An independent review has made several recommendations to strengthen the neutrality of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following allegations of staff involvement in the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Key recommendations include establishing an advisory body on neutrality, implementing stricter staff screening procedures, and fostering engagement with donor nations.
The US State Department’s 2023 human rights report highlights concerns over Hamas’s attacks and Israel’s subsequent military operation in Gaza, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of upholding international law and preventing further suffering. The report also acknowledges the Israeli government’s efforts to investigate alleged abuses, while noting the need for ongoing scrutiny. Despite concerns, the US continues to provide Israel with military assistance while urging it to take steps to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
The Republican Jewish Coalition has endorsed state Sen. John McGuire for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District primary, criticizing incumbent Rep. Bob Good’s vote against a foreign aid package including support for Israel. Good’s vote has drawn opposition from multiple high-profile Republican groups.
An independent review commissioned by the UN has found no evidence to support Israel’s claims that UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) staffers aided Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Israel had alleged that UNRWA employees participated in the attack, provided intelligence and logistical support, and allowed Hamas to use agency facilities. However, the review found no evidence to substantiate these claims. Despite the allegations being unsubstantiated, they have resulted in reduced funding for UNRWA and a freeze on US support until next March.
A Jewish Yale student was stabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag during a pro-Hamas protest on campus, highlighting tensions since the group’s attacks on Israel. Amid calls for accountability, lawmakers have urged deportation of non-citizens supporting Hamas and defunding institutions supporting pro-terrorist activities. Columbia University is under fire for allowing pro-Hamas protesters to call for violence against Jewish students, leading to a letter from Rep. Foxx demanding action to rectify the situation.
The head of Israel’s intelligence agency has stepped down following criticism over the agency’s failure to anticipate a series of attacks by Hamas militants that left several Israelis dead in October.
The US State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices highlighted concerns over Israel’s precautions to minimize civilian casualties during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Israel needs to follow international law and take feasible precautions to protect civilians, raising concerns about civilian deaths, humanitarian aid access, and journalist deaths. The report also condemned Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel and its abhorrent use of civilians as human shields.
Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating freedom from slavery, was observed in Israel under the shadow of ongoing conflict and the continued detention of 133 hostages by Hamas. While some families marked the holiday with traditional rituals and symbolic acts of remembrance, others protested outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home, demanding a deal to release the hostages.
An independent review of the neutrality of the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) found that Israel had not raised any concerns about staff lists received since 2011. The review also highlighted gaps in the agency’s implementation of neutrality principles, including staff expressing political views, questionable textbook content, and union disruptions.
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.
