Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Mulls PM Pick

Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)
Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)
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Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Mulls PM Pick

Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)
Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)

The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum talks continued for the second day Tuesday in Tunisia's capital to discuss a draft political roadmap for the preparatory phase in Libya.

The discussions, which kicked off Monday under the UN auspices, are expected to conclude on Saturday during which a press conference will be held to announce key agreements reached between Libyan parties.

Various political figures hope the forum will serve as a reference during the upcoming transitional phase. A Libyan committee will be formed and will include five figures of the 75 officials who participated in the forum.

They will be tasked to monitor the outcomes of the Tunis meeting and the implementation of the agreements, as well as take a final decision in case obstacles occurred.

Remarkably, Libyan sources revealed that several figures have been proposed for the prime minister's post. These are led by Libyan Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord Fathi Bashagha, politician Ahmed Maiteeq and Speaker of the east-based Libyan parliament Aguila Saleh.

The draft being discussed includes seven main political issues that set the principles of the national political program, including holding general elections, restructuring the executive authority in Libya to achieve security, ending armed conflicts, unifying state institutions, improving services and economic performance, as well as developing the work of state institutions and attaining comprehensive political reconciliation.

According to Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Abdulrahman al-Asoumi, the LPDF represents a pivotal stage and a major milestone to end years of conflict and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people of comprehensive peace and lasting stability in their country.

Asoumi urged all Libyan parties to actively engage in the dialogue and prioritize the national interest of Libyans to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis.

He stressed that this settlement will support the sovereignty of the Libyan state over its entire territory, preserve its national unity and end all forms of foreign interventions in Libya’s internal affairs.



Families of Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza Start Hunger Strike

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)
Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)
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Families of Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza Start Hunger Strike

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)
Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)

Family members of Israelis held in Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip began a hunger strike, accusing the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of completely abandoning their cause by waging a brutal war in Lebanon.
They said Israel’s decision to expand the war to the north with Lebanon and possibly to a regional war with Iran, is “a death sentence for their sons and daughters” who were taken captive by Hamas a year ago in Operation Al-Aqsa.
The hunger strike came after the Israeli Army’s Home Front Command ordered a ban on gathering for fear of Hezbollah, Houthis and other parties firing rockets at the protesters.
Despite this decision, some family members of Israeli hostages chose to continue their protest. But there were only a few hundred who participated.
Meanwhile, 18 Israelis continued a hunger strike, demanding a deal that would bring the hostages home.
Danny, the brother of Itzik Algert, one of the hostages in Hamas captivity said he understands that the hunger strike is a desperate move, but added that he cannot remain silent while his brother faces the danger of death in captivity.
“We have a government that does not shy away from committing a crime against its children,” he said. “Demonstrations are now limited and forbidden while the public is indifferent. They will not move until they watch us die, and even then, I'm not sure they will. But, we can't celebrate the holiday while our children suffer,” Danny added.
There are 101 hostages held by Hamas since October 2023, about 31 of whom Israeli officials estimate have died. Their families urge the country's leadership to secure a ceasefire deal that would free the captives before they see more deaths.
The hunger strike was started by activist Orna Shimoni, who is 83 years old. Shimoni became prominent during the first Lebanon war in 1982 when she established a movement called the Four Mothers.
Protesters who joined Shimoni include David Agmon, a retired Brigadier General in the Israeli army, and Rabbi Avidan Freedman.
Those striking are staying outside the Knesset west of Jerusalem.
Michal Deutsch, who is taking part in the protest, accused right-wing activists of attacking and insulting everyone at the hunger strike. She said those activists were sent by the government to harass the strikers.