Results for: Israel-Palestine Conflict

Amidst a diplomatic spat between Brazil and Israel, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has removed Ambassador Frederico Meyer from his post in Israel and appointed him as his special representative to Geneva. Meyer’s removal follows his recall to Brazil several months ago after Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared Lula da Silva persona non grata in Israel due to his remarks comparing Israel’s Gaza war to the Holocaust. Meyer’s new role will involve representing Brazil at the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Brazil’s foreign relations ministry announced that Meyer’s replacement in Israel will be announced soon and that the embassy in Tel Aviv will be led by a charge d’affaires in the interim.

Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley has faced widespread criticism on social media for writing ‘Finish Them’ on an Israeli rocket shell. Critics have condemned her support for Israel’s offensive in Rafah, which has killed at least 37 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Haley’s actions come amidst international outrage over Israel’s military actions, resulting in condemnation even from close allies and the recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Norway, and Ireland.

Ritika Sajdeh, wife of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, sparked controversy by sharing a post on Instagram with the phrase ‘All eyes on Rafah’ in support of Palestinians during the recent conflict in Gaza. However, she faced backlash from some social media users who accused her of selectivity in her activism. The post was deleted shortly after. The phrase ‘All eyes on Rafah’ emerged as Israel launched fresh attacks in Gaza, despite ongoing international criticism and a court order to stop airstrikes. Rafah, the southernmost exit point of Gaza, is home to over a million people, half of Gaza’s population. Over 1.4 million Palestinians have sought shelter due to the conflict.

Rough weather caused the structure to break apart, with two of the stabilizing vessels ending up on a beach in Israel. The pier had been operational for barely a week before the damage occurred, and none of the aid transferred to Gaza had been delivered to Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israel conducted a sizable operation in Rafah, with tanks rolling into the heart of the city for the first time since the war began.

Spain’s Cabinet has officially recognized a Palestinian state, signaling a deepening rift between the European Union and Israel. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the historic decision on May 28th, stating its aim to facilitate peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Ireland and Norway also followed suit, recognizing Palestine later that day.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a “tragic mistake” after an Israeli strike in Rafah killed at least 45 displaced Palestinians. Condemnation surged internationally, including from close allies like the US and France. The attack raised the Palestinian death toll in the war over 3,600. Israel’s military said it would investigate the incident, while international legal proceedings are ongoing against top Israeli officials.

Egypt has threatened to withdraw as a mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations after CNN reported that Egyptian intelligence changed the terms of the recent truce proposal, scuttling a deal.

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.

US President Joe Biden has denounced the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, calling it “outrageous.” Biden said the move could harm efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned that the ICC’s application could jeopardize ongoing ceasefire talks.

As Israel’s eight-month-long offensive in Gaza rages on, new divisions within the Israeli government have surfaced over the postwar governance of the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from his political rival Benny Gantz, who threatens to leave the government if a plan for international administration of Gaza is not formulated by June 8. Meanwhile, the Palestinian death toll continues to rise, with an airstrike in Nuseirat killing 20 people, mostly women and children.

The fighting remains intense, with reports of heavy airstrikes and artillery fire in northern Gaza, where a famine is underway according to the World Food Program. International pressure mounts on Israel, with the US expressing frustration over the conduct of the war and holding up a shipment of bombs, while also approving the sale of arms to support Israel’s offensive.