Israel confirms death of captive held in Gaza
Israel confirmed that an Israeli man held captive in Gaza has died. Dror Or, 49, had been held in Gaza since October 7, the government said.
His wife, Yonat, was killed in the initial attack on southern Israel and two of the couple’s children – Alma, 13, and Noam, 17 – were released from Gaza during a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in November.
The Israeli government did not say how it learned of the death of Or, but added that his body remains in Gaza.
Israel estimates that 129 captives remain in Gaza, the French news agency AFP reports, and the Israeli military says a further 35 captives, including Or, have died in the Palestinian territory where Israeli attacks have killed at least 34,596 people.
Trinidad and Tobago recognises the State of Palestine
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced that it is officially recognising the State of Palestine, a move it said would help to achieve a “lasting peace”.
A news release from the Caribbean country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move strengthened the “growing international consensus on the issue of Palestinian statehood”.
“Recognition of Palestine is moral and just and demonstrates Trinidad and Tobago’s acknowledgement of and support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian People,” the statement said.
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that several EU countries are set to recognise Palestine as an independent state by the end of May. The countries are yet to be confirmed but are believed to include Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Malta and Slovenia.
In April, the US vetoed a UN resolution that would have paved the way for full membership for Palestine, saying statehood must be achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
Palestinians welcome Trinidad and Tobago’s state recognition
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has welcomed the decision taken by Trinidad and Tobago to recognise the state of Palestine. The ministry said in a statement that the step is consistent with international law, adding that it will contribute to international efforts towards ending the Israeli occupation.
It came after the government of Trinidad and Tobago said its move would help to achieve a “lasting peace”.
A news release from the Caribbean country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said the recognition strengthened the “growing international consensus on the issue of Palestinian statehood”.
Such a revealing picture
Essay Pro