Results for: Israel

The Senate is poised to approve $95 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and Gaza. The package was passed by the House on Saturday and includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, $8 billion for Taiwan, and $8 billion for measures to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. The aid package has faced opposition from some conservatives who question U.S. involvement in foreign wars, but has broad support from both parties. The Senate could pass the bill as early as Tuesday afternoon.

The Senate is set to vote on a $95 billion war aid package that would provide funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other initiatives. The bill includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for Taiwan. It also includes a provision that could ban TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese owners do not sell their stake within a year.

The head of Israel’s military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has resigned following the failure to prevent Hamas’s attack on October 7th. Haliva admitted that his division did not live up to its task and carries the responsibility for the attack. The resignation comes amid reports of bodies being recovered from a mass grave in Gaza by Al Jazeera.

Israel is ramping up its efforts to neutralize the remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza, raising concerns about the safety of civilians seeking refuge in the south of the strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to increase military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas, hinting at a potential assault on Rafah, a city near the Egyptian border where approximately half of Gaza’s population has sought shelter.

The US State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices has expressed concerns over human rights abuses in Israel, particularly in Gaza. The report cited ‘credible reports’ of various types of abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and the punishment of family members for alleged offenses. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to comply with international law and minimize civilian harm. The report also raised concerns about unlawful killings by Hamas and Israeli forces, as well as restrictions on humanitarian aid access, civilian displacement, and journalist fatalities in Gaza.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea to demand the immediate release of abducted Israeli nationals. The protest coincided with the Jewish festival of Passover, which symbolizes liberation from slavery.

Amidst the focus on Iran’s attack on Israel and the GOP’s attempt to scuttle a foreign aid package, a concerning development has emerged regarding Hamas’s uncertain knowledge of hostages seized during the October 7 attack. The group’s initial claim that it had 40 living hostages for an exchange with Israel has been cast into doubt, with fears that many more hostages may have died in captivity. The possible deaths of up to 30 hostages, including six American citizens, raise concerns about Hamas’s disregard for human life and the challenges facing negotiations for a cease-fire.

Hezbollah, supported by Iran, has launched dozens of rockets targeting an Israeli army headquarters in northern Israel. This retaliatory strike comes after Israel carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The exchange of attacks has escalated tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns that the conflict between Israel and Gaza could spread to other regional actors.

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment at New York University (NYU) on April 22, resulting in several arrests. The action follows a massive faculty walkout at Columbia University in support of students detained during a similar demonstration. Protesters are calling for NYU to divest from investments connected to Israel amid ongoing violence in Gaza.

An external investigation commissioned by the UN has found no evidence to support Israel’s claims that a significant number of workers for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip have ties to terrorist groups.