Gaza

Israel Kills 67 Palestinians in Rafah as Tensions Rise

Israeli air and sea attacks on Rafah killed at least 67 Palestinians overnight, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Concerns rise over Israel's planned ground offensive on Rafah. A senior Hamas leader warned that such an offensive could jeopardize captive exchange negotiations. US President Joe Biden reportedly discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need for a safety plan to protect over one million people sheltering in Rafah. Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 28,340 Palestinians and injured 67,984. Two captives, Louis Norberto Har and Fernando Simon Marman, were rescued by the Israeli military. Hamas initially seized around 240 captives on October 7; about 134 remain in Gaza after a truce in November. Hamas has proposed a three-phase plan for the release of all captives, but Netanyahu has rejected it, vowing to continue until absolute victory. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Gaza has no safe places, with many families evacuated up to 10 times.

Israel’s War on Gaza: Netanyahu’s Plans for Ground Invasion of Rafah Spark Panic

Israel has killed 44 Palestinians, including 12 children, in airstrikes on Rafah. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare plans for a ground invasion of Rafah and evacuation of civilians, causing widespread panic. Hamas warned of catastrophic repercussions. The US, a key ally, criticized the plans; President Biden called Israel's response 'over the top' and pushed for a ceasefire. Netanyahu rejected Hamas's ceasefire proposal, insisting on absolute victory. EU Foreign Policy Chief Borrell warned of humanitarian catastrophe. The death toll in Gaza reached 28,064. US Senator Sanders criticized proposed $14 billion military aid to Israel, and Trump suggested a loan instead. Egypt warned of disastrous consequences if Israel invades Rafah.

Israeli Snipers Kill 21 in Gaza; UN Chief Warns of Humanitarian Crisis

Israeli snipers killed 21 Palestinians, including medical staff, outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. In the past 24 hours, 107 Palestinians were killed and 142 wounded. US President Biden described Israel's assault as 'over the top'. UN Chief Guterres warned of a humanitarian crisis, with half of Gaza's population crammed into Rafah. The International Court of Justice ruling two weeks ago has not alleviated the situation. Islamic Relief reported thousands more killed and injured. Israeli siege has cut off essential resources. PM Netanyahu vows to continue until total victory over Hamas. Escalation in Israeli attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria. UAE foreign minister emphasized preventing regional conflict in a meeting of Arab states. Israeli raids in the West Bank detained 11 Palestinians.

Israeli PM Orders Military To Prepare for Ground Invasion of Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to prepare for a ground invasion of Rafah, rejecting Hamas' truce plan. Talks for a ceasefire are set to resume in Egypt, but the upcoming Ramadan adds political pressure. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that a ground invasion would worsen the humanitarian crisis. About 1.2 million people are sheltering in Rafah. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed captives' release with Israel's war cabinet. In overnight airstrikes, Israel killed 14 Palestinians, including five children. Since October 7, Israel has killed over 27,840 people, mostly women and children, and destroyed over 80% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure. The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to ensure essential services and aid. Canada stated that Israeli claims about UNRWA employees' involvement in the October 7 attack have not been substantiated.

Hamas Presents Counterproposal for Ceasefire; Israel Obstructs Entry of Aid Into Gaza

Hamas submitted a counterproposal for a Gaza ceasefire that spans four and a half months, including release of hostages, Israeli withdrawal, and an end to the war. Hamas insists on a complete end to the war before releasing hostages. Israel finds demands unacceptable. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is in Israel to discuss. Since October 7, Israel has killed 27,708 Palestinians and wounded 67,147. OCHA reports that only 10 of 61 planned aid missions to northern Gaza were facilitated. PRCS leaders are in Gaza assessing humanitarian challenges.

UN Aid Agencies Face Israeli Attacks in Gaza; Houthi Forces Warn More Attacks

Humanitarian agencies face Israeli attacks in Gaza, with UNRWA reporting an Israeli navy attack on a UN food truck. The Palestine Red Crescent Society says about 8,000 displaced people fled al-Amal Hospital after a siege. US Secretary of State Blinken visits the Middle East to broker a truce. Israeli forces have killed at least 27,478 Palestinians since October 7, with 107 deaths in the last 24 hours. Jabalia refugee camp has been destroyed. The Houthi group's Brigadier General Yahya Saree announces retaliatory strikes against US and British ships in the Red Sea, warning of further operations until the Gaza siege ends.

Qatar, Spain Step Forward as UNRWA Faces Funding Crisis

Qatar's Prime Minister reaffirmed support for UNRWA, warning of consequences if funding is cut. Spain pledged an additional €3.5 million to address the shortfall after major donors suspended funding following allegations against UNRWA staff. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in Gaza killed 30 Palestinians in central Gaza, with rescue efforts ongoing. Israeli snipers killed seven near al-Shifa Hospital. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported at least 27,478 deaths and 66,835 injuries since October 7, with 113 killed and 205 injured in the last 24 hours. The UN states 85% of Gaza's population is displaced, facing severe shortages, and 60% of infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Israeli forces detained officials at Al-Amal hospital and 22 Palestinians in the West Bank, bringing total detained to nearly 6,540. Attacks intensify in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.

Israeli Siege on Hospitals Heightens Despite Ceasefire Talks

UN Official Urges Urgent Action on Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

UNRWA Funding Freeze Risks Famine in Gaza

Western countries, including the United States, halted additional funding for UNRWA after Israel alleged 12 UNRWA employees were involved in the 7 October Hamas attack. Israel reported nine dismissals, one death, and two under investigation. UN Special Rapporteur Michael Fakhri warned of inevitable famine in Gaza. The funding freeze is seen as collective punishment affecting over 2.2 million Palestinians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres initiated an investigation. Before the freeze, half of Gaza's population relied on UNRWA. The ICJ issued an interim ruling requiring Israel to prevent civilian deaths. Since 7 October, 26,422 Palestinians have been killed.

Maldives to Intervene in ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel

The Maldives has announced its intention to intervene in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case where South Africa accuses Israel of breaching the Genocide Convention. The ICJ recently issued an interim ruling requiring Israel to take preventive measures in Gaza. Public Policy Secretary Abdulla Nazim disclosed the cabinet's decision in a press briefing. Attorney General Ahmed Usham is appointed as the Maldives' agent. No further details or confirmation of discussions with South Africa have been released.

Israel’s War on Gaza: Arab League Holds Extraordinary Session; Palestinian Death Toll Surpasses 26,000

An extraordinary session of the Arab League has been called by Palestine, with Egypt and Jordan, to respond to the ICJ's interim ruling on Israel's war on Gaza. CIA Director Bill Burns is set to meet with officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Israel in France for ceasefire talks including a prisoner exchange. Thousands flee Khan Younis to Rafah as Israel intensifies attacks. Al-Amal Hospital is unable to perform surgeries due to oxygen depletion, and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society condemns the targeting of its facilities. The Palestinian death toll has reached 26,422 killed and 65,087 wounded. UN Secretary-General Guterres denounced UNRWA staff involvement in the 7 October attack, while several countries paused funding to UNRWA. Jan Egeland urged donors to continue funding, warning of the impact on lifesaving aid for two million people in Gaza.

Israel Kills 174 Palestinians in 24 Hours Despite ICJ Ruling

The article reports that 174 Palestinians were killed and 310 wounded in 24 hours following the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. Israel intensified bombings in Gaza, targeting healthcare facilities like Nasser Hospital and al-Amal Hospital. The ICJ ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide but did not call for a ceasefire. The UK disagreed with the genocide characterization, criticizing South Africa for bringing the case. Civil rights lawyer Michael Mansfield criticized the ruling as insufficient, while Professor Gerry Simpson noted limited immediate impact. Over 26,000 Palestinians have been killed. The ICJ also ordered Israel to allow humanitarian aid and submit a progress report within a month.

Maldives Welcomes ICJ Ruling Against Israel

President Muizzu welcomed the ICJ's preliminary measures ordering Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza. The ICJ mandated Israel to take steps to prevent genocidal acts and facilitate humanitarian aid, but did not order a ceasefire. Israel must report within one month. Maldives called on Israel to comply and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital.

ICJ Orders Israel to Prevent Genocidal Acts in Gaza

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling on emergency measures in South Africa's genocide case against Israel regarding the Gaza Strip. The court ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocidal acts, allow humanitarian aid, and report back within one month, but did not order a ceasefire. Judge Donoghue delivered the announcement, stating Israel must 'take all measures within its power' to prevent genocide. The court noted statements by Israeli officials, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and President Isaac Herzog. South Africa hailed the ruling as a victory for international law.

ICJ to Deliver Interim Ruling on South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel on Friday

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver an interim ruling on South Africa's genocide case against Israel on 26 January 2024. South Africa filed the case on 29 December 2023, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza. Public hearings were held on 11-12 January. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks reportedly fired on civilians in Gaza City, killing at least 20 and wounding 150. The overall death toll in Gaza is 25,700, with 63,740 wounded. The UK faces scrutiny over arms exports to Israel, with advocacy groups urging a judicial review. A Labour lawmaker accused PM Rishi Sunak of having 'blood on his hands'.

Israel’s War on Gaza: Palestinian Death Toll Soars, Humanitarian Emergency Unfolds

Israeli Army Lays Siege to Hospitals in Khan Younis After Setbacks in Southern Gaza

Jordan Accuses Israel of Aid Obstruction as Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 24,000

Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of obstructing aid to Gaza, resulting in only 10% of needs being met. Israel has killed 24,285 Palestinians since 7 October, wounding over 61,000. A family of 12 was killed in Rafah. Iran vowed to continue attacks after missile strikes, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards attacked in Iraq's Kurdistan, killing 4. A Houthi anti-ship missile struck a US-owned container ship off Aden without major damage. Israeli ministers Sa'ar stated Hamas is far from defeated, Eisenkot urged an agreement for captives, and Gallant said the southern operation nears end. Hamas released a video claiming two hostages died from Israeli airstrikes.

Gaza Conflict Nears 100th Day: Israel Vows to Press on Amid International Criticism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel would continue its military campaign against Hamas despite international criticism, as the Gaza conflict nears 100 days. He dismissed pressure from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where South Africa has accused Israel of genocide. The conflict has impacted Israel's economy, with the budget deficit expected to rise in 2024. Pro-Palestinian protests have occurred globally. An Israeli strike in Rafah killed 14 Palestinians, including a two-year-old girl. Israeli bulldozers entered Jenin in the West Bank. Palestinian deaths have reached at least 23,843, with over 60,317 wounded; Israeli deaths stand at 1,139. Namibia criticized Germany's support for Israel at the ICJ. Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron denied that UK strikes on Houthis in Yemen constitute an escalation and suggested further strikes may occur. Houthis claim to target only Israeli-linked ships.