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Bashagha: Holding Elections in Libya Impossible with Two Govts

Head of Libya’s government of stability Fathi Bashagha. (Government of stability)
Head of Libya’s government of stability Fathi Bashagha. (Government of stability)
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Bashagha: Holding Elections in Libya Impossible with Two Govts

Head of Libya’s government of stability Fathi Bashagha. (Government of stability)
Head of Libya’s government of stability Fathi Bashagha. (Government of stability)

Head of Libya’s government of stability Fathi Bashagha stressed on Wednesday that holding presidential and parliamentary elections in the country will be impossible amid the presence of two rival governments.

He declared that Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah's Government of National Unity (GNU) had lost its legitimacy in wake of the 2020 Geneva agreement.

He remarked, however, that the United Nations still recognizes it. A new round of dialogue will ensure the GNU’s removal from power.

The dialogue, revealed Bashagha, will be held before the end of the month.

He did not provide further details about the alleged talks.

Moreover, he stressed that the GNU “failed miserably” in fulfilling its task of holding elections and carrying out reforms.

Libya must have only one government that can ensure that elections are held, stated Bashagha.

He also underlined the need to unify all state institutions, including the military.

He made his remarks hours after the UN mission in Libya denied claims about the formation of a new “legislative” body, which is affiliated with it, that would seek to come up with solutions to Libya’s crises.

“The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has received some enquiries regarding the alleged formation of a new legislative body aimed at establishing a way forward by an unknown organization claiming to be affiliated with the United Nations,” tweeted the mission.

“UNSMIL confirms that this body is not related to the UN or the Mission in Libya. All news and announcements about UNSMIL’s work are published on the official social media channels and website,” it added.

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Germany’s Merz Announces Gaza Aid Airlift, Mulls Upping Ante on Israel

28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
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Germany’s Merz Announces Gaza Aid Airlift, Mulls Upping Ante on Israel

28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)
28 July 2025, Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, after the Security Cabinet meeting on the conflicts in the Middle East. (dpa)

Germany will immediately launch an airlift to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza as it considers stepping up pressure on Israel over the "catastrophic" situation in the enclave, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday.

As the death toll from almost two years of war in Gaza nears 60,000, a growing number of people are dying from starvation and malnutrition, Gaza health authorities say, with images of starving children shocking the world and fueling international criticism of Israel over sharply worsening conditions.

Germany, together with the United States, has long remained one of Israel's staunchest allies and largest arms suppliers.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday many people were starving in the enclave, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who denied there was starvation there.

The German security cabinet convened for more than two hours on Monday to discuss the situation, Merz told a news conference in Berlin. While it welcomed Israel's announcement of a halt in military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of Gaza as an "important first step", it agreed more must follow.

Asked if the council discussed sanctions like suspending the EU pact governing relations with Israel, a move Germany has in the past rejected, Merz said the council had discussed what options were available.

"We are keeping such steps on the table," he said.

Before making any decisions, however, he would try to speak with Netanyahu later on Monday and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul would travel to the region on Thursday, possibly together with his British and French counterparts. The German government would then reassess the situation over the weekend.

In the meantime, Berlin would do what it could to help alleviate the humanitarian situation, launching an airlift in cooperation with Jordan to deliver aid into Gaza.

"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will closely coordinate with France and the UK, who are also willing to provide such an airlift for food and medical supplies," he said.

"We know that this can only provide very limited help for the people in Gaza, but it is nonetheless a contribution we are eager to make."

Germany would also prepare for a Gaza reconstruction conference in coordination with regional partners, Britain and France, he said. "No further expulsions from the Gaza Strip must occur."

German officials say their approach to Israel is governed by a special responsibility, known as the Staatsraison, arising from the legacy of the Nazi Holocaust.

They have long believed they can achieve more through diplomatic back channels than public statements. But Merz has come under growing pressure in recent weeks, including from within his own coalition, to take a firmer stance on Israel, and faced broad criticism for failing to join a statement last week by dozens of Western nations condemning the "inhumane killing" of Palestinians.