Author: Bethan McKernan in Jerusalem
Israeli politician and former military chief Benny Gantz has resigned from Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet, citing disagreements over strategy and accusing the prime minister of prioritizing political survival over strategic considerations. Gantz, a major rival of Netanyahu and former defence minister, joined the war cabinet in the aftermath of a Hamas attack but decided to step down after conflicts escalated. This move leaves Netanyahu more reliant on far-right elements of his coalition government. Despite Netanyahu still maintaining a parliamentary majority, Gantz’s departure affects Israel’s international reputation as he was seen as a voice of reason in Washington. The prime…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a tough balancing act between centrist and far-right members of his government following a threat from extremist allies to collapse the coalition over a new ceasefire plan for Gaza proposed by US President Joe Biden. In an unexpected announcement on Friday, Biden called on Hamas to accept Israel’s three-phase roadmap towards a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. However, Netanyahu immediately rejected Biden’s proposal, insisting on the complete destruction of Hamas as a precondition for ending the war. While Hamas tentatively welcomed the offer, Netanyahu’s far-right partners in the coalition expressed opposition, with…
An Israeli airstrike in Rafah has caused a devastating blaze, resulting in the deaths of 45 people, including women and children. The bombing, meant to target senior Hamas militants, sparked fires that quickly spread through the area, overwhelming hospitals and emergency services. The aftermath of the airstrike has prompted global outcry, with political leaders expressing shock and concern. The tragic incident has put ceasefire talks in jeopardy and raised questions about the need for a ground operation in Rafah. The ICJ ordered Israel to halt its operations immediately, but the situation on the ground remains dire, with thousands of Palestinians…
Hamas launched rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time in months, demonstrating strength as Israel targets Rafah. The IDF intercepted most rockets, but two women were injured. Tensions rose after five Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Benny Gantz emphasized the need to act against Hamas, despite the UN’s order to halt the assault. Rafah, the last stronghold in Gaza, faces intense fighting, leading to mass displacement and aid blockages. Ground fighting in Jabaliya indicates Hamas’s ability to regroup. The conflict, with over 1,200 civilian casualties, shows no sign of resolution despite failed truce attempts. US attempts to mediate…
Despite a new ruling from the UN’s top court to halt the assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, Israel is pressing on with its offensive, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Approximately 900,000 people have fled Rafah since the Israeli ground operation began, severely limiting deliveries of humanitarian aid and fuel to the area. The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to cease its operation in Rafah, citing obligations under the UN’s genocide convention. However, Israeli airstrikes continue to escalate, causing further casualties among the Palestinian population. Egypt has pledged to allow UN trucks to access Kerem Shalom…