Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, was killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank on Friday while participating in a protest against Israeli settlement expansion. Eygi was shot in the head with a live bullet during a demonstration near the town of Beita. Her death has sparked international condemnation and calls for accountability, highlighting the ongoing tensions and violence in the region.
This article delves into the disturbing pattern of sexual violence being used as a weapon of war in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It examines both Hamas and Israeli security forces’ actions, revealing systematic and widespread acts of rape, sexual humiliation, and torture, targeting both women and men. The article highlights the psychological and physical impact of this violence, exploring its underlying motivations and the chilling implications of its institutional support.
After intense scrutiny, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims responsibility for targeted strikes in Rafah, eliminating senior Hamas terrorists. However, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari acknowledges that an unforeseen chain of events led to a devastating fire within a crowded tent camp, resulting in civilian casualties. The investigation focuses on potential factors such as stored weapons in the vicinity and the impact of Hamas’ ammunition warehouse explosion. Despite international outcry and concerns about a possible ground incursion, US officials maintain their opposition to such an operation. Residents of Rafah report Israeli tank incursions, prompting confrontations with Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces.
Israeli television has released previously unreleased footage showing the capture of five female army conscripts by Hamas gunmen during the attack that sparked the Gaza war in October. The families of the captives hope the footage will pressure Israel to negotiate a truce and secure their release. Hamas has called the video ‘manipulated’ and claims the soldiers were treated ethically.
In testimony before the Senate, Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for seeking the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and condemned Hamas for triggering the Gaza war. Despite expressing condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Blinken emphasized that the gesture did not alter the administration’s view of his repressive actions. The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by protesters opposed to US policy toward Israel and its actions in Gaza.
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan expressed his extreme outrage by shredding the UN charter before the UN General Assembly approved a resolution endorsing Palestine’s right to full membership. Erdan called the resolution a “clear violation” of the UN Charter and accused the General Assembly of advancing the establishment of a “Palestinian Terror state” led by the “Hitler of our times.” The resolution passed by a wide margin, with 143 votes in favor, 25 abstentions, and nine votes against, including the United States and Israel.
A student-led pro-Palestinian encampment was established at the University of Calgary on Thursday, joining dozens of similar protests on campuses across Canada and the United States. The Calgary Student Movement, which is leading the encampment, is demanding that the university divest from all corporations involved in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and condemn Israel’s actions towards Palestinians.
Amidst the chaotic scenes and arrests on several US campuses over the past month in solidarity with Palestine, agreements have been reached at some universities like Brown, Northwestern, and Rutgers, bringing an end to protests and potential disruptions to exams and graduation ceremonies. These agreements include commitments to review investments in Israel or consider divestment calls, marking a significant step in the ongoing debate surrounding Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Amidst ongoing anti-Israeli demonstrations across the United States, protesters at Harvard University raised Palestinian flags over the iconic statue of John Harvard, where the American flag is intended to fly. The incident, caught on video, has sparked outrage and raised questions about university policy. Harvard’s spokesperson confirmed that the students’ actions violated university policy and that disciplinary action will be taken. Similar protests have erupted at other Ivy League universities and college campuses across the country, resulting in numerous arrests.
Protests at universities across the United States show no signs of abating, with more arrests on campuses and a brief skirmish between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators at UCLA. Protesters are demanding an end to Israel’s military incursion into Gaza, divestment of university assets from companies involved with the Israeli military, and an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel. Counter-protesters have become increasingly vocal on campuses, leading to a tense atmosphere. The protests have spread to dozens of colleges and universities nationwide, including Columbia University, the University of Southern California, and Washington University in St. Louis. Hundreds of arrests have been made, including Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein. President Joe Biden has expressed understanding for the strong feelings about the conflict but has condemned antisemitism and hate speech. The protests have also sparked controversy, with USC canceling its main commencement ceremony after a Muslim student’s valedictorian speech was called off.
