Israel

Truce Negotiations Stalled by Dispute over Palestinian Prisoner Release; ICJ Intervention Requested

US Senate Approves US$95 Billion Wartime Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel

Israel Kills 67 Palestinians in Rafah as Tensions Rise

Israeli air and sea attacks on Rafah killed at least 67 Palestinians overnight, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Concerns rise over Israel's planned ground offensive on Rafah. A senior Hamas leader warned that such an offensive could jeopardize captive exchange negotiations. US President Joe Biden reportedly discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need for a safety plan to protect over one million people sheltering in Rafah. Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 28,340 Palestinians and injured 67,984. Two captives, Louis Norberto Har and Fernando Simon Marman, were rescued by the Israeli military. Hamas initially seized around 240 captives on October 7; about 134 remain in Gaza after a truce in November. Hamas has proposed a three-phase plan for the release of all captives, but Netanyahu has rejected it, vowing to continue until absolute victory. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Gaza has no safe places, with many families evacuated up to 10 times.

Israel’s War on Gaza: Netanyahu’s Plans for Ground Invasion of Rafah Spark Panic

Israel has killed 44 Palestinians, including 12 children, in airstrikes on Rafah. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare plans for a ground invasion of Rafah and evacuation of civilians, causing widespread panic. Hamas warned of catastrophic repercussions. The US, a key ally, criticized the plans; President Biden called Israel's response 'over the top' and pushed for a ceasefire. Netanyahu rejected Hamas's ceasefire proposal, insisting on absolute victory. EU Foreign Policy Chief Borrell warned of humanitarian catastrophe. The death toll in Gaza reached 28,064. US Senator Sanders criticized proposed $14 billion military aid to Israel, and Trump suggested a loan instead. Egypt warned of disastrous consequences if Israel invades Rafah.

Israeli PM Orders Evacuation of Civilians Amid Planned Attack on Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to plan for evacuating civilians from Rafah and combating Hamas. The Palestinian UN envoy questioned where civilians would go. UN Chief Antonio Guterres noted that half of Gaza's 2.3 million population is crammed into Rafah. Israeli snipers killed at least 21 people outside Nasser Hospital. At least 27,947 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, with 67,459 wounded. Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinians in Beit Ummar. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese stated Israel is in breach of ICJ orders to prevent genocide. The ICJ gave Israel until February 23 to report compliance. South Africa initiated the ICJ case, and Nicaragua seeks to join. The US opposed an Algerian UN Security Council resolution endorsing ICJ orders and a ceasefire. At least 1,755 Palestinians have been killed since the ICJ order.

Israeli Snipers Kill 21 in Gaza; UN Chief Warns of Humanitarian Crisis

Israeli snipers killed 21 Palestinians, including medical staff, outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. In the past 24 hours, 107 Palestinians were killed and 142 wounded. US President Biden described Israel's assault as 'over the top'. UN Chief Guterres warned of a humanitarian crisis, with half of Gaza's population crammed into Rafah. The International Court of Justice ruling two weeks ago has not alleviated the situation. Islamic Relief reported thousands more killed and injured. Israeli siege has cut off essential resources. PM Netanyahu vows to continue until total victory over Hamas. Escalation in Israeli attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria. UAE foreign minister emphasized preventing regional conflict in a meeting of Arab states. Israeli raids in the West Bank detained 11 Palestinians.

Israeli PM Orders Military To Prepare for Ground Invasion of Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to prepare for a ground invasion of Rafah, rejecting Hamas' truce plan. Talks for a ceasefire are set to resume in Egypt, but the upcoming Ramadan adds political pressure. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that a ground invasion would worsen the humanitarian crisis. About 1.2 million people are sheltering in Rafah. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed captives' release with Israel's war cabinet. In overnight airstrikes, Israel killed 14 Palestinians, including five children. Since October 7, Israel has killed over 27,840 people, mostly women and children, and destroyed over 80% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure. The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to ensure essential services and aid. Canada stated that Israeli claims about UNRWA employees' involvement in the October 7 attack have not been substantiated.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement in Offing With Qatar Mediation

Israel’s War on Gaza: Palestinian Death Toll Soars, Humanitarian Emergency Unfolds

Netanyahu Rejects US Proposal for Non-Militarised Palestinian State

Palestinian Clubs Call to Ban Israel From Olympics; Turkish FM Condemns Israeli ‘Genocide’ in Gaza

Over 300 Palestinian sports clubs and civil society organizations called for a ban on Israel's participation in the Paris Olympics, citing violations of international law, apartheid, and genocide in Gaza. The recent killing of Palestinian Olympic football team coach Hani al-Masdar and destruction of the Palestinian Olympic committee office in Gaza fueled the demand. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned the genocide in Gaza and recalled Turkey's ambassador from Israel. Jordan's Foreign Minister urged Israel to allow displaced Palestinians to return. Survivors of the Bosnian genocide submitted an open letter to the ICJ. Israel's bombardment continued, with over 24,000 Palestinians killed and 70% of homes destroyed. Medical supplies brokered by Qatar and France were distributed, but humanitarian challenges persist due to Israeli restrictions.

Jordan Accuses Israel of Aid Obstruction as Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 24,000

Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of obstructing aid to Gaza, resulting in only 10% of needs being met. Israel has killed 24,285 Palestinians since 7 October, wounding over 61,000. A family of 12 was killed in Rafah. Iran vowed to continue attacks after missile strikes, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards attacked in Iraq's Kurdistan, killing 4. A Houthi anti-ship missile struck a US-owned container ship off Aden without major damage. Israeli ministers Sa'ar stated Hamas is far from defeated, Eisenkot urged an agreement for captives, and Gallant said the southern operation nears end. Hamas released a video claiming two hostages died from Israeli airstrikes.

Gaza Conflict Nears 100th Day: Israel Vows to Press on Amid International Criticism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel would continue its military campaign against Hamas despite international criticism, as the Gaza conflict nears 100 days. He dismissed pressure from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where South Africa has accused Israel of genocide. The conflict has impacted Israel's economy, with the budget deficit expected to rise in 2024. Pro-Palestinian protests have occurred globally. An Israeli strike in Rafah killed 14 Palestinians, including a two-year-old girl. Israeli bulldozers entered Jenin in the West Bank. Palestinian deaths have reached at least 23,843, with over 60,317 wounded; Israeli deaths stand at 1,139. Namibia criticized Germany's support for Israel at the ICJ. Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron denied that UK strikes on Houthis in Yemen constitute an escalation and suggested further strikes may occur. Houthis claim to target only Israeli-linked ships.

US, UK Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen; Israel Defends Actions at ICJ as War on Gaza Continues

The US and UK conducted airstrikes on Houthi military positions in Yemen. The Houthi spokesperson warned of retaliation, claiming five fighters killed and six wounded, and vowed to continue blocking ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike killed nine Palestinians, with 13 wounded, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Save the Children reported that at least 10,000 children in Gaza have been killed. Jordan's foreign minister Ayman Safadi warned of regional escalation. The Israeli army claimed to have killed dozens of Hamas fighters. At the ICJ, Israel defended against genocide accusations by South Africa. Israeli legal advisor Tal Becker called South Africa's case a distorted legal picture, while Malcolm Shaw argued Israel's right to self-defence. South Africa highlighted over 23,000 Palestinian deaths and destruction of civilian infrastructure.

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.

Hezbollah Targets Israeli Military Base

Hezbollah launched explosive drones at an Israeli military command base in Safed, retaliating for recent Israeli assassinations in Lebanon. This marks an escalation in targeting major military installations. Israel and Hezbollah have been in deadly exchanges for three months, with over 130 Hezbollah fighters killed. The killing of senior commander Wissam al-Tawil and Saleh al-Arouri was a significant blow. Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem vowed resistance will not retreat. An Israeli drone strike killed three Hezbollah members. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tours the Middle East to prevent escalation. Since October 7, at least 23,210 Palestinians killed and 59,100 wounded in Gaza, with the Health Ministry warning of famine.

Israel Kills Senior Hezbollah Commander

A suspected Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed Wissam Tawil, deputy head of Hezbollah's Radwan force, along with another fighter. The strike hit a car in Majdal Selm, causing a fire. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was on a diplomatic mission to the region, meeting with leaders in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar to prevent broader conflict and discuss Gaza governance, Palestinian displacement, Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, and tensions in West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Meanwhile, IDF reported killing 10 Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis. The health ministry stated that 249 Palestinians were killed and 510 wounded in the last 24 hours, with total deaths since October 7 reaching 23,084, including 9,600 children, and nearly 59,000 injured. WHO noted 600 patients and health workers missing from al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

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.

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.

Hamas Deputy Chief Al-Arouri Assassinated in Israeli Drone Strike

Saleh al-Arouri, deputy chief of Hamas's political bureau and a founder of the Qassam Brigades, was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiyeh. The Israeli military has not officially claimed responsibility. Arouri had been imprisoned by Israel for nearly 18 years and was key in negotiating the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in 2010. He operated in Syria, Qatar, and Lebanon, expanded Hamas networks in the West Bank, and was elected deputy to Ismail Haniyeh in 2017. He recently met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to strategise against Israel and was involved in Qatar-facilitated hostage release talks. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu had signaled targeting Hamas leaders, and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar stated they would be targeted everywhere. Hezbollah condemned the assassination and vowed retaliation. Since October 7, over 22,313 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.