标签： Asia

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the implementation of the second phase of a US-backed proposal to conclude the Gaza conflict is nearing, though critical obstacles remain unresolved. Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu emphasized that substantial discussions with US President Donald Trump scheduled for the end of this month would be pivotal for advancing the plan’s next stage.

The Prime Minister characterized the upcoming phase as inherently more challenging, acknowledging that while a tenuous ceasefire has reduced active combat since October 10th, persistent hostilities continue. Israeli military operations have reportedly resulted in over 373 fatalities and approximately 900 injuries due to hundreds of documented ceasefire violations.

Central to Netanyahu’s conditions for progression is Hamas’s compliance with both the ceasefire and its stipulated commitments under the agreement, which encompass full disarmament and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. The initial phase, which saw Israel maintain control over 53% of Gaza territory, concluded with the exchange of 47 captives—both living and deceased—though one Israeli police officer’s remains have not been recovered.

The envisioned second phase anticipates further Israeli military withdrawal concurrent with the establishment of a transitional governing authority in Gaza, the deployment of an international security force, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts. While a multinational coordination center has been set up in Israel, the absence of binding deadlines has resulted in stalled implementation, according to officials.

Netanyahu also revealed that his forthcoming dialogue with President Trump would explore broader regional peace opportunities, specifically referencing US-led initiatives to normalize relations between Israel and Arab and Muslim nations. He articulated a dual-path approach: pursuing comprehensive peace with Arab states while working toward a pragmatic arrangement with Palestinian neighbors, simultaneously reaffirming Israel’s intention to retain security control over the occupied West Bank.

The Prime Minister addressed the politically sensitive matter of West Bank annexation, confirming it remains under active consideration. This follows the Israeli parliament’s recent preliminary approval of legislation seeking to extend sovereignty to two West Bank settlements.

When questioned about potential retirement from politics should he receive a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial, Netanyahu offered a definitive denial. Last month, his legal team formally sought presidential clemency, arguing that the judicial proceedings impair his governance capabilities and that a pardon would serve the national interest.

French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his fourth official visit to China on Friday evening, departing from Chengdu where he engaged in significant diplomatic exchanges with Chinese leadership. The visit culminated in a series of joint declarations addressing critical global challenges and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

In Dujiangyan, President Xi Jinping and Macron held cordial discussions focusing on mutual cooperation frameworks. The French leader’s engagement at Sichuan University highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing contemporary global issues. Their Beijing talks earlier produced consensus on enhancing political trust, expanding practical cooperation, and advancing global governance reforms.

The bilateral meetings yielded five joint statements covering strengthened global governance, collaborative response to climate and environmental challenges, continued nuclear energy cooperation, agricultural exchanges, and positions on Ukraine and Palestine. International experts recognize this diplomatic achievement as a substantial advancement in China-France relations, demonstrating both nations’ dedication to multilateralism and a multipolar world order.

Analysts worldwide emphasize the visit’s significance in promoting stability amid current geopolitical tensions. Waref Kumayha of Lebanon’s Silk Road Institute for Studies and Research noted the partnership demonstrates a balanced, responsible approach to international relations. French trade credit insurance executive Chris Murphy highlighted how the reinforced dialogue tradition provides crucial certainty during global uncertainties.

Ivorian journalist Mohamadi Compaore observed that the high-level exchanges illustrate how strategic communication can overcome differences and build mutual trust, characterizing the Sino-French partnership as a stabilizing force in today’s volatile international landscape. Indonesian researcher Veronika Saraswati emphasized that cooperation between these influential nations injects much-needed predictability into global affairs.

The visit also carries substantial implications for international systems reform. French academic Herve Azoulay noted the convergence reflects a shared vision for more balanced globalization, not opposing other nations but stabilizing the international system through innovation and mutual respect. Paris councillor Daniel Tran highlighted both countries’ unique position to shape global outcomes through their UN Security Council roles.

Economic dimensions featured prominently, with business leaders noting the visit boosts commercial confidence through signed contracts and promoted industrial projects. Coface regional economist Junyu Tan emphasized how economic complementarity creates meaningful opportunities, with French companies accessing China’s vast market while Chinese firms gain European technological expertise.

French sinologist Sonia Bressler captured the essential spirit of the partnership: ‘When two countries complement one another, they do not merely add, they amplify.’ This visit demonstrates how major nations can fulfill responsibilities that serve humanity’s broader interests through cooperative engagement.

South Africa has officially terminated its visa exemption agreement for Palestinian passport holders following a government investigation that uncovered systematic exploitation of immigration protocols by Israeli actors. The decision, announced Sunday by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), comes in response to two controversial charter flights that transported hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza to Johannesburg under suspicious circumstances.

The investigation revealed a coordinated effort by Israeli intermediaries linked to ‘voluntary emigration’ programs to relocate Gaza residents through chartered aircraft rather than commercial flights. According to the DHA statement, these operations involved deliberate circumvention of standard immigration procedures, with most passengers holding one-way tickets and prohibited from bringing luggage.

The controversy first emerged in mid-November when 153 Palestinians arrived aboard a flight from Nairobi, only to be detained on the aircraft for over 12 hours due to missing Israeli exit stamps in their travel documents. President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously characterized the incident as ‘mysterious,’ suggesting the passengers appeared to have been ‘flushed out’ of Gaza by Israeli authorities.

While Israeli officials claimed the travelers had been cleared for departure only after an unnamed third country agreed to receive them, investigations confirmed the flights were facilitated by a controversial agency working in collaboration with the Israeli military. The DHA authorized entry for the November group after receiving assurances from humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers regarding passenger support.

A second flight carrying 176 Palestinians had previously arrived on October 28, with both operations demonstrating what South African authorities describe as a pattern of systematic abuse designed to relocate Palestinians from conflict zones without proper documentation or transparent procedures.