Gaza

Israel Kills Over 50 Palestinians in Attacks Targeting Refugee Camps in Gaza

Israel killed at least 47 Palestinians in an overnight attack on al-Maghazi refugee camp and six at Jabalia camp. Over 9,400 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, including nearly 4,000 children. An ambulance convoy was bombed, killing 15. Fighting was reported across Gaza, including at Juhor ad-Dik and Beit Hanoun. Tens of thousands protested in Washington D.C., demanding a ceasefire, criticizing President Biden for enabling genocide. The Biden administration has not set red lines for Israel's military operations.

Ex-State Department Official Raises Concerns Over Isreal’s Use of US Arms to Massacre Civilians in Gaza

Josh Paul, former US State Department official, resigned over arms sales to Israel, stating the department does not believe US arms should be used to massacre civilians. He raised concerns internally but found no appetite for discussion. Paul criticized the Biden administration's top-down approach discouraging questions about the policy. He argued Israel receives a blank cheque compared to other countries, with lack of humanitarian consideration. Secretary Antony Blinken emphasized Israel's right to self-defense after the Hamas attack on 7 October. The White House requested a loophole for secret arms deals. Paul's main concern is US-provided arms causing civilian casualties in Gaza.

At Least 13 Killed, 26 Injured in Israeli Attack on Ambulance Convoy in Gaza

Israeli forces attacked an ambulance convoy near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, killing at least 13 and injuring 26. The Health Ministry in Gaza confirmed the death toll. Separate attacks hit the Indonesian Hospital and Al-Quds Hospital, causing many casualties. Since October 7, over 9,000 Palestinians have been killed and 32,000 injured in the Israeli offensive backed by the US and Western governments.

Maldivian Donations Help Supply Fuel to War-Torn Gaza

The Maldives-based International Aid Campaign (IAC) donated 20,000 liters of fuel to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza, amidst Israel's bombardment that began on October 7 after Hamas attacks. The crisis has resulted in over 9,000 Palestinian casualties and severe infrastructure damage, with 16 hospitals and 51 clinics ceasing operations due to fuel shortages. Al-Aqsa Hospital's Communications Director Mohamed al Haaj thanked Maldivian donors and IAC. IAC also distributed food, supplies, hot meals, and financial aid (USD 100,000 to 200 families). Maldivian public contributions totaled MVR 24 million through IAC fund boxes.

Maldives Urges UN to Act Against ‘Mass Atrocities’ Committed in Gaza

Maldives' Permanent Representative to the UN, Thilmeeza Hussain, addressed the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly, criticizing the UN Security Council for failing to halt violence in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. She stated that over 8,805 Palestinians, including 3,457 children and 2,136 women, have been killed, and over 21,048 injured. Hussain called for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international law, emphasizing that the current conflict is part of decades-long oppression. The Maldives co-sponsored a resolution calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery.

Israeli Military Campaign Takes Toll on Children in Gaza

The UN Relief Chief Martin Griffiths visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, describing the suffering as 'beyond devastating'. Over 3,450 children have been killed in Gaza since 7 October, with 1,000 missing. Gaza's water production is only 5% of required volume due to destroyed desalination plants. A UNICEF staffer's daughter is self-harming due to stress. Only 143 aid trucks entered Gaza between 21-30 October, compared to 500 daily before the conflict. The WHO documented 82 attacks on healthcare facilities. Israel bombed near two hospitals.

Maldives Denounces Israeli Attack on Jabalia Camp as War Crime, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

The Maldives government strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Jabalia refugee camp as a war crime and called for an immediate ceasefire. The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled the attacks 'deliberate acts of violence' and 'gross violation of international humanitarian law'. Over 50 people were killed in the attack on Jabalia. Total Palestinian casualties since 7 October include 8,525 killed, over 3,500 children, and 21,543 wounded. Maldives reiterated the UN General Assembly resolution. Israel confirmed the attack, citing a senior Hamas commander. Over half of Gaza's population has been displaced.

UN Human Rights Director Resigns in Protest, Citing Palestine Genocide

Craig Mokhiber, Director of the UN Human Rights New York Office, resigned in protest over the UN's handling of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, calling it a textbook case of genocide. In a resignation letter to High Commissioner Volker Turk, he accused Western governments of complicity and criticized the UN's repeated failures in preventing mass atrocities. Mokhiber supported a one-state solution and criticized the two-state solution and Oslo paradigm. He also stated that the US, UK, and Europe are complicit and have violated Geneva Conventions. The UN General Assembly voted 120-14 for a humanitarian truce, but Israel and the US rejected it.

Leaked Documents Reveal Israeli Plans for Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza

Leaked documents from Israeli sources reveal proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, raising ethnic cleansing concerns. The Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy published a plan on 17 October to resettle Gaza's entire population in Egypt, estimating costs of $5-8 billion. Another Israeli Intelligence Ministry document outlines transfer to Sinai with tent cities and buffer zone. Israel asked northern Gaza residents to move south but continued bombing in southern areas. Egypt refuses to accept refugees. UN human rights experts warn of potential ethnic cleansing and violations of international law.

UN Chief Renews Call for Ceasefire Amid Death, Destruction and Hunger in Gaza

Israeli forces continue airstrikes on Gaza. The Health Ministry reports over 8,000 Palestinians killed since October 7, including 3,342 children. The UN chief calls for an immediate ceasefire. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar expresses readiness for a prisoner swap. Palestinian officials confirm re-pumping water from a second pipeline to alleviate shortages. The Palestinian Red Crescent received 10 aid trucks via Rafah, bringing total to 94, none carrying fuel. UNRWA reports thousands broke into aid depots due to scarcity. Israeli authorities issued an evacuation notice for al-Quds Hospital, which shelters 12,000 displaced and 400 patients. In the West Bank, three Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids.

Palestinian Death Toll Expected to Rise as Israel Begins Second Stage of Gaza Attacks

Israel began the second stage of its ground operation in Gaza, warning it will be long and difficult. Heavy bombing targeted public telecom infrastructure, cutting off civilians. Turkey's President Erdogan accused Israel of war crimes, prompting Netanyahu to recall diplomats. Over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed, 18,000 wounded, and 1.4 million made homeless. The ICRC called for immediate de-escalation, publicly decrying the situation as a 'catastrophic failing'.

UNGA Adopts Resolution Calling for ‘Immediate Humanitarian Truce’ in Gaza

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an 'immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce' leading to cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The resolution, proposed by Jordan and backed by over 45 member states, passed with 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions. It demands all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure unhindered provision of essential supplies into Gaza, and immediate release of all civilians held captive. The session also featured speeches by Riyad Mansour (Palestine) and Gilad Erdan (Israel). The resolution is the UN's first formal response since the Hamas attacks on October 7.

Arab Nations Condemn Israeli Attacks, Call for Immediate Ceasefire

Nine Arab nations issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Israel's ongoing attacks in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza. The statement followed the 'Cairo Peace Summit' held on 21 October 2023. The nations—Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco—condemned targeting of civilians, violence, and violations of international law, including forced displacement and collective punishment. They rejected attempts to ignore the Palestinian issue and called the violations war crimes. The statement urged full commitment to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, immediate release of hostages, and safe humanitarian access to Gaza. It also called on the UN Security Council to mandate an immediate ceasefire. The death toll from Israeli attacks that began on 7 October has reached at least 7,326 Palestinians killed, including over 3,000 children, and more than 17,439 injured.

“Hamas Treated Us Very Nicely,” Released Israeli Hostage Tells Press

Yocheved Livschitz, an 85-year-old Israeli woman, was released after 16 days in captivity by Hamas. Upon release, she shook hands with a masked Hamas militant and said 'Shalom.' She was released alongside Nurit Yitzhak (also known as Nurit Cooper) through a deal facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, with the Red Cross handing them over at the Egyptian border. Livschitz described her captors as initially violent but later caring, maintaining hygiene and providing the same food. A doctor visited daily. She criticized Israel's security forces for not heeding warnings of the impending attack. Livschitz and her husband Oded Lifshitz, a journalist and rights activist, were abducted on October 7 when Hamas attacked, killing over 1,400 and taking about 220 hostages. Oded remains in captivity. Israel's ongoing bombardment has killed over 5,000 people in Gaza.

US Rejects Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza

The United States has opposed a ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that Hamas must release all hostages first. White House spokesperson John Kirby, backed by President Joe Biden, stated this position. The US urged Israel to postpone a ground assault to facilitate hostage release and aid delivery, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military officials disagreed on timing. Israel continued airstrikes, and the Pentagon sent military advisers and air defense systems. Shortages of food, water, and shelter have caused some residents to return to northern Gaza. Israel ordered nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people to evacuate on October 13, displacing nearly two-thirds of the population, per the UN. Hamas released two Israeli hostages Monday night, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The US and Qatar are negotiating release of 50 dual nationals. UN and EU called for a humanitarian pause. Gaza’s health authority reports over 5,000 killed since the bombing began after the October 7 attack by Palestinian fighters, which killed about 1,300 Israelis.

Humanitarian Aid Delivery to Gaza Delayed Due to Road Damage

Humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza is delayed due to extensive road damage near the Rafah crossing, as shown in satellite images. Six damaged areas appeared after 10 October. Israel Defence Forces conducted airstrikes on northern Rafah, though they did not mention the crossing. UNRWA stated the aid convoy of 20 trucks is insufficient, calling it 'a drop in the ocean'. Juliette Touma, an UNRWA representative, pleaded for sustained aid flow. Planet Labs emphasized the need for fuel to operate water stations. Meanwhile, Hamas released two US hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan.

IAC Distributes US$100,000 to Affected Palestinian Families

The International Aid Campaign (IAC), a Maldives-based aid organisation, has distributed US$100,000 (MVR 1.5 million) to 200 Palestinian families affected by the ongoing Israeli military aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. Over 3,000 Palestinians have been killed and 13,750 injured, with over a million displaced. The funds were raised through donations, including MVR 13 million from Maldivians and a telethon that raised MVR 12,989,372.72 and US$8,672.38. The State Trading Organisation (STO) donated MVR 1 million. The Maldivian government condemned Israel's actions.

Humanitarian Aid En Route to Gaza, Biden Expresses Support for Israel

President Joe Biden commended Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for opening the Rafah crossing to allow 20 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Aid may not arrive until Friday. Israeli air raids on Gaza have caused civilian distress, particularly a strike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital. Hamas attributed the attack to Israel, but Israel claimed it was a misfiring Palestinian rocket, a denial Biden endorsed. Clashes in the West Bank killed at least five Palestinians. Gaza remains under complete siege. Protests continue worldwide. The Palestinian Mission to the UN in Geneva accused Israel of disinformation. Hezbollah was targeted by Israel on the Lebanon border. Death tolls: approximately 3,480 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

MSF Raises Alarm Over Israeli Evacuation Order in Gaza

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) raised alarm over the Israeli military's evacuation warning for over a million residents in northern Gaza within 24 hours. MSF General Director Meinie Nicolai described the situation as 'unprecedented' and condemned the demand. MSF argues the evacuation is impractical and will worsen the humanitarian crisis. The organization called for an immediate end to violence and creation of safe zones. MSF provides psychological aid in Palestine.

STO Group Donates MVR 1 Million to Palestine, Condemns Israeli Aggression