US State Secretary Antony Blinken has denied allegations of a ‘double standard’ in the investigation of human rights violations by the Israeli military in Gaza. He emphasized that the State Department’s investigation adheres to the same standards applied to all countries.
The U.S. Congress has passed a $95 billion foreign aid package, which includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, and $8 billion for Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The portion of funding earmarked for Ukraine received the most opposition from lawmakers but ultimately passed the house on Saturday with bipartisan support 311-112. The bill is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Biden.
The US State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices brings attention to concerns over human rights abuses in Gaza, particularly during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The report documents allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detention, and the punishment of family members for alleged offenses by relatives.
The head of Israel’s military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has resigned following the failure to prevent Hamas’s attack on October 7th. Haliva admitted that his division did not live up to its task and carries the responsibility for the attack. The resignation comes amid reports of bodies being recovered from a mass grave in Gaza by Al Jazeera.
Israel is ramping up its efforts to neutralize the remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza, raising concerns about the safety of civilians seeking refuge in the south of the strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to increase military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas, hinting at a potential assault on Rafah, a city near the Egyptian border where approximately half of Gaza’s population has sought shelter.
The US State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices has expressed concerns over human rights abuses in Israel, particularly in Gaza. The report cited ‘credible reports’ of various types of abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and the punishment of family members for alleged offenses. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to comply with international law and minimize civilian harm. The report also raised concerns about unlawful killings by Hamas and Israeli forces, as well as restrictions on humanitarian aid access, civilian displacement, and journalist fatalities in Gaza.
An independent review of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has concluded that Israel has not provided any evidence to support its claims that aid workers in Gaza are “terrorists.”
The report, ordered by UN Secretary-General Guterres, found some “neutrality-related issues” in the implementation of UNRWA’s programs, including public political statements by staff and “problematic content” in school textbooks. However, it emphasized that “most alleged breaches of neutrality relate to social media posts” made in the wake of violent incidents affecting colleagues or family.
The report made recommendations for improving neutrality, including through engagement with donors, staff neutrality, and the neutrality of education and governance. UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini has said he will accept the recommendations but warned against Israel’s “deliberate and concerted campaign” to end its operations.
A Columbia Journalism School alumnus sparked a heated debate among alumni after referring to Gaza protesters as “murderous crackpots” and “pro-terror wack jobs.” His comments were met with outrage and accusations of hate speech by fellow graduates, leading to an administrator’s intervention to maintain civility. The incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict on college campuses.
Dozens of protesters were arrested at an encampment in New York City on Monday night. The encampment was set up by students and faculty members at New York University as part of a Pro-Palestine protest. The NYPD arrested dozens of people and the remaining protesters formed a circle around the tents to prevent further arrests.
Israel is planning to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, before launching an offensive against Hamas. The operation is expected to last six weeks and involve moving civilians to nearby areas with shelters and essential supplies. Egypt has expressed concern over the potential operation, while the Biden administration has opposed a mass invasion without proper evacuation and humanitarian care.
