Hamas militants Archives

Impunity in IDF West Bank killings has “become commonplace,” UN rights office says

4 June 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

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.

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

30 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

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.

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

27 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

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.

World Court orders Israel to stop Rafah offensive

24 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

Judges at the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The court backed a South African request to stop Israel’s offensive in Rafah, with Israel arguing its operations are self-defense against Hamas militants. Israel’s assault on Rafah has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee, cutting off aid and raising the risk of famine. The court’s rulings are final and binding, but lack enforcement powers. Israel faces diplomatic pressure and accusations of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies charges of genocide and continues its military operations in Gaza.

Yale graduates stage pro-Palestinian walkout of commencement (photos+video)

21 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

Scores of graduating students staged a walkout from Yale University’s commencement exercises on Monday, protesting the Israeli war in Gaza, Yale’s financial ties to weapons makers, and its response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. The walkout drew cheers from fellow students but was otherwise peaceful, with no mention made from the stage.

US military pier starts moving towards Gaza

16 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

The U.S. military is moving a pier towards the Gaza coast to launch a maritime port for humanitarian aid promised by President Joe Biden. The pier was pre-assembled at the Israeli port of Ashdod due to weather conditions. A British aid shipment is on its way to the temporary pier in Gaza. Israel’s assault on Gaza has led to global protests and strained relations with the U.S. Israel has been urged to address concerns about aid worker deaths in Gaza.

Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

14 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, and driven most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people from their homes. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a death toll of 34,844, with 21,058 counted from bodies arriving at morgues and 3,715 reported online by family members. The ministry estimates that around 10,000 bodies are uncounted. The credibility of the death toll is supported by public health experts and the World Health Organization, although there are specific questions about certain casualties. Hamas does not control the figures, as the Health Ministry also answers to the Palestinian Authority ministry in the West Bank. Israeli officials have questioned the figures, but the military has acknowledged their reliability. Israel estimates that 14,000 Hamas fighters and 16,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in the war. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 70% of the dead are women and children under 18, with children representing slightly over 40% of all those killed.

Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

10 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.

Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

9 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

Israeli forces massed tanks near Rafah in response to U.S. President Biden’s threat to withhold weapons if a major invasion occurred. Ceasefire talks in Cairo continued as Palestinian militant groups engaged in battles with Israeli forces on the outskirts of Rafah. The U.S. paused delivery of bombs to Israel due to civilian risks, causing concern for Israel’s ability to neutralize Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians fled to Deir Al-Balah, fearing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, with the U.N. warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Palestinians seek refuge ahead of Rafah offensive

8 May 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

Israeli forces are closing in on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, where thousands of Hamas fighters are holed up. More than a million people are sheltering in the city, prompting warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel seized the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, cutting off aid. Residents have been ordered to leave as an assault is anticipated. Tens of thousands have fled the city, turning neighborhoods into ghost towns.