Press Releases

Netherlands Pays Tribute to Palestinian Victims in Gaza

(MENAFN) A poignant memorial took place Saturday in front of the Sint Servaas Basilica, the Netherlands’ oldest church, where the Olive Tree Foundation honored Palestinian children and journalists who have lost their lives amid Israel’s ongoing...

Austria undergoes political dilemma ahead of Eurovision Song Contest

(MENAFN) Austria is confronting a political dilemma ahead of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Vienna next May, as debates emerge over Israel’s potential exclusion from the event. Reports indicate that some members of...

Trump asserts Gaza’s war is over as he is departing to Middle East

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that the conflict in Gaza had officially ended as he departed for a diplomatic visit to Israel and Egypt ahead of an international peace conference focused on the ceasefire agreement. “The war is...

Netanyahu Declines Invitation to Gaza Peace Summit

(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he will not participate in the upcoming international peace conference on Gaza, scheduled to take place in the Egyptian Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh. According to a...

Civil Defense: 9,500 Palestinians Still Unaccounted for in Gaza

(MENAFN) The Gaza-based Civil Defense reported on Saturday that since the Israeli atrocities started on October 7, 2023, approximately 9,500 people remain unaccounted for. Mahmoud Basal, the Civil Defense spokesperson, called on the International...

Trump hails Turkey’s efforts in Gaza truce

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump on Sunday commended Türkiye for its involvement in reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, singling out President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his significant contribution and regional influence. “Turkey was fantastic too....

ICRC president: Global IHL initiative testament to what is possible when states choose humanity over self-interest

Your Excellencies, distinguished co-chairs, distinguished founding members of the Global IHL initiative, dear colleagues, It is an honour to be with you today at this milestone moment for the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law. We...

Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the release of hostages under the ceasefire agreement in Gaza

CANADA, October 13 - “The release of hostages is a moment of profound relief. After over two years of suffering, today families are finally reunited. For the Jewish people, this is a moment that holds two truths at once – a grief for what cannot...

Hostage-detainee swape to start between Israel, Hamas

(MENAFN) The initial stage of a highly anticipated hostage swap between Hamas and Israel is set to begin, with Hamas expected to release 48 Israeli hostages, of whom 20 are believed to still be alive. The exchange is scheduled to start around 8:00...

Merz gets invited by Al-Sisi to join inking of Gaza truce deal

(MENAFN) Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi extended an invitation to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday to attend the signing ceremony of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The invitation came during a phone call...

Putin Voices Support for Trump’s Gaza Peace Efforts

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday conveyed his endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, describing the initiatives as a practical move toward achieving peace....

Defense ministry says Turkey is set to partake of Gaza Task Force

(MENAFN) Türkiye's National Defense Ministry declared on Friday that the Turkish Armed Forces are prepared to take on any role assigned as part of the Gaza Task Force. Responding to inquiries about Turkey’s potential involvement in this...

Hamas announces inmate swap with Israel to start on Monday

(MENAFN) A senior member of Hamas announced that a prisoner exchange with Israel could begin as early as Monday, following the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire agreement. “The prisoner swap might start on Monday,” Mousa Abou Marzouq said in a...

Fidan Calls for Firm Commitment to Gaza Ceasefire

(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday emphasized the necessity of unwavering commitment to the newly agreed Gaza ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Speaking during a joint press briefing with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein...

Ceasefire Takes Effect in Gaza

(MENAFN) Israel officially declared on Friday that the ceasefire in Gaza had begun at 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT). According to a written statement issued by the Israeli military to a news agency, "Starting at 12:00, army forces took up...

China, Italy Hold Talks on Gaza, Ukraine

(MENAFN) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani engaged in high-level talks on Wednesday in Rome, addressing urgent bilateral and global challenges, including the conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine, according...

Head diplomats of China, Italy hold talks on Palestine, Ukraine

(MENAFN) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani met in Rome to discuss bilateral relations and key international issues, including the situations in Palestine and Ukraine, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said...

Erdogan Hails Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

(MENAFN) Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday expressed strong approval for the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. “I am deeply pleased that the Hamas-Israel talks held in (the Egyptian city of) Sharm...

UN Chief Hails Gaza Ceasefire Breakthrough

(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday endorsed a newly announced ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza, calling it a vital step toward peace and humanitarian access in the war-ravaged territory. "I welcome the...

Macron Hails Gaza Ceasefire Deal as Beacon of "Immense Hope"

(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday praised the recently announced Israel-Hamas agreement on the initial phase of a Gaza ceasefire, describing it as a beacon of “immense hope.” Speaking via the US social media platform X, Macron...