Results for: Gaza Conflict

An Indian UN staff member was killed in Gaza when their vehicle was attacked in Rafah, marking the first international casualty for the organization since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The staff member, identified as a former Indian Army personnel, was part of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) and was traveling to the European Hospital in Rafah when their vehicle was struck. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and called for a full investigation, while reiterating his urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The incident has brought the total number of UN personnel killed in Gaza since October 7 to 190, most of whom were national staff of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Renowned lyricist and novelist Paulo Coelho shared a harrowing image from war-torn Gaza on Mother’s Day 2024, depicting a mother embracing her deceased child’s body. The post, accompanied by the hashtag #MothersDayinGaza, brought attention to the alarming number of civilian casualties, primarily women and children, resulting from the ongoing conflict. Despite diplomatic condemnations, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel’s bombings continuing and the death toll exceeding 35,000.

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has criticized former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her comments about anti-Israel protesters, calling them “dismissive of students’ concerns.” Clinton had accused protesters of being ignorant about Middle Eastern affairs, while Van Hollen argued that they had valid reasons for their protests, such as the humanitarian crisis and high civilian death toll in Gaza. Van Hollen emphasized the right to peaceful protest and the need to ensure students’ safety on campus, while also condemning antisemitism and hate wherever it occurs.

The Biden administration has paused weapons shipments to Israel due to concerns over a potential full-scale invasion of Rafah, the last city in Gaza to be spared from Israeli airstrikes. The U.S. has offered intelligence and supplies to Israel in exchange for scaling back the invasion, which could lead to significant civilian casualties.

Israel and Turkey’s diplomatic tensions have escalated to a new level, with reports suggesting a complete suspension of exports and imports between the two countries. This development comes shortly after Istanbul imposed export restrictions on Israel in response to the recent conflict in Gaza, prompting strong criticism from Israeli officials.

Far-right allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pressuring him to reject a ceasefire with Hamas in the besieged Gaza Strip. If Netanyahu backs down from an assault on Hamas in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, it could jeopardize the stability of his government. Hamas representatives are scheduled to meet in Cairo on Monday as mediators intensify efforts to reach a ceasefire deal before Israel launches a threatened attack on Rafah. However, Israel insists that four battalions of Hamas are entrenched in the area and will be attacked after civilians are evacuated. Despite international pressure to scrap the assault plans due to fears of high civilian casualties, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is urging Netanyahu not to back away. Smotrich warned that if Netanyahu fails to eliminate Hamas, “a government headed by you will have no right to exist.” Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed Smotrich’s sentiments, stating that an irresponsible deal would lead to the government’s dissolution. Benny Gantz, a centrist former defense minister who joined Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet, countered that prioritizing the release of hostages held by Hamas should take precedence over an assault on Rafah. Gantz argued that rejecting a responsible deal would strip the government of legitimacy, given its security failure on October 7th and the public’s demand for the return of hostages. Protests over the conduct of the war have escalated in light of the devastating impact on the Gaza Strip and the displacement of thousands of Israelis. Families of hostages have criticized Netanyahu for prioritizing his political survival over their loved ones’ fate.

The annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner took place amid protests and boycott calls over the conflict in Gaza. Protesters chanted slogans and unfurled a Palestinian flag outside the venue, while a group called Code Pink threatened to disrupt the event. Inside, President Joe Biden faced criticism for US support of Israel’s military offensive. Comedian Colin Jost delivered the traditional roast, which included jabs at Biden and former President Donald Trump. Despite the controversy, the dinner proceeded as scheduled, with celebrities and journalists in attendance.

President Biden is set to deliver remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Saturday. The event will feature comedian Colin Jost and is expected to be attended by journalists, celebrities, and politicians. Outside the event, protesters have vowed to gather in opposition to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and has drawn international criticism.

Columbia University students protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza have reached an impasse with administrators, vowing to continue their encampment until divestment demands are met. The protests, which have sparked antisemitism concerns, have also drawn scrutiny from the U.S. Education Department over potential civil rights violations. Meanwhile, Columbia’s president faces faculty criticism, while police have clashed with protesters at several other universities nationwide.

A new port is under construction in the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to bring desperately needed aid into the besieged enclave. The construction has been ongoing for over two weeks and is expected to be completed within a week. The port is intended to serve as a hub for receiving larger equipment and aid supplies from the US-led military operation. However, the project faces various challenges, including security concerns and potential attacks from militant groups. The Israeli military seeks to install remote-controlled gun positions at the port, which the UN opposes. A Hamas political official has warned that any foreign military presence near the pier could be considered a target.