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The Cradle is an online news magazine covering West Asian geopolitics from within.
❗️Gaza Ministry of Interior:
○ "Our specialized agencies are monitoring market conditions and the availability of goods following the occupation's announcement of closing the crossings leading to the Gaza Strip."
○ "We urge citizens to remain calm while stocking up on necessities and assure that all essential goods are available."
○ "We call on merchants to act with national and moral responsibility during this period and warn against any exploitation, hoarding, or price hikes."
○ "Strict measures will be taken against those who raise prices or engage in hoarding. Police Consumer Protection Patrols have begun deploying across markets in all governorates of the Gaza Strip to monitor the availability of essential goods and ensure they are sold at standard prices."
⭕️ Israel has killed at least 4 Palestinians and injured 6 across Gaza since this morning.
Since the start of the ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 116 Palestinians and injured 490.
(Gaza Ministry of Health)
❗️Office of the Popular Resistance Committees in Palestine:
○ "The closure of Gaza's crossings and the halt in humanitarian aid to our people in Gaza is yet another Zionist violation of the agreement brokered by mediators and an escalation of the starvation war that the enemy has been waging for over 17 months.
○ We warn certain merchants who align themselves with the Zionist enemy's plans by raising prices and hoarding goods. We consider anyone engaging in such actions to be a hidden Zionist tool tightening the siege on Gaza.
○ We call on the relevant authorities in the Palestinian government in Gaza to take immediate action against these criminals, impose the harshest penalties, confiscate their goods, and ban them from operating.
○ We urge all journalists, media professionals, and activists to immediately stop relaying news from Zionist media outlets, which are directed by Israeli intelligence and the military. Instead, we call on them to combat disinformation, counter rumors, and expose anyone attempting to undermine our internal front."
❗️On the second day of Ramadan, Israeli military bulldozers continue to demolish homes in Tulkarem's Nour Shams refugee camp, occupied West Bank.
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❗️Leader of Yemen's Ansarallah, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi:
"The resumption of war on Gaza will be met with the entire [Israeli] enemy entity coming under fire ... If the war returns to Gaza, we will intervene with support through various military means."
❗️Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem:
○ "The [Israeli] occupation is trying to pressure the negotiation team, but it will not succeed even if it continues its aggression."
○ "We hold the occupation and, behind it, Washington, responsible for obstructing the agreement by proposing unacceptable terms."
○ "The occupation bears full responsibility for the consequences of its decision on the people of Gaza and the fate of its prisoners."
○ "The occupation is once again resorting to the policy of starvation and political blackmail."
❗️Gaza Municipality to Al Jazeera:
○ "Gaza City is facing an environmental and health catastrophe due to the accumulation of over 170,000 tons of waste."
○ "The continued buildup of garbage in markets and streets is worsening the environmental crisis, especially during the month of Ramadan."
○ "We are unable to access the main landfill east of the city due to the presence of Israeli occupation forces in the area."
❗️Israel's Channel 7, quoting the spokesperson for the Israeli army: "The decision to halt aid to Gaza is a political decision that came from Netanyahu’s office, and the leadership on this matter is entirely in the hands of the political echelon, not the military."
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Israeli occupation forces open fire on residents and their homes east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip.
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❗️Benjamin Netanyahu:
○ "The decision was made with the end of the first phase of the deal and Hamas’s refusal to accept Witkoff’s plan to continue the talks."
○ "Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of the hostages."
○ "If Hamas continues to refuse, there will be other consequences."
❗️BREAKING | Hamas: "We affirm that the only way for the [Israeli] occupation to recover its prisoners is to abide by the agreement and immediately enter negotiations for the second phase while fulfilling its obligations."
Full statement:
"The statement issued by the office of the terrorist [Israeli] occupation Prime Minister Netanyahu, regarding his alleged approval of American proposals to extend the first phase of the agreement under arrangements that violate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza is a blatant attempt to evade the agreement and avoid entering negotiations for its second phase.
Netanyahu’s decision to halt humanitarian aid is a form of blackmail, a war crime, and a blatant violation of the agreement. We call on mediators and the international community to take action to pressure the occupation to stop its punitive and unethical measures against more than two million people in Gaza.
The war criminal Netanyahu is attempting to impose political realities on the ground, which his fascist army failed to establish over fifteen months of brutal genocide due to the resilience and bravery of our people and their resistance. He seeks to undermine the signed agreement for his own narrow political interests at the expense of the occupation’s prisoners in Gaza and their lives.
The occupation’s claims that Hamas has violated the ceasefire agreement are baseless and misleading, aimed at covering up its own daily and systematic violations. These breaches have resulted in over 100 martyrs in Gaza, the obstruction of humanitarian protocols, the prevention of shelter and aid supplies, and the deepening of the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip.
We reaffirm that Netanyahu’s actions blatantly violate Article 14 of the agreement, which states that all measures from the first phase will continue into the second phase, and that the guarantors will exert maximum efforts to ensure the continuation of negotiations until an agreement is reached on the terms of implementing the second phase.
We call on the US. administration to end its bias and alignment with the fascist plans of war criminal Netanyahu, which target our people and their very existence on their land. We emphasize that all projects and schemes that bypass our people, their rights, self-determination, and liberation from occupation are doomed to fail.
We reiterate our commitment to implementing the signed agreement in all three of its phases and have repeatedly declared our readiness to start negotiations for the second phase.
We urge mediators to pressure the occupation into fulfilling its commitments under the agreement, ensuring the implementation of the humanitarian protocol, and allowing the entry of shelter materials and rescue equipment into Gaza.
War criminal Netanyahu and his extremist government bear full responsibility for obstructing the agreement’s progress, or for any reckless actions, they may take to overturn it, including the humanitarian consequences affecting the occupation’s prisoners in Gaza.
We affirm that the only way for the occupation to recover its prisoners is to abide by the agreement and immediately enter negotiations for the second phase while fulfilling its obligations."
— ❗️🇮🇱/🇸🇾/🇸🇾 NEW: About three hours ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement in support of the newly formed 'Suweida Military Council,' vowing to 'defend' the majority-Druze city of Jaramana, southeast of Damascus, against the 'extreme Islamic regime' of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
This statement came just after clashes were reported between the Druze forces and HTS militants.
Local sources have spotted trucks with Israeli and Druze flags carrying 'aid' in Suweida.
Sources claim HTS fighters reportedly withdrew after Israeli jets and drones were seen in the area.
The Israeli military was later ordered to 'monitor' the situation.
Just days ago, the Israeli Defense Minister called for the complete demilitarization of Syria south of Damascus, despite repeated statements from Syrian President and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (al-Jolani) claiming they have no hostile intentions against Israel.
@Middle_East_Spectator
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released footage of an airstrike that it claims resulted in the death of a senior military leader of Hurras al-Din, an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.
In a statement, CENTCOM said, 'On Feb. 23, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a precision airstrike in northwest Syria, targeting and killing Mohammad Yousef Ziya Talay, the senior military leader of the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD).'
CENTCOM Commander Michael Erik Kurilla added, 'As we have stated before, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these terrorists to protect our homeland, as well as U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region.
❗️ Israeli Channel 12:
"Thousands demonstrate in front of the Ministry of War in Tel Aviv and demand a deal to return all the prisoners held in Gaza."
A family in Gaza gathers for their first iftar of Ramadan, decorating their home to celebrate the Holy Month despite the destruction caused by the Israeli aggression.
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After Israel announced the halt of aid to Gaza, Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Nissim Vaturi publicly called for bombing food supplies in the besieged enclave:
"Have the gates of hell opened? Bomb the food supplies that have already been brought into Gaza, today!"
Columns of smoke are rising from the southern areas of Rafah as the Israeli occupation forces set fire to the remaining homes of displaced civilians in the area.
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Israel blocks aid to Gaza, escalates violence as first phase of ceasefire expires
Hamas has rejected US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal to extend phase one of the ceasefire, and is demanding a return to what was initially agreed upon
❗️Syrian Socialist Nationalist Party (SSNP)
"It has become evident that the Western-Zionist project to partition Syria is actively being put into motion—whether through incitement and crimes with sectarian and religious dimensions or through hostile public statements, in which the occupation entity openly declares its intent to penetrate deeper into Syrian territory under the pretext of protecting those who never sought its protection in the first place.
The party believes that the absence and deliberate weakening of state institutions paves the way for the spread of crime and chaos, ultimately facilitating the occupation’s exploitation of the situation through its agents on the ground.
In response to this grim reality, the SSNP calls for the reformation of the dissolved Syrian army on national, non-sectarian grounds, to restore the authority of the state and reassure the Syrian people across all regions. The party also urges the holding of early parliamentary elections to establish a People’s Assembly that genuinely reflects the will of the people and drafts a new constitution that aligns with the aspirations of Syrians and serves Syria’s national interests.
Furthermore, the party calls for urgent preparations for presidential elections, to elect a leader who can restore confidence among Syrians, uphold the unity of Syrian territory, resist occupation, and work towards the liberation of occupied land.
In conclusion, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party urges all popular and social forces in the Levant to unite in a genuine front that can spearhead the resistance against the enemy, which is now at the gates of Damascus and continuing its colonial expansion from the south into Syria’s interior."
BREAKING | Palestinian woman Wafaa Fathi Fseifes was killed by Israeli drone bombings targeting civilians in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis.
At least four Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes on several areas in the Gaza Strip since this morning, following the end of the ceasefire period:
Mahmoud Madhat Abu Harb – Rafah
Hudhayfah Al-Masry – Beit Hanoun
Mohammed Al-Masry – Beit Hanoun
Wafaa Fathi Fseifes – Khan Yunis
❗️Families of Israeli captives in Gaza criticize Netanyahu’s decision:
"The prisoners don’t have time; the living and the dead must be returned, and it is unacceptable to differentiate between them."
⭕️ The newly established Suwayda Military Council, which evolved from the Interim Military Council, claims to focus on protecting local security and advocating for a decentralized, secular, and democratic Syria. Its leader, Tareq al-Shoufi, a former Syrian army officer, has emphasized national unity and denied accusations of separatism. However, the council's rhetoric, symbols, and affiliations have sparked suspicions. The council’s announcement also coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for the demilitarization of southern Syria. Additionally, Israel has increasingly framed itself as a protector of Syria’s minorities, with its Defense Ministry announcing on Saturday that the military had been instructed to prepare to defend a Druze village in the suburbs of Damascus, claiming that the community it has vowed to protect was under attack by Syrian forces.
Figures linked to the council, such as Majed Najem Abu Ras, have expressed support for Israel, furthering claims that the council may align with Israeli interests in establishing a buffer zone in southern Syria. Syria’s Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat al-Hajeri, has denounced the council, calling it an illegitimate and separatist movement that does not represent Suwayda’s leadership. Other major armed factions in Suwayda, such as the Decisive Operations Room and the Joint Operations Room, have also rejected the council, accusing it of attempting to replicate the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) separatist model. Despite the council’s insistence that it aims to integrate into a future Syrian army, many argue that its formation is part of a broader plan to divide Syria into sectarian enclaves, with potential backing from foreign actors, including Israel.
❗️Israeli Security Cabinet Member and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich:
"The decision we made last night to completely halt the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza until Hamas is destroyed or surrenders completely and all our hostages are returned is an important step in the right direction—‘standing at the gates of hell.’
Now, we must open these gates as quickly and as lethally as possible against the cruel enemy until absolute victory. We remained in the government to ensure this happens, and with God's help, it will."
❗️Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid:
"The prisoner exchange deal has been halted. Humanitarian aid to Gaza has been stopped. The government has approved the mobilization of 400,000 reserve soldiers. What is the goal? What objective has Israel set for itself? Has the government decided to abandon the prisoners, and if so, why? For what greater national purpose? If we return to war, what is the objective of the war? Who will replace Hamas in the end? Once again, the government is acting without a plan, without a vision. We can only hope things turn out okay—because that seems to be the extent of their planning."
❗️Israel's Channel 12:
Netanyahu's government has approved the possibility of calling up an additional 400,000 reserve soldiers.
❗️BREAKING | Netanyahu has decided to halt the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza with the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, starting this morning.
The government ordered the army to close all crossings into Gaza.
(Channel 14, Israeli Broadcasting Corporation)
BREAKING | Reports of three explosions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus, Syria followed by the sounds of heavy gunfire.
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BREAKING | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of War Israel Katz have ordered the occupation forces to “prepare to defend” and invade the Druze-majority city of Jaramana on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus.
A statement from Katz’s office says the city is “currently under attack by the forces of the Syrian regime.”
“We will not allow the extreme Islamic regime in Syria to harm the Druze. If the regime harms the Druze, it will be struck by us,” Katz says.
Israel informs aid groups army 'will remain in post-war Gaza': Report
Israel is supposed to withdraw completely from Gaza as part of the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire
❗️Families of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza:
○ “We demand that President of the US prevents Netanyahu from sabotaging the ceasefire agreement."
○ “The rest of our prisoners must be returned from Gaza in one batch, and we will not allow Netanyahu to sacrifice them."
○ “Netanyahu is ruining the deal for political reasons, and we will not allow him to do so."
○ “Netanyahu tried to undermine the agreement this week and chose to bury the rest of our prisoners in the tunnels."