Gaza

Israeli Army Issues Evacuation Order in Rafah

The Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah, warning of imminent use of extreme force in southern Gaza. A night of bombardment killed 22 Palestinians, including eight children. The evacuation order came as truce negotiations in Cairo stalled. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that a ground offensive would 'put the final nail in the coffin' for humanitarian aid. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the potential assault 'completely unacceptable.' US President Joe Biden and other officials cautioned against the offensive. Aid agencies warned of worsening humanitarian crisis.

Seven-Month Intense Aggression Against Palestinian People Must End Immediately: Maldives at OIC

Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, as President Mohamed Muizzu's special envoy, called for an immediate end to Israel's seven-month aggression against Palestinians at the 15th OIC Islamic Summit in Gambia. He urged expediting humanitarian aid to Gaza and reiterated support for South Africa's case at the ICJ (filed 19 February 2024) against Israel. Saeed advocated for an independent Palestinian state and full UN membership for Palestine. He also condemned violence against Rohingya in Myanmar. The article notes over 34,000 Palestinian deaths, with WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier reporting about 160 children killed daily in November 2023.

Gaza Ceasefire Talks Enter Crucial Phase With Heightened Diplomatic Activity

Gaza ceasefire talks enter a crucial phase with heightened diplomatic activity. A Hamas delegation led by Osama Hamdan arrived in Egypt for negotiations, while a Qatari delegation heads to Cairo. Reports suggest Israel accepted a proposal for a 40-day ceasefire and hostage swap. US, Egypt, and Qatar mediate. Israel plans a military offensive in Rafah despite international warnings. WHO Director-General Tedros warned of catastrophic loss of life. Israeli airstrikes killed Palestinians. Since October 7, over 34,654 Palestinians killed and 77,908 wounded. UN World Food Programme describes northern Gaza as experiencing full-blown famine.

WBU Condemns Killing of Journalists in Gaza on World Press Freedom Day

On World Press Freedom Day, the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU) condemned the killings of journalists in Gaza and criticized Israel for barring international media. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that since October 7, 2023, at least 97 journalists and media workers have been killed: 92 Palestinian, 3 Lebanese, and 2 Israeli. Additionally, 16 were injured, 4 missing, and 25 arrested. WBU called for Israel to permit independent coverage. They also highlighted global risks to journalists. The statement honored fallen journalists. Several Maldivian media entities including Public Service Media (PSM), Island Broadcasting Company (VMedia), Maldives Broadcasting Commission, Sun Siyam Media (SS Media), and Island Communication & Entertainment (ICE Network) are members of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).

Israel’s War on Gaza: War Cabinet Convenes Following Blinken’s Meeting With Netanyahu

Aid Convoy Attack Raises Questions on Israeli Actions in Gaza

Israel’s War on Gaza: More Civilians and Aid Workers Killed, Al-Shifa Hospital Destroyed

Israel's war on Gaza continues, with seven humanitarian aid workers from World Central Kitchen killed in an Israeli attack on an aid convoy in Deir el-Balah, including six foreign nationals. World Central Kitchen condemned the attack, and founder Jose Andres expressed sorrow. The US National Security Council urged Israel to investigate. Over 200 aid workers have been killed since October 7, with total Palestinian deaths reaching at least 32,916. Al-Shifa Hospital was destroyed after a two-week Israeli raid, described by WHO as 'ripping the heart out of the health system.' Additionally, an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus killed 13, including an IRGC commander, drawing condemnation from the UN.

Ceasefire Talks Resume Amid Intensified Israeli Attacks in Gaza

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are set to resume in Cairo, as reported by Egypt's Al-Qahera news channel, following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's approval. Previous rounds mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US failed. Meanwhile, tens of thousands protested in Tel Aviv demanding captive release. Gaza health ministry reported 107 patients trapped in al-Shifa hospital due to Israeli operations. Since October 7, Israeli attacks have killed at least 32,705 Palestinians and wounded 75,190.

ICJ Issues Legally Binding Order for Israel to Ensure Aid Provision

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a legally binding order demanding Israel ensure uninterrupted provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the order. Israeli attacks have killed at least 32,623 Palestinians and wounded 75,092 since October 7. In the past 24 hours, 71 Palestinians were killed and 112 wounded. A strike on a sports centre in Gaza City killed 15, and a mosque in Jabalia camp was bombed. Belgium's minister Caroline Gennez said international pressure must continue. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini called on Israel to cooperate with the UN. In Syria, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 in Aleppo.

Netanyahu Faces Mounting Criticism Over Handling of US Relations Amid Gaza Crisis

UN Security Council Demands Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2728 demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages and expanded humanitarian aid. The US abstained, citing lack of condemnation of Hamas. UN Secretary-General Guterres stressed adherence, especially during Ramadan. Israeli PM Netanyahu viewed the US abstention as a policy shift and canceled a high-level delegation to Washington. The resolution is legally binding but implementation is often challenging.

Israeli Defence Minister to Meet Key US Officials; Israeli Forces Continue to Target Aid Seekers in Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is set to visit the United States to meet top US officials, including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Topics will include the Gaza conflict, hostage release, humanitarian initiatives, and regional stability. The visit follows Blinken's trip to the region where he cautioned against an Israeli offensive on Rafah. Netanyahu claimed Israel would proceed independently if needed. Rafah now shelters 1.5 million Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli forces killed at least seven Palestinians in Deir al-Balah and opened fire on aid seekers near Al-Kuwait roundabout, killing over 19 and injuring over 23. Gaza health ministry reported the attack. Hamas said Israeli negotiators rejected their ceasefire proposals. UN Secretary-General Guterres called the aid blockade at Rafah a 'moral outrage.' Since 7 October, 32,142 Palestinians have been killed and 74,412 injured.

Israel Ramps Up Attacks on Gaza Despite Rising Palestinian Death Toll, Humanitarian Crisis

Israeli forces launched attacks across southern Gaza, killing many including five children in Rafah. A UN Security Council vote on a ceasefire resolution has been postponed. US Secretary of State Blinken returned from the Middle East without progress as Netanyahu rejected a halt to the planned Rafah invasion. Since October 7, at least 32,070 Palestinians have been killed and 74,298 injured. Israeli airstrikes targeted civilians waiting for aid at the Kuwait Roundabout and Abu Miri roundabout. The siege of al-Shifa Hospital continues, with medical staff and civilians killed. In the West Bank, 7,740 Palestinians have been detained since October 7.

WHO, Cadus Work to Resume Medical Evacuation in Gaza; Israeli Attack on Deir al-Balah Kills Children, Women

Medical evacuations in north Gaza have been halted for over a month. Patrick Münz, head of mission for German charity Cadus, emphasizes the urgent need for ambulances. A collaboration between Cadus and the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to facilitate evacuations. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) stopped evacuations after Israeli forces repeatedly attacked convoys. Two PRCS staff were killed in January while trying to reach six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was later found dead. UNRWA suspended food convoys in February after one was fired upon. Cadus conducted a trial mission to al-Shifa Hospital on Monday, and first evacuations are hoped for this week.

Israeli PM Approves Plans for Attack on Rafah Amid Rising Palestinian Death Toll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved plans to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which shelters over one million displaced people. The decision was made during a war cabinet meeting; no timeline was provided. US President Joe Biden called it a 'red line' if civilian protections are not assured. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the attack and urged a humanitarian truce. Hamas proposed a 40-day ceasefire and hostage release. Netanyahu dismissed the demands as unrealistic but agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Qatar. The White House considered the proposal within bounds of recent discussions. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accused Netanyahu of genocide. Since October 7, at least 31,341 Palestinians have been killed. A UNICEF report found 31% of children under two in northern Gaza suffer acute malnutrition. A Spanish ship began unloading food via a maritime corridor. Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians awaiting aid at the Kuwait roundabout, wounding over 150. A previous incident on February 29 killed 118.

Second Ship Loaded With Food Aid for Gaza Ready to Set Sail Amid Israeli Blockade

A second shipment of 300 tonnes of food aid from Cyprus is ready to depart for Gaza, where over two million people face starvation due to the Israeli blockade. The World Central Kitchen, in collaboration with Cyprus, the UAE, and Spanish NGO Open Arms, is leading the effort. The first shipment of 200 tonnes is expected to reach the Gaza coast soon. Security concerns have led to the withholding of the ships' whereabouts. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians waiting for aid trucks, killing at least six. EU aid chief urged Israel to open more routes. Since October 7, 31,341 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. Israeli authorities imposed new restrictions on entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Ramadan, including permits and magnetic cards. Police deployed 3,000 officers for security.

US VP Calls for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Criticism Over US Policy Towards Israel

US Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate six-week ceasefire in Gaza during a speech in Selma, Alabama, drawing cheers but criticism for not signaling a shift in US policy towards Israel. Beth Miller of Jewish Voice for Peace Action criticized the Biden administration for only advocating a temporary pause, urging that US influence be used to stop Israel's offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu intends to launch ground attacks on Rafah, alarming the US which says there is no credible strategy to protect over one million civilians there. Eight US senators, including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, sent a letter to President Biden urging an ultimatum to Israel to increase aid or risk losing military assistance, citing Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act. The UK Foreign Office called for an investigation into the Israeli raid on Nasser Hospital on 15 February, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 patient deaths due to power cuts, and the torture of approximately 200 people, including Dr. Ahmed Abu Sabha.

Israeli Human Rights Organisations Accuse Nation of ICJ Violations

Twelve Israeli human rights organisations signed an open letter accusing Israel of failing to comply with the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) provisional ruling on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ICJ had ordered measures including preventing harm to civilians and facilitating aid. The letter claims a 50% drop in aid since the ruling. International pressure mounts as US and EU arrange aid deliveries. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the ICJ's willingness to discuss genocide allegations. Amnesty International accused Israel of causing famine.

US President Proposes Temporary Pier in Gaza; EU Coalition Advances Maritime Aid Corridor Initiatives

US President Joe Biden announced plans to build a temporary pier on Gaza's coastline to facilitate aid entry, facing criticism as unrealistic. A coalition of nations including the EU, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Cyprus, UAE, UK, and US expressed intent to open a maritime corridor for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Cyprus will convene officials to expedite the channel. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks killed at least 78 Palestinians and injured 104 in 24 hours. Hamas left Cairo talks, accusing Israel of thwarting mediation. UNRWA reported severe food shortages, with 95% of pregnant and breastfeeding women facing food poverty. The UN declared nearly all of Gaza's 2.2 million people in crisis-level food insecurity.

UNRWA Chief Warns of ‘Concerted Campaign’ to Eliminate Agency’s Role in Protecting Rights of Palestinians

UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini warned the UN General Assembly of a 'concerted campaign' to end the agency's operations and highlighted severe security consequences if funding is not secured. He cited Israel's tactics including misinformation and destruction of UNRWA infrastructure, and eviction from East Jerusalem headquarters. Unverified claims of 12 staff involvement in Hamas attacks led 16 countries to pause funding, causing a $450 million loss. Lazzarini noted that in five months, more children, journalists, medical personnel, and UN staff were killed in Gaza than anywhere else, with 5% of the population dead, wounded, or missing. He criticized the threatened assault on Rafah, where 1.4 million displaced people are concentrated. WFP country director Matthew Hollingworth said the tragedy of aid seekers was foreseeable and called for immediate food aid to northern Gaza.