GAZA -- Hamas on Tuesday accused Israeli authorities of "disregarding" demands from mediators and international organizations to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
"The Israeli occupation allowed only 200 trucks to enter Gaza on Monday, in continued breach of the ceasefire agreement, which stipulated the entry of 600 trucks daily," Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a press statement. (Gaza-Hamas-Israel)
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BEIRUT -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Tuesday that negotiations remain the only viable path forward, reaffirming efforts to end ongoing hostilities with Israel and establish lasting peace in southern Lebanon.
Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of municipal representatives from southern Lebanon. (Lebanon-Israel-Negotiations)
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RAMALLAH -- The Palestinian government on Tuesday condemned Israel's approval of about 300 million U.S. dollars for settlement roads in the West Bank, calling it a "flagrant violation" of international law.
In a statement after its weekly meeting in Ramallah, the government said the move supports settlement expansion and comes as violence rises. It said more than 1,600 settler and Israeli force attacks were recorded in April, including assaults, crop damage, and home demolitions. (Palestine-Israel-Condemnation)
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TEHRAN/BAGHDAD -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call on Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate Ali al-Zaidi, during which Pezeshkian said Iran is ready for dialogue within the framework of international law, but will not acquiesce to force.
Pezeshkian said that "our problem is that on the one hand, the United States is pursuing a policy of maximum pressure against our country, and on the other hand, it expects Iran to come to the negotiating table and ultimately surrender to its unilateral demands ... such an equation is impossible," read a statement published by Pezeshkian's office. (Iran-Iraq-Phone call) ■
