Browsing: Middle East featured

Amnesty International has issued a powerful report accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The report, titled “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman”: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, is based on months of research, including witness testimonies, analysis of satellite imagery, and statements by Israeli officials.

On Wednesday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, an Islamist militia, launched a surprise offensive against the government forces of President Bashar Assad.

On Friday, pro-Turkish rebels under the lead of HTS managed to seize Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, as well as scores of surrounding villages.

Israel’s military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31.
The attacks came as Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group.
Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut, as well as the port city of Tyre.
Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds.

“Whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas,” Biden said in a statement, external. “We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.”

Israel launched overnight strikes in three areas north of Gaza which continued until this morning. At least 95 people were killed in less than 24 hours, local media reports. The overnight strikes killed at least 66 people in Beit Lahiya and injured dozens. In Sheikh Radian at least 22 people, including children, were killed in the air strikes and at least 7 people, including one child, were killed in Al-Mawasi.

The United Nations has raised alarm about dire humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza, where no significant aid has been delivered for 40 days due to an ongoing siege by Israeli forces. According to the UN, 65,000 to 75,000 people in areas like Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Jabalia face severe shortages of food and other essentials.

The UN Security Council is set to vote on Wednesday on a resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages. However, the United States, a key ally of Israel, may block the draft, which has already drawn criticism from Israeli officials.  

EU fails to agree to pause talks with Israel over Gaza EU

The European Union has opted not to suspend its political dialogue with Israel after failing to reach a unanimous agreement at a Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday.  EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell proposed the suspension, citing alleged human rights violations and breaches of international law by Israel in Gaza. However, the measure required the support of all 27 member states and did not achieve consensus.