Israeli army forces strapped a wounded Palestinian man to the hood of a military jeep during an arrest raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Saturday. A video circulating on social media and verified by Reuters showed a Palestinian resident of Jenin, Mujahed Azmi, on the jeep that passes through two ambulances. … Read more
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 Rafah border crossing cannot operate unless Israel returns control to the Palestinians, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Israel took over the crossing last month during its offensive against Hamas in Rafah, which serves as the only connection to the outside world for Gaza’s residents. Shoukry emphasized the importance of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty for regional security and stability. Egypt suggested European monitors at the border if Palestinian authorities resume control. Israel is attempting to destroy tunnels between Gaza and Egypt used by Hamas, but Egypt denies their existence. Shoukry urged Hamas and Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Joe Biden. Israel has accepted the framework deal for ending the Gaza war but believes it requires more work.
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.
U.S. President Joe Biden declared that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out a major terror attack on Israel and called for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Biden supported an Israeli proposal for a three-phase plan, including a six-week cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian detainees. Biden also warned Israel of potential global isolation.
On May 31, major events included the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902, which ended the Boer War in South Africa. In 2008, Usain Bolt set a new world record in the men’s 100 meters race in New York.
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.
Norway and Ireland are set to announce the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, following other European Union members in supporting a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region. The move is seen as a potential positive impact on the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel has warned against the recognition, stating it could lead to more terrorism and instability in the region.
Norway, Ireland, and Spain will recognize an independent Palestinian state to help bring peace with Israel. European Union members Slovenia and Malta also plan to make the recognition, believing a two-state solution is crucial for lasting peace in the region. Before the announcement, 143 out of 193 United Nations member-states recognized a Palestinian state. Norway will only recognize Palestine if it can positively impact the peace process, in line with the United States’ stance.