This website is unavailable in your location It appears you are attempting to access this website from a country outside of the United States therefore access cannot be granted at this time Queen City News CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Detectives with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are investigating a hit-and-run in east Charlotte after two officers were injured while redirecting traffic officials say several officers were blocking E Independence Blvd near Bojangles Coliseum due to a burst water pipe with their blue lights flashing As they were redirecting traffic off the road a 2015 Honda Civic collided with the rear of a marked CMPD vehicle One officer was inside the SUV and another was standing next to the vehicle when it was struck Both officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crash Two of its four occupants fled the scene on foot Officers were able to locate one of these subjects shortly afterward The second subject who ran is still outstanding was arrested and transported into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office He is being charged with two counts of felony hit-and-run and one count of resisting an officer It is unknown if impairment was a factor in the crash Independence Blvd.’s outbound lanes have reopened according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department The investigation remains active and ongoing these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025 Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5 take advantage of these freebies and deals By Brandy BeardPublished: Dec 2024 at 3:41 PM ESTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCHARLOTTE the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles will open a new license plate agency in east Charlotte next week Independence Blvd closed July 30 after the end of its operator’s contract A new location will open nearby at 5309-D E Independence Blvd in the Independence Promenade Shopping Center Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. 2024 at the East Independence Church of Christ 2020 Rte 291 The family will greet with friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Speaks Suburban Chapel MO and graduated from Deepwater High School before relocating to the Independence area She had worked as an CNA and most recently a cashier for Walmart for several years until she retired Crocheting and selling her crafts with her daughter and granddaughter at craft shows under the name 3 Generation Crafters She was an avid sports fan and loved her Kansas City Chiefs and Royals But her most loved hobby was spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids Regina Priest and husband Alan of Warrensburg MO and Cheryl Moore and husband Lonny of Independence Cassie (Justin) and Lucas and 4 great grandchildren Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600) Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Mecklenburg County voters who will cast their ballot early and in person should remember these key steps and dates Learn more information about the 2024 General Election at Vote.MeckNC.gov.  (West) Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library2412 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte 28216 (Uptown) Bank Of America Stadium800 S. Mint St. Charlotte 28202 (Freemorewest) Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center2921 Tuckaseegee Road Charlotte 28208 (Ballantyne) Blakeney Crossing9941 Rea Road #D Charlotte 28277 (East) Bojangles Entertainment Complex2700 E. Independence Blvd. Charlotte 28205 Cornelius Town Hall21445 Catawba Ave. Cornelius 28031 (South) CPCC Harper Campus315 W. Hebron St. Charlotte 28273 (Huntersville) David B. Waymer Recreation Center14008 Holbrooks Road Huntersville 28078 Davidson Town Hall and Community Center251 South St. Davidson 28036 Eastway Regional Recreation Center3150 Eastway Park Drive Charlotte 28213 (Pineville) Founders Hall at Pineville Church8614 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte 28226 (West) Goodwill Opportunity Campus5301 Wilkinson Blvd. Charlotte 28208 (Uptown) Hal Marshall Annex618 N. College St. Charlotte 28202 Hickory Grove Library5935 Hickory Grove Road Charlotte 28215 (East) Independence Regional Library6000 Conference Drive Charlotte 28212 Camp North End Junior Achievement1701 N. Graham St. Charlotte 28206 (South) Marion Diehl Center2219 Tyvola Road Charlotte 28210 Matthews Library230 Matthews Station St. Matthews 28105 Matthews Corners2332 Matthews Township Parkway #B, Matthews 28105 (East) Mecklenburg Shrine Club5200 Mecklenburg Shrine Club Road Charlotte 28215 Mint Hill Masonic Lodge10224 Lawyers Road, Charlotte 28227 Mt. Island Library4420 Hoyt Galvin Way Charlotte 28214 North County Regional Library16500 Holly Crest Lane Huntersville 28078 Pineville Library505 Main St. Pineville 28134 (Loso) South Boulevard Library4429 South Blvd., Charlotte 28209 South County Regional Library5801 Rea Road Charlotte 28277 Southpark Area Rexford Rd2101 Rexford Road Charlotte 28211 SouthParkRegional Library7015 Carnegie Blvd. Charlotte 28211 Steele Creek Masonic Temple13611 Steele Creek Road Charlotte 28273 (Mt. Island) The Bradshaw Center At Hillcrest8501 Bellhaven Blvd. Charlotte 28214 (University) UNC Charlotte Cone Center9025 University Road Charlotte 28223 University Area Kohls's9315 N. Tryon St. Charlotte 28262 West Boulevard Library2157 West Blvd. Charlotte 28208 Sign up – The outbound lanes on Independence Boulevard has shut down due to a car accident early Sunday morning along East Independence near Fugate Avenue Medic said it transported two patients from the crash with non-life-threatening injuries East Independence is shut down near Coliseum drive Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes The roadway is expected to reopen around 2 p.m. Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker — The 42nd Annual City of Warner Robins Independence Day Celebration (WRIDC) is quickly approaching Mayor LaRhonda Patrick announced the 2025 concert headliners will light up the stage at McConnell Talbert Stadium You may remember hits like "The Glamorous Life" and "A Love Bizarre," by Sheila E She's regarded by many as the “Queen of Percussion.” She's collaborated with music icons like Prince The fan-driven group of "Swifties" delivers a set of Taylor’s greatest hits aiming to have guests "shake it off" at the annual celebration AJ the DJ will again keep energy high as the gates open Scott Stapp of Creed and Jefferson Starship returned to the WRIDC stage after being rained out in 2023 The City of Warner Robins communications team says more musical surprises will be announced in the coming weeks The Independence Day Concert will be Saturday Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCHARLOTTE (WBTV) - Two people were seriously hurt in separate shootings in southeast Charlotte overnight The first shooting happened just before 9 p.m near a Papa John’s and tattoo parlor along East Independence Boulevard Medic said one person was taken from each scene with life-threatening injuries Following the Independence Boulevard shooting multiple evidence markers were spotted inside the Papa John’s and the tattoo parlor door was damaged A witness said they heard as many as five gunshots A police report filed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the suspect fired “multiple gunshots into an occupied business.” The report states that a 19-year-old woman was hurt A report regarding the Jonquil Street shooting revealed that the 17-year-old victim accidentally shot himself in the knee while he was trying to disassemble the gun Related: Video: Scuffle turns to shooting on Lynx Blue Line rail car July 25,‬‭ 2024 at Centerpoint Medical Center Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.,‬ Saturday 2024 at the East Independence Church of Christ located at 2020‬ Rte The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m until‬ service time Saturday at the church A graveside service with full military honors will be‬‭ held at 10:00 a.m. Griffith and Betty‬‭ (Page) Griffith and has been a lifelong area resident He graduated from William‬‭ Chrisman High School in 1973 and attended Harding University until he transferred to‬ the White’s Ferry Road School of Preaching He proudly went on to serve in the United‬‭ States Army Military Police Corps and later in the Missouri National Guard.‬  He was a lifelong Christian and began his career in preaching at the Church of Christ in‬‭ Blossom He went on to lead other congregations including the Churches of Christ‬ in Union Ellery worked for the City of Independence for several years in the Street‬ and the Parks & Recreation Departments until he retired in 2018 He enjoyed cooking,‬‭ gardening and spending time with family and friends He‬ was a member of the East Independence Church of Christ.‬ ‭ He is survived by his wife Teresa Griffith of the home; 5 daughters: Tamara Griffith,‬ Candice McGee (and husband Tony) Lauren DuPont and Kristen‬ Griffith; 3 sons: Caleb Griffith Drew Griffith and Aaron Griffith; a sister Rowena Griffith;‬ 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents‬ and a son Dustin Griffith in 2014.‬ ‭ Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com‬ Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600‬ A school teacher sweeps the floor of a classroom before the start of classes in Dili Students raise their hands in class in Dili Children eat a meal distributed in schools as part of a free meal program in Dili East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão walks with children in Dili Ana Darojo stands inside her shop with her son in Dili with his daughters sitting beside him at a beach in Dili A man distributes water at a market in Dili A woman carries plastic cans to buy water at a market in Dili A miner digs a dry river bed for sand in Dili A man stands in front of his house in Dili A vendor sells chicken at a market in Dili A man waits for customers in his three wheel transportation in Dili FILE- President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the Presidential Palace in Dili Nuns walk pass banners welcoming Pope Francis in Dili Girls stand in front a wall photo welcoming Pope Francis in Dili A billboard welcoming Pope Francis is seen in Dili was preparing on Sunday to welcome Pope Francis to the small Southeast Asian country on Monday The World Bank in its semi-annual report in February praised East Timor as a peaceful free and fair elections have been held despite tensions between the two largest parties that have occasionally erupted into violence The country’s path to statehood has been traumatic Timorese cast their ballots in a United Nations-backed referendum that backed independence from Indonesia with 78.5% of the vote Indonesia’s military responded with a scorched-earth campaign that shocked the world more than 300,000 were displaced and over 80% of East Timor’s infrastructure was destroyed An international force led by Australia intervened to restore security East Timor finally became an independent state on May 20 The transition to democracy has been rocky East Timor’s economy is heavily dependent on energy resources in the Timor Sea oil and gas income is falling as reserves are depleted About 42% of the population lives below the poverty line job opportunities in the formal sector are generally limited and most people are subsistence farmers with no steady income 47% of children still suffer from stunting and for every 1,000 babies born in East Timor 49 died before their 5th birthday due to malnutrition according to the U.N.'s Group for Child Mortality Estimation Nearly all medicines must be imported and supplies sometimes run out “Achieving national independence and managing the country afterward are not easy tasks,” Koji Sakane the director of Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan it is not easy for less experienced figures and organizations to provide the people with a stable living environment and gain their trust.” the country was run by leaders and organizations who lacked experience in key areas including coordination between competing political parties and control of ex-combatants and weapons from the struggle for independence East Timor joined the World Trade Organization last month as its 166th member Both East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and Ramos-Horta highlighted the importance of joining the 10-nation grouping of more than 700 million people to give foreign companies and investors the confidence and security to invest in the country ASEAN member states adopted a roadmap for East Timor’s full membership It includes a requirement for East Timor to prepare a special budget to meet its obligations such as building infrastructure to host ASEAN meetings and accommodate delegates the island nation would have to attend 1,300 meetings a year and contribute $2.5 million per year to the group’s budget “I can assure you that it’s on the right track,” said Milena Maria da Costa Rangel East Timor’s vice foreign minister for ASEAN affairs adding that the government is involving the private sector and civil society to meet the criteria in the roadmap Ramos-Horta expects that East Timor will become a full member of ASEAN in 2025 saying the government has moved slowly to implement the roadmap East Timor continues to face challenges in terms of infrastructure accommodations and IT network necessary to host high-level meetings “It was a big wish but the steps to make that wish come true are not yet optimal,” Gusmao said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a file photo at the United Nations General Assembly Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan touched upon three main themes The first was the demonization of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and concurrent embrace of Hamas; the second was advocacy for the independence of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus; and the third his usual demand for United Nations Security Council reform Erdoğan likes to describe himself as a peacemaker Perhaps the international community should take him at his word and apply the precedents Erdoğan embraces toward conflicts involving Turkey Begin first with his reading of international affairs “Just as Hitler was stopped by an alliance of humanity 70 years ago Netanyahu and his murder network must be stopped by the ‘alliance of humanity.’” Erdoğan misremembers history Turkey remained neutral in the fight against Hitler and the Nazis until late February 1945 long after the Allied liberation of Paris and just weeks before the Allied invasion of Germany Had Turkey not supplied the German war machine with chromite and other military industrial materials “there would be no more south and north and Cyprus would be ours only.” Erdoğan views Cyprus only through the lens of Turkish imperialism, but his statements set precedents far beyond the island. At the United Nations, he declared “There are two separate states and two separate peoples on the island I once again call on the international community to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and establish with it diplomatic Somaliland was independent briefly in 1960 and has been de facto independent since 1991 yet Turkey sells weaponry to Mogadishu and intervenes diplomatically to undermine Somaliland’s freedom Erdoğan’s understanding of Cyprus falls flat Turkish settlers are not synonymous to Turkish Cypriots When the settlers and the Turkish troops leave reintegrating the island as a cosmopolitan gas and banking hub for the Mediterranean becomes easy Turkey’s Kurds are increasingly a people apart Erdoğan may be correct that the world never recognized Kurdistan but the Kurds have more claim to distinct territory and culture than Palestinians historically have Kurds have long identified themselves as Kurds; prior to 1948 Palestinian Arabs largely considered themselves Syrian That Kurdistan was never independent no longer matters If Turkey can recognize Palestine’s borders retroactively so too can the international community recognize Kurdistan from Mardin to Malatya and Urfa to Igdir Erdoğan might complain such a move rewards Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorism but that argument does not fly when Erdoğan embraces Hamas Erdoğan’s argument for U.N. reform has reticence. The world has changed greatly since the United Nations’ 1945 founding. Perhaps the world could meet his “world is bigger than five” demands halfway Turkey might have close to 90 million people today is the successor to an ancient culture and could represent the Eastern Mediterranean well as a permanent member of the Security Council Israel’s inclusion could also add needed balance and reorient the U.N toward peace rather than rhetorical pogroms The best way to test the virtue and merit of your ideas is to implement them elsewhere Perhaps you might even visit the Diyarbakir Citadel when Abdullah Öcalan raises the Kurdistan flag over the world’s newest independent state © 2025 Middle East Forum • E-mail: info@meforum.org • Tel: 1 (215) 546-5406 You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed When Western diplomats condemned Israel for its counterterrorism operations against Hamas they did not question what it meant that Hamas had siphoned off billions of dollars in assistance to build the world’s most extensive terrorist tunnel network or a military industry superior to countries many times its size an independent Palestine would be a failed state on par with South Sudan Nor do polls give much hope for peace this generation as decades of U.N.-funded incitement in schoolbooks have increased Palestinian Jew hatred and rejectionism Vice President Kamala Harris also embraced the Palestinian cause calling for the Palestinian people to be able to “realize their right to dignity freedom and self-determination.” She has since called repeatedly for a ceasefire without linking it to the disarmament of Hamas and Hezbollah and the release of Israeli and American hostages Activist students and professors transform elite U.S into hotbeds of hate and openly endorse terrorism to advocate Palestinian independence and to oppose anti-colonialism Somaliland would be a much better case to embrace All five members of the United Nations Security Council recognized Somaliland in 1960 as a self-governing entity with recognized borders and as distinct from Italian Somaliland extends back almost a century before that Somaliland faced a real genocide between 1987 and 1989 when the late Somali dictator sought to kill the entirety of its dominant Isaaq clan He succeeded in killing over 100,000 — some estimate twice that anti-Isaaq hatred remains a staple of Somali rhetoric It embraced democracy and maintained internal peace and the United States have given the Palestinians more money per capita than any other people What little money the international community earmarks for Somaliland Despite getting short shrift from donors and diplomats It was the first country to secure voter registration with biometric iris scans Whereas Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is in the 20th year of his four-year term and the Hamas leadership exiled or killed its Gaza opposition one decided by fewer than 100 votes of more than 1 million cast Once its chief exports were livestock and charcoal its tech and finance sector is worth billions of dollars Businesses flock to Somaliland because its economy is far less corrupt and more transparent than that of any other country for 1,000 miles rivals Somalia and South Sudan as the world’s most corrupt Somaliland is also an environmental leader It leads the largest cheetah rescue operation in Africa and its coast guard has secured Somaliland’s 460-mile coast and demonstrates a multidecade commitment to democracy Yet the Biden administration remains inexplicably hostile to Somaliland and self-described anti-racists remain silent Perhaps behind White House and progressive rhetoric East Timor’s Prime Minister and former independence fighter Xanana Gusmao walks past a banner depicting people queuing up to give their votes in the 1999 referendum during the commemoration of the 25th year anniversary of the country’s vote for independence in Dili United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is flanked by East Timorese President Ramos Horta as they attend the commemoration of the 25th year anniversary of the referendum that led to the country’s independence from Indonesia East Timorese dancers perform during the commemoration of the 25th year anniversary of the referendum that led to the country’s independence from Indonesia United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers a speech during the commemoration of the 25th year anniversary of East Timor’s referendum for independence in Dili East Timor’s Prime Minister and former independence fighter Xanana Gusmao gestures as he delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 25th year anniversary of the country’s referendum for independence East Timorese police officers stand guard near a banner depicting people queuing up to give their votes in the 1999 referendum during the commemoration of the 25th year anniversary of the vote for the country’s independence from Indonesia in Dili FILE - Australian soldiers disarm a man of a knife during a sweep of a suburb in Dili FILE - An East Timorese woman with a young child stands in front of homes destroyed in the violence following the vote for independence in Dili FILE - An East Timorese fisherman paddles past beach side graves of those killed in the violence leading up to East Timor’s independence in Maubara East Timor (AP) — East Timor on Friday celebrated the 25th anniversary of a U.N.-backed referendum that secured its independence from its major neighbor Indonesia which invaded the former Portuguese colony in 1975 Commemorative banners and posters filled the streets of the capital where thousands gathered for the celebration that included speeches Dili residents recalled the harrowing moments during the country’s darkest days when Indonesia’s military responded to the 1999 referendum results with a scorched-earth campaign before departing “It was a traumatic experience that haunts me to this day,” said Gabriel Araujo a food vendor who was 12 years old at the time “I’m always happy every time I celebrate our freedom together with others.” will remain with the Timorese people who are now struggling for the country’s development,” Guterres told the crowd in his speech during Friday’s celebration Guterres on Friday also visited the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum in Dili where he saw himself featured on some of the displayed archives as former prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 during which time he was heavily involved in the international effort to resolve the crisis in East Timor East Timor’s transition to a democracy has been rocky unemployment and corruption as the country continues to struggle with the legacy of its bloody independence battle and bitter factional politics that have occasionally erupted into violence Its economy is reliant on dwindling offshore oil revenues can receive free boxes of Narcan at distribution events happening this week The medication reverses the effects of opioid-related overdoses The city’s health department received 1,000 doses of the medication from the Missouri Institute for Mental Health in 2023 and 2024 Health department leaders said they’ve seen a 26% increase in opioid overdoses for teenagers since 2020 Fatal overdoses for all age groups nearly doubled in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019 “We are very concerned that we have citizens dying in opioid-related overdoses," said Terrell Sage a public health specialist with the Independence Health Department "We want to be sure we’re preventing as many of those deaths as possible by equipping people with Narcan.” Sage said almost anyone can easily administer Narcan to someone suffering an overdose Giving the medication to someone who isn’t suffering an overdose won’t hurt them The Independence Fire Department has equipped each fire truck with a generic form of Narcan for the last two years RELATED | Kansas City-area emergency responders participate in joint overdose response training Battalion Chief Eric Michel remembers administering the medication to someone suffering an overdose last summer He described the patient as essentially coming back to life “People would die without it," Michel said Michel thinks about the ripple effect of saving one person from a fatal overdose “Think of all the impact it has on all those family members and all the people who love that person,” Michel said "It really changes the trajectory of a lot of lives.” Narcan is available during business hours at the Independence Health Department The city's health department is hosting several distribution events this week The Kansas City Health Department and the city's public library system also distribute free Narcan Report a typo Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInMATTHEWS (WBTV) - The outer loop of I-485 was closed in the Matthews area after a pedestrian was hit and killed on Tuesday afternoon The crash happened shortly after 1:30 p.m. between the East John Street and Independence Boulevard exits The North Carolina Department of Transportation said the interstate could be closed until after 4:30 p.m Medic confirmed a pedestrian died in the collision Real-time traffic maps can be viewed here Download the free WBTV News app for traffic and weather updates CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A motorcyclist has died after hitting the back of a car and falling off on the 3300 block of East Independence Boulevard at the Eastway Drive interchange they found a 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 with extensive damage A CATS bus and a 2013 Dodge Charger were also at the scene Officials say the driver of the motorcycle according to the Charlotte Area Transit System Investigators say Pickell was swerving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed on E Independence Boulevard before hitting the back of the Dodge Charger He was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene Officials say he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash The driver of the CATS bus and Dodge Charger were not injured and stayed at the scene Police believe speed and reckless driving are contributing factors in the crash Authorities say the investigation is still active Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169 Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A man was killed after a tree collapsed on an east Charlotte apartment Monday morning, according to the fire department. Paul Sanders, 60, was identified as the victim of the deadly incident, which happened around 1:50 a.m. at an apartment complex on Commonwealth Avenue near East Independence Boulevard. Police reports stated the tree was struck by lightning, causing it to fall onto the side of the building. “Sounded like metal on metal the way it came down,” a neighbor recalled. “I just assumed that it was it was a car accident.” Firefighters said over a dozen units responded to the “tree-down rescue” after reports that multiple people were trapped. Upon arrival, crews began evacuating the building and began searching for occupants. “The first thing I said was, ‘Oh god,’” the neighbor continued. “I know apartments the way they’re designed. I knew that was the bedroom…” View this post on Instagram A post shared by WBTV News (@wbtv_news) officials said they rescued one person from a third-floor apartment; that victim was treated by EMS on the scene and rushed to an area hospital “This is this is not an everyday occurrence,” said Charlotte Fire Battalion Chief John Lipcsak make sure the building is safe and the tree is secure for us to operate up underneath so we don’t get any more people hurt.” the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department took it over for a death investigation A GoFundMe has been set up to aid Sanders’ wife. Those wishing to donate can do so here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WBTV News (@wbtv_news) Last month, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised Palestine as a state, joining more than 140 UN member countries that already recognise it This recognition has been hailed as a positive step forward, particularly as the International Criminal Court (ICC) considers issuing arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for their involvement in alleged war crimes in Palestine.  The move by the three countries was welcomed by Palestinian officials as other nations were urged to follow suit achieving statehood would enable Palestine to join numerous international agreements and treaties related to human rights and trade.  Although the recent recognitions are merely another step towards full UN recognition, Israel has condemned them and discussed escalatory measures against the countries involved, accusing them of supporting terrorism.  Israeli officials have also proposed punitive measures for the Palestinians, as the US mulls sanctions on the ICC for attempting to issue arrest warrants against two Israeli leaders Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut off financial support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and build more settlements in the occupied West Bank He also called for the cancellation of all VIP permits held by senior PA officials which facilitate their travel and trade relations While the recognitions affirm Palestinian legal and diplomatic rights to statehood, Israel’s potential financial sanctions against the PA could have a catastrophic impact on its survival prospects and on Palestinian livelihoods, as western officials have warned Already, restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of 200,000 Palestinian workers into its territory after the events of 7 October have limited their incomes Israel has already attempted to sever Palestinian banks in Jerusalem from their network by disrupting their internet connectivity and connectivity was restored within a few hours This incident underscores not only the severity of the threat of financial warfare against Palestinians but also the urgent need for Palestinians to pursue financial independence from Israel Smotrich’s “nuclear option” to not renew a vital waiver would remove the protection Israeli banks have from legal prosecution for maintaining ties with Palestinian banks This waiver facilitates payments for Palestinian services and imports Set to expire on 1 July and renewable annually the waiver allows Israeli banks to process international payments on behalf of Palestinian banks Such a move by Israel could destabilise local Palestinian banks as customers may rush to withdraw their money for fear of seizure by Israel.  Follow Middle East Eye's live coverage of the Israel-Palestine war It would also enable Israelis to seek compensation from Palestinian reserves held in Israel, potentially leading to asset seizures. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned Israel against cutting its banks’ ties to Palestinian banks to avoid severely damaging consequences Smotrich just allowed $35m of the PA funds held in Israeli banks to be seized and given to 28 Israeli families "victims of terrorism" The decision ends a critical previous waiver the government used to grant the PA to prevent demands for financial compensation as a result of the conflict Israel’s policy change puts the PA survival at risk and the Palestinians at an effective financial war opening the gates for more assets seizures in the near future Palestine does not have its own currency and relies on Israel’s shekel. Consequently, the Palestine Monetary Authority, which acts as the de facto central bank, depends on the Bank of Israel for access to reserves and financial services. Without the waiver, Israeli and foreign companies with business ties to the PA would be unable to deposit to or receive payments from Palestinian banks It is crucial for the Palestinians to consider moving their reserves abroad To strategically overcome such restrictions Palestinians should seek to bank directly with the rest of the world fearing negative impacts such as a shrinking monetary base for the shekel which would fuel devaluation and add pressure to its already strained economy.  Palestine could temporarily offshore its banking services to circumvent the physical control of Israeli banks over its reserves, and to independently connect its payment systems to global payment networks. After World War Two, many countries held their reserves offshore a practice that continues in some places today.  While motives might differ, it is crucial for the Palestinians to consider moving their reserves abroad, even temporarily, to ensure the security of their funds and facilitate transactions with the world, given the persistent punitive financial practices of the occupation.  The EU or Arab countries, such as the UAE or Saudi Arabia could enter into an interim agreement with the PA to manage these arrangements until the threat of confiscation and prosecution by Israel diminishes Palestine could negotiate with the European Central Bank to provide custodian services for Palestinian reserves.  It could also seek licenses for Palestinian banks to offer offshore banking services from the EU This would help to prevent Israel from exerting full control over Palestinian finances thereby improving the Palestinian negotiating position in any future peace talks with Israel It would also give the EU leverage to influence Israel to recognise Palestinian monetary rights Alternatively, Palestine could sign an agreement with Arab countries to use their payment networks instead of Israel’s. Saudi Arabia has already requested that Israel recognise a Palestinian currency as a goodwill gesture towards peace and Riyadh could leverage its international influence to protect the independence and integrity of such a currency.  This would enable Palestine to enjoy free capital movement internationally and to benefit from financial innovations pursued by central banks and entrepreneurs in these countries such as the use of central bank digital currencies and cryptocurrencies.  But these financial systems could face US sanctions and they could potentially be weaponised against Palestinians without strong political support Palestine might also consider partnering with Brics countries which are less exposed to the threat of US sanctions and might use Palestine as a testing ground for systems like Brics Pay aimed at offering options uninfluenced by the US Such measures could expand to include financial sanctions on Israel which could be used as leverage to pressure it to respect Palestine’s financial independence and its right to access global financial networks for securing food and essential supplies Arab countries could also use their influence in the international financial system to strengthen Palestinian monetary ties either through negotiations or more proactive measures The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye Copyright © 2014 - 2025. Middle East Eye Only England and Wales jurisdiction apply in all legal matters Middle East Eye          ISSN 2634-2456                      Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Time Out straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Philadelphia This is the spot where your freedom was born—the very building in which our founding fathers drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence and U.S Join a free guided tour led by a park ranger that takes you throughout the building including into the Assembly Room where the aforementioned documents were John Hancock’d You’ll find George Washington’s “rising sun” chair holding a prominent position in the room which is set up exactly the way it was during the Constitutional Convention you’ll have to pick up a free ticket at the Independence Visitor Center starting at 8:30am Tickets are limited and they’re all usually snatched up by the afternoon Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! About us Contact us Time Out magazine — Mid-Continent Public Library announced plans Wednesday to open a third library branch in Independence in 2024 will be built on a 5 1/2-acre plat south of Interstate 70 and east of Little Blue Parkway according to a release from Mid-Continent Public Library The library system’s board of trustees approved plans Tuesday evening to build the new facility on land acquired earlier this year in a deal with Lane 4 Property Group which involved swapping the old Red Bridge Branch building in Kansas City The East Independence Branch will be approximately 12,500 square feet which increased funding to Mid-Continent Public Library for the renovation of all existing branches and construction of several new branches The library system provides regular updates on the progress of capital projects Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) — One person was seriously hurt after fallen debris from a bridge caused “multiple vehicle accidents” along a southwest Charlotte freeway on Wednesday, according to Charlotte Fire along East Independence Boulevard near Eastway Drive Medic advised they evaluated a handful of patients and one person was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries A representative with the North Carolina Department of Transportation said staff was on site to inspect the bridge and contain the area after the incident Crews are working to remove any loose concrete and schedule repairs as soon as possible “The bridge is safe for vehicles to drive over and to pass under on Independence Boulevard,” a NCDOT representative said “There’s an area taped off where the pedestrian hand rail was damaged from last night’s crash so pedestrians on the bridge should use caution.” Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Officers are investigating a person’s death at an east Charlotte gas station, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers found a man shot at a 7-Eleven on East Independence Boulevard Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene Anyone with information about the investigation should call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online or by calling Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 Download the free WBTV News app for the latest updates sent straight to your device After a contentious meeting the Mid-Continent Public Library board voted to move forward with construction of a new branch in East Independence with nine members in favor and one abstention The branch was promised to voters in 2016 when they overwhelmingly approved Proposition L — an 8-cent increase on a tax levy that funds the library — in exchange for improved services and new branches The library board would need an additional $13 million in its budget to cover its construction plans Its costs have gone up since the original proposal six years ago “We have a social contract with the public to build East Independence,” said Brent Schondelmeyer a board member from Independence who voted against the reduction of the levy “The voluntary reduction of the levy doesn't remove us from that obligation It just means that we're just going to have to work harder to figure out how to organize our resources to both build and operate East Independence.” At the meeting, the board voted to accept a bid from contractor JE Dunn that would cap the construction cost at $6,550,000 Schondelmeyer said that even though costs are high right now building the branch will not get more affordable in the near future The building proposal was previously reduced from 15,000 to 12,500 square feet to reduce overall construction costs we should build it at the time that's most advantageous to the cost,” Schondelmeyer said “What part of our life is gonna cost less a year from now than it does today Everybody will talk about the historic inflation — library world is not exempt from these things.” MCPL has built two new service locations in the past decade: the Woodneath branch in Liberty which gives the most revenue to and has the highest population in the library district voted 63.1% in favor of the tax increase under Proposition L in 2016 Schondelmeyer believes that increase saved the library system Schondelmeyer said other trustees have asked if the money needed for the new East Independence branch could be fundraised instead of paid for by the library system The Woodneath branch's historic home preservation was paid for through philanthropic donations but Schondelmeyer said they are not comparable “East Independence is an entirely different situation,” Schondelmeyer said “It would be nearly impossible to raise more than double the cost of the Woodneath project — and frankly what we would raise in any one year would be matched or outstripped by the impact on inflation on the entire project.’” The library board can’t reverse the decrease of more than 2 cents from the levy until the 2024-2025 fiscal year restoring the levy is one of the only ways to fund the new branch Wray and the senior leadership team detailed a nearly $8 million gap to cover unfinished projects senior leadership recommended the board transfer $8 million from the library’s operating fund to the capital fund and restore the levy to its ceiling when next possible Board Member Gordon Cook said he believed that the deficit was actually nearly $13 million based on numbers from the library’s finance committee Board member Yummy Pandolfi of Platte County questioned the increased cost of the new library branch and said the board was kept in the dark throughout the process “At every meeting we are shown that we are right on track we have enough money for East Independence,” Pandolfi said “If we would have heard this even when we were dealing with the budget yet (at) the Building Committee meetings we were being told everything was on track.” suggested the board put the plan on hold until it could renegotiate and get an updated plan He also suggested Sapp Design Architects and JE Dunn the architects and construction team in charge of the project eliminate any inflated prices and donate money to keep the branch under budget Kansas City office director at Sapp Design Architects challenged the board’s accusation that the design team acted nefariously The guaranteed maximum bid approved on Tuesday was over the original projection due to extreme inflation He said the library should prefer a quality design over an on-budget building that doesn’t serve its population well “The only way we could cut cost is if we cut scope or if we went back to a building that was designed like some of the older projects were — a rectangular brick box with a couple of punched openings and lay-in ceilings,” Mckenzie said at the meeting “If you look at the cost of the buildings that we have been doing and compare them to other libraries that have been done at the same time in the community you guys have actually been getting a pretty good deal.” said the discrepancies between the staff report and Cook’s calculation of the actual deficit necessitated an audit of the library finances “I think we owe it to the taxpayers to prove how the money’s been spent,” Wycoff said Cook said the board will need to make changes to pay for the branch “Some things we do in the next 12 months this board may find very distasteful and the public might find objectionable,” he said Independence’s population has drastically increased in the southeastern part of the city where the new library would be located Independence Mayor Rory Rowland urged the board to approve the branch He said the city's growth and the promises made as part of the 2016 vote necessitates the construction of the new branch “I am writing today as both the Mayor of Independence and as a MCPL taxpayer,” Rowland said in the letter I hope the Board chooses to honor the will of the 62.3% of voters who approved Proposition L.” More than 800 apartment units and 245 single-family units have been built in Independence since 2020 is proposed to have up to 600 housing units on 130 acres in East Independence the city approved a development plan for Eastgate Commerce Center which encompasses more than 1,200 acres and is projected to create over 5,000 jobs Much of that new development sits near the location of the proposed branch “There are about 49,000 households in Independence,” Rowland said in the letter some 8,200 (17%) do not have access to broadband internet and 4,700 (10%) do not have a computer the library is a lifeline to education attainment the MCPL’s interim library director and CEO said the new branch is about providing access to more people the more likely you are to use it,” Wray said You are not making plans trying to figure out how to get there and when to get there.” a Liberty resident who spoke in favor of the new branch at the meeting said a nearby library is vital for people like his mom “My mother lives right off 24 Highway in East Independence,” Purdom said But the library is really important to her.” The comments to parliament on Wednesday are the strongest public endorsement of Hamas by the Turkish leader since the war on Gaza began in October "I say it very clearly and openly: Hamas is exactly the same as the Kuva-i Milliye [National Forces] in Turkey during the war of liberation," he said during the address.  "We are aware that there is a price to pay for saying this We know that it is difficult to proclaim rights and truths in such a period.  and comprehend: we will not yield," Erdogan added Erdogan is expected to meet Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul on Saturday according to sources who spoke to Middle East Eye.  The National Forces played an important role during Turkey’s war of independence between 1918-1920 using military force to install a nationalist government in Ankara and expelling Greek and western forces from Western Anatolia and Eastern Thrace the predecessor state of the Turkish Republic were occupied by western allies after the Ottoman defeat in World War One The Turkish military successes during the independence struggle paved the way for the abolition of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of a republic Erdogan's comments have not been welcomed by his opponents who rejected the comparison between the Turkish nationalists and Hamas a deputy chairman in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) saying that there was no similarity between Hamas and Turkish revolutionaries.  "Do not use the War of Independence as a tool for your ideological preferences," he said "You paid no price for the Palestinian cause Your greatest courage was receiving the Medal of Courage from the Jewish lobby." Erdogan insisted that he will be "a voice of the oppressed Palestinian people" as long as he is alive.  The Turkish leader has been a vocal critic of Israel's invasion of Gaza which started after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that left at least 1,141 people dead Erdogan has criticised Israel's subsequent "crimes against humanity" and "genocide" while allowing trade to continue between the two countries.  Erdogan supporters punished the president during the 31 March local elections over the maintenance of trade ties by switching their allegiances to the Islamist New Welfare Party (YRP) or simply boycotting the vote resulting in his AK Party's defeat in mayoral contests in large cities.  Ankara halted the export of 54 products to Israel in early April citing its responsibility under international law to prevent human rights abuses Erdogan expressed anger on Wednesday that his government’s past actions against Israel have not been recognised by the wider public while also dismissing rumours that Ankara has been supplying jet fuel to the Israelis "We will courageously defend Palestine's struggle for independence under all circumstances," he said.  remember this; some of our steps may not be visible We may not be able to explain some of what we do those who come out and question our sensitivity towards Palestine will sooner or later be embarrassed and see what injustice they have done before history." Turkey was an early critic of Israel’s campaign in Gaza Erdogan was calling the assault a genocide as early as 20 October becoming one of the first world leaders to use the term The country is also one of the biggest humanitarian donors to Gaza and has flown in dozens of Palestinians from Gaza for medical treatment in Turkish hospitals