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LIVE | Trump promises 'swift, violent and brutal end' for Hamas if it doesn't back down

De Telegraaf

Netherlands

Tuesday, October 21


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Trump promises 'swift, violent and brutal end' for Hamas if it doesn't back down

Donald Trump has posted another striking message on Truth Social. According to the US president, several allies in the Middle East have"emphatically and with great enthusiasm" confirmed their intention to send troops to the Gaza Strip to "clean up" Hamas.

He wrote in the message:"I said to these countries and to Israel: 'Not yet!' There is still hope that Hamas will do the right thing. If not, the end of Hamas will be swift, violent and brutal."

14 minutes ago

No guarantee that sick children from Gaza will be allowed to return

There is "no guarantee" that sick or injured children arriving in the Netherlands from Gaza will be able to return in the short term, according to caretaker Minister David van Weel (Foreign Affairs, VVD). Israel has so far refused to allow this.

"That also played a role in our position that they should accommodate as many refugees as possible in the region," says the minister. For a country like Saudi Arabia, where Van Weel visited on Tuesday, this is the reason not to accept children from Gaza.

He does believe that the Gaza peace plan has increased the opportunity to pressure Israel to allow children access to the Palestinian coastline again."It's a very different situation than a few weeks ago."

Van Weel expects several children to arrive in the Netherlands in the "foreseeable future." The government previously informed Parliament that this would happen at the end of this month or early next month. He says the government will not actively announce where and when the children will arrive.

After considerable pressure from Parliament, the cabinet decided to take in"some" children from Gaza. Van Weel did not receive an emergency call from the World Health Organization (WHO) to accept more children. According to him, there is also no shortage of countries willing to take in children.

That might not be necessary. If things remain calm in Gaza, large-scale medical aid can be rebuilt, says Van Weel. There will also be no new injuries."Then hospitals in Jordan can focus on complex patients again."

Israel

Today 17:11

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu fires security adviser

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired his national security adviser. According to a statement from Tzachi Hanegbi, Netanyahu informed him that he would appoint a new head of the National Security Council."I thanked the prime minister for the privilege of being a partner in shaping Israel's foreign and security policy during these challenging years," Hanegbi wrote.

The reason for his resignation is unclear. In the statement, Hanegbi calls for a thorough investigation into the mistakes made in the lead-up to"the October 7 massacre" in 2023,"for which I bear partial responsibility." A few days before the Hamas attack, he had indicated that he expected no aggression from Hamas."That was my mistake," he said afterward.

Hanegbi further thanks the prime minister for"the professional discussion we had, even during times of disagreement." According to The Jerusalem Post, there have been recent disagreements between the two, including over launching an attack on Qatari territory and the major operation in Gaza City that Israel launched in August.

Netanyahu has appointed Gil Reich as deputy head of the National Security Council.

Today 16:10

Vance in Israel: Gaza plan implementation will take a long time

US Vice President JD Vance visited the multinational center in Israel where the implementation of the Gaza peace plan is being coordinated. He said afterward at a press briefing that the implementation of President Donald Trump's initiative is going better than expected, but also warned that much work remains to be done."This is going to take a very long time."

Trump's plan consists of twenty points, some of which still require agreement. For example, it states that Hamas must disarm. Vance declined to set a deadline, but did say that"very bad things" will happen if the group doesn't adhere to the deal.

The vice president emphasized that, given the complexity of the situation, it's unwise to rush into things. Vance said that a prerequisite for lasting peace is an improvement in the security situation in Gaza, and that's why efforts are being made to establish an international security force. He also complained about pessimistic voices in the Western media."Every time something bad happens, when there's violence, there's a tendency to say, 'This is the end of the ceasefire. This is the end of the peace plan.'"

According to Vance, it seems as if the media is hoping the peace project will fail. He said that incidents are to be expected after a protracted conflict."Things are actually going very well," he said in the presence of envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC). In that center, Americans and Israelis are working together on implementing the peace plan.

The Netherlands

Today 15:58

The Rights Forum finds Van der Plas's complaint 'strange'

The Rights Forum finds the complaint that BBB leader Caroline van der Plas plans to file against the organization "strange." Earlier on Tuesday, Van der Plas said she was taking this step because of a poster featuring her face, along with the text"She chose genocide." Similar posters featuring the leaders of the VVD and PVV have also appeared.

Gerard Jonkman, director of The Rights Forum, told ANP:"BBB, VVD, and PVV aren't parties that always express themselves very diplomatically. They are also very clear in their statements." The director points out that the slogan on the poster is in the past tense.

"We believe that the Dutch government, which included BBB, PVV, and VVD, complicity in genocide by unconditionally supporting Israel," Jonkman said. Under previous Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp (NSC) and his successor Ruben Brekelmans (VVD), some steps were taken against the Israeli government, but according to several organizations, this is not enough.

Today 15:38

UK removes HTS from terror list over ties to Syrian president

The United Kingdom has delisted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization to strengthen ties with the new Syrian government. HTS was the organization of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who ousted Bashar al-Assad's regime in December.

"The decision to delist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will lead to closer cooperation with the new Syrian government and support the UK's domestic and international priorities, from counterterrorism to migration and the destruction of chemical weapons," a British government statement said. It would also help in the fight against the Islamic State group.

In 2017, HTS was placed on the terrorist list as a branch of Al Qaeda. This made it illegal to be a member of the organization or to support HTS.

The US had previously removed HTS from the terror list.

Today 3:20 PM

Palestinian journalist Ayyash opposes extradition to Austria

The 33-year-old Palestinian journalist and activist Mustafa Ayyash is opposing his extradition to Austria. His lawyer, Frederieke Dölle, asked the International Legal Assistance Chamber (IRK) of the Amsterdam court on Tuesday to refuse the extradition.

Outside, a group of up to 25 sympathizers with Palestinian flags demonstrated for his release. Ayyash was arrested at Schiphol Airport on Friday, September 21, at the request of Austrian authorities.

Austria, the country he fled to after losing family members in an Israeli bombing, suspects him of membership in and financing Hamas. The IRK is assessing whether the extradition requirements are met. It is not commenting on the man's guilt.

"He wants to emphasize that the accusations against him are false. He is a well-known Palestinian journalist who has been drawing attention to the inhumane conditions in Gaza for years," said his lawyer, Frederieke Dölle."Israeli authorities have been after him for years, and he is not the only journalist who fears for his life," she said."He assumes the accusations are based on Israeli disinformation." According to Dölle, he only had contact with Hamas as a journalist.

Ayyash told the court he came to the Netherlands to file a case against Austria."I came here to the Netherlands to file a complaint against Austria, because of what they did to us as a family." He said Austrian police had raided his apartment at 7:00 a.m."with weapons and violence," while his wife was eight months pregnant. Dölle also argued against extradition to Austria for this reason.

His health conditions are also said to be a reason to deny the extradition request. Ayyash is being treated in a psychiatric center in Vught for trauma he suffered from war and persecution. There, he allegedly self-harmed and attempted suicide.

The verdict will be delivered on November 11.

Netherlands

Today 2:10 PM

Van der Plas files complaint over Gaza genocide poster

Caroline van der Plas will file a complaint against The Rights Forum over a poster the organization shared featuring her image and the text"She chose genocide." The BBB leader told ANP after an interview with Tubantia at the University of Twente.

"It just feels very unsafe to me," said Van der Plas."There might be people among them who think: she's the bad guy. Then you don't know what people might want to do to you." The party leader previously canceled meetings in Nijmegen and Otterlo due to security concerns.

The poster is part of a voting guide created by The Rights Forum. The organization is critical of the strongly pro-Israel stance BBB has taken thus far, pointing out, among other things, that the party refuses to speak of genocide in Gaza."Genocide must be established by the International Court of Justice," said Van der Plas. A UN commission has already ruled that Israel is committing genocide.

Variants of the poster featuring PVV leader Geert Wilders and VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz are also posted on The Rights Forum website. The organization was founded by former Prime Minister Dries van Agt. Its advisory board includes former BIJ1 party leader Sylvana Simons and former minister Hedy d'Ancona. Van der Plas says he has not yet had any contact with the organization.

Palestinian Territories

Israel

Today 13:47

Hamas announces handover of two dead hostages

The armed wing of Hamas has announced it will hand over the bodies of two more hostages. The handover is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. Dutch time.

The bodies were exhumed on Tuesday, the al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement. Hamas began releasing the remains of 28 hostages still in Gaza last Monday. So far, 13 bodies have been returned to Israel.

The Palestinian group has agreed to hand over all deceased hostages. This agreement is part of a ceasefire with Israel.

Today 13:39

Great interest in Palestinian journalist's extradition case

The Amsterdam court is witnessing a significant turnout in the case concerning the extradition of 33-year-old Palestinian journalist and activist Mustafa Ayyash. Outside, a group of up to 25 supporters, carrying Palestinian flags, demonstrated for his release.

The International Legal Assistance Chamber (IRC) has reserved the largest room for the hearing of Austria's extradition request. All interested parties are seated in the public gallery, behind glass, where flags are not permitted.

Ayyash was arrested at Schiphol Airport on Friday, September 21, at the request of Austrian authorities. Austria, the country to which he fled after losing family members in an Israeli bombardment, suspects him of membership in and financing Hamas. The IRK is assessing whether the extradition requirements are met. It will not comment on the man's guilt.

"He wants to emphasize that the accusations against him are false. He is a well-known Palestinian journalist who has been drawing attention to the inhumane conditions in Gaza for years," said his lawyer, Frederieke Dölle. She is asking the court to deny extradition."Israeli authorities have been pursuing him for years, and he is not the only journalist who fears for his life," she said."He assumes the accusations are based on Israeli disinformation."

His health conditions are also said to be a reason to deny the extradition request. Ayyash is being treated in a psychiatric center in Vught for traumas he suffered from war and persecution. According to Dölle, he only had contact with Hamas as a journalist.

The verdict will be on November 11.

Today 1:00 PM

Egyptian intelligence chief consults with Netanyahu

Hassan Rashad, the head of Egypt's intelligence service, traveled to Jerusalem on Tuesday to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials, Netanyahu's office reported. The visit is part of diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu and his staff spoke with Rashad about the implementation of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan. But according to the president's statement, they also discussed"relations between Israel and Egypt and strengthening peace between the two countries."

According to Egyptian state media, Rashad will also meet with Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to the Middle East, in Israel. It is currently unclear whether a meeting will also take place with US Vice President J.D. Vance, who also arrived in Israel on Tuesday.

Rashad was closely involved in the negotiations that led to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Donald Trump has publicly praised him for his contribution to the agreement.

Israel

Today 12:55

Syria

Today 12:40

World Bank: Syria reconstruction will cost $216 billion

According to the World Bank, the reconstruction of Syria will cost approximately $216 billion (€186 billion). That's ten times the size of the entire Syrian economy in 2024. Without international aid, Syria won't survive, the organization says.

The World Bank estimates the cost at between $140 billion and $345 billion, with $216 billion as a"conservative best estimate." Rebuilding residential buildings alone will require $75 billion, and infrastructure $83 billion.

According to the World Bank, the vast majority of funding (over $64 billion) is needed for the Aleppo governorate. This is followed by Rif Dimashq, with its capital Damascus, and Homs.

Other countries should help Syria, given the state of its economy, the World Bank said."Collective commitments, a coordinated approach and a comprehensive, structured support program are essential to help Syria on its path to long-term recovery and development," said Middle East chief Jean-Christophe Carret.

Today 12:06

Israel hands over bodies of 15 Palestinians again

Israel has handed over the bodies of fifteen more Palestinians to the Red Cross as part of a ceasefire with Hamas. This brings the total number of deceased Palestinians who have returned to Gaza to 165.

Local health authorities in the Gaza Strip have confirmed that 15 people are involved, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said in a statement. The independent organization is facilitating the transfer of people between the two sides.

According to the ceasefire, Israel will hand over the bodies of 15 Palestinians for each deceased Israeli hostage returned to Israel.

Accusations are coming from Gaza that the Palestinians were tortured before their deaths. The Guardian, which has seen photos of the bodies, reports that several Palestinians were blindfolded with their hands tied behind their backs.

The British newspaper reported Monday, citing Gazan health officials, that at least 135 of the"mutilated" bodies came from Sde Teiman, an Israeli detention center long accused of torture and extrajudicial killings.

Today 10:05

US Vice President JD Vance arrives in Israel for talks on Gaza ceasefire

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Israel. He is there to continue talks about the shaky ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and negotiations on the second phase of the truce, which was established through a US 20-point plan.

Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire this weekend. Hamas denied it, but Israel nevertheless launched new attacks on Gaza. The ceasefire was restored a day later.

Israel has also previously stated that Hamas is not adhering to the agreements regarding the return of the bodies of deceased hostages. Hamas says it needs time to find all the bodies, as some were buried under the rubble after Israeli bombardments.

Vance will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others, in Israel. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.

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