Abu Wadee, a Palestinian migrant who came via Greece and is accused of supporting Hamas and calling for “death to all Jews,” was attacked in HMP Dovegate while awaiting trial for illegally entering the UK, raising concerns about his safety and potential deportation to Gaza.
Tag: Gaza
Germany’s top administrative court has ruled that deporting two asylum seekers back to Greece does not violate human rights, despite concerns over poor living conditions for refugees there. The court found that young, able-bodied men are unlikely to face extreme hardship, prompting criticism from refugee advocates who warn of homelessness and lack of support in Greece.
At the Delphi Economic Forum, Israeli Ambassador to Greece Noam Katz emphasized the deepening strategic partnership between Greece and Israel, grounded in shared values and regional interests. Addressing regional instability, he highlighted cooperation in energy, defense, and diplomacy, while reaffirming Israel’s firm stance on Hamas and security threats in Gaza and Syria.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is lobbying U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump to block the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, citing Ankara’s expanding influence in Syria. During his White House visit on April 7, 2025, Netanyahu pressed Trump on the issue, following multiple discussions with Rubio in March and April. Israel fears Turkey’s control of Syrian bases, like T4, could threaten its security, especially as Ankara negotiates a defense pact with Damascus and deploys air defense systems.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on March 30, 2025, to strengthen bilateral ties amid regional tensions. The leaders called for the immediate release of hostages in Gaza and expressed hope for a ceasefire, while Mitsotakis announced a scholarship program honoring Jonas Karousis, a victim of a terrorist attack.
In Athens on Thursday, Cyprus’ Constantinos Kombos and Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar joined Greece’s George Gerapetritis to cement their trilateral alliance, agreeing to monthly meetings to boost ties and prep for a leaders’ summit. Kombos slammed Hamas and Syria’s instability, while Sa’ar backed Cyprus’ territorial integrity against Türkiye’s occupation, spotlighting a united front amid regional turmoil.
Ten children injured in the Gaza Strip arrived in Athens today for much-needed medical treatment, thanks to a complex humanitarian operation coordinated by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by international partners.
Greece has successfully completed a humanitarian medical evacuation of ten sick and injured children from Gaza, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The operation was carried out with the support of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, WHO, and Egyptian authorities. The children, who received initial treatment in Cairo, were transported to Athens on a special AEGEAN flight. They will now receive medical care in Greek hospitals, while their guardians will be accommodated by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu claims Gaza is still part of the Ottoman Empire and its residents are Turkish citizens. This controversial statement has raised concerns about regional stability and potential implications for Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, as Davutoğlu suggests Turkey should assume control of Gaza.
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump declared that Hamas would not regain control of Gaza and that the U.S. would “own” it. He emphasized that failed policies of the past should not be repeated, proposing Gaza’s transformation into an international hub. Trump also reiterated his plan to relocate 1.7 million Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, while expressing confidence in Saudi-Israel normalization. His stance challenges decades-old Middle East policies, sparking strong reactions from media and policy analysts alike.
Greece has positioned four navy ships to potentially provide humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Gaza, in response to pressing needs in the region. National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized Greece’s willingness to step in following unsuccessful efforts by the U.S. military to create a secure supply route into Gaza. With Cyprus serving as a logistical hub, Greece is prepared to deliver essential supplies like food, water, and medication to support Palestinian communities after a recent cease-fire agreement. Despite limited resources, Greece remains committed to fostering stability and prosperity in the region.
Trump suggested relocating 2 million people from Gaza to nations like Egypt and Jordan
He said the area is a ‘demolition site’ and wants to relocate them, saying it would allow people to ‘live in peace for a change.’
The U.S. Air Force is assessing upgrades to Cyprus’ Andreas Papandreou Air Base to enhance its role as a humanitarian staging post for Middle East operations. Situated near Lebanon, the base has historically been vital for evacuations and aid delivery. Proposed improvements include runway expansions, radar systems, and facilities for U.S. air assets, reflecting deepening U.S.-Cyprus military ties and the island’s strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
On Friday, the Israeli Security and Political Cabinet approved a significant ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas, despite opposition from three ministers. This move comes after careful consideration of political, security, and humanitarian aspects, with anticipation of full Cabinet approval later in the day.
A historic ceasefire agreement signed today outlines the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for over 700 Palestinian prisoners. The deal includes a six-week ceasefire, IDF withdrawal from central Gaza, and the daily entry of 600 aid trucks. Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. will guarantee the agreement, with the first prisoner releases occurring just hours after Donald Trump’s inauguration.
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced during a press conference that an agreement has been reached between Palestinian and Israeli parties to initiate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, set to take effect this Sunday, reflects enhanced cooperation with both the current and incoming US administrations to mediate and implement the deal. Further details about the subsequent phases of the ceasefire will be shared after the initial phase is enacted.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages during his opening statement at the 10th Greece-Egypt-Cyprus Trilateral Summit in Cairo. Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Mitsotakis emphasized the role of Egypt in addressing crises like Libya and the need for a stable Middle East to prevent further instability. He also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss mutual concerns and strengthen bilateral ties.
Hundreds of thousands marched in Istanbul on January 1, 2025, protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. Bilal Erdoğan, son of the Turkish president, addressed the crowd, condemning the “genocide” and declaring that “Western values have died in Gaza.” He also vowed to “liberate” the Al-Aqsa Mosque, just as Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis held a phone conversation discussing the ongoing crises in Syria and Gaza. Saar emphasized the need to protect Syria’s minority groups and expressed concerns over the undemocratic nature of the new government in Damascus. He also reiterated Israel’s efforts to secure a deal for hostages in Gaza. Saar invited Gerapetritis to visit Israel soon, underscoring the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, Christmas celebrations are muted under the shadow of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions in the West Bank. The absence of tourists, the economic hardship, and the expansion of Israeli settlements contribute to a somber atmosphere. While the annual procession of the Latin Patriarch offers a message of hope and resilience, the Palestinian Christian community struggles to find joy amid the ongoing suffering.