Author: David Gritten
Tensions have escalated between Israel and Hezbollah as the Lebanese armed group retaliated with over 200 rockets and attack drones in response to the killing of one of its senior commanders. The exchange of fire has caused casualties on both sides, sparking fears of a wider conflict. Hezbollah’s response came after the killing of Mohammed Nimah Nasser, a key figure in the group, by an Israeli airstrike. The violence has been ongoing for nine months, with daily skirmishes across the Israel-Lebanon border. The situation has led to over 400 reported deaths in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and 25 in Israel.…
2 hours ago By David Gritten, BBC News EPA The UN estimates that 250,000 people in eastern parts of Khan Younis are affected by the evacuation orders Tens of thousands of Palestinians are seeking shelter and safety as they evacuate from Gaza’s Khan Younis in response to Israeli military orders. The exodus has left a major hospital empty, and the UN reports 250,000 affected by evacuation orders. Explosions and gunfire continue in Gaza City while Israeli forces battle armed groups in the Shejaiya district. The situation has led to chaotic movement with limited resources for civilians trying to flee. Israeli…
Fierce Fighting Between Palestinian Armed Groups and Israeli Forces Erupts in Gaza 1 hour ago By David Gritten, BBC News Israel’s military reported a heavy rocket attack from Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, with no injuries but fierce fighting ongoing. Both sides engaged in artillery fire as tensions escalated. The situation has led to casualties and destruction, with ongoing humanitarian concerns. Israeli forces are committed to eliminating Hamas and securing the region, while Palestinian fighters regroup and continue attacks. The conflict has impacted civilians, with reports of atrocities and desperate living conditions. As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian crisis…
In a groundbreaking ruling, France’s highest appeals court has affirmed the validity of an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for alleged complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes. The warrant was issued following a deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria in 2013, despite Assad’s denial of involvement. Anti-terrorism prosecutors had argued that Assad, as a sitting foreign head of state, was immune from prosecution. However, the Paris Court of Appeal rejected this argument, marking a historic moment for international justice. The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in half a million deaths and millions…
The UN Human Rights Office has raised concerns about Israeli air strikes in Gaza potentially violating the laws of war by failing to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The report highlights six specific attacks between October and December last year, citing a total of 218 people killed and significant destruction of civilian objects. Israel disputes these claims, stating the actions were in accordance with international law and accusing Hamas of using civilians as shields. The UN report points out the use of powerful munitions that can cause indiscriminate harm in densely populated areas, raising questions about compliance with the principles…
Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist in Iran, has been sentenced to an additional year in prison for spreading “propaganda against the system.” This decision was made by a branch of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, citing various reasons including her comments regarding alleged torture and sexual assault of a student by security forces, her call to boycott elections, and letters written to foreign MPs. Mohammadi, already serving a 10-year sentence, denounced the trial as unjust and refused to attend. Her family revealed that she has faced six trials in the past three years, resulting in a cumulative…
After the departure of opposition leader Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet. Sensitive issues regarding the war with Hamas in Gaza will now be discussed in a smaller forum, potentially impacting ties with international allies. Gantz and Eisenkot resigned due to Netanyahu’s lack of leadership and a plan for post-conflict Gaza. The war cabinet, established with Gantz in the coalition agreement, became unnecessary following his departure. Issues previously handled by the war cabinet will now be transferred to the security cabinet. Despite the changes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintains that…
2 hours ago By David Gritten, BBC News Reuters Hezbollah rockets sparked fires in several locations in northern Israel on Wednesday Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement retaliates against Israel with rocket strikes following the killing of a senior commander. The firing of more than 200 projectiles triggered fires in northern Israel but caused no casualties. Hezbollah vows to intensify attacks, leading to ongoing exchanges of fire across the border. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has displaced thousands and resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Hezbollah’s recent rocket fire on Israel is described as ‘unprecedented’ since the conflict escalated eight months ago. Hezbollah…
1 hour ago By David Gritten, BBC News Reuters US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to hostages’ relatives and friends in Tel Aviv on Tuesday The US is evaluating Hamas’s response to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, with mediation efforts ongoing in Qatar and Egypt. Hamas has called for a permanent ceasefire, while Israel has not publicly commented on the proposal. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is working to push the plan forward, emphasizing the need for progress. AFP Israeli forces carried out strikes in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza has…