Naryshkin, head of the Russian foreign intelligence service, called French President Macron’s statements on the possibility of sending soldiers from NATO countries to Ukraine “crazy and paranoid dreams”. The Guardian reports it. Voting operations for the presidential elections in Russia, which began this morning, are also underway in the Russian region of Belgorod, despite repeated Ukrainian attacks. Hamas has presented mediators with a ceasefire proposal in Gaza which includes an initial phase of release of Israeli women, children, elderly and sick people held hostage in exchange for the release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners.
New demonstration in Jerusalem for Hamas hostages in Gaza
12:33
Hamas: Netanyahu rejects agreement to continue aggression
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, said Israel’s rejection of the latest counter-proposal for a truce shows that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “determined to pursue aggression against our people and undermine all efforts undertaken to reach a ceasefire.” The Guardian reports it. For Zuhri, it is up to Washington to push its ally Israel to accept a ceasefire.
12:22
Israel writes to the US: «We will use weapons according to international law»
Israel has sent the US a letter in which it undertakes to “use weapons in accordance with international law”. Ynet reports this underlining that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signed the letter in which he also undertakes not to interfere with the introduction of American humanitarian aid into the Strip. The document was sent – the Israeli media recalls – after the “Memorandum on national security” wanted by American President Joe Biden, in which the sale of weapons to US allies is subordinated to a commitment to reduce the risk of harm to civilians . The provision provides that a country that does not fulfill its obligations risks the suspension of military aid within 45 days. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will review Israel’s response and is expected to submit a report to Congress by March 25 on the reliability of the Jewish state’s commitments. It was reported this week by Politico that the Biden administration will also consider limiting weapons transfers to Israel in the event the IDF launches a military operation in Rafah.
12:10
The number of migrants who died in the Aegean rises to 16
At least 16 migrants, including 4 children, lost their lives in the Aegean Sea after the dinghy they were traveling on sank off the coast of Eceabat, a coastal town in Turkey on the Dardanelles Strait. This was stated by Ilhami Aktas, the prefect of Canakkale province, as reported by various Turkish media. The shipwreck occurred during the night, added the official, making it known that the total number of people in the dinghy is not yet clear, while 10 Coast Guard boats and 2 helicopters are carrying out search operations at sea.