casualties

Analysis: Israel’s allies grapple with bid for ICC warrant against Netanyahu

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Analysis: Israel’s allies grapple with bid for ICC warrant against Netanyahu

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has requested an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, causing a diplomatic dilemma for key member states who must balance support for Israel with backing the ICC’s actions. Some capitals, such as Paris, London, and Berlin, were informed beforehand about the plans, but many have not disclosed how they will respond if warrants are issued. Germany, in particular, faces challenges due to its support for Israel’s security and the ICC prosecutor’s independence. U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have criticized the move, while European countries like Britain and Italy are divided over the issue. The ICC has jurisdiction over the conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2022, despite Israel not being a member of the court. The international community’s response to the arrest warrants will be crucial for the ICC’s credibility and the rule of law.

Shaken passengers arrive in Singapore after deadly turbulence-stricken flight

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Shaken passengers arrive in Singapore after deadly turbulence-stricken flight

More than 140 passengers and crew from a Singapore Airlines flight that was hit by heavy turbulence finally reached Singapore after an emergency landing in Bangkok. One person died of a suspected heart attack and at least 30 people were injured. The turbulence caused passengers and crew to be flung around the cabin, resulting in injuries such as gashes and concussions. The relief flight from Bangkok carried injured passengers and crew back to Singapore, while the investigation involved officers from Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Turbulence-related accidents are common, with the NTSB reporting that turbulence accounted for over a third of airline accidents from 2009 to 2018.

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

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Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

Israeli troops and tanks entered parts of the northern Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians. The Israeli forces also took over ground in Rafah, a city by the Egyptian border. Benny Gantz threatened to resign if Netanyahu does not agree to a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8. The recovery of the body of a hostage taken by Hamas triggered the latest incursions. Israeli forces have continued operations in Gaza, conducting precise operations against terrorists and infrastructure. Netanyahu has faced criticism for failing to articulate an endgame in the war. Gantz proposed a six-point plan for Gaza’s civil administration. The strain on Israel’s coalition has increased, with demands for clarity on post-war plans. Armed groups attacked Israeli forces in Jabalia and Rafah, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel’s military reported 281 soldiers killed in fighting, while over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. UNRWA stated that nearly 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah since the ground operation began. Israel aims to capture Rafah to destroy Hamas and ensure security.

Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as Israel faces World Court challenge

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Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as Israel faces World Court challenge

Israeli forces engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters in Jabalia, Gaza, while militants attacked tanks in Rafah. The U.S. military started delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza. Residents reported destruction in Jabalia, with homes and shops being demolished. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have killed over 60 militants in recent days. The conflict has led to widespread hunger and a collapsed medical system in Gaza. Over 630,000 people have been displaced in Rafah since the military offensive started. Israel is facing accusations of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza.

Western nations urge Israel to comply with international law in Gaza

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Western nations urge Israel to comply with international law in Gaza

A group of Western nations, including G7 countries, signed a letter urging Israel to comply with international law in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis. The letter expressed opposition to a full-scale military operation in Rafah and called for increased humanitarian aid to reach the population. Israel denied blocking aid and said it needs to eliminate Hamas for its own protection. The Western nations also called for a sustainable ceasefire and the resumption of essential services in Gaza.

Netanyahu presses bill on drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into army

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Netanyahu presses bill on drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a bill to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military to a ministerial committee. The issue is sensitive due to ongoing conflicts and high casualties among secular draftees. Ultra-Orthodox parties in Netanyahu’s coalition oppose the exemptions, leading to protests. Economists argue that the conscription waiver keeps ultra-Orthodox out of the workforce, creating a welfare burden. Israel’s Arab minority is also largely exempt from the draft.

Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

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Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, and driven most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people from their homes. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a death toll of 34,844, with 21,058 counted from bodies arriving at morgues and 3,715 reported online by family members. The ministry estimates that around 10,000 bodies are uncounted. The credibility of the death toll is supported by public health experts and the World Health Organization, although there are specific questions about certain casualties. Hamas does not control the figures, as the Health Ministry also answers to the Palestinian Authority ministry in the West Bank. Israeli officials have questioned the figures, but the military has acknowledged their reliability. Israel estimates that 14,000 Hamas fighters and 16,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in the war. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 70% of the dead are women and children under 18, with children representing slightly over 40% of all those killed.

Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

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Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

Israeli tanks advanced into Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, while airstrikes targeted Rafah in the south. Tanks were trying to reach the heart of the camp, with tank shells and air strikes destroying houses. Israeli troops forced Palestinians in shelters to evacuate. In Rafah, heavy bombardments killed people, and the city remained a “ghost town”. Hamas fighters engaged in gun battles with Israeli forces in both areas. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,000, causing a humanitarian crisis. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

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Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.

As Rafah offensive looms, Palestinians fear dispossession again

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As Rafah offensive looms, Palestinians fear dispossession again

Israeli forces are massing on the outskirts of Rafah in Gaza, causing fear among Palestinians of another “Nakba” like the one in 1948. Many people in Rafah have been displaced multiple times as Israel continues to bombard Gaza. Mohammad Emad and his family have moved four times since October. The uncertainty and closed borders make finding refuge difficult. Israel disputes the claim that Palestinians were forced out in 1948. The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties and destruction, with the United Nations warning of a humanitarian catastrophe if Israel continues incursions into Rafah.