ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS
The fate of the latest cease-fire proposal hinges on Netanyahu and Hamas' leader in Gaza
The proposed cease-fire deal for Gaza is influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Both leaders face significant political and personal pressures that may influence their decision-making. Hamas has accepted the broad outline of the plan but requested "amendments," while Netanyahu has publicly disputed aspects of it, even though the U.S. has framed it as an Israeli plan.
Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid
Army authorities gave Gazan traders the green light to resume their purchases from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers of food such as fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy goods this month, days after Israeli forces launched an assault on the enclave's southernmost city of Rafah, the people said.
EU foreign chief says Israel must respect UN court, control settler violence in the West Bank
Borrell insisted Israel had driven the Palestinians to the edge of a catastrophe because "the situation in Gaza is beyond words. The occupied West Bank is on the brink, risking an explosion any time." While most of the global attention is centered on Gaza, Borrell said that "we should not forget what's happening in the West Bank," where the seat of the Palestinian Authority is based.
Israel allows Israelis to return to three evacuated West Bank settlements
The Israeli military approved the return of Israelis to three former West Bank settlements, Sa-nur, Ganim, and Kadim, near Jenin and Nablus. A fourth settlement, Homesh, was cleared for entry last year. Israelis require military permission to settle down in the West Bank. Israel continued military action in Gaza. Defence Minister Gallant talked on the security and settlement developments.
Spain, Ireland and Norway will recognise a Palestinian state on May 28. Why does that matter?
Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced on Wednesday their intention to recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, responding to international outcry over the civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This move may encourage other EU nations to follow suit, potentially leading to further steps at the United Nations and increasing pressure on Israel. The recognition of a Palestinian state is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the long-standing conflict in the Middle East, with implications for peace negotiations and the broader international community. Israel has reacted negatively to the recognition, viewing it as a setback to the negotiation process and a reward for Hamas.
Palestinian ministry says Israel troops kill 7 in West Bank raid
Seven Palestinians died in an Israeli raid on Jenin. Masked gunmen clashed with troops, causing casualties. Palestinian health officials reported seven deaths and 19 injuries. Smoke billowed over the Jenin refugee camp. Bodies were seen at Jenin's Khalil Suleiman hospital morgue. Surgeon Usaeed Jabareen was among the casualties. Journalist Amer Manasra was wounded by Israeli forces.
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Israel vows to broaden Rafah sweep amid heavy fighting in parts of Gaza
Israel broadened its military operation in Gaza, focusing on Rafah to dismantle Hamas and rescue hostages. Battles intensified in Jabalia, Wadi Al-Salqa, and Al-Karara. U.S. urged targeted strikes on Hamas militants. Gaza medics reported 23 casualties.
Airstrike kills 27 in central Gaza and fighting rages as Israel's leaders are increasingly divided
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism from the two other members of his War Cabinet, with his main political rival, Benny Gantz, threatening to leave the government if a plan is not created by June 8 that includes an international administration for postwar Gaza.
Member of Israel's War Cabinet says he'll quit the government June 8 unless there's a new war plan
In a significant development, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's War Cabinet, threatened to resign if the government doesn't adopt a new plan for the Gaza conflict. His plan includes the return of hostages, ending Hamas' rule, and normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia. Gantz's departure would leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reliant on far-right allies, potentially impacting the direction of the conflict. Meanwhile, aid distribution is set to begin in Gaza, where residents are struggling amid Israeli restrictions and heavy fighting.
Palestinians mark 76 years of dispossession as a potentially even larger catastrophe unfolds in Gaza
Palestinians commemorate the 76th year since their mass expulsion, known as the "Nakba," while facing a dire crisis in Gaza. The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas' attack, has resulted in mass evacuations, devastating casualties, and fears of a catastrophic repeat of history. The international community is alarmed as Palestinians struggle for survival amidst destruction and displacement, raising concerns about their future and the prospects for peace.
Israeli officials concerned about possible ICC arrest warrants as pressure mounts over war in Gaza
Israeli officials are growing concerned about potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the Gaza war, as airstrikes in Rafah killed 22 people, including women and children. Israel plans an invasion of Rafah, but the US and others warn against it. The ICC probe into possible war crimes by Israel and Palestinian militants has raised tensions. Israel has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, and any warrants could lead to arrests in other countries. The US, Egypt, and Qatar are pushing for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli settlements expand by record amount, UN rights chief says
Israeli settlements expand in the occupied Palestinian territories, risking a viable Palestinian state. Transfer of population is a war crime. Settlement-related violence reaches shocking levels after deadly Hamas attacks. UN monitoring shows increase in settler and state violence. Israeli counter-terrorism operations threaten Palestinian statehood.
US opposes Israel's 'reoccupation', any shrinking of Gaza
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated America's stance against Israel reoccupying Gaza or reducing its size, responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan post-war for Gaza. Blinken emphasized Gaza's role in combating terrorism but rejected Israeli reoccupation, advocating for Gaza's territorial integrity. He also supported Israel's right to self-defense after a West Bank attack. Blinken criticized Israeli settlements, calling them counterproductive to peace and illegal under international law, affirming the US's opposition to settlement expansion.
Israeli strikes kill 100 Palestinians in 24 hours as officials hold cease-fire talks
During Hamas' Oct 7 attack on southern Israel, militants killed about 1,200 people and took some 250 hostages. Roughly half of the hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. About 100 hostages remain in captivity, in addition to the bodies of 30 others who were killed on Oct 7 or died in captivity.
West Bank drone strike killed militant planning attack: Israel army
Israel's army reported a drone strike in Jenin, West Bank, killing Yasser Hanun, a Palestinian militant linked to Islamic Jihad, on his way to carry out a shooting attack. Hanun, previously detained for militant activities, was targeted as he was preparing another attack. Witnesses described the car exploding after being hit. This incident follows a surge in violence in the West Bank, with Palestinian gunmen recently killing an Israeli man and injuring eight others. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been involved in the Gaza conflict, resulting in hundreds of casualties.
Rebutting Biden again, Israeli cabinet unanimously reject Palestinian statehood
The Israeli cabinet opposes any plan for Palestinian statehood, rejecting international dictates and insisting on direct negotiations. This stance follows reports of a US-led initiative for a peace deal, including a Palestinian state with a timeline. Israel sees unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state as rewarding terrorism. Meanwhile, the US reaffirms its commitment to a two-state solution and opposes policies that undermine it. The ongoing conflict stems from a Hamas attack in October, with Israel resisting pressure to avoid a ground operation.
Mediator says Gaza truce 'not promising' as Israel rejects calls to spare Rafah
Truce efforts intensified this week as Qatar and fellow mediators Egypt and the United States scrambled to secure a ceasefire before Israeli troops enter Rafah, the last major population centre in Gaza untouched by Israeli ground troops.
Gaza health ministry: 4 die in Israeli-raided hospital after oxygen cut
The raid came after troops had besieged Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis for nearly a week, with staff, patients and others inside struggling under heavy fire and dwindling supplies, including food and water. Hours before troops seized the hospital Thursday, Israeli fire killed a patient and wounded six others inside the complex, staff said.
'Absolute victory': Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects Hamas' truce proposal
Netanyahu made the comments on Wednesday shortly after meeting the visiting US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, who has been traveling the region in hopes of securing a ceasefire agreement. "We are on the way to an absolute victory," Netanyahu said, adding, that the operation would last months, not years. "There is no other solution."
Blinken briefs Israeli leaders on cease-fire and hostage talks as war in Gaza enters 5th month
"There's a lot of work to be done, but we are very much focused on doing that work, and hopefully being able to resume the release of hostages that was interrupted," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
Biden imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of West Bank violence
President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Thursday that aims to punish ill-behaved Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians envisage a future state.
Israeli forces raid West Bank hospital disguised as medical staff, kill 3 Palestinian militants
Israeli forces, disguised as civilians and medical workers, conducted a covert raid on Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank's Jenin, killing three Palestinian militants. The operation raises concerns about violence spilling into the West Bank from the Gaza conflict. Palestinian officials condemned the raid, while Israel claimed the hospital was being used as a militant hideout. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu ruled out a military withdrawal from Gaza and the release of prisoners, casting doubt on cease-fire efforts.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for return of settlers to Gaza
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday called for the return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after the war and said its Palestinian population should be encouraged to emigrate. The Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not officially suggested plans to evict Gazans or to send Jewish settlers back to the territory since the war broke out on October 7.
US wants shakeup of Palestinian Authority to run Gaza after Hamas
US officials have been visiting the West Bank to meet with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas to discuss reforms to combat corruption, empower civil society, and support a free press. Abbas, an architect of the 1993 Oslo peace accords with Israel, has seen his legitimacy undermined by Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank.
'We are officially hostages.' How the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz embodied Hamas hostage strategy
On October 7, Hamas attacked the kibbutz of Nir Oz, capturing one in five residents. The recent release of Israeli hostages, with as many still in captivity, brings new focus on Hamas' hostage strategy. Over 100 Palestinian militants stormed Nir Oz for hours and left with around 80 of its roughly 400 residents. This means people from Nir Oz made up a third of the 240 hostages taken in all and nearly half of the Israelis released, with 35 still in Gaza.
UN calls for 'irreversible' move toward two-state solution to Israel crisis
"It is long past time to move in a determined, irreversible way towards a two-state solution, on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law," said Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the U.N. office in Geneva, delivering a speech authored by U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
India votes in favour of UN resolution against Israeli settlements
India has thrown its support behind a United Nations resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, as per media reports. The resolution, successfully passed on Thursday, drew attention to global apprehension over settlement activities in the region.
View: The Palestinian-Israeli political struggle for land is also a struggle over freshwater
The conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has always been framed about who owns the land. The latest outbreak is no different. But the political struggle for land is also a struggle over freshwater. For, access to all water resources in the West Bank and Gaza is controlled by Israel.
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