Gaza

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Blackout in Gaza’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital Puts Vulnerable Lives at Risk

A blackout at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, one of the last functional medical facilities, has put ICU and nursery patients at high risk of death due to fuel shortage. Medical staff use flashlights and mobile phone lights. Dr Warda al-Awawdeh warned that if secondary power fails, it will be life-threatening. The hospital has three babies in incubators and 10 others in a separate room. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths expressed concerns about Israeli leaders' statements on deporting Palestinians. Gaza death toll since 7 October is 23,843 with 60,317 wounded. Indonesia faced accusations at ICJ that Hamas operated from Indonesian Hospital; MER-C head Sarbini Abdul Murad and volunteer Fikri Rofiul Haq denied these claims. The US carried out strikes against Yemen's Houthi forces in response to attacks on maritime vessels, supported by UK, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Bahrain. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal criticized President Biden for not seeking congressional approval.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | tense

International Court of Justice Hears South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began public hearings on South Africa's genocide case against Israel, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza since October 7. South Africa, a signatory to the Genocide Convention, seeks interim measures including withdrawal of Israeli military and halting bombings. Israel will respond on Friday. The ICJ comprises 15 judges; both nations appointed ad hoc judges: Aharon Barak for Israel and Dikgang Moseneke for South Africa. Jurisdiction is based on the Genocide Convention. Enforcement relies on the UN Security Council, but the US veto power may hinder compliance. A preliminary order could come within weeks, while a full judgment may take years.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | concerned

Gaza Couple Weds in Shelter as Israeli Bombardment Continues

Muhammad and Yasmine Abdel-Al married in a simple ceremony at a school shelter in Rafah, southern Gaza, amid ongoing Israeli bombardment. Originally from Gaza City, they fled to Rafah like nearly a million Palestinians. The wedding had messages of support on a blackboard. Meanwhile, in Jenin, West Bank, an Israeli drone strike killed six people, and Israeli forces conducted raids, resulting in casualties. The Palestinian death toll in Gaza reached 22,722 with 58,166 wounded. A protest in New York demanded a free Palestine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU policy chief Josep Borrell visited the Middle East to ease tensions after a Hamas leader's assassination in Beirut.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | concerned

Israeli Forces Accused of Exhuming Graves, Stealing Bodies in Gaza

Reports from Gaza's government media office state Israeli forces exhumed 1,100 graves and stole 150 bodies at Tuffah cemetery. Over 1.4 million people are sheltered in UNRWA facilities, with 319 killed and 131 installations damaged. 22,722 Palestinians killed since October 7. Chilean lawyers filed an ICC complaint against Israeli army for genocide and war crimes, demanding accountability for PM Netanyahu. The Intercept reported CNN's compliance with Israeli military censorship.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | tense

Israel Outlines Post-War Governance Plan for Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant disclosed a strategic plan for post-Hamas governance in Gaza, proposing a phased approach: continued operations to dismantle Hamas and return hostages, then transfer control to unspecified Palestinian entities while Israel maintains operational presence. The plan, titled 'Vision for Phase 3', awaits approval from war and security cabinets. The cabinet is divided, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocating Israeli settlement and Palestinian emigration, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds divergent views. The US proposes a revitalized Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza. Palestinian deaths from Israeli bombing exceed 22,400, mostly women and children, with 85% displaced. Israel faces genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice, brought by South Africa.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | tense

Thousands Attend al-Arouri’s Funeral, Israel Intensifies Gaza Bombardment

Thousands attended the funeral of senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. Simultaneously, nine Hezbollah members were killed in Israeli strikes along the Lebanese border. The assassination of al-Arouri resembled Israeli targeted killings using unmanned drones. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported 125 Palestinians killed and 318 injured in 24 hours. Since October 7, 22,438 Palestinians have been killed and 57,614 wounded. Israeli forces withdrew from Nur Shams camp after a 40-hour raid, arresting hundreds. Bombardment continues in central and southern Gaza. Heavy rains flooded Jabalia camp, raising disease concerns.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 22,000 as Israeli Forces Ramp Up Attacks

The Gaza death toll has surpassed 22,185 with over 57,000 injured since October 7, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli forces continue attacks, with 207 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours and at least 15 killed in Deir al-Balah. Five Palestinians were killed in West Bank raids. A seventh Palestinian prisoner died in Israeli custody, denounced as assassination. Turkey arrested 33 individuals on suspicion of ties with Israeli intelligence. The Israeli Supreme Court struck down a controversial law from Netanyahu's judicial overhaul. South Africa filed a genocide application at the International Court of Justice, which Israel criticized as anti-Semitic. Adel Abdel Ghafar of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs noted shifting global sentiment, with pro-Palestinian rallies worldwide and pressure on Western politicians. He highlighted the potential impact on US politics in an election year.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Childhood Vaccine Doses Enter Gaza as Israel Continues Intense Ground Fighting

Palestinian Health Ministry reported thousands of doses of vaccines against childhood diseases, including polio and measles, entering Gaza amid intense ground fighting. Israel's offensive has halted normal health services. The vaccines arrived via Rafah border crossing with Egyptian cold storage assistance. Death toll in Gaza reaches at least 21,822 killed, 56,451 wounded since Oct 7. Revised Israeli death toll at 1,139. US attacked three Houthi boats in Red Sea, killing 10 fighters. Iran deployed warship IRIS Alborz to Red Sea, and security chief met Houthi negotiator.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Global Campaign Urges People to Ring in New Year With Call for Ceasefire in Gaza

Peace activists launched the Countdown2Ceasefire campaign urging people to turn New Year countdowns into a collective call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The enclave has suffered severe bombardment since October 7, with 28,822 killed/missing, including 9,100 children, and over 55,000 injured. The campaign has support in over 30 countries. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Doctors Without Borders condemned countries that vetoed or abstained from ceasefire votes. The World Food Programme highlighted the urgent food crisis. Israel's attacks have destroyed over 70% of homes and displaced over 90% of the population. Recent violence includes 100 killed and 286 wounded in central Gaza. Israeli war cabinet will discuss prisoner exchanges, while Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to continue attacks. The Biden administration bypassed Congress on weapons sales. Israeli forces killed 13 Palestinians in Khan Younis and two girls near the European Hospital. Overnight raids in the West Bank detained 16 people, bringing total arrests since October 7 to 4,876.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Israel Dropped 29,000 Bombs on Gaza by Mid-December, Destroying 70% of Homes, WSJ Reveals

The Wall Street Journal revealed that Israel dropped 29,000 bombs on Gaza by mid-December, destroying nearly 70% of homes. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 165 Palestinians killed and 250 injured in 24 hours. Israeli forces detained 14 in the West Bank. South Africa initiated war crimes proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide. The US approved a $147.5 million transfer of artillery shells to Israel using emergency authority. Since October 7, Israel has killed 21,672 Palestinians and wounded 56,165. Over 8,000 are buried under rubble. UN Women, with WFP, is supporting over 14,000 female-headed households in Gaza.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

South Africa Files Genocide Case Against Israel at ICJ

South Africa has filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. South Africa seeks provisional measures, including an immediate ceasefire, citing statements by Israeli officials as evidence of genocidal intent. Israel rejected the case, calling it a 'blood libel'. The ICJ's provisional measures are legally binding but face enforcement challenges.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

35 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attacks in Gaza

At least 35 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on the Nuseirat and Maghazi refugee camps in central Gaza on Friday. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported 21,507 Palestinians killed since October 7, with 187 killed in the past 24 hours. UNRWA reported Israeli soldiers opened fire on an aid convoy returning from northern Gaza. 48 journalists have been arrested in the occupied West Bank and 106 killed in Gaza. 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been forced to flee. Mercy Corps warned half a million people face catastrophic hunger. The UN Security Council passed a resolution to increase humanitarian aid, but Mercy Corps VP Kate Phillips-Barrasso said aid delivery remains nearly impossible due to security risks.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Israeli Attacks Kill 50 Palestinians in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes killed 50 Palestinians in Beit Lahiya, Khan Younis, and al-Maghazi in Gaza on Thursday. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported 10 casualties and 12 injuries near al-Amal Hospital, which was targeted for the fifth time in less than a week. Israeli forces also killed 38-year-old Muhammad Sayel Abdelqader al-Jundi near Bethlehem in the West Bank. The Health Ministry in Gaza said since October 7, over 21,320 Palestinians have been killed and 55,603 wounded. 312 medics were killed and 104 ambulances destroyed, while 23 hospitals were forced out of service. Half of Gaza's housing is damaged or destroyed, and about 2 million people are displaced facing shortages of food and water.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Israeli Attack in Khan Younis Kills 20, UN Appoints Aid Coordinator

An Israeli army attack near El Amal City Hospital in Khan Younis killed at least 20 Palestinians and wounded several others. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 195 deaths and 325 injuries in the past 24 hours. UN Chief Antonio Guterres appointed Sigrid Kaag as Gaza's aid coordinator. Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated the war may continue for months. Since October 7, 21,110 Palestinians have been killed and 55,243 wounded. Hamas's attack on Israel killed 1,139. OCHA reported 367 Israeli settler attacks since October 7. The World Food Programme warned of unprecedented food insecurity, with the entire Gaza population at risk of famine.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | concerned

Israeli Airstrikes Ravage Southern Gaza

Israeli airstrikes hit 100 targets in southern Gaza over 24 hours, with casualties reported in Khan Younis, Bureij, Juhor ad-Dik, and Nuseirat. Death toll since October 7 reached 20,674 with 54,536 wounded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed readiness to encourage Palestinian emigration, drawing condemnation. At least seven Palestinians were killed near Khan Younis. Despite Rafah being designated a 'safe zone', strikes continue. Israeli forces detained 55 individuals in the occupied West Bank, raising total arrests to 4,785 since October 7.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | concerned

Egypt Proposes Fresh Truce Formula As Death Toll Mounts in Gaza

Egypt proposed a truce formula offering a 7-10 day ceasefire for release of civilians and Palestinian prisoners, followed by release of female soldiers for another ceasefire and negotiations for all military personnel. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 100 Palestinians in Maghazi and Bureij camps, raising the Palestinian death toll since October 7 to 20,400. The revised Israeli death toll from Hamas attacks is 1,139. Despite a UN Security Council resolution on aid, airstrikes escalated. Civilians face hunger, water shortages, and lack of medical supplies. Israeli forces recovered five dead captives from a tunnel and raided 10 locations in Gaza. West Bank residents report harassment in Jenin camp.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Aid Delivery Hampered as Israel Intensifies Bombardment of Gaza

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) says it cannot deliver meaningful aid to Palestinians in Gaza amid heavy Israeli bombardment. Despite a UN Security Council call for increased access, Israeli forces have intensified attacks, killing over 20,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, and wounding over 54,000. Israeli deaths from the October 7 attack stand at 1,139. UN Special Rapporteur Balakrishnan Rajagopal attributes the situation to 'institutionalised impunity' and proposes a special tribunal for Gaza if the ICC does not act. Journalist Ahmad Jamal Al Madhoun was killed, bringing the journalist death toll to 103.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | concerned

Watered-Down Gaza Aid Resolution Draws Criticism

A watered-down UN resolution to boost aid to Gaza has been criticized as 'nearly meaningless' as Israel intensifies bombardment, notably in Khan Younis and Nuseirat refugee camp. Over 20,000 Palestinians killed and 53,300 wounded, per Gaza officials. WHO warns famine looms. WFP reports half of Gaza starves with only 10% of required food entering. Hamas calls on Red Cross to pressure Israel on detained Palestinians. Al Haq and 31 groups accuse UN agencies of aiding Israel's war objectives.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | neutral

UN Security Council Adopts Resolution on Increasing Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the US and Russia abstaining. The resolution stops short of demanding an immediate ceasefire but urges conditions conducive to a ceasefire. It focuses on urgent steps for safe humanitarian access. Over 576,000 Palestinians in Gaza face catastrophic hunger. Health Ministry in Gaza reports 390 Palestinians killed and 734 injured over the past two days. At least 20,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza Government Media Office. Israeli army acknowledges 784 soldiers injured and 471 killed since ground operation. Tensions continue in Jerusalem and occupied East Jerusalem.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | urgent

Israel Kills At Least 29 Palestinians in Rafah Bombing

Israeli forces bombed three residential buildings in Rafah, killing at least 29 Palestinians, with fears of more casualties under rubble. The Rafah border crossing is the only exit from Gaza. The bombing followed diplomatic developments: US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition to patrol the Red Sea in response to Houthi attacks. The coalition includes the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. UKMTO called for a firm response. Since October 7, Israel has killed over 19,453 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and arrested over 4,500 in the West Bank. Hamas's attack on Israel killed nearly 1,140. The UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution, with 'cessation of hostilities' as a sticking point.