Press TV's news headlines

Gaza aid delivery ban 

International human rights organizations have issued a stern warning about Israel's ongoing ban on entry of aid, especially food, to Gaza, calling it part of the regime's “starvation policy.”The Norwegian Refugee Council expressed deep concern over the severe shortage of tents in Gaza, saying the aid received during the ceasefire was insufficient. The council pointed out infants dying from cold as evidence of the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNICEF, for its part, warned of a catastrophe if blocking Gaza aid continued. It said humanitarian agencies have no significant stockpiles and are struggling to allocate the limited available supplies. The UN humanitarian agency also reported that the closure of Gaza’s crossings has stalled aid distribution, leaving tens of thousands of tents for displaced Palestinians undelivered. According to the Emergencies and Humanitarian Action Department, 6.7 tons of medical supplies remain stuck outside Gaza, and their delivery remains highly uncertain. The agency warned that humanitarian needs are at critical levels, calling for immediate resumption of aid delivery to Gaza. 

Gaza ceasefire agreement 

Hamas has reiterated its strong opposition to extending the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, blaming the Israeli prime minister for obstructing the second phase talks. A senior Hamas official said Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right cabinet are the main obstacles to moving to the second phase of the agreement. Taher Al-Nono stressed that there will be no extension of the first phase of the truce. He urged mediators to pressure Israel to start negotiations on the second phase, followed by the third phase. Nano noted that there is no need for the presence of foreign forces in Gaza, and the Palestinian people and Hamas will not accept it. The official said Hamas has agreed to a proposal made in the emergency Arab summit in Cairo for a temporary support committee to be formed until a consensus government is established and elections are held in Gaza. Nano also confirmed negotiations with the US representative in the Qatari capital, saying the talks were limited to the release of American captives held in Gaza. 

Rejecting UK false claim  

Tehran has rejected recent allegations by British officials about Iran trying to threaten the national security of the UK, saying such claims are baseless and mere lies. Foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said British officials’ allegations were deliberate projection by a country with a troubling and long history of considerably damaging interventions in Iran's affairs. He said the British government does not miss any opportunity to support anti-Iran groups and terrorist elements. Baghaei also urged London to stop its unconstructive policies on Iran and the West Asia region. He said instead of insisting on a confrontational approach to Iran, British officials must give up their incorrect policies against the Iranian nation and stop promoting terrorism. His remarks came in response to UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis, who accused Tehran of aggressively pursuing its objectives in Britain while undermining the country’s national security.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk