Benjamin Netanyahu

Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

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Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

Thousands of Israelis protested, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to bring back remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza. Families of hostages are desperate for their return, with some still missing since a Hamas attack in October. The protests come as international pressure mounts to end the seven-month war in Gaza. Netanyahu’s government is determined to continue the war until all hostages are returned, despite efforts for a ceasefire.

Israel shuts down Al Jazeera’s local operations

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Israel shuts down Al Jazeera’s local operations

The Israeli cabinet has decided to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel for the duration of the war in Gaza, citing national security concerns. The decision includes closing Al Jazeera’s offices, confiscating equipment, cutting off broadcasts, and blocking websites. Al Jazeera has been critical of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, but Israel has not mentioned Al Jazeera’s operations in Gaza in its statement. The closure is allowed under a law ratified by Israel’s parliament, and could last until the end of major military operations in Gaza.

Ending Gaza war would keep Hamas in power, Netanyahu says

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Ending Gaza war would keep Hamas in power, Netanyahu says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas demands to end the Gaza war in exchange for freeing hostages, stating that it would keep Hamas in power and pose a threat to Israel. Israel is willing to pause fighting to secure the release of over 130 hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu expressed concern that if Hamas remained in power, they would continue carrying out massacres, rapes, and kidnappings. Hamas leaders in Cairo maintained their demand for an agreement to end the war in Gaza. The war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel’s military offensive has led to the deaths of over 34,600 Palestinians and caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israeli ministers meet on hostages, Rafah plan

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Israeli ministers meet on hostages, Rafah plan

Israeli ministers discussed a Gaza truce proposal to free hostages held by Hamas and the possibility of an army sweep in the southern tip of the enclave. Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas on a ceasefire offer presented by Egyptian mediators. One hostage, Dror Or, was confirmed killed in a Hamas attack, with his body held in Gaza. Ceasefire efforts in the past have stumbled over Hamas’ demand for a commitment from Israel to end the war. Israel is considering a push into Rafah, the last bastion of Hamas, which is home to around one million displaced Palestinians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over the lack of a plan for the safe evacuation of civilians from Rafah.

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.

Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza’s Rafah ahead of threatened invasion

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Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza’s Rafah ahead of threatened invasion

Israel has increased airstrikes on Rafah, killing at least six Palestinians, as part of their ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces are preparing for an all-out assault on Hamas holdouts in Rafah, despite warnings from allies about potential mass casualties. Residents are fleeing the area, seeking safety in nearby locations, but many are uncertain about where to go. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the war now in its seventh month. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.

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.

Israeli military intelligence head resigns over Oct. 7 failures

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Israeli military intelligence head resigns over Oct. 7 failures

The head of Israeli military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has resigned after accepting responsibility for the failures that allowed the devastating Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

Israel: “Netanyahu resign, elections now” – Wave of anger and mass protests

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Israel: “Netanyahu resign, elections now” – Wave of anger and mass protests

Thousands of people in various Israeli cities protested for the dismissal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Participants demanded early elections and showed support for the hostages, with some carrying Israeli flags and signs calling for their safe return. Opposition leaders like Yair Lapid and Dan Halutz joined the demonstrations, criticizing Netanyahu’s government and accusing him of prioritizing his rule over the hostages’ return.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

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Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he will oppose any sanctions imposed on Israeli military units for alleged rights violations. The United States is reportedly considering sanctions on Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the West Bank. The State Department has not confirmed these reports but has expressed concerns about human rights violations by Israeli military and police units. Netanyahu has vowed to fight against any sanctions on the IDF, while the Israeli military maintains that the battalion operates within the boundaries of international law.