Israel

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 10 months ago | concerned

Israel Kills At Least 50 Palestinians in New Attacks on Khan Younis

Israel launched new air and artillery attacks on eastern Khan Younis, killing at least 50 Palestinians and wounding dozens. Over 400,000 people were forced to flee. The total death toll in Gaza since October 7 has exceeded 39,000, mostly women and children. Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, intensified counterattacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza. Hamas called for international intervention, accusing the US of indifference. Residents expressed skepticism about US politics, with quotes from Abdel Nasser Mahmoud and Kawthar Adnan Hussein.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 10 months ago | positive

Maldives Welcomes ICJ Ruling Against Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories

President Mohamed Muizzu welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion condemning Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The opinion, delivered by ICJ President Nawaf Salam, highlighted violations of international humanitarian law, settlement expansion, and discriminatory policies. Muizzu called for an immediate end to these practices and reparations, and reiterated support for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. The UN General Assembly had sought the opinion in 2022.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 10 months ago | urgent

Israeli Attacks Across Gaza Kill Over 30 Displaced Palestinians in Schools and Shelters

Israeli forces killed over 30 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including 17 near a tent area in Khan Younis and 23 at a school in Nuseirat refugee camp. Since October 7, at least 38,713 Palestinians have been killed and 89,166 wounded. UNRWA reports nearly 70% of its schools in Gaza have been bombed, with over 95% used as shelters, resulting in 539 civilian deaths. Journalist Muhammad Abdullah Mishmish was killed, bringing the total to 160. The Health Ministry called for international medical delegations.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

Israel Risks War With Hezbollah, US Analyst Warns

Former US military intelligence analyst Harrison Mann warned that Israel may initiate a war with Hezbollah to ensure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political survival, as Netanyahu faces corruption charges. Mann, who resigned from the Defence Intelligence Agency over US support for the Gaza war, argued that such a conflict could cause unprecedented casualties in Lebanon and Israel and draw the US into a regional war. He noted that Hezbollah could launch massive rocket attacks overwhelming Israel's defenses, and that an Israeli ground offensive would result in significant casualties. Mann criticized the Dahiya doctrine of bombing residential areas, predicting it would backfire. The Biden administration might become more involved, especially near US elections. Mann's resignation letter on LinkedIn condemned US enabling of killing and starvation of Palestinians. UN humanitarian coordinator Sigrid Kaag highlighted insufficient aid to Gaza, with 1.9 million displaced.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

Political Tensions Surge in Israel Over Palestinian Detainee Release

Political tensions in Israel surged after the release of about 50 Palestinian detainees from Gaza, including prominent figure Muhammad Abu Salmiya. The move drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials: Itamar Ben-Gvir called for accountability, Yoav Gallant was reportedly unaware, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an inquiry. Benny Gantz called it an operational and moral error. Yair Lapid criticized government dysfunction. Bezalel Smotrich labeled it a scandal. Leaked messages suggest Ben-Gvir called for the resignation of Shin Bet head. Human rights organizations, including Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, expressed fears for Abu Salmiya's life. Hamas demanded transparency from the Red Cross. The conflict continues with heavy Israeli attacks in Gaza and West Bank, and accusations of using Palestinian prisoners as human shields. Since October 7, 37,900 Palestinians have been killed and 80,060 wounded. Recent strikes caused 23 deaths and 91 injuries.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

Israel’s War on Gaza: Netanyahu Rejects Permanent Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, stating openness to a partial deal for hostage release while continuing the war to eliminate Hamas. The stance contradicts the US-backed ceasefire plan and sparked condemnation from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which called it a betrayal. Hamas said Netanyahu's remarks show opposition to the Biden proposal and UN resolution. Negotiations mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt have been ongoing since January, with a three-phase outline but unresolved issues on permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. Separately, Save the Children reported 21,000 Palestinian children missing, including 4,000 presumed dead under rubble and 17,000 unaccompanied, with some abducted or detained by Israeli forces.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

Israel, Hezbollah Exchange Blows Amid Fears of Wider War in Middle East

Hezbollah released a drone video showing sensitive Israeli sites and warned of widespread strikes. In response to an Israeli airstrike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward Israel. Separately, Israeli forces attacked a UNRWA aid center in Gaza City, killing at least five people, and used white phosphorus munitions in southern Lebanon. Human Rights Watch criticized the use. Israel has closed all Gaza crossings to Palestinian patients. Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 37,598 Palestinians in Gaza.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

UN Report Accuses Israeli Authorities of War Crimes in Gaza

A UN-backed independent commission accuses Israeli authorities of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza Strip. The report details attacks from October 9 to December 2 using 2,000-pound bombs on civilian areas, verifying 218 deaths. Navi Pillay, leading the commission, stated Israel committed crimes including forced starvation and extermination. The report also highlights sexual and gender-based violence by Israeli forces. Since October 7, over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed. The commission found six key attacks violating international law.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

Hezbollah Drone Footage Raises Concerns in Israel

Hezbollah released a 9-minute, 31-second drone video titled 'Hoopoe' on Telegram, targeting Israeli sites including Haifa's ports, Rafael defence factory, Iron Dome batteries, and radar installations. The IDF declined comment. The US and France are mediating to reduce tensions along Lebanon's border. Hezbollah's drones pose a challenge, with Israel intercepting about 150 but some evading. US envoy Amos Hochstein visited Lebanon and Israel amid reports of an Israeli drone strike near Tyre and ongoing exchanges of fire.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

Israel’s War on Gaza: Netanyahu Dissolves Israeli War Cabinet, Consolidates Power

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the war cabinet overseeing operations in Gaza. The war cabinet was formed after Hamas's attack on 7 October as part of an emergency coalition with Benny Gantz's National Unity party. Following Gantz's resignation, Netanyahu consolidated power, snubbing far-right allies like Itamar Ben-Gvir. Netanyahu will consult with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The dissolution was influenced by US pressure. Far-right former lawmaker Moshe Feiglin is set to speak at an Australian Jewish Association event. Continued violence in Gaza has led to many civilian deaths, including children.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | tense

Israel’s War on Gaza: Antigovernment Protests Intensify in Israel

Antigovernment protest groups in Israel have escalated efforts to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing his handling of the war in Gaza. Tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities calling for a ceasefire and leadership change. The Israeli army denied knowledge of a 'tactical pause' announced for humanitarian aid delivery, which coincided with Eid al-Adha. Army operations in Rafah included burning and demolishing homes, described as ethnic cleansing. A Qassam Brigades attack killed eight Israeli soldiers. The humanitarian crisis worsens, with UNRWA reporting 50,000 malnourished children. UN agencies suspended aid from a US-built pier; trucks now use Kerem Shalom crossing with daily pauses. Since October 7, at least 37,337 Palestinians have been killed and 85,299 wounded.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | neutral

Government Considering Amendments to Israeli Passport Ban Bill

Attorney General Ahmed Usham said a blanket ban on Israeli passports requires further consideration due to many Palestinians holding Israeli passports. A bill by MP Meekail Ahmed Nasym to amend the Maldives Immigration Act is under parliamentary review. The administration will not introduce a new bill but will propose amendments at the committee stage. The AG did not specify exact amendments.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | concerned

Parliament Advances MDP’s Proposal to Ban Entry of Israeli Passport Holders With Cross-Party Support

The Maldivian Parliament has voted to accept for consideration an amendment bill proposed by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that seeks to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives. The bill, tabled by South Galolhu MP Meekail Naseem, is a response to Israel's military offensive on Gaza launched on 7 October 2023. The People's National Congress (PNC), the government-aligned party, expressed cross-party support. The bill amends the Maldives Immigration Act and aims to pressure Israel to halt its offensive. Parliament voted 87 in favor to forward the bill to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services for further review.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | tense

Netanyahu Warns Tough Response Against Hezbollah as Border Tensions Rise

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a tough response against Hezbollah after rocket attacks, during a visit to Kiryat Shmona. The Israeli cabinet increased reservists by 50,000 to 350,000. The EU called for restraint. Human Rights Watch reported Israeli use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon. In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed 36,586 Palestinians since October 7.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | tense

Israelis Advised Against Travel to Maldives Following Move to Ban Entry

Israel's foreign ministry advised citizens against travel to the Maldives after the Maldivian government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, proposed a legislative amendment to ban Israeli passport holders. The decision follows a cabinet recommendation and a significant drop in Israeli tourists (528 in first four months of 2024 vs 4,644 in 2023). The ban is in response to Israel's military offensive in Gaza. The main opposition party, MDP, has submitted an amendment bill to parliament, proposed by South Galolhu lawmaker Meekail Naseem.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | urgent

Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Rises to Over 36,200 as Israel Intensifies Attacks

Gaza's Health Ministry reported 53 Palestinians killed and 357 injured in Israeli attacks within the last 24 hours. Two paramedics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society were killed in Tal as-Sultan, west of Rafah, while attempting to rescue the wounded. Israel's military seized the entire length of Gaza's border with Egypt (Philadelphi Corridor). Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 36,224 Palestinians and injured 81,777. Yemen's Houthi group, led by Abdulmalik al-Houthi, pledged to escalate military operations in support of Palestinians, targeting ships in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | urgent

Maldives’ Opposition Calls for Enforcement of ICJ Order on Israel

Fayyaz Ismail, leader of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), urged the Maldives government to enforce the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order for Israel to halt its military offensive in Rafah. The MDP welcomed the ICJ ruling and called for international enforcement. President Muizzu expressed support for the ICJ order on social media. The ICJ, responding to a South African request, demanded an immediate cessation of Israel's operation in Rafah. The article also notes international pressure on Israel, including recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway, Ireland, and Spain, and ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | concerned

Israel Rejects ICJ Order to Halt Rafah Assault

Israel rejected a binding ICJ order to halt its assault on Rafah, calling it 'outrageous, morally repugnant and disgusting.' Despite the order, Israeli forces advanced into southeastern Rafah and pushed towards western districts. The humanitarian crisis worsened with food and medical shortages. Israeli strikes killed at least three Palestinians in Wadi Gaza. Egypt agreed to allow UN aid through the Karem Abu Salem crossing. Italy announced 35 million euros in new funding for Palestinians, with 5 million via UNRWA. The death toll since October 7 stands at 35,903 Palestinians.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | concerned

Israel Faces Diplomatic Crisis as Allies Recognise Palestinian State

Israel faces diplomatic crisis as Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognize Palestinian state. Israeli officials vow to continue Gaza attacks and expand West Bank settlements. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan voices concern over Israel's isolation, supporting a two-state solution. Sullivan criticizes Israel withholding funds from Palestinian Authority. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin opposes ICC prosecutor Karim Khan's request for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Gallant, as well as Hamas figures. Israel intensifies Rafah attacks; over 800,000 Palestinians flee. Strikes kill 16 Palestinians in Gaza City and Nuseirat. Hamas accuses Israel of manipulating a video of female soldiers captured on October 7.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | urgent

Israel’s Continued Blockade of Aid and Attacks Deepen Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The UN has suspended food distribution in Rafah, southern Gaza, as Israel continues to block aid and intensify attacks. A US$320 million US-built pier project has not distributed aid; 569 tonnes remain undistributed. The World Food Programme (WFP) ceased distribution in Rafah after exhausting stocks. Disruptions by extremist Jewish settlers reduced deliveries to 5 of 11 trucks. 1.1 million people face catastrophic hunger. Israel's incursion into Rafah since 6 May worsened the crisis. WFP is re-evaluating logistics and cooperating with USAID.