Gaza

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

Qatar Announces Additional 48-Hour Truce in Gaza

Qatar announced an additional 48-hour truce in Gaza, building on a prior four-day truce mediated between Hamas and Israel. Both parties agreed to the extension to allow humanitarian aid. A fourth prisoner exchange occurred, releasing 33 Palestinians and 11 Israeli captives. The dialysis unit at al-Shifa Hospital reopened after an Israeli raid. Over 15,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7. WHO reported 180 patients, including 22 requiring dialysis, remain at al-Shifa. Israel claimed the hospital was a Hamas command center, but Hamas and staff denied this.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

Diplomatic Push Intensifies for Gaza Truce Extension as Deadline Approaches

The article covers international efforts to extend a four-day truce in the Gaza conflict, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. The truce ends Tuesday at 7 a.m. Israeli PM Netanyahu offered to extend it per 10 captives released. Hamas released 13 Israeli captives, three Thais, and one Israeli-Russian. 39 Palestinians were released. Over 14,800 Palestinians have died since Oct 7. Elon Musk agreed not to activate Starlink over Gaza without Israeli approval. NATO and EU support extension. Arrests in the West Bank continue.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | tense

Israel Continues Raids Amid Gaza Ceasefire, Kills Eight Palestinians

Israeli forces killed at least eight Palestinians, including a child, in multiple raids in the occupied West Bank within 24 hours, despite an ongoing truce. A Palestinian farmer was killed in Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza. The prisoner exchange on the second day of a four-day truce was delayed due to Hamas allegations of Israeli violations. Israel has killed over 14,800 Palestinians since October 7, while Israeli official death toll is 1,200. Senior Palestinian commander Ahmed al-Ghandour was confirmed killed. On the first day of truce, 39 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were released, along with 10 Thais and 1 Filipino. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's social media post sparked controversy, leading to summoning of ambassadors. Spain summoned Israeli ambassador, and Israel summoned Spanish and Belgian ambassadors. The ceasefire may be extended but war could intensify. UN reported intense bombardments before truce.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | tense

Gaza Ceasefire Holds Despite Israeli Troops Killing Two Palestinians

A ceasefire in Gaza, mediated by Qatar, held despite Israeli troops killing two Palestinians and wounding 11 others as displaced Palestinians attempted to return north. The four-day truce paused seven weeks of conflict. UN rights experts criticized Israeli actions as a forcible transfer, a crime against humanity. As part of the deal, 39 Palestinian women and children were released by Israel, while Hamas freed 13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and one Filipino. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh committed to the truce as long as Israel reciprocates. Over 7,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli jails. The broader death toll exceeds 14,800 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

Four-Day Truce in Gaza to Begin Friday

A four-day humanitarian pause in the Israel-Hamas war is scheduled to start at 7 am Friday, with captives to be released at 4 pm. Hamas announced the ceasefire deal after mediation by Qatar and Egypt. The ceasefire includes cessation of military actions across Gaza and uninterrupted aid passage. However, Israel continues attacks, increasing the death toll. Gaza's Health Ministry stopped coordination with WHO for hospital evacuations after the arrest of al-Shifa Hospital director. Israeli forces expanded operations in West Bank, killing six Palestinians.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

Hamas Announces Humanitarian Ceasefire

Hamas declared a four-day humanitarian ceasefire with Israel, following mediation by Qatar and Egypt. The ceasefire includes cessation of military actions, freeze on movement of military vehicles, and unimpeded passage of aid trucks. It also involves release of 50 civilian women and children in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children in Israeli jails. Air traffic will be halted in southern Gaza, with periodic halts in the north. Israel pledged not to target or arrest anyone during the ceasefire. Israeli PM Netanyahu said it's a temporary pause and operations will resume after four days. Since Oct 7, over 14,100 Palestinians killed, mostly women and children. Israel says death toll from Hamas attacks around 1,200. Israeli military also launched strikes on Damascus according to Syrian army.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | tense

Israeli Forces Lay Siege To Gaza’s Indonesian Hospitals, Kill At Least 12 Palestinians

Israeli forces laid siege to the Indonesian hospital in Gaza, killing at least 12 people since Monday. The overall death toll since October 7 is over 13,000 in Gaza and about 1,200 in Israel. 28 premature babies were evacuated from al-Shifa Hospital to Egypt. Indonesia condemned the attack. Israeli claims of a Hamas tunnel under al-Shifa were dismissed by Gaza's health ministry as a lie. Yemen's Houthi rebels seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea, taking 24 hostages; Iran denied involvement. Israel's Knesset approved a law banning 'terrorist publications', punishable by up to one year in prison. Human rights groups criticized the law. A field hospital from Jordan is being set up in Khan Younis within 48 hours. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov will host a meeting with Arab League and OIC foreign ministers in Moscow on Tuesday.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | tense

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Target UN-run Schools

Israeli airstrikes targeted UN-run schools, hospitals, and public spaces in Gaza, including al-Fakhoora School in Jabalia refugee camp. The death toll has exceeded 12,000 since October 7, with over 29,000 wounded. Strikes also hit refugee camps in southern Gaza and Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. A food scarcity crisis has left no operational bakeries in northern Gaza since November 7 due to fuel and supply shortages. Despite some aid convoys, only 91 trucks entered on November 14, far below the pre-war daily average of 500. Israel imposed stricter fuel regulations, limiting fuel use to aid distribution trucks.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | urgent

Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza Almost ‘Deserted’ After Forced Evacuation

Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, forcing doctors, patients, and displaced individuals to leave, some at gunpoint. The hospital had been without power for over three weeks, and 35 premature babies faced dire conditions. The Israeli army denied giving an evacuation order, but hospital director Mohammed Zaqout disputed this. Over 7,000 people were housed there. Israel's claim of a Hamas command center under the hospital remains unproven. The Palestinian Authority condemned the evacuations as 'crimes of ethnic cleansing and genocide,' and Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila called for international help to transfer premature babies.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | tense

Israeli Attacks, Health Emergency and Humanitarian Concerns Reach Alarming Levels

Israeli attacks killed at least 18 in Jabalia refugee camp and injured 14 in a raid on Ibn Sina Hospital. Gaza is under communications blackout due to fuel shortage. Total Palestinian deaths since 7 October reached 11,470, including over 8,000 women and children, with 28,000 wounded. Israeli forces arrested 47 Palestinians overnight, totaling 2,800 since 7 October. A shooting attack at a checkpoint killed two Palestinian fighters. An Israeli strike on al-Falah School killed displaced people. WHO expressed concern over disease spread; 70,000 respiratory infections and 44,000 diarrhea cases recorded.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | concerned

UN Security Council Passes Resolution for Urgent Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for urgent humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza to facilitate aid delivery and medical evacuations. The resolution was introduced by Malta and adopted with 12 votes in favour and 3 abstentions (Russia, US, UK). It does not mention a ceasefire or Hamas' attack. Israel's ambassador Gilad Erdan dismissed the resolution, claiming it is meaningless and that humanitarian deterioration is artificially caused by Hamas. The resolution is binding international law.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | tense

Israeli Forces Raid al-Shifa Hospital as Diplomatic Fallout Intensifies

Israeli forces raided al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza City, where thousands were sheltering. Hamas denied using hospitals as command centers. Palestinian death toll reached 11,300 since October 7, while Israeli deaths were 1,200. International law experts questioned Israel's evidence. Several countries recalled diplomats or severed ties with Israel.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

Gaza Hospitals in Crisis: Collapsed Facilities Heighten Challenges in Updating Casualty Figures

Gaza's health ministry struggles to update casualty figures due to Israeli targeting of hospitals. The UN confirms collapse of services in northern Gaza hospitals. Last official death toll is 11,100 including over 8,000 children and women. US official Barbara Leaf suggests actual casualties may be higher. 27,490 injured, nearly 3,000 missing. Al-Shifa Hospital is surrounded by Israeli tanks, and Al-Quds Hospital is non-operational. Two premature babies died due to electricity failure at Al-Shifa, with 37 more at risk. UN shelters have also been targeted, killing 66 internally displaced people and injuring 588.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

Gaza Crisis: Hospitals Under Siege, Global Outcry for Ceasefire Grows

The World Health Organization has lost communication with al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, the largest hospital under siege, amid Israeli attacks. Director Mohammad Abu Salmiya reported ongoing bombardments preventing medical work and burial of dozens of bodies. 37 premature babies are at risk due to electricity failures. Israeli snipers on rooftops fire into the complex. Fuel ran out on Saturday, paralyzing services. An airstrike in Khan Younis killed 13 Palestinians. Palestinian death toll reaches 11,078; Israeli toll exceeds 1,200. Global protests demand ceasefire, but Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects calls, backed by US and Western governments. Rafah crossing to Egypt, closed Friday, may reopen Sunday for foreign passport holders.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | concerned

Netanyahu Rejected Ceasefire Deal Involving Release of Hostages, Reports Say

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a five-day ceasefire deal proposed by Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza that involved releasing some hostages. The Israeli government instead intensified attacks, leading to over 10,300 Palestinian deaths and 25,000 injuries. Approximately 240 hostages are held by Hamas and other groups. Negotiations mediated by Qatar focus on a possible 1-3 day ceasefire linked to the release of 10-15 hostages. The Biden administration backs Israel's military operation and rejects a ceasefire. Egyptian mediators are close to brokering a humanitarian truce.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

Turkish President Urges Global Pressure on Israel for Ceasefire in Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged global pressure on Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza, denouncing Israel's actions as oppression and barbarism. He criticized the US and Western powers for supporting Israel, and commended UN Chief Antonio Guterres. Erdogan proposed a reciprocal release of hostages between Israel and Hamas, and highlighted Hamas's readiness to release civilians. He announced Turkey's willingness to intervene. Erdogan outlined plans for the upcoming OIC summit in Riyadh, focusing on Israeli aggression and a push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. He called on Western countries to implement UN resolutions.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

Spanish Minister Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza, Calls for International Action

Spanish Minister for Social Rights Ione Belarra accused Israel of planned genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In an interview with Al Jazeera, she criticized the international community for hypocrisy, contrasting the response to Ukraine with silence on Gaza. Belarra called for an immediate end to the Israeli assault, re-evaluation of diplomatic relations with Israel, and economic sanctions on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She proposed bringing those responsible before the International Criminal Court. Spain, where Podemos is a junior coalition partner, has doubled aid to Gaza to $43 million. Belarra condemned European governments that banned pro-Palestinian marches, while Spain allowed demonstrations. The conflict has polarized European politics.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | concerned

G7 Calls for Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza, Makes No Mention of Ceasefire

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) nations called for humanitarian pauses in Israel's bombardment of Gaza to facilitate aid delivery and civilian movement, but did not mention a ceasefire. The statement criticized Hamas and supported Israel's right to self-defense. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with counterparts from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Italy, issued the call. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the military is operating deep inside Gaza City. US President Joe Biden requested a pause from Prime Minister Netanyahu. White House spokesman John Kirby stated Hamas should not be part of Gaza's governance. Hamas responded that Gaza's governance is a Palestinian matter. Israeli forces have killed 154 Palestinians and arrested 2,150 in the West Bank since October 7. The total Gaza death toll reached at least 10,328. Nearly two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million residents are displaced. The US House of Representatives censured Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for her criticism of Israel. Over 4,200 demonstrations worldwide have occurred in relation to the war.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

Gaza Death Toll Tops 10,000 as Israeli Bombardment Enters Second Month

The Palestinian death toll surpassed 10,000 as Israel's bombardment of Gaza entered its second month. Gaza's Health Ministry reported over 10,022 deaths, including 4,104 children, and 25,408 wounded. Many remain trapped under rubble. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 16 in Rafah, and a Palestinian journalist and 42 family members were killed. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported 37 journalists killed. Humanitarian conditions deteriorated; 569 aid trucks reached Gaza since 21 October, but fuel remains blocked. UN Chief Guterres called Gaza a 'graveyard for children' and urged a ceasefire. US Secretary of State Blinken's Middle East tour sought a humanitarian pause, but Israel showed reluctance. Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated openness to limited pauses but indefinite security control. Blinken is scheduled to attend a G7 meeting in Japan where Gaza will be discussed.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

UN Launches Flash Appeal for Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank

The United Nations, with partner organizations, launched a flash appeal for US$1.2 billion to aid 2.7 million Palestinians in Gaza and 500,000 in the West Bank amid the Israeli bombardment and blockade. The death toll in Gaza has reached 9,922, with 62% women and children. Nearly 1.5 million are displaced, including 700,000 in UNRWA facilities. Settler violence in the West Bank has escalated to seven attacks daily. UNRWA reported 88 staff killed. Jordan began air-dropping medical supplies. The Israeli army divided Gaza into north and south, complicating humanitarian access.