Author: Al Jazeera Staff

A recent United Nations-backed inquiry revealed shocking war crimes committed by both Israel and Palestinian groups during an eight-month conflict. The report detailed gruesome acts of sexual violence, torture, and mutilations against unarmed civilians. It accused Hamas of attacking Israel without distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, while also condemning Israel for committing “crimes against humanity” in Gaza. Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza resulted in the deaths of over 37,000 Palestinians, with reports of widespread sexual and gender-based violence. The Israeli government’s use of force and questionable tactics were heavily criticized, including unclear instructions for civilians to reach “humanitarian zones” and…

Hezbollah has escalated tensions with Israel by launching a major drone and rocket attack on multiple Israeli military bases. This attack, the largest since October 8, was in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander in a recent Israeli air raid. Using 150 rockets and 30 drones, Hezbollah targeted 15 Israeli positions, resulting in injuries and fires. The operation was also a show of support for Palestinian resistance in Gaza. Hezbollah’s actions have led to near-constant rocket sirens in northern Israel, with both sides exchanging fire. Despite the violence, it has mostly been contained to the border region. Hezbollah’s…

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in talks with Hamas to reach a truce in Gaza, but some proposed amendments are proving challenging. Blinken emphasized that efforts to achieve a ceasefire are ongoing, despite obstacles in negotiations. During a press conference in Doha, Blinken expressed concerns over Israel’s continued offensive in Gaza in response to Hamas’s feedback on the US proposal. Hamas submitted a response, prioritizing the interests of the Palestinian people and the cessation of aggression in Gaza. Blinken highlighted the urgency for a lasting peace in the region, echoing sentiments shared by Qatar’s Prime Minister. The discussions…

BREAKING NEWS Hunter Biden Found Guilty of Illegal Gun Purchase: What You Need to Know Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, has been convicted of illegally buying a gun while under the influence of drugs in 2018. This makes him the first child of a sitting president to be a convicted felon. Despite showing little reaction to the verdict, Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, although a shorter sentence or probation is more likely given his nonviolent, first-time offender status. Conviction Details: Hunter was found guilty of making a false claim on a gun purchase application,…

Israeli Forces Kill Six Palestinians in Deadly Raid in Kafr Dan Amid the ongoing war on Gaza, the Israeli military intensified its attacks in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the death of six Palestinians in a raid in Kafr Dan, near Jenin. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli forces conducted a deadly operation in the village, killing six men aged between 21 and 32. The raid involved an Israeli special forces unit besieging a home and shelling it, resulting in casualties. The armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the al-Quds Brigades, faced off with Israeli troops…

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has been actively working towards achieving a truce deal in Gaza. Recently, he met with Israeli opposition leaders, Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, to discuss the proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. The talks also involved the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid in the region. Despite facing obstacles such as Hamas’s refusal to cooperate, Blinken remains committed to finding a resolution to the conflict. The Biden administration has presented a multi-phased proposal for a lasting ceasefire, emphasizing the need for all parties to commit to ending the war in Gaza. While there…

After a defeat in the European Parliament elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the country’s parliament and called for legislative elections later this month. The results showed Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally securing more votes than Macron’s Renaissance party, prompting Macron to take action. What happened in France? Voters in France dealt a blow to Macron in the European Parliament elections, with the National Rally outperforming his party. This shift in sentiment reflects concerns over immigration, crime, and living costs. Why did Macron dissolve the National Assembly? Macron dissolved the Parliament to give French citizens a choice amidst…

EXPLAINER Benny Gantz, the Israeli prime minister’s principal rival, has quit the government. What now? Benny Gantz, the former general and leader of Israel’s National Unity party, has resigned from the war cabinet due to the failure of the wider cabinet to agree on a plan for Gaza beyond the current conflict. What was Gantz’s plan? Gantz proposed a six-point plan, including an international task force for Gaza’s civil administration and spreading national service burden to include ultra-Orthodox Jews. Why didn’t Netanyahu like Gantz’s plan? Netanyahu’s rejection is seen as a tactic for personal gain and political survival, with US…

Sebastia, a picturesque village in the West Bank, holds historical significance as the reported burial site of John the Baptist. According to the Bible, John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River before being beheaded by King Herod I. The Israeli government also recognizes Sebastia as the reported capital of the Kingdom of Israel during ancient times. Despite its historical importance, Sebastia has been a site of tension between Palestinians and Israeli occupiers. The Israeli government has allocated funds for the restoration of the archaeological park, leading to concerns that they aim to transform Sebastia into a Jewish-only site. Palestinian efforts…

Bahrain Seeks to Improve Relations with Iran through Russia Bahrain has reportedly reached out to Iran through Russia, with the aim of re-establishing diplomatic relations. This development follows recent statements by Bahraini officials expressing willingness to mend ties with Tehran after years of strained relationships. In 2016, Bahrain severed diplomatic relations with Iran amidst escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, accusing Tehran of involvement in antigovernment protests in Bahrain in 2011. However, Saudi Arabia has since normalized its relations with Iran through a Chinese-brokered agreement. During a visit to Moscow, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed a…