Deadly Iran protests continue as Trump renews intervention threat

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By JON GAMBRELL AP The death toll in violence surrounding protests in Iran has risen to at least 35 people, activists said Tuesday, as the demonstrations showed no signs of stopping. The figure came from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which said more than 1,200 people have been detained in the protests, which have been ongoing for more than a week. It said 29 protesters, four children and two members of Iran’s security forces have been killed. Demonstrations have reached over 250 locations in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces, The group, which relies on an activist network inside of Iran for its reporting, has been accurate in past unrest. A wave of protests sparked by Iran’s failing economy has continued for a ninth day, as President Donald Trump renewed his threat of US intervention. Trump warned on Sunday night that Iranian authorities would be “hit very hard” if more protesters died. “We’re watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they ...
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Hamas considers suspending talks with Israel unless prisoners freed

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The Palestinian extremist group Hamas is considering suspending indirect negotiations with Israel.

Senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi wrote on Telegram that the group would not engage in ceasefire discussions until Israel released around 600 Palestinian prisoners who were due to be freed on Saturday.

Dpa learned from Hamas circles that a final decision has yet to be made and the group is coordinating with the mediators.

Hamas on Saturday handed over six hostages to Red Cross representatives in the Gaza Strip.

In return for the men’s release, Israel was set to free more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, including 50 serving life sentences, according to Palestinian information.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office then announced it was delaying the release of the prisoners.

Their release was on hold “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

A multi-stage ceasefire agreement that began on January 19, stipulates that during the first six-week phase, a total of 33 hostages will be gradually released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners.

The second phase of the agreement should lead to a definitive end to the war and to the release of the remaining hostages, but it is unclear whether it can actually be implemented.

Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. Israel is insisting on its war aim of completely destroying Hamas. More than 60 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, about half of whom are no longer believed to be alive.

SOURCE: DPA And agencies



from The Times Of Earth https://ift.tt/oCABHpj

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