Politics / June 25, 2024 Yes, they disagree on Gaza. But the Democratic primary rivals are also far apart when it comes to taxing billionaires and multinational corporations. Ad Policy Jamaal Bowman and George Latimer during a debate on May 13, 2024.(News12) Media coverage of Tuesday’s Democratic primary battle between US Rep. Jamaal Bowman—the progressive … Read more
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.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus is collaborating with the US and the UK to increase humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza in line with the 2720 UN Mechanism. The aid is being sent via the Cyprus maritime corridor to the JLOTS pier off the coast of Gaza. US Central Command personnel established a temporary landing site on Gaza beach to deliver additional aid, with trucks expected to start moving overland soon. The United Nations will receive and coordinate the distribution of the aid in Gaza.
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.
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.
Jordan’s King Abdullah warned U.S. President Joe Biden that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could lead to a new massacre of Palestinian civilians and urged urgent international action. Israel carried out airstrikes in Rafah, prompting concerns about a regional conflict. Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to proceed with a large-scale military offensive in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. The leaders discussed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Jordan and other Arab states have been critical of Israel’s actions and have been calling for a ceasefire.
Israel’s armed forces are evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah in preparation for a potential assault on the southern Gazan city. Evacuations are focused on peripheral districts of Rafah, with evacuees being directed to tent cities in nearby Khan Younis and Al Muwassi. The Israeli military has called on Palestinians in eastern parts of Rafah to move to a nearby “humanitarian area” in what appears to be the beginning of a civilian evacuation before a ground assault. Israel claims that victory against Hamas is impossible without taking the city, which is said to harbor thousands of fighters. This operation has raised concerns among Western powers and neighboring Egypt due to the high number of displaced Palestinians in Rafah.
Columbia University has begun suspending pro-Palestinian student activists who refused to dismantle a protest camp on campus after negotiations failed. The crackdown follows similar protests at other university campuses across the U.S. Students are demanding divestment, transparency in university finances, and amnesty for those disciplined for participating in protests. The protests have sparked intense debate over freedom of expression and hate speech, with some students facing censure for criticizing the Israeli government or expressing support for Palestinian rights. Other campuses, like UCLA, have seen clashes between pro-Israeli activists and pro-Palestinian protesters. Law enforcement tactics, such as the use of pepper spray and flash-bang charges, have been criticized. Arrests have occurred at various universities, including Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Tech.
Israel is conducting an assault on Hamas in Rafah, the last Gaza Strip city not yet targeted by a ground offensive. The Israeli military is focusing its attacks on areas in the north of Gaza where they had previously withdrawn troops. Aid agencies have expressed concern over the potential humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where over 1 million people have been displaced. Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours have killed at least 79 Palestinians, with heavy shelling reported in northern Gaza and suburbs of Gaza City. Residents are questioning the reasons for the renewed violence, with one resident suggesting it may be due to aid finally reaching the area. The Israeli military has not provided immediate comment on the recent developments.