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More than 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces and Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank since last year’s Israel-Hamas conflict. The United Nations human rights office condemned Israel’s use of force in the territory and the denial of medical aid. Israeli forces have cracked down in the West Bank, making thousands of arrests to prevent escalating violence. UN human rights monitors found violations of international law in the use of force by Israeli security forces, with some Palestinians killed not posing an imminent threat.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees has suspended its operations in Rafah due to ongoing Israeli armed forces ground operations in the city. All agency staff has relocated to Khan Yunis, where they have resumed operations despite damage to their facilities. The Israeli army sees Rafah as a stronghold for Hamas, prompting the agency to evacuate all shelters in the city. Thousands of displaced people are now seeking refuge in Khan Yunis and other areas affected by the conflict.
Countries mediating ceasefire negotiations, including Qatar, the USA, and Egypt, called on Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement based on a plan presented by US President Joe Biden. The plan includes a three-phase approach to achieve a permanent ceasefire, with conditions such as the release of hostages and the withdrawal of troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government’s conditions for a ceasefire, including the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Hamas responded cautiously, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops before agreeing to a ceasefire. Netanyahu faces pressure from both right-wing ministers and Israeli citizens demanding the return of hostages.
Waterborne diseases, particularly leptospirosis, are a major concern in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul following catastrophic floods that killed at least 169 people. Seven deaths from leptospirosis have been reported since the rains began, with another 10 deaths under investigation. Over 2,300 potential cases have been reported, with 141 confirmed. To address the high demand for medical care, four field hospitals and mobile teams have been set up. Additionally, residents returning to their homes may encounter venomous animals seeking shelter from rainwater. The destruction has also taken a toll on the mental health of the population.
Israeli tanks continued to raid Rafah for a second day, defying the World Court’s order to end attacks on the city. The United States did not believe a major ground operation was underway, despite Israel’s incursion into Rafah. Residents reported Israeli tanks entering various areas before retreating towards the border with Egypt. The Palestinian health ministry called for immediate healthcare assistance in Rafah and northern Gaza, where hospitals had stopped functioning. UNRWA reported that around a million Palestinians had fled after Israeli evacuation orders. The Red Crescent Society evacuated medical teams due to ongoing bombardments. The World Court criticized Israel for not ensuring the safety and well-being of the evacuees from Rafah. Israel proposed a ceasefire and hostage release to Qatar, but Hamas insisted talks were pointless unless Israel ended its offensive on Rafah. Over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s Gaza offensive.
Turkish Cypriot journalist Ali Kismir’s trial has been postponed until September 27. He is facing up to 10 years in jail for “insulting” the Turkish Cypriot armed forces by likening their headquarters to a brothel in his writings in 2020.
South Africans voted in a competitive election where the African National Congress (ANC) could lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years in government.
The Conservative Party in Britain plans to introduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if they win the national election on July 4.
Hamas’ armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv in response to alleged “Zionist massacres against civilians.” The rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip, marking the first time rocket sirens were heard in Tel Aviv in four months. No casualties were reported, indicating that Hamas is still capable of firing long-range rockets despite Israeli military efforts.