defiance

Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

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Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

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.

Losing the game with juvenile delinquency

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Losing the game with juvenile delinquency

Increased incidents of juvenile delinquency have been observed recently, especially before and after the Easter holiday. Attacks with fireworks, street battles, car vandalism, and school vandalisms are on the rise, with even an attack on police officers. Some students exhibit extreme forms of delinquency, aggression, and bullying towards classmates and teachers, both in and out of school. The issue requires attention from all involved parties, including the school, Ministry, educators, Parent Associations, and families. A collective effort is needed to address and prevent these behaviors, utilizing research findings and all available means to protect children.

Limassol protest: Detainees speak of police verbal and physical abuse

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Limassol protest: Detainees speak of police verbal and physical abuse

Ten individuals arrested at a Limassol demonstration speak of an unprovoked police attack, horrible detention conditions, and abuse by the police. They were arrested following scuffles between protesters and police officers demanding a fair investigation into the death of Bangladeshi immigrant Anisur Rahman. Protestors and lawyers dispute the police’s account, describing the clash as an “unprovoked attack” and accusing the police of abuse.

Our View: 20 years on, rejection of Annan plan does not seem like a triumph

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Our View: 20 years on, rejection of Annan plan does not seem like a triumph

Fact: The Turkish Cypriot press reported that there are 213 mosques and 240 people working at the ‘directorate of religious affairs’ in the occupied area, with 120 of them being imams.

Netanyahu coalition under strain after standoff with US over Gaza vote

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Netanyahu coalition under strain after standoff with US over Gaza vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing strains within his coalition due to disagreements over proposals to draft ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military. The cabinet meeting to discuss changes to the conscription law was called off, and Netanyahu’s relations with U.S. President Joe Biden worsened after a disagreement over a U.N. Security Council resolution on Gaza. Despite support from his religious-nationalist coalition partners, there is pressure internationally on the government. The divide over the conscription law highlights the longstanding divide between secular and religious Israelis.