An independent review of the UNRWA found that while the agency had implemented measures to maintain neutrality, further improvements were needed. Specifically, the report called for more robust vetting of staff members and regular inspections of agency facilities. However, the review did not substantiate Israeli allegations that a significant number of UNRWA employees were tied to militant groups.
As Jews around the world celebrate Passover, a time for remembering the liberation from slavery in Egypt, the author reflects on the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and how the story of the Exodus can inspire solidarity and action for justice.
The head of Israel’s military intelligence division, Aharon Haliva, has resigned following the failure to prevent a deadly Hamas invasion in October. The attack resulted in over 1,200 deaths and sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. Haliva accepted responsibility for the intelligence lapse, which allowed hundreds of Hamas fighters to breach Gaza’s border and overrun communities and military bases.
The 2024 PEN America Literary Awards ceremony has been cancelled due to the withdrawal of 28 nominated authors in protest of the organization’s response to Israel’s war on Gaza. The decision follows backlash from the literary community, who urged finalists and winners to withdraw from the awards. PEN America has announced that the career achievement winners will still receive their awards, but no public ceremony will take place.
An independent UN review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has found that Israel has failed to provide credible evidence to support its claims that UNRWA staff were members of “terrorist” groups. The allegations led to a significant funding deficit for UNRWA. Despite the report’s findings, some donor countries, including the US, continue to suspend funding. The review highlights the importance of UNRWA’s work in Gaza, where famine threatens millions due to restricted food convoys.
Students at New York University and The New School have established encampments on their respective campuses in protest of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The encampments echo a similar demonstration at Columbia University last week, which resulted in the arrests of over 100 protesters. The students demand university divestment from Israel and the end of disciplinary actions against pro-Palestinian activists.
Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, head of Israel’s military intelligence directorate, stepped down following the disastrous Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities. He becomes the first senior official to accept responsibility for the deadliest assault on Israel to date.
The head of Israel’s military intelligence agency, Major General Aharon Haliva, has resigned over the failure of his department to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack. The attack saw Palestinian militants break through border defenses in Gaza, killing over 1,100 people on Israeli territory and taking some 250 hostages.
Haliva’s resignation is expected to be the first of many among Israel’s top military brass following the deadly assault.
The Jewish state has since launched a relentless assault on Gaza, vowing to eliminate Hamas.
Emerson and MIT students have established encampments in solidarity with pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at Columbia University. The students at Emerson are calling for the university to support a ceasefire in Gaza and to divest from institutions that support Israel. At MIT, students and workers have also set up an encampment, citing the university’s alleged support for Israel’s military forces. Emerson officials are monitoring the situation, while MIT Israel Alliance has called for the university to remove the encampment and enhance campus security.
The head of Israeli military intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, has resigned over the failures surrounding Hamas’ October 7 attack, which was the deadliest assault in Israel’s history. Haliva’s resignation is expected to set the stage for more resignations among Israel’s top security brass. The Hamas attack, which caught Israel off guard, shattered Israelis’ sense of faith in their military and sparked a war that has killed over 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
