Israel

Biden Slams ICC Prosecutor’s Application for Arrest Warrants Against Israeli Officials as Outrageous

US President Joe Biden condemned ICC prosecutor Karim Khan's application for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders (Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh). Biden called the move outrageous, accusing the ICC of false equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Germany agreed, while South Africa welcomed the decision. Biden reiterated US support for Israel, referencing the war in Gaza where over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed. The article also notes separate ICJ genocide case by South Africa.

ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israeli PM, Defence Minister and Key Hamas Figures

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan announced seeking arrest warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu, Defence Minister Gallant, and Hamas leaders Al-Masri, Sinwar, and Haniyeh for war crimes and crimes against humanity since October 2023. Charges include starvation, murder, and torture. The conflict has killed over 35,000 Palestinians, destroyed 75% of Gaza's infrastructure, and blocked aid.

Israel Moves Forward With Rafah Offensive Despite Hamas’ Acceptance of Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh announced acceptance of a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Israel, through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, stated the proposal falls short of its demands but agreed to send a delegation to Cairo for further negotiations. Israel's war cabinet resolved to sustain military operations against Rafah and carried out heavy airstrikes. Israel issued evacuation orders for approximately 100,000 Palestinians from eastern Rafah to an 'expanded humanitarian zone' near the coast and Khan Younis. Over 1.4 million displaced people are in Rafah. Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire, while Israel seeks to resume operations after any truce. Reports describe a large exodus of residents.

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.

Israel Shuts Down Al Jazeera Operations

Israel shut down Al Jazeera's operations, citing national security, a claim Al Jazeera denied. The decision followed a cabinet vote and drew criticism as a blow to press freedom. Netanyahu announced the closure, leading to confiscation of equipment and blocking of broadcasts. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations in Cairo stalled, with Hamas accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging talks. Hamas demanded US guarantees against a ground invasion in Rafah. Israel rejected a permanent ceasefire, with Netanyahu arguing it would allow Hamas to maintain power. Defense Minister Gallant warned of an offensive into Rafah if no deal is reached. The UN and WHO condemned the closure and warned of famine in Gaza.

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

US Sanctions Israeli Military Unit Over Human Rights Violations Despite Aid Package Approval

The US is sanctioning the Israeli military unit Netzah Yehuda for human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank, under the Leahy Law, which prohibits military aid to units committing gross violations. This comes after the US House approved a $26 billion aid package to Israel. Israeli leaders reacted angrily. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei praised Iran's missile strike on Israel, which launched over 300 projectiles on April 13. In Gaza, Israeli attacks killed dozens, and a mass grave was discovered at Nasser Medical Complex; over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7.

Israel Contemplates Launching Renewed Attacks Against Iran

Israel's war cabinet convened after Iran's retaliatory ballistic missile attack on Nevatim Airbase. Israel considers a proportional response targeting Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah and armed groups in Syria. Hezbollah launched two attack drones towards northern Israel, causing minor injuries; Israel killed top Hezbollah commander Ismail Yousef Baz. Iran warns of a 'painful response' to further attacks. The United Nations urged Israel to stop supporting settler attacks on Palestinian civilians following the killing of two Palestinian men by armed settlers in the West Bank. Since October 7, settler violence has increased, with Israeli forces killing at least 33,843 Palestinians and wounding 76,575 others.

Israel’s War Cabinet Divided Over Response to Iranian Attack

Israel's war cabinet, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and former Defence Minister Benny Gantz, reconvened for a second day to discuss a response to Iran's unprecedented attack. Iran launched approximately 350 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel, but the IDF intercepted most with help from the US, UK, France, and Jordan. The attack caused minimal damage and no deaths. No definitive decision was reached, though Israeli officials say a response is inevitable. President Joe Biden advised careful consideration. Statements from Gallant and Gantz suggest an immediate direct retaliation may not be imminent.

Former Supreme Court Justices, Legal Experts Urge UK Government to Halt Arms Sales to Israel

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.

US Approves Arms Shipment to Israel Amid Rising Palestinian Death Toll

The United States has announced plans to provide billions of dollars worth of bombs and warplanes to Israel, including 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and 25 F-35A fighter jets. This decision has drawn international criticism as Israel's military actions in Gaza have resulted in nearly 33,000 Palestinian deaths and over 75,000 wounded, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that 26 of its members have been killed by Israeli forces. Qatar welcomed an ICJ ruling calling for Israel to ensure food supplies to Gaza. Protests in Jordan have occurred for six consecutive nights.

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.

Israeli Military Accused of Harassment, Torture of UN Staff

UN personnel have been subject to alleged mistreatment by Israeli military and authorities, according to internal UN documents obtained by The Guardian. Incidents include UN staff being blindfolded, beaten, and verbally abused at checkpoints in the West Bank. Israeli troops allegedly used UN facilities as firing positions during raids on refugee camps, resulting in Palestinian civilian deaths. UNRWA has denied Israeli accusations of collaboration with Hamas. The Israeli military denied intentionally targeting or harassing UNRWA personnel. Tensions escalated with weekly protests outside UNRWA's field office in East Jerusalem, and an undisclosed shooting incident targeting a UNRWA truck driver is under police investigation. UNRWA health centres face shortages due to shipment delays held up by Israeli customs. Armed Israeli personnel entered UNRWA installations during 'security operations', causing damage. Since 7 October, UNRWA documented 135 incidents of Israeli forces targeting its facilities. On 8 December, Israeli forces raided al-Faara refugee camp, breaching a UNRWA health centre, killing six Palestinians including a 14-year-old. In al-Arroub camp, heavy restrictions hinder movement and UNRWA operations. At least 50 people were killed in a recent Israeli raid on Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital.