Israeli Prime Minister

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.

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.

Greece through to Eurovision Grand Final

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Greece through to Eurovision Grand Final

Marina Satti from Greece advanced to the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “ZARI” after a captivating performance.

Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

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Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

Israeli forces massed tanks near Rafah in response to U.S. President Biden’s threat to withhold weapons if a major invasion occurred. Ceasefire talks in Cairo continued as Palestinian militant groups engaged in battles with Israeli forces on the outskirts of Rafah. The U.S. paused delivery of bombs to Israel due to civilian risks, causing concern for Israel’s ability to neutralize Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians fled to Deir Al-Balah, fearing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, with the U.N. warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Jordan’s King Abdullah presses Biden to avert Israel offensive in Rafah

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Jordan’s King Abdullah presses Biden to avert Israel offensive in Rafah

Jordan’s King Abdullah warned U.S. President Joe Biden that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could lead to a new massacre of Palestinian civilians and urged urgent international action. Israel carried out airstrikes in Rafah, prompting concerns about a regional conflict. Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to proceed with a large-scale military offensive in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. The leaders discussed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Jordan and other Arab states have been critical of Israel’s actions and have been calling for a ceasefire.

Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

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Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

Israel conducted airstrikes in Rafah after instructing Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city where over a million war-displaced people are sheltering. Ceasefire talks in Cairo are stalling, and Hamas warns that any Israeli operation in Rafah could jeopardize the truce negotiations. The evacuation order has sparked fears of a full-blown assault, with Hamas declaring readiness to defend Palestinians in Rafah. The UN and aid agencies have expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the evacuation. Israel has been threatening to launch incursions in Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas fighters and hostages. The US has urged Israel to pursue a hostage deal to avoid a military operation in Rafah.

WTI ends losing streak after Saudi oil price hike

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WTI ends losing streak after Saudi oil price hike

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price rose to around .20 a barrel in the Asian session on Monday after Saudi Arabia raised June crude prices for most regions.

For some Columbia students, protest encampment is living history lesson

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For some Columbia students, protest encampment is living history lesson

Students at Columbia University set up a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on campus, inspired by a course called “Columbia 1968” about past protests. The encampment led to arrests and suspensions by the school administration, but protesters continue to demand divestment from companies supporting Israel. The protests have drawn support from various groups and have sparked debates and activities on campus. Despite criticism, students remain committed to their cause.

Reuters: Israeli military to launch Rafah operation immediately, awaits approval

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Reuters: Israeli military to launch Rafah operation immediately, awaits approval

Israel is conducting an assault on Hamas in Rafah, the last Gaza Strip city not yet targeted by a ground offensive. The Israeli military is focusing its attacks on areas in the north of Gaza where they had previously withdrawn troops. Aid agencies have expressed concern over the potential humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where over 1 million people have been displaced. Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours have killed at least 79 Palestinians, with heavy shelling reported in northern Gaza and suburbs of Gaza City. Residents are questioning the reasons for the renewed violence, with one resident suggesting it may be due to aid finally reaching the area. The Israeli military has not provided immediate comment on the recent developments.