The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, where millions of people are facing worsening hunger.
Twenty-one Palestinians, including twelve women, were killed and many others were injured in Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday in a tented area housing displaced people in Rafah. The strikes specifically targeted tents belonging to displaced families in a designated humanitarian area in Mawasi, according to Palestinian medical officials and residents.
The Palestinian President made a translation error in an official statement that referred to the “Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus,” causing mild reactions in Cyprus. Some people point out that Cyprus recognized the State of Palestine in 1988, unlike Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which recently did so. The focus should be on the form of the state, as Hamas, a terrorist organization, is in control of Gaza and aims to prevent Israel from having a state.
The Israeli government is accused of pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing to achieve maximum land with minimum Arabs, leading to a modern-day genocide. The propaganda machine distorts slogans to justify actions, while those advocating for peace and an end to slaughter are labeled as terrorist sympathizers.
The Israeli military is investigating reports of an exchange of fire between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers near the Rafah border crossing with Gaza.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Israel is blocking the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank after Spain recognized Palestine. Israel accuses Spain, Ireland, and Norway of rewarding Hamas for attacking Israel. Spain’s Labour Minister used an expression that Israel sees as a call for its destruction. Spain is analyzing Israel’s decision to limit the consulate’s abilities to serve Palestinians.