Results for: Israel

Jerusalem, a city steeped in history and religious significance, attracts millions of tourists each year. From its ancient sites like the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock to its modern urban center, Jerusalem offers a unique blend of cultural and spiritual experiences. The city is experiencing a surge in tourism, with visitor numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels. However, travelers should note that direct flights to Jerusalem are not available, and visitors will need to arrive via Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.

The Arab League has revoked the terrorist designation of Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based Iran-backed group, amid fears of the Israel-Hamas war spilling over into Lebanon. The decision is seen as a policy shift to initiate communication with Hezbollah and could be aimed at stabilizing regional tensions. This move comes as tensions rise in the region and countries urge citizens to leave Lebanon.

The US has revised its proposed ceasefire and hostage-release deal for Gaza, aiming to reconcile the conflicting positions of Israel and Hamas. The revised proposal, based on President Biden’s earlier framework, focuses on negotiation points during the initial ceasefire phase. While Israel supports the deal, Hamas has shown resistance, rejecting the proposal as lacking meaningful progress. The US is working with Qatar and Egypt to facilitate a compromise, but a senior Hamas official has dismissed the revised proposal as offering nothing new.

An Israeli driver’s car was set ablaze after he mistakenly entered the Palestinian town of Qalandiya in the West Bank. The incident comes amidst increasing violence in the region, with numerous mob killings and clashes reported since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The United States has deployed an amphibious assault ship and Marines to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah. This move comes amidst increasing fears of a full-fledged war, with the situation growing more volatile after weeks of intense fighting. The US deployment aims to deter escalation and potentially facilitate the evacuation of American citizens if conflict breaks out.

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets across the country on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and fresh elections. The protests, which saw large gatherings outside Netanyahu’s residences in Caesarea and Jerusalem, were fueled by public anger over the government’s handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the ongoing hostage crisis. Demonstrators, including families of the hostages, accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over securing the release of those held captive by Hamas.

Israel has dismissed a UN-backed report highlighting catastrophic hunger in Gaza, claiming it is misleading and biased. The report, published by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), stated that 495,000 Gazans are facing severe food insecurity, while another 745,000 are in a food emergency. Despite some improvement in the north, the report warns of a worsening situation in the south, attributed to the May hostilities in Rafah.

Canada has imposed sanctions on seven Israeli settlers, including prominent figures like Ben-Zion Gopstein and Elisha Yered, for their involvement in extremist violence in the West Bank. This is the second time in a month that Canada has taken such action, reflecting growing international concern over the escalating violence in the region.

The Israel-Lebanon border is teetering on the edge of a full-blown conflict as both sides engage in a dangerous dance of diplomacy and military preparedness. The US is urging a diplomatic solution to prevent a devastating war, while Israel is prepared to fight on multiple fronts. The potential for a wider regional conflict is high, with Iran and Hezbollah’s allies threatening to intervene. The international community is actively seeking de-escalation, but the situation remains volatile.

Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jews must be drafted into military service, ending their exemption. The ruling, met with both support and opposition, has ignited a contentious debate within Israel.