Britain ‘deeply concerned’ by Israel’s operation in occupied West Bank
More than 660 people — combatants and civilians — have been killed
Israeli troops killed a local commander of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad movement in the West Bank and four other militants
Updated 30 August 2024
Arab News
LONDON: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Friday it was “deeply concerned” by Israel’s military operation in the occupied West Bank.
An FCDO statement said it defended Israel’s right to self-defense but urged restraint in its methods in the Palestinian territory.
“We recognize Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply worried by the methods Israel has employed and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure,” it said.
“The risk of instability is serious and the need for de-escalation urgent. We continue to call on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and clamp down on the actions of those who seek to inflame tensions.
“The UK strongly condemns settler violence and inciteful remarks such as those made by Israel’s National Security Minister (Itamar) Ben-Gvir, which threaten the status-quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.
“It is in no one’s interest for further conflict and instability to spread in the West Bank,” it added.
On Friday the Israeli military said it killed a local Hamas commander in the West Bank city of Jenin as it continued its major operation in the territory for a third day.
At least 17 Palestinians have been killed since Wednesday, including the local commander of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad forces in Tulkarm.
‘Hero’ who disarmed Bondi gunman recovers in hospital as donations pour in
Updated 7 sec ago
* Sydney resident Ahmed al Ahmed seized rifle from one of the gunmen
* Ahmed was shot in hand and arm his family says
* Australia PM said Ahmed showed ‘best of humanity’
* SYDNEY: Donations for a Sydney man who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach have surged past A$1.1 million ($744,000), as he recovers in hospital after surgery for bullet wounds. Forty-three-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim father-of-two, hid behind parked cars before charging at one of the gunmen from behind, seizing his rifle and knocking him to the ground. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ahmed’s bravery saved lives. “What we’ve seen in the last 24 hours was the worst of humanity in a terrorist act. But we also saw an example of the best of humanity in Ahmed Al Ahmed running toward danger, putting his own life at risk,” Albanese told state broadcaster ABC News. He was shot twice by a second perpetrator, Albanese said. Ahmed’s family said he was hit in the hand and arm. Australian police on Monday said a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son carried out the attack at a Jewish celebration on Sunday afternoon, killing 15 people in the country’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.
HAILED A HERO FOR DISARMING THE GUNMAN Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, told ABC News in an interview that his son was an Australian citizen and sells fruits and vegetables. “My son is a hero. He served in the police, he has the passion to defend people.” “When he saw people lying on the ground and the blood, quickly his conscience pushed him to attack one of the terrorists and take away his weapon,” Mohamed Fateh said. Jozay Alkanji, Ahmed’s cousin, said he had had initial surgery and may need more.
AHMED PICTURED IN HOSPITAL Tributes have poured in from leaders both abroad and at home. Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, where Sydney is located, said in a social media post he visited Ahmed at St. George Hospital and conveyed the gratitude of people across the state. “Ahmed is a real-life hero,” his post said. “Thank you, Ahmed.” A photo showed Minns at his bedside, and Ahmed propped on pillows with his left arm in a cast. US President Donald Trump called Ahmed “a very, very brave person” who saved many lives. A GoFundMe campaign set up for Ahmed has raised more than A$1.1 million within one day. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman was the largest donor, contributing A$99,999 and sharing the fundraiser on his X account.
SUPPORTERS THANK AHMED FOR SAVING LIVES Outside St. George Hospital, strangers came to show their support. Misha and Veronica Pochuev left flowers for Ahmed with their seven-year-old daughter, Miroslava. “My husband is Russian, my father is Jewish, my grandpa is Muslim. This is not only about Bondi, this is about every person,” Veronica said. Yomna Touni, 43, stayed at the hospital for hours to offer assistance on behalf of a Muslim-run charity also raising funds for Ahmed. “The intention is to raise as much money as possible for his speedy recovery,” she said. ($1 = 1.5047 Australian dollars) (Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Michael Perry, Saad Sayeed, Alexandra Hudson)
