Israeli Chief of Staff Meets with Jewish Community in Marrakech

Kohavi meets with members of the Jewish community in Marrakech (Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee’s Facebook page)
Kohavi meets with members of the Jewish community in Marrakech (Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee’s Facebook page)
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Israeli Chief of Staff Meets with Jewish Community in Marrakech

Kohavi meets with members of the Jewish community in Marrakech (Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee’s Facebook page)
Kohavi meets with members of the Jewish community in Marrakech (Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee’s Facebook page)

Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi concluded on Thursday a three-day official visit to Morocco, during which he held talks with senior commanders of the Royal Armed Forces and security and intelligence officers.

He met Wednesday with the local Jewish community, headed by Jackie Kadosh, in the Old City of Marrakech.

Kohavi paid tribute to the community members and thanked them for their contribution to the Jewish people in both Israel and the Jewish diaspora.

“I feel a sense of pride and admiration to meet you, the Jewish community of Morocco, some of who fought for the State of Israel, and are today working here for the Jewish community and to deepen the connection with Israel.”

He visited the local Jewish cemetery and attended a prayer service at the Slat al-Azama Great Synagogue.

He also met with members of the community who fought in the Yom Kippur war and later returned to Morocco.

Prior to his visit to Marrakech, Kohavi held talks with Commander the Moroccan Air Force Base Ben Greyer Colonel Major Hassan Mahwar.

Both sides discussed means of bolstering cooperation ties between both countries’ air forces.



Hamas, Two Other Palestinian Groups Say Gaza Ceasefire Deal 'Closer Than Ever'

Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
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Hamas, Two Other Palestinian Groups Say Gaza Ceasefire Deal 'Closer Than Ever'

Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)

Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever", provided Israel does not impose new conditions.

"The possibility of reaching an agreement (for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal) is closer than ever, provided the enemy stops imposing new conditions," Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a rare joint statement issued after talks in Cairo on Friday.

Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States were held in Doha, rekindling hope of an agreement.

A Hamas leader told AFP on Saturday that talks had made "significant and important progress" in recent days.

"Most points related to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange issues have been agreed upon," he said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

"Some unresolved points remain, but they do not hinder the process. The agreement could be finalized before the end of this year, provided it is not disrupted by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's new conditions."