Cyprus fully supports the joint effort by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to get both sides of the war in Gaza to meet next week and resume talks on a ceasefire and release of hostages. President Nikos Christodoulides stated on Friday that he, “fully endorses (the statement by) Presidents Joe Biden, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi … Read more
The “All eyes on Rafah” campaign is gaining traction in Western Europe, Australia, and India, aiming to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,171 Palestinians. Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Rafah, prompting global attention and support for the residents seeking refuge from the violence. Social media, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has seen a massive outpouring of support with millions of users sharing the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The campaign has coincided with international condemnation of Israel following airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. Israeli military operations in Rafah have continued despite the heightened scrutiny and criticism.
Slovenia’s government approved the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, following Spain, Ireland, and Norway. Other EU countries have also recognized Palestine, with some considering it, while Germany and the US emphasize a two-state solution through dialogue. Israel has been in conflict with Hamas in Gaza, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The Israeli military has lifted a ban on the sale of food to Gaza from Israel and the occupied West Bank amid international aid choking as a result of the battlefield offensive. Gaza traders have been given permission to resume purchasing food such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers. The deliveries are vetted by the Israeli military at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, with only products for sale allowed and no charitable donations permitted. The flow of deliveries has been inconsistent, with prices often too high for cash-strapped families in Gaza.
![Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]](https://ch.jfdi.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/reports-of-horrifying-mass-casualties-in-rafah-unrwa-says-photos.jpg)
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.
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.
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.
More than 300 people and over 1,100 houses were buried by a massive landslide that hit Kaokalam village in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.
![Hundreds feared dead after landslide in Papua New Guinea [VIDEO]](https://ch.jfdi.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/hundreds-feared-dead-after-landslide-in-papua-new-guinea-video.jpg)
A massive landslide in northern Papua New Guinea buried more than 50 homes in Kaokalam village, resulting in nearly 300 deaths, including the brother and cousin of a villager named Ninga Role. The Australian Broadcasting Corp and local media reported over 100 casualties. Prime Minister James Marape stated that disaster officials and the PNG Defence Force were being sent to assist with relief efforts and reconstruction. The landslide hit a section of highway near the Porgera gold mine, operated by Barrick Gold, but the impact on the mine’s operations was still being assessed.
The International Court of Justice will rule on South Africa’s request to order a halt to Israel’s Rafah offensive in Gaza. South Africa accused Israel of genocide and demanded emergency measures to protect Rafah and allow access to Gaza for humanitarian aid. Israel launched the assault on Gaza after militants stormed into southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties. The International Criminal Court has requested arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others for alleged war crimes.