Results for: Hamas

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has captured a strategic corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border to cut off Hamas’s smuggling tunnels, as part of its ongoing offensive against the militant group. According to IDF military chief spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Philadelphi Corridor is a vital route for Hamas to transport weapons into the Gaza Strip. Egypt has been notified of the takeover, although state-run Al-Qahera News TV denies any communication with Israel. The IDF has increased its military presence in the Rafah area, where a fifth brigade has been deployed. The United Nations estimates that one million people have been displaced due to the attacks in Rafah.

After intense scrutiny, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims responsibility for targeted strikes in Rafah, eliminating senior Hamas terrorists. However, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari acknowledges that an unforeseen chain of events led to a devastating fire within a crowded tent camp, resulting in civilian casualties. The investigation focuses on potential factors such as stored weapons in the vicinity and the impact of Hamas’ ammunition warehouse explosion. Despite international outcry and concerns about a possible ground incursion, US officials maintain their opposition to such an operation. Residents of Rafah report Israeli tank incursions, prompting confrontations with Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces.

A tragic mistake in an Israeli strike in southern Gaza on Monday, August 1st, 2023, resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians. The strike set fire to a camp housing displaced Palestinians in the city of Rafah, killing at least 45 people and sparking international condemnation.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret and ordered an investigation into the incident. The strike violated international law, according to the UN Security Council, which called for an emergency meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

The deaths of civilians have added to the mounting international criticism of Israel’s war with Hamas. Israel’s closest allies have also expressed outrage at the civilian deaths. France and Germany have condemned the strike and called for an immediate ceasefire. Egypt has also expressed concern, saying that Israel’s incursion in Rafah could threaten the decades-old peace treaty between the two countries.

The International Criminal Court is pursuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders, for alleged war crimes. Israel has denied allegations of genocide brought against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice.

An airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza, has killed at least 35 people, mostly women and children, and injured dozens more. The Israeli military has confirmed the strike, saying it targeted a Hamas compound where terrorists were operating. The Palestinian Ministry of Health says there is no hospital in Rafah with enough capacity to handle the number of casualties and that ambulance teams are struggling to find places to transfer them.

Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for a large-scale rocket attack on Israel’s financial center, Tel Aviv. The assault came in retaliation to alleged Israeli attacks that killed civilians, according to a statement posted on Telegram.

House lawmakers are collaborating on a bipartisan response to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent request for arrest warrants against Hamas and Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The lawmakers aim to address concerns over the ICC’s perceived political motivations and lack of jurisdiction in this matter.

Israeli television has released previously unreleased footage showing the capture of five female army conscripts by Hamas gunmen during the attack that sparked the Gaza war in October. The families of the captives hope the footage will pressure Israel to negotiate a truce and secure their release. Hamas has called the video ‘manipulated’ and claims the soldiers were treated ethically.

Ireland, Spain, and Norway have officially recognized Palestine as a state, a move that has drawn mixed reactions. The decision comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with heavy fighting and civilian casualties reported on both sides. The move has been welcomed by Palestinian authorities but criticized by Israel and some Western nations. It remains to be seen what impact the recognition will have on the ongoing negotiations for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meanwhile, both sides continue to call for a ceasefire and international intervention to resolve the crisis.

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The move deepens Israel’s global isolation and exposes divisions in the West’s approach to the region.

During a heated Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz accused the Biden administration of indirectly funding the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Cruz, known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, blasted the administration’s handling of Iran and its appeasement of enemies while undermining allies. Secretary of State Antony Blinken denied the allegations, citing the administration’s support for Israel and its efforts to combat terrorism. However, Cruz remained unconvinced, claiming that the administration had allowed Iran to increase its oil production and evade sanctions, providing funds that could have been used to support the attack.