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PROUD VOICE OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY 15 August 2024
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11 Av 5784
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Issue No.1380
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@JewishNewsUK
The magnificent
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On the brink
Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics team complete a record medal haul in Paris Page 6
• Plan to evacuate Brits from Israel if all-out war erupts by Jenni Frazer jenni@jennifrazer.com @Jennifrazer
Joe Biden believed a strike could be averted
Plans are being drawn up for a possible evacuation of British nationals from Israel if all-out war erupts in the region, as US President Joe Biden raised hopes that an Iranian strike could yet be averted by a ceasefire deal. The Foreign Office told Jewish News it was preparing for “all scenarios”, while world leaders pursued frenetic last-ditch efforts to prevent an escalation in the Middle East following the assassination of two of Hamas and Hezbollah’s most senior figures. A spokesman said: “While we continue to use all diplomatic levers to push for de-escalation, our staff are working around the clock to plan for all scenarios to keep British nationals
• US: Iran strike could be averted if Gaza hostage deal struck
safe. Our travel advice is constantly updated to reflect the latest guidance.” On Tuesday, a joint statement from Britain, France, Germany and Italy called on Iran to step back from its insistence on taking revenge on Israel. “We, the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy discussed the situation in the Middle East. We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. “We endorsed the joint call from President Biden, President Sisi of Egypt, and Amir Tamim of Qatar to renew talks later this week with an aim to concluding the deal as soon as possible, and stressed there is no further time to lose. All parties must live up to their responsibilities.” In the first call between a British prime minister and an Iranian president for more than three years, Sir Keir Starmer tried to per-
suade Masoud Pezeshkian – who, like Sir Keir, has only been in office since July – to refrain from an attack, adding that further conflict was not in anyone’s interests. Downing Street told British media that the Prime Minister underlined his commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. He added the focus should be on diplomatic negotiations to achieve those outcomes. Although initial reports suggested that the Iranian president rejected Sir Keir’s overture, on Tuesday there was a glimmer of hope as Reuters reported three senior Iranian officials saying that if a ceasefire deal were to be agreed in Doha, the Qatari capital, today, it could delay direct retaliation against Israel. But at the time of going to press, it remained unclear whether Hamas would attend the talks. Continued on page 2