terror

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

by
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.

Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

by
Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

Biden is facing criticism from both left and right factions for his Israel policy, as campus protests against the war in Gaza escalate. Despite concerns that the protests could impact his chances in the upcoming election, the White House has focused on rolling out youth-friendly policies, such as student loan relief and marijuana reform. Republicans have used the protests to criticize Democrats, while some warn that young voters may desert Biden over his stance on Israel.

Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq to push for reset of ties, cooperation against PKK

by
Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq to push for reset of ties, cooperation against PKK

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Iraq to improve relations and discuss deals on energy, trade, and security cooperation against Kurdish PKK militants. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s expectations for Iraq to help in the battle against the PKK. Cooperation on economic projects and securing water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were also discussed. Bilateral trade between Turkey and Iraq was worth .9 billion in 2023. Erdogan also planned to meet with Iraqi Kurdish officials during his visit.

US Senate votes to reauthorise surveillance programme

by
US Senate votes to reauthorise surveillance programme

The US Senate approved the reauthorization of a controversial surveillance program, narrowly avoiding its midnight expiration.

Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

by
Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

Israeli tanks re-entered parts of northern Gaza and carried out air strikes on Rafah, killing and injuring several people. Tanks surrounded schools where displaced families were seeking refuge, ordering evacuations and detaining men. The Israeli military continued operations in central Gaza, targeting gunmen and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israel is still imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite some claims of increased aid flows. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October.

Sydney police officer who shot dead mall attacker praised for courage

by
Sydney police officer who shot dead mall attacker praised for courage

Inspector Amy Scott, the Sydney police officer who shot and killed Joel Cauchi, the man responsible for a deadly stabbing attack at a shopping mall, was praised for her quick and courageous response. Cauchi allegedly lunged at Inspector Scott before she shot him, and she was commended for her actions in stopping the attack. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that Inspector Scott will be interviewed as part of the investigation into the incident.

FACTBOX-A history of violent crimes in Australia

by
FACTBOX-A history of violent crimes in Australia

An attacker fatally knifed six people in a Sydney mall before being shot dead by police in Bondi. Australia has implemented some of the world’s toughest gun laws following major violent attacks such as the Port Arthur shooting in 1996 and the Melbourne attack in November 2018.

Three sons of Hamas leader Haniyeh killed in Israeli airstrike

by
Three sons of Hamas leader Haniyeh killed in Israeli airstrike

Three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, along with three grandchildren, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader in Cyprus

by
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader in Cyprus

Exiled Belarusian political opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Cyprus and met with House president Annita Demetriou and the House foreign affairs committee. The European Union must play an active role in confronting dictatorial regimes, and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus is also Cyprus’ struggle. Thousands of political prisoners have been taken hostage in Belarus, and Tsikhanouskaya thanked Cyprus for supporting Belarusians in their fight for democratic changes.

Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

by
Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

An Israeli former Hamas hostage from the October 7 attack spoke out about the sexual violence and torture she endured. A UN report confirmed Israel’s allegations of ongoing sexual violence by Hamas. The victims of the attack are in the process of healing and dealing with their trauma. The Israeli government developed programmes to help survivors of the attack. Feminist organizations worldwide did not provide sufficient support to Israeli women who were victims of sexual violence. Israeli women did not receive necessary international support due to antisemitism and ignorance. It is crucial for women to stand united and demand justice for sexual violence in wartime. The Israeli army has been accused of sexual assaults against Palestinian women, but there is no evidence to justify the allegations. Hostages still in Hamas’s hands are subjected to sexual assaults, isolation, and poor living conditions.