Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]

Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]

UNRWA described reports of attacks on families seeking shelter in Rafah as “horrifying”. Israeli air strikes killed at least 35 Palestinians in a designated area for the displaced in Rafah. The Israeli military targeted Hamas officials in Rafah, causing civilian casualties. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported an influx of casualties in Rafah. The Israeli military continued operations in Rafah despite a U.N. court ruling. Hamas fired rockets in response to Israeli attacks. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

Violence against civilians in Gaza ‘no longer justifiable,’ Italy says

Violence against civilians in Gaza ‘no longer justifiable,’ Italy says

Italy strongly criticized Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, stating that the situation is increasingly difficult and no longer justifiable. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed despair over the situation and emphasized the need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people. Italy has previously supported Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas but has urged for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.

He reported that he was attacked in his home – He ended up in handcuffs

He reported that he was attacked in his home – He ended up in handcuffs

Assault cases are being investigated by the Kokkinotrimithia Police Station. A 43-year-old man reported being attacked by a 27-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman who illegally entered his residence and used a knife. The suspects were injured and taken to the hospital, along with the victim. The 43-year-old man was arrested on a court warrant to investigate the complaints of the suspects, while police are also investigating his complaint of assault.

More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

Israel allowed around 200 aid trucks into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the blocked Rafah crossing. The aid shipments were agreed upon between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Israel is facing pressure to provide more aid to Gaza after months of conflict causing destruction and hunger. The Rafah crossing has been closed for almost three weeks, with Egypt refusing to open its side. Israel has opened new crossing points and is cooperating with the United States to distribute supplies. Israeli strikes in Rafah have killed at least five Palestinians, with ongoing operations to root out Hamas fighters and rescue hostages. Efforts to agree on a ceasefire and return hostages have been ongoing, with some movement after meetings between Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials and the prime minister of Qatar. Hamas demands the complete and permanent end of aggression in all of Gaza, not just Rafah. Israel insists the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated.

After World Court ruling, Palestinians want action, not words

After World Court ruling, Palestinians want action, not words

Salwa al-Masri, displaced by Israel’s offensive in Gaza, doubts that the UN’s ruling to halt the offensive in Rafah will help. The World Court ordered Israel to stop the offensive, but Israel stated it will continue the war against Hamas. The conflict has caused a high number of casualties and a new wave of displacement. Palestinians are calling for immediate action to end the war.

EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged some European countries to stop intimidating International Criminal Court judges over a case against Israeli leaders. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan filed for arrest warrants against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders. Israel denies committing war crimes in Gaza and has called the ICC politically motivated. Several countries, including the United States, have denounced the ICC prosecutor’s decision. Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced they will recognize an independent Palestinian state. Borrell stated that supporting Palestinian state-building should not be considered antisemitic.

World Court orders Israel to stop Rafah offensive

World Court orders Israel to stop Rafah offensive

Judges at the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The court backed a South African request to stop Israel’s offensive in Rafah, with Israel arguing its operations are self-defense against Hamas militants. Israel’s assault on Rafah has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee, cutting off aid and raising the risk of famine. The court’s rulings are final and binding, but lack enforcement powers. Israel faces diplomatic pressure and accusations of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies charges of genocide and continues its military operations in Gaza.

Tourists reportedly kidnapped, assaulted after meeting man on Limassol beach

Tourists reportedly kidnapped, assaulted after meeting man on Limassol beach

Limassol Police are investigating a violent incident involving two Latvian tourists who were allegedly lured into a car by a man they met at Pyrgos beach. The women claim they were indecently assaulted and sustained injuries while attempting to escape. One woman suffered a fractured sternum, while the other received treatment for bruising and friction burns. Police are close to identifying the suspect and plan to issue an arrest warrant soon. Charges being considered include kidnapping, indecent assault, grievous bodily harm, and actual bodily harm.

World Court to rule on Friday on measures over Israel’s Rafah offensive

World Court to rule on Friday on measures over Israel’s Rafah offensive

The International Court of Justice will rule on South Africa’s request to order a halt to Israel’s Rafah offensive in Gaza. South Africa accused Israel of genocide and demanded emergency measures to protect Rafah and allow access to Gaza for humanitarian aid. Israel launched the assault on Gaza after militants stormed into southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties. The International Criminal Court has requested arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others for alleged war crimes.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange allowed to appeal extradition from Britain to US

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange allowed to appeal extradition from Britain to US

Julian Assange has been granted permission to appeal against extradition to the U.S. by arguing that he might not have free speech rights in a U.S. court. The appeal is based on concerns that he could be discriminated against as a foreign national. Assange is wanted in the U.S. on 18 charges related to WikiLeaks’ release of secret U.S. documents. The appeal was welcomed by his supporters, who gathered outside the court. If the ruling had gone against him, Assange could have been extradited to the U.S. within 24 hours. U.S. assurances that Assange could rely on First Amendment protections were deemed inadequate by his legal team. The appeal will now cover all 18 charges against him.