Results tagged “hamas”

Both sides in the three-week long Gaza conflict have agreed to come to a temporary cease fire that began just earlier today. After Israel called off attacks at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, Hamas followed suit around twelve hours later, agreeing to a one-week truce. Now Egypt will step forward and continue their role as mediator in an attempt to bring forth a longer-term deal between the two sides.

       

Thousands of people who support Israel's actions gathered near the Israeli Consulate yesterday afternoon. Governor David Paterson, one of many elected officials on hand, wore a red hat, which NY1 explains "symboliz[e] the red alerts many in Israel experience day after day, under rocket fire from Hamas-controlled Gaza." He said, "We recognize the right of the state of Israel to protect itself. We recognize the right of the men and women of that great state to protect its own children." Paterson added, "For the last three and a half years, Israel's been bombarded daily by a number of rockets coming from Gaza. The founding charter of Hamas calls for the obliteration of the state of Israel."

NY1 reports that a group supporting Palestinians protested in Union Square yesterday. NYC Labor Against War's Michael Letwin said, "We know the Jews have experienced oppression throughout the centuries and we can recognize oppression when we see it. And we know that the Palestinians here are the victims not the perpetrators." However, over at the United Nations, a rally with local politicians was held in support of Israel. City Councilman David Weprin said, "Israel should not cease fire now, until either Hamas is defeated or Hamas relinquishes its power. Until that time comes, Israel must continue its current course of action. Israel must finish the job," and Rep. Anthony Weiner said, "Hamas began a campaign of terror that's gone on for years. And I think Israel is doing all it can to end it in the only way they have left." Today, it's reported that Israel is moving its offensive to the southern part of Gaza.

       

As the situation in the Gaza Strip escalates—besides Mayor Bloomberg heading to Israel to show support, diplomats say the U.S. blocked a U.N. statement asking for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas—tensions are high. The Daily News reports, "thousands of Palestinian supporters demonstrated in Times Square Saturday to protest Israel's punishing military offensive..." with the "wave of protesters stretched across three blocks, dwarfing the dozens of boisterous supporters of Israel assembled across Seventh Ave".

    

Last night, protestors gathered to protest both Israel and Hamas outside the Israeli Consulate in Midtown East. The AP reports the pro-Palestine group "held Palestinian flags and chanted 'Free Palestine,' and one demonstrator said that Israel is "punishing an entire population for the actions of a few." Across the street, a smaller pro-Israel group had gathered (with signs like "Israel must defend itself").