Gaza Strip

UN experts urge all states to recognise Palestine

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UN experts urge all states to recognise Palestine

A group of United Nations experts are urging countries to recognize a Palestinian state to help achieve peace in the Middle East. Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state, angering Israel. The experts believe recognizing Palestine is crucial for lasting peace and security in the region. Israel has faced isolation after months of conflict in Gaza, with the 7th October attack being the deadliest in its history.

UN Agency for Palestinian refugees suspends operation in Rafah

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UN Agency for Palestinian refugees suspends operation in Rafah

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.

Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

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Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.

Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

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Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

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.

Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

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Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

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.

Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

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Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

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.

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.

World’s largest humanitarian network calls for Gaza ceasefire

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World’s largest humanitarian network calls for Gaza ceasefire

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.

Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]

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Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]

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.

Violence against civilians in Gaza ‘no longer justifiable,’ Italy says

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Violence against civilians in Gaza ‘no longer justifiable,’ Italy says

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.