Israel closed its Dublin embassy after Ireland backed an ICJ petition accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel cited “extreme anti-Israeli policies,” while Ireland condemned the move, emphasizing its commitment to peace and human rights. The closure follows a history of strained relations and comes amidst the devastating conflict in Gaza.
An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza post office sheltering displaced Palestinians killed at least 30 and wounded 50, escalating the ongoing conflict. Israel claims the target was an Islamic Jihad leader, while Palestinians accuse Israel of using civilians as human shields. The incident follows days of intense fighting and failed ceasefire negotiations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarifies India’s position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing strong security ties with Israel while upholding its commitment to a two-state solution and condemning terrorism. India’s abstention from UN resolutions and its non-membership in the ICC are also addressed.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 131 Palestinians in the past 48 hours, including a family of seven. A hospital was also hit, and Lebanon reported at least 11 deaths from an Israeli strike in Beirut. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’ October 2023 attack, shows no signs of abating, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
Leaders from across the Arab and Muslim world are converging in Saudi Arabia for a crucial summit focused on the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Gaza, as well as Lebanon. The meeting, which follows a previous summit in Riyadh last year, aims to address Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories and Lebanon and discuss broader regional developments. The summit is expected to generate significant discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on the region.
While Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential election sparked a flurry of congratulatory calls from world leaders, reactions in West Asia were more muted, ranging from outright dismissal to cautious optimism. Iran, for example, declared that the election results held no significance, while Hezbollah expressed skepticism about any meaningful change in US policy towards Israel. The Palestinian Authority, however, welcomed Trump’s victory, hoping for US support for their aspirations.
Vice President Kamala Harris, vying for the US presidency, has promised to end the Gaza conflict, secure Israel’s safety, and uphold Palestinian rights if elected. Her comments, delivered at Michigan State University, target a key demographic – Arab Americans, who are expressing concerns about the current administration’s handling of the Middle East crisis. This comes amid a tight race with Donald Trump, who has pledged to help Israel resolve the conflict but has also shown support for its actions against Hamas and Hezbollah.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, underscored India’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict during a UN Security Council debate. He also announced India’s increased development assistance for Palestine, totaling $120 million, including a significant contribution to UNRWA.
Israel has passed two controversial laws that could cripple the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by barring it from operating in Israel, severing ties with the agency, and designating it a terror organization. This move has sparked international concern as it could worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is already facing a severe crisis. The laws, which are not yet in effect, highlight the strained relationship between Israel and the UN, and have drawn criticism from global leaders.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) addressed a prevalent question from voters regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ stance on the ongoing Gaza war. Sanders, who himself disagrees with Harris’ position, emphasized the need to counter Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s stance on the conflict, which he believes would be detrimental to both Israel and the Palestinian people. He outlined his proposed actions to address the conflict, including an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and a surge of humanitarian aid.
