An unexpected discovery of a 3,300-year-old ship off the coast of Israel suggests that ancient mariners possessed sophisticated navigation skills, capable of sailing far from land without sight of the coastline. The ship’s remarkable preservation, found at a great depth, offers valuable insights into maritime history and the advanced capabilities of ancient seafarers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the Biden administration to resume its planned weapons deliveries to Israel, expressing concern over a perceived delay in military aid. He made the request during a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week, stating that it is ‘inconceivable’ for the U.S. to withhold crucial resources while Israel battles Hamas in Gaza. The request comes as the Biden administration faces criticism from House Republicans over a recent $404 million aid package for Gaza, with concerns about the potential for Hamas to benefit from the funds.
US envoy Amos Hochstein has urged for an immediate de-escalation of the escalating border conflict between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israeli forces, advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the violence. Hochstein’s call for de-escalation comes amidst heightened tensions fueled by attacks on both sides of the border, and he emphasizes the urgency for a ceasefire to ensure the safety of civilians.
Britain’s approval of arms export licenses to Israel has significantly decreased since the start of the Gaza war, dropping to a 13-year low. While other countries like the US and Germany have increased arms sales to Israel, the UK’s approval for the period between October and December 2023 fell to a mere $1.09 million, a sharp decline from the £20 million approved in the same period in 2022. The UK government continues to issue licenses for certain military items, including components for aircraft and small arms ammunition for training, but the majority of recent approvals have been for non-lethal items such as body armor and military helmets. The decrease in arms sales comes amid criticism from politicians and human rights groups regarding the lack of transparency and public information surrounding these sales. Several other countries, including Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands, have imposed restrictions on arms exports to Israel due to concerns about how the weapons might be used.
Anti-government protests have escalated across Israel, fueled by dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Demonstrators are calling for immediate elections, a ceasefire, and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The protests highlight deep divisions within Israeli society over the war’s objectives, Netanyahu’s handling of the crisis, and the influence of his far-right coalition partners.
Amos Hochstein, a special envoy of US President Joe Biden, is in Israel to prevent a full-fledged war with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. He is meeting with Israeli officials as tensions escalate on the northern border, with Hezbollah’s increased attacks pushing the two sides towards a wider conflict. Israel has expressed openness to both diplomatic resolution and military action, while the US and France are attempting to de-escalate the situation.
The United States has imposed sanctions on the Tzav 9 group, an extremist Israeli organization that has been obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The move comes after the group repeatedly targeted trucks carrying supplies, harassed aid workers, and damaged vehicles, disrupting efforts to provide essential assistance to the war-torn region.
The United Nations has released its first in-depth report on the October 7 attack in Gaza, finding that both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes. The report details the deaths and displacement of thousands of Palestinians, as well as the captivity of hundreds of Israeli hostages by Hamas. Furthermore, the report highlights the systematic attack on the civilian population of Gaza, as well as the denial of humanitarian aid, resulting in the starvation of its inhabitants.
Hamas has accepted the United Nations ceasefire resolution that aims to end the Israeli assault on Gaza, according to senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri. The resolution calls for negotiations between Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Abu Zuhri stated that the US must ensure that Israel abides by the resolution, exchanging hostages for detainees and withdrawing troops. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope following Hamas’s acceptance of the resolution, stating that it is a “hopeful” sign. The UN Security Council unanimously passed the US-backed resolution (with Russia abstaining) on Monday, endorsing a three-part ceasefire plan that includes an initial six-week ceasefire, exchange of captives, establishment of a lasting ceasefire, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas, outlining a path towards a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza. The proposal was drafted by US President Joe Biden and welcomed by Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, and the Palestinian Authority. The deal envisages a stage-wise ceasefire, with the ultimate goal of a complete cessation of hostilities. Israel, however, has stated that it will only end the war when Hamas is completely defeated, leaving open the possibility of a temporary ceasefire. Russia abstained from voting on the proposal, expressing concerns about its vague parameters.
