-after-warning-to-leave/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr7l123zy5o

[Jeff the Chef]

Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs has launched a scathing critique of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, placing the blame squarely on Washington’s alliance with Israel’s far-right leadership.

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

3 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs has launched a scathing critique of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, placing the blame squarely on Washington’s alliance with Israel’s far-right leadership.

 

 

An Economist, a profession that one always goes to when wanting advice on wars that terrorists started on Oct 7th. When not acting as a useful fool for Putin he has turns to Israel

[Jeff the Chef]

1 minute ago, Bkk Brian said:

An Economist, a profession that one always goes to when wanting advice on wars that terrorists started on Oct 7th.

 

Noted, any criticism of Israel is bad.

[Bkk Brian]

2 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

Noted, any criticism of Israel is bad.

Can you tell me where in my post I said that? Read it and stop snipping the quotes out of context. This is not about JS who has no official input in this war and is a Hamas supporter.

 

An economist with an international reputation, Professor Jeffrey Sachs has increasingly raised his profile in the world media. A U.S. citizen, he accuses his country of all mortal sins and openly supports President Putin.  The son of Jewish parents, he slathers mud on Israel and supports Hamas. 

https://www.neglobal.eu/jeffrey-sachs-three-times-a-traitor/

[Bkk Brian]

Back on topic and the protests have started again in Northern Gaza.

 

https://x.com/JoeTruzman/status/1912627188723323332

 

 

https://x.com/IhabHassane/status/1912568752794664975

 

[Jeff the Chef]

Dozens of members of the largest body representing Jews in the UK have condemned Israel's government for the "heartbreaking war" in Gaza.

In an open letter published in the Financial Times, 36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews said they "cannot turn a blind eye or remain silent" at the "renewed loss of life and livelihoods" as a result of Israel's renewed offensive in Gaza.

The letter is the first show of opposition to the Gaza war by some members of the board - made up of more than 300 deputies.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77ndzkz778o

[coolcarer]

Give up the hostages you terrorist <deleted> and it stops. Simples

 

What with the ongoing protests and running out of money because its got no food aid to sell, Hamas is still adamant to carry on the war and carry on using the Gazans as human sacrifice.

 

"Hamas used the flow of humanitarian and commercial goods to build new income streams, according to Arab, Israeli and Western officials."

 

A Depleted Hamas Is So Low on Cash That It Can’t Pay Its Fighters

“There is a big crisis in Hamas in terms of getting the money,” said Moumen Al-Natour, a Palestinian lawyer from the Al-Shati refugee camp, in central Gaza. Natour, who has been part of a burgeoning opposition movement to Hamas’s rule, said the group was struggling to pay Hamas-affiliated government employees. “They were mainly dependent on humanitarian aid sold in black markets for cash.”

 

The reduced payments are making it harder for Hamas to bring in new recruits and maintain cohesion as Israel seizes more land and Gazans mount a rare spate of protests against Hamas for failing to end the war.

https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-finances-fighters-payments-gaza-f98df760 | https://archive.ph/x2vCe

 

[Bkk Brian]

Thanks but this has been known for some time. 

 

US National Security Council: Hamas ‘not interested in peace but perpetual violence’

The White House comments on Hamas’s rejection of an Israeli proposal for an interim truce in Gaza.

“Hamas’s comments demonstrate they are not interested in peace but perpetual violence. The terms made by the Trump Administration have not changed: release the hostages or face hell,” says US National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-national-security-council-hamas-not-interested-in-peace-but-perpetual-violence/

[Patong2021]

On 4/16/2025 at 10:35 PM, Jeff the Chef said:

Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs has launched a scathing critique of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, placing the blame squarely on Washington’s alliance with Israel’s far-right leadership.

 

 

This is his personal opinion and he has interpreted the information to fit his own bias.

 

There is another claim that israel was informally propping up Assad because an unstable Syria or his  removal would have  allowed more radical elements to take power and to then attack Israel. Israel's enemy was not Assad but  Iran.

 

Timber Sycamore  was a plan initiated by Arab countries to replace Assad. It was KSA and UAE driven with some support from Jordan and Egypt. The USA supported the initiative because  Assad had crossed the USA's red line when the Syrians used poison gas and barrel bombs on civilians.

 

[Patong2021]

16 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Dozens of members of the largest body representing Jews in the UK have condemned Israel's government for the "heartbreaking war" in Gaza.

In an open letter published in the Financial Times, 36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews said they "cannot turn a blind eye or remain silent" at the "renewed loss of life and livelihoods" as a result of Israel's renewed offensive in Gaza.

The letter is the first show of opposition to the Gaza war by some members of the board - made up of more than 300 deputies.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77ndzkz778o

 

That's nice. They are allowed to have an opinion,and unlike those who dissent in Gaza, they won't be murdered.

 

The people who signed off on the letter are "activists" and are  special.   😶  People like 

 

Bailey Prevezer : She/They  Bailey is a graduate in International Relations and French. Bailey places a strong emphasis on the development of gender understanding, and evolution of sex education corresponding with those questioning their identity at whatever stage they find themselves. Within sex education, Bailey believes everyone, no matter their gender/sexuality/skin tone, can feel included and supported in all areas and activities.

 

Tommer Spence: A PhD student at Warwick Medical School, researching sexual and digital health. He previously worked for a number of third sector organisations in Scotland, and is currently a trustee of a national helpline charity. He has been engaged in issues around Israel-Palestine for a number of years, particularly in universities, and has taken part in work with Yachad and the Centre for Jewish Nonviolence.

 

Lottie Blackstone: Graduate in Fashion. Her work is focussed on genderless and menswear design.

All of them like Zac Bates-Fisher from Sheffield, seem to be really nice young people.  He plays the saxophone,  and does alot of volunteer work.  And so on all down the list.  Their credentials as zionists and supporters of Israel is evident. However, they  are idealistic young people who try to see the good in everyone. One on hand it is encouraging. On the other hand, Hamas would slaughter them too and all their  loving and good wishes won't protect them.

 

Unlike the  muslim community in the UK, they all seem to be  very integrated and although practicing jews, quite secular in outlook.

 

[Jeff the Chef]

26 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

That's nice. They are allowed to have an opinion,and unlike those who dissent in Gaza, they won't be murdered.

 

The people who signed off on the letter are "activists" and are  special.   😶  People like 

 

Bailey Prevezer : She/They  Bailey is a graduate in International Relations and French. Bailey places a strong emphasis on the development of gender understanding, and evolution of sex education corresponding with those questioning their identity at whatever stage they find themselves. Within sex education, Bailey believes everyone, no matter their gender/sexuality/skin tone, can feel included and supported in all areas and activities.

 

Tommer Spence: A PhD student at Warwick Medical School, researching sexual and digital health. He previously worked for a number of third sector organisations in Scotland, and is currently a trustee of a national helpline charity. He has been engaged in issues around Israel-Palestine for a number of years, particularly in universities, and has taken part in work with Yachad and the Centre for Jewish Nonviolence.

 

Lottie Blackstone: Graduate in Fashion. Her work is focussed on genderless and menswear design.

All of them like Zac Bates-Fisher from Sheffield, seem to be really nice young people.  He plays the saxophone,  and does alot of volunteer work.  And so on all down the list.  Their credentials as zionists and supporters of Israel is evident. However, they  are idealistic young people who try to see the good in everyone. One on hand it is encouraging. On the other hand, Hamas would slaughter them too and all their  loving and good wishes won't protect them.

 

Unlike the  muslim community in the UK, they all seem to be  very integrated and although practicing jews, quite secular in outlook.

 

 

So what you are saying is that they are Jews, but not the kind of Jews that the Zionists of Israel like and therefore they can be ignored.

[Social Media]

A rambling post full of false claims and misinformation along with a baiting post asking the same question once it had already been answered has been removed @Jeff the Chef

[Patong2021]

3 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

So what you are saying is that they are Jews, but not the kind of Jews that the Zionists of Israel like and therefore they can be ignored.

 

Nope. All are long time zionists and committed to the  existence of the State of Israel. It is not a political letter, nor does it attack Netanyahu. The letter makes clear their support and love for Israel. Their concerns are motivated by humanitarian empathy,  the impact upon democracy in israel, and the  need to stop the  ongoing loss of life.  As far as letters go, it isn't  radical and reflects the views of  a large number of Israelis. It's actually,  nothing that has not already been expressed by  multiple MKs in the Israeli parliament. It is  rather touching that  this letter was issued during the  Passover holiday, the remembrance when  their Lord delivered them out of  slavery in egypt and brought them back to their land of Israel. Jesus last supper was  a Passover seder. 

Mod Edit: Removed copied and pasted text of the full letter which is way over the forums fair use policy

 

[Nick Carter icp]

20 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Dozens of members of the largest body representing Jews in the UK have condemned Israel's government for the "heartbreaking war" in Gaza.

In an open letter published in the Financial Times, 36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews said they "cannot turn a blind eye or remain silent" at the "renewed loss of life and livelihoods" as a result of Israel's renewed offensive in Gaza.

The letter is the first show of opposition to the Gaza war by some members of the board - made up of more than 300 deputies.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77ndzkz778o

 

   36 out of more than 300 ?

What did the 85 % majority say ?

Why just focus on the small 15 % minorities opinion ?

[Jeff the Chef]

4 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   36 out of more than 300 ?

What did the 85 % majority say ?

Why just focus on the small 15 % minorities opinion ?

 

Can I suggest you read the full article, as I did, it has far more to say than the 3 paragraphs that I could post to comply with Forum rules.

[Nick Carter icp]

3 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

Can I suggest you read the full article, as I did, it has far more to say than the 3 paragraphs that I could post to comply with Forum rules.

 

   Oh I see , I erred on the side of caution and stated just 15 % of members signed the statement , but the BCC  article actuals says : 

  

 

"Responding to the letter, the board said it understood about 10% of its members were signatories" 

 

So I was wrong claiming 15 % of members signed it, when the real figure is about 10 %

 

 

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

8 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

Can I suggest you read the full article, as I did, it has far more to say than the 3 paragraphs that I could post to comply with Forum rules.

I did and it also contains this:

 

"The board added in a statement: "Others would no doubt put more emphasis on the fundamental responsibility of Hamas for this ghastly situation and the need to ensure that they are prevented from ever repeating the heinous crimes of October 7."

[Jeff the Chef]

Jerusalem – As Israeli forces resume and expand their military offensive by air, ground and sea on the Gaza Strip, Palestine, forcibly displacing people and deliberately blocking essential aid, Palestinian lives are once again being systematically destroyed, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). A series of deadly attacks by Israeli forces have shown a blatant disregard for the safety of humanitarian and medical workers in Gaza.

We call on Israeli authorities to immediately lift the inhumane and deadly siege on Gaza, protect the lives of Palestinians, humanitarian and medical personnel, and for all parties to restore and sustain the ceasefire.

“Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance. We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza,” says Amande Bazerolle, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. 

 

https://www.msf.org/gaza-has-become-mass-grave-palestinians-and-those-helping-them

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Jerusalem – As Israeli forces resume and expand their military offensive by air, ground and sea on the Gaza Strip, Palestine, forcibly displacing people and deliberately blocking essential aid, Palestinian lives are once again being systematically destroyed, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). A series of deadly attacks by Israeli forces have shown a blatant disregard for the safety of humanitarian and medical workers in Gaza.

We call on Israeli authorities to immediately lift the inhumane and deadly siege on Gaza, protect the lives of Palestinians, humanitarian and medical personnel, and for all parties to restore and sustain the ceasefire.

“Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance. We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza,” says Amande Bazerolle, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. 

 

https://www.msf.org/gaza-has-become-mass-grave-palestinians-and-those-helping-them

 

   Yep .

Palestinians were warned a few weeks ago .

Release the hostages or the war will continue 

[Bkk Brian]

Hamas wanting more deaths via sacrifice and human shields

 

Nearly 60% of Israelis back the resumption of fighting against Hamas in Gaza: poll

Nearly three in five Israelis back the resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip in the wake of Hamas’s rejection of a U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages.

According to a survey carried out by Israel’s Direct Polls Institute and published by Channel 14 on Monday night—before the Israel Defense Forces launched a campaign of extensive airstrikes in Gaza—59% of Israelis support the resumption of hostilities.

https://nypost.com/2025/03/19/world-news/nearly-60-of-israelis-back-the-resumption-of-fighting-hamas-in-gaza-poll/

[Jeff the Chef]

 

Hamas wants a comprehensive deal to end the war in Gaza and swap all Israeli hostages for Palestinians jailed in Israel, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group said, rejecting Israel's offer of an interim truce.

In a televised speech, Khalil Al-Hayya, the group's Gaza chief who leads its negotiating team, said the group would no longer agree to interim deals, adopting a position that Israel is unlikely to accept and potentially further delaying an end to the devastating attacks that restarted in recent weeks.
Instead, Hayya said Hamas was ready to immediately engage in "comprehensive package negotiations" to release all remaining hostages in its custody in return for an end to the Gaza war, the release of Palestinians jailed by Israel, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
"Netanyahu and his government use partial agreements as a cover for their political agenda, which is based on continuing the war of extermination and starvation, even if the price is sacrificing all his prisoners (hostages)," said Hayya, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"We will not be part of passing this policy."

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-is-ready-release-all-remaining-hostages-return-an-end-gaza-war-hamas-gaza-2025-04-17/

[Bkk Brian]

1 minute ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

Hamas wants a comprehensive deal to end the war in Gaza and swap all Israeli hostages for Palestinians jailed in Israel, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group said, rejecting Israel's offer of an interim truce.

In a televised speech, Khalil Al-Hayya, the group's Gaza chief who leads its negotiating team, said the group would no longer agree to interim deals, adopting a position that Israel is unlikely to accept and potentially further delaying an end to the devastating attacks that restarted in recent weeks.
Instead, Hayya said Hamas was ready to immediately engage in "comprehensive package negotiations" to release all remaining hostages in its custody in return for an end to the Gaza war, the release of Palestinians jailed by Israel, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
"Netanyahu and his government use partial agreements as a cover for their political agenda, which is based on continuing the war of extermination and starvation, even if the price is sacrificing all his prisoners (hostages)," said Hayya, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"We will not be part of passing this policy."

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-is-ready-release-all-remaining-hostages-return-an-end-gaza-war-hamas-gaza-2025-04-17/

Yes they are desperate to cling to power and carry on attacking Israel. Just ask Khalil Al-Hayya who you've quoted.

[Jeff the Chef]

7 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Yes they are desperate to cling to power and carry on attacking Israel. Just ask Khalil Al-Hayya who you've quoted.

 

It's not about me, I quoted the Reuters Press Release.

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, Jeff the Chef said:

 

It's not about me, I quoted the Reuters Press Release.

I stated who you quoted not about you 

 

Khalil Al-Hayya

 

Hamas’s top negotiator in the ceasefire and hostage talks said despite suing for an end to the war, the group would continue to pursue Israel’s destruction, looking toward Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque as a “compass.”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-touts-ceasefire-as-a-defeat-for-israel-while-hailing-oct-7-atrocities/

 

Like I said............

 

13 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Yes they are desperate to cling to power and carry on attacking Israel. Just ask Khalil Al-Hayya who you've quoted.

 

[coolcarer]

23 hours ago, coolcarer said:

Give up the hostages you terrorist <deleted> and it stops. Simples

 

What with the ongoing protests and running out of money because its got no food aid to sell, Hamas is still adamant to carry on the war and carry on using the Gazans as human sacrifice.

 

"Hamas used the flow of humanitarian and commercial goods to build new income streams, according to Arab, Israeli and Western officials."

 

A Depleted Hamas Is So Low on Cash That It Can’t Pay Its Fighters

“There is a big crisis in Hamas in terms of getting the money,” said Moumen Al-Natour, a Palestinian lawyer from the Al-Shati refugee camp, in central Gaza. Natour, who has been part of a burgeoning opposition movement to Hamas’s rule, said the group was struggling to pay Hamas-affiliated government employees. “They were mainly dependent on humanitarian aid sold in black markets for cash.”

 

The reduced payments are making it harder for Hamas to bring in new recruits and maintain cohesion as Israel seizes more land and Gazans mount a rare spate of protests against Hamas for failing to end the war.

https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-finances-fighters-payments-gaza-f98df760 | https://archive.ph/x2vCe

 

Not just money obviously but the terrorists are short on supplies to kill with, the smuggling tunnels from Egypt have been destroyed so they are down to drones,,,,,,,,,,,,lol

 

https://x.com/manniefabian/status/1912224948346663110

 

[bannork]

A wave of Israeli airstrikes on encampments for displaced Palestinians has killed at least 40 people across Gaza, as Hamas officials said consultations on response to Israel truce offer “almost complete”.

Civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal said two Israeli missiles hit several tents in the al-Mawasi area of the southern city of Khan Younis, resulting in at least 16 deaths, most of them women and children, and 23 others were wounded.

.Aid supplies including food, fuel, water and medicine have been blocked by Israel from entering Gaza since 2 March, 

The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières said on Wednesday that Gaza was becoming a “mass grave for Palestinians”.

AFP, AP and Reuters contributed to this report.

Wave of Israeli airstrikes kill at least 40 across Gaza, says civil defence agency | Palestinian territories | The Guardian

[coolcarer]

2 minutes ago, bannork said:

A wave of Israeli airstrikes on encampments for displaced Palestinians has killed at least 40 people across Gaza, as Hamas officials said consultations on response to Israel truce offer “almost complete”.

Civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal said two Israeli missiles hit several tents in the al-Mawasi area of the southern city of Khan Younis, resulting in at least 16 deaths, most of them women and children, and 23 others were wounded.

.Aid supplies including food, fuel, water and medicine have been blocked by Israel from entering Gaza since 2 March, 

The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières said on Wednesday that Gaza was becoming a “mass grave for Palestinians”.

AFP, AP and Reuters contributed to this report.

Wave of Israeli airstrikes kill at least 40 across Gaza, says civil defence agency | Palestinian territories | The Guardian

According to Hamas who do not distinguish between civilians and their own terrorists in body count. The article also needs updating. Hamas refused the deal