Israel’s reported assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and a top Hezbollah commander has raised serious concerns about a potential escalation of the Gaza conflict and a wider regional confrontation involving Israel, Iran, and its allies. While Israel claims it’s not seeking war, the move is seen as a direct strike against Iran and its proxies, potentially jeopardizing ceasefire negotiations and straining relations with Lebanon.
The United Nations human rights office has expressed grave concerns over the conduct of the Israeli military operation in Gaza, warning that it could amount to war crimes. According to the UN, the raid was carried out in a densely populated area, putting civilian lives at risk. The UN also criticized armed groups for holding hostages in such areas. The office’s spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence, emphasized the importance of respecting the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international law.
Israel’s parliament has approved a contentious law to conscript ultra-Orthodox religious students into the military, sparking heated debates and confrontations. The move comes as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from both allies and opponents, highlighting the volatile political landscape in Israel. The bill, which still requires further review, would gradually integrate ultra-Orthodox Jews into the armed forces, traditionally exempt from military service. While some support the measure, others, including former generals, oppose it as insufficient to address the military’s needs. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages captured in the Gaza conflict demanded more action from the government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed their pleas, ruling out any deal with Hamas and opposing a ceasefire that could facilitate the release of hostages.
Thousands of anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the White House, expressing outrage over President Biden’s support of Israel and its conduct in Gaza. The demonstrators argued that Israel had crossed a “red line” of “genocide” and demanded an arms embargo. Meanwhile, Israel conducted a successful hostage rescue mission, saving the lives of four Israeli citizens captured during Hamas’ October 7 attack. Despite the successful operation, the protesters remained defiant, chanting slogans against Zionism and calling for Israel to be wiped off the map.
Amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israeli forces successfully rescued four hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp. The operation, conducted on Saturday, came as the war entered its ninth month. Tragically, the Hamas-led Palestinian government reported that at least 210 people were killed and approximately 400 injured during Israeli strikes on the central Gaza camp. US President Joe Biden welcomed the hostage rescue and pledged continued efforts to secure the release of all captives and broker a ceasefire. The rescue mission adds another layer to the already complex and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Colombia is poised to enact a ban on coal exports to Israel in a bid to pressure the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the conflict in Gaza. The move follows Colombia’s severance of diplomatic ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict and is seen as a further step in Colombia’s effort to exert international pressure. However, the proposed ban has sparked controversy within Colombia, with the private mining association arguing that it would violate international trade agreements and undermine market confidence and foreign investment.
Supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid have donated $1 million to Palestinian relief efforts, as the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to take a devastating toll on the civilian population. The sisters, who have been vocal advocates for the Palestinian cause, have stated that the donation will be distributed equally among organizations providing humanitarian aid to the war-torn region. This generous act of support highlights the Hadid sisters’ ongoing commitment to assisting those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Ritika Sajdeh, wife of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, sparked controversy by sharing a post on Instagram with the phrase ‘All eyes on Rafah’ in support of Palestinians during the recent conflict in Gaza. However, she faced backlash from some social media users who accused her of selectivity in her activism. The post was deleted shortly after. The phrase ‘All eyes on Rafah’ emerged as Israel launched fresh attacks in Gaza, despite ongoing international criticism and a court order to stop airstrikes. Rafah, the southernmost exit point of Gaza, is home to over a million people, half of Gaza’s population. Over 1.4 million Palestinians have sought shelter due to the conflict.
Former House Speaker and Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi was interrupted by an anti-Israel protester while accepting an award in San Francisco. The protester accused Pelosi of aiding and abetting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Pelosi responded by saying that she respects the protester’s right to have her say. The incident occurred at a dinner event hosted by the Harvard Club of San Francisco for its 150th anniversary.
The Israeli flag has been waving over the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing for a fortnight, but the future of this critical aid terminal has swiftly become a headache for Israel. Egypt has declined to reopen its side of the crossing as long as Israeli forces occupy the Palestinian side, effectively shutting down one of the few entry points through which much-needed aid reaches Gaza.
This impasse has exacerbated the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the 2.4 million inhabitants of the Palestinian territory, with repeated warnings of impending famine after more than seven months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Rafah crossing, situated on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, was symbolic of Hamas’s authority over the area after the Iranian-backed militant group took power in 2007. However, on May 7, the Israeli army swiftly seized control of the crossing, alleging that it was being utilized for “terrorist” purposes. Since then, it has been closed, significantly reducing the flow of aid into Gaza.
