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.
Palestine’s relentless pursuit of full membership in the United Nations remains hindered by geopolitical calculations, primarily influenced by the United States’ veto power in the UN Security Council. Despite the General Assembly’s reaffirmation of Palestine’s eligibility, the path to membership continues to be obstructed by the procedural requirement for Security Council recommendation. While India and other countries support Palestine’s application, the US’s consistent vetoes and apprehension from China and Russia over potential precedents cloud the prospects for Palestine’s full recognition as a UN member state.
The United Nations lowered its flag to half-mast to honor the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi, known as the “Butcher of Tehran,” was known for his role in human rights abuses and his support of terrorism. While some nations mourned his death, others expressed relief and criticized the Biden administration’s offer of condolences. The incident sparked a global debate about the erosion of human values and the nature of Iran’s political system, which has been plagued by accusations of sham elections and suppression of dissent.
President Sheikh has conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on several global dignitaries for their contributions to the success of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which the UAE hosted last year. The ceremony recognized the recipients’ efforts that led to the historic UAE Consensus, a key framework for global climate action and sustainability.
The United Nations has suspended food distribution in the southern Gaza city of Rafah due to a lack of supplies and security concerns stemming from Israel’s military operation. The UN warns that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with over 1.1 million people facing severe hunger. Israel claims it has addressed US concerns about a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, but the US stopped short of greenlighting the plan.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian were killed Sunday when a helicopter crashed in the Dizmar forest in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Members of the delegation who died include the head of the presidential protocol, bodyguards and the pilot. The international community has expressed condolences, including a moment of silence at the United Nations Security Council, but some human rights advocates have questioned the propriety of such gestures given Raisi’s history of human rights abuses.
The Israeli flag has been waving over the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing for a fortnight, but the future of this critical aid terminal has swiftly become a headache for Israel. Egypt has declined to reopen its side of the crossing as long as Israeli forces occupy the Palestinian side, effectively shutting down one of the few entry points through which much-needed aid reaches Gaza.
This impasse has exacerbated the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the 2.4 million inhabitants of the Palestinian territory, with repeated warnings of impending famine after more than seven months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Rafah crossing, situated on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, was symbolic of Hamas’s authority over the area after the Iranian-backed militant group took power in 2007. However, on May 7, the Israeli army swiftly seized control of the crossing, alleging that it was being utilized for “terrorist” purposes. Since then, it has been closed, significantly reducing the flow of aid into Gaza.
India has expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale (Retd), an Indian national serving with the United Nations in Gaza. Kale was killed on Monday when his vehicle came under attack in the Rafah region of Gaza. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India’s Permanent Mission to the U.N. in New York, as well as its missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah, are providing full assistance in repatriating Kale’s mortal remains to India. The MEA has also extended its heartfelt condolences to Kale’s family and loved ones. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Noted Indian screenwriter and poet Javed Akhtar has strongly condemned Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip following the killing of retired Indian Army Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale. Kale, who was serving with the United Nations, was killed in an Israeli airstrike while traveling in a UN vehicle. Akhtar’s criticism adds to the growing chorus of voices from India and around the world calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution supporting Palestine’s UN membership bid, urging the Security Council to reconsider its decision. However, the United States continues to oppose the move, using its veto power to block resolutions critical of Israel. India has backed the resolution, but a country cannot become a UN member without the Security Council’s approval. In another development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted interim bail in a money laundering case. He has been barred from visiting the Chief Minister’s office or signing any official files. Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections recorded over 64% voter turnout, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah among those who cast their votes. The United Kingdom has exited recession with 0.6% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2024, while Vladimir Putin has begun his fifth term as President of Russia.
