Israel

WHO, Cadus Work to Resume Medical Evacuation in Gaza; Israeli Attack on Deir al-Balah Kills Children, Women

Medical evacuations in north Gaza have been halted for over a month. Patrick Münz, head of mission for German charity Cadus, emphasizes the urgent need for ambulances. A collaboration between Cadus and the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to facilitate evacuations. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) stopped evacuations after Israeli forces repeatedly attacked convoys. Two PRCS staff were killed in January while trying to reach six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was later found dead. UNRWA suspended food convoys in February after one was fired upon. Cadus conducted a trial mission to al-Shifa Hospital on Monday, and first evacuations are hoped for this week.

Israeli PM Approves Plans for Attack on Rafah Amid Rising Palestinian Death Toll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved plans to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which shelters over one million displaced people. The decision was made during a war cabinet meeting; no timeline was provided. US President Joe Biden called it a 'red line' if civilian protections are not assured. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the attack and urged a humanitarian truce. Hamas proposed a 40-day ceasefire and hostage release. Netanyahu dismissed the demands as unrealistic but agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Qatar. The White House considered the proposal within bounds of recent discussions. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accused Netanyahu of genocide. Since October 7, at least 31,341 Palestinians have been killed. A UNICEF report found 31% of children under two in northern Gaza suffer acute malnutrition. A Spanish ship began unloading food via a maritime corridor. Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians awaiting aid at the Kuwait roundabout, wounding over 150. A previous incident on February 29 killed 118.

Israel Restricts Palestinian Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadan

Israel imposed restrictions on West Bank worshippers entering Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, with about 35,000 gathering for prayers. Jordan expressed concern, warning of dangerous escalation. Two Palestinian men, Muhammad Jaber and Tawfiq Aed Fawaz Hussein, were shot and killed by Israeli military near Attil. Israeli airstrikes also hit Baalbek, Lebanon. WHO delivered aid to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, but 2,000 medical workers face famine. Two children died of malnutrition at Kamal Adwan Hospital. UNRWA head reported Israel turned back an aid truck due to medical scissors. US expressed concern over Rafah invasion. CIA Director William Burns visited the Middle East for ceasefire talks. Since October 7, 31,045 Palestinians killed, 72,654 wounded, over 75% of civilian infrastructure destroyed. Israel accused of using starvation as a war crime.

Israeli Human Rights Organisations Accuse Nation of ICJ Violations

Twelve Israeli human rights organisations signed an open letter accusing Israel of failing to comply with the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) provisional ruling on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ICJ had ordered measures including preventing harm to civilians and facilitating aid. The letter claims a 50% drop in aid since the ruling. International pressure mounts as US and EU arrange aid deliveries. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the ICJ's willingness to discuss genocide allegations. Amnesty International accused Israel of causing famine.

Biden Administration Faces Scrutiny for Over 100 Secret Arms Sales to Israel

The Biden administration made over 100 weapons sales to Israel since the Gaza conflict began, keeping each transaction below congressional approval thresholds. Sales include precision-guided munitions, small-diameter bombs, bunker busters, and small arms. Critics, including Ari Tolany of the Centre for International Policy, raise transparency concerns, citing a loophole used similarly under the Trump administration for Saudi Arabia and UAE. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro pushed for reporting requirements. The administration also publicly disclosed three major sales totaling over $570 million. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated the aid supports Israel's legitimate self-defense. The Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance (CHIRG) process is being used to evaluate US arms use but is slow. UN special rapporteur Gaviria Betancur called for urgent action to protect Palestinian rights.

US Vice President Criticises Israel’s Actions in Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging Hamas to accept a six-week truce. She spoke at an event marking the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Harris also met with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz. A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for talks, but progress is unclear. Israel has killed over 30,000 Palestinians since October 7.

US to Airdrop Aid Into Gaza as Israel Blocks Land Routes

US President Joe Biden announced airdrops of food and emergency supplies into Gaza as Israel continues to restrict land routes for humanitarian aid. The decision came during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Recent Israeli attacks on Palestinians seeking food aid led to over 100 deaths, raising concerns of famine. Critics argue airdrops are temporary and highlight failure to coordinate ground relief. The US will collaborate with Jordan and other nations. The International Rescue Committee emphasized diplomatic efforts are needed.

World Reacts to Israel’s Killing of Palestinian Aid Seekers

Israel's killing of at least 112 Palestinians and wounding of over 750 at the Nabulsi roundabout in Gaza City on Thursday has drawn widespread international condemnation. Many countries, aid groups, and human rights organizations denounced the attack as a violation of international law. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for an explanation, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné demanded an independent investigation, and Lebanon's foreign ministry condemned the killings. The White House called the deaths 'tremendously alarming' but stopped short of condemning Israel. The Gaza Health Ministry reported four children died from starvation, adding to the toll. The Jordanian army conducted three food airdrops, while the US and Canada are considering similar actions. Refugees International President Jeremy Konyndyk criticized the airdrops as negligible. Total casualties since October 7 stand at 30,228 killed and 71,377 injured. Over 200 MPs from 12 countries are urging arms sales bans to Israel.

Biden, Netanyahu Pursue Contradictory Objectives in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about a ceasefire in Gaza by March 4, but Israeli and Hamas officials downplayed the likelihood. Hamas's Basem Naim stated no new proposal had been received since Paris talks. Israeli officials expressed surprise and cited Hamas's 'excessive demands.' Tensions between Biden and Netanyahu are noted, with Biden calling for Congress to fund Israel's defense. Hamas also advocates cutting US funds to UNRWA. The conflict has killed 29,878 Palestinians and displaced over 85% of the population. A proposed 40-day pause includes hostage exchanges at a 10:1 ratio, but talks face challenges over detainee identities and female soldiers.

Maldives Terms Israel’s Policies in Palestine as Apartheid at ICJ Hearing

The Maldives presented oral submissions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) asserting that Israel's policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory amount to apartheid. Ambassador Aishath Shaan Shakir led the delegation, emphasizing support for Palestinian statehood and calling for a ceasefire. The ICJ hearing was part of an advisory process requested by the UN General Assembly. The Maldivian delegation included international lawyers. The statement highlighted violations of international law, particularly regarding water resources, and cited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including starvation and high casualties.

Netanyahu Pushes Rafah Operation Despite International Warnings

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes for a military operation in Rafah despite international warnings. The operation may be delayed if a hostage deal is reached, but Netanyahu insists it will proceed. Plans include evacuation of civilians. US President Joe Biden warned against moving into Rafah without a credible civilian protection plan. Anti-government protests in Tel Aviv demand elections. Palestinian casualties continue to rise, with at least 29,692 killed since October 7. Israel is to report to the International Court of Justice on implementing a genocide prevention order.

Paris Peace Talks on Hold as Clock Ticks on Ceasefire in Gaza

Paris Peace Talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza are on hold as Israel's war cabinet considers a proposal from Hamas. The talks involved heads of Mossad, Egyptian intelligence, CIA, and Qatar's PM. There are conflicting reports on progress. The talks focus on hostage release and prisoner exchange. The US vetoed a UN ceasefire resolution, and an alternative resolution is being circulated.

UNRWA at Breaking Point Amid Israeli Attacks and Blockade of Humanitarian Aid

UNRWA withdraws from north Gaza due to staff shortages and social collapse amid Israeli attacks and blockade. International efforts for a ceasefire are blocked by the US. At least 24 Palestinians killed in Deir el-Balah. The ICJ holds hearings on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation. Talks in Paris involve Mossad, Qatar, Egypt, and the US. Hamas concludes ceasefire talks in Cairo. Death toll reaches 29,514 Palestinians since October 7.

Netanyahu Tables Post-War Plan for Gaza as ICJ Hears Namibia

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a post-war plan for Gaza to the security cabinet, proposing full Israeli control, demilitarization, de-radicalization, shutting down UNRWA, and rejecting international involvement. Reconstruction only after demilitarization. Israel claims right to indefinitely occupy Palestinian territories. Namibia's Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab urged the International Court of Justice to recognize the occupation as illegal. Gaza Health Ministry reports over 29,514 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023.

Gaza Declared ‘Death Zone’ as Calls for Action Mount at ICJ

The WHO chief declared Gaza a death zone amid worsening humanitarian crisis. Israel has killed at least 29,313 Palestinians since October 7. At the ICJ, Jordan's Ayman Safadi called for end to aggression, Japan's Tomohiro Mikanagi advocated a two-state solution, Ireland condemned occupation as severe breaches, and China argued for UN role, differing with the US. MSF reported outrage after an Israeli attack on a shelter killed two staff relatives and injured six.

ICJ Deliberates on Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories as Russia and France Call for Two-State Solution

ICJ Hears Calls for End to Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories; Israel Stays Silent Amid Growing Global Criticism

ICJ Begins Historic Hearings on Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories

Israeli Forces Continue Deadly Attacks on Gaza as UN Pushes for Ceasefire

ICJ Calls for Immediate Implementation of Measures as Israel Prepares for Full-Scale Military Assault on Rafah