Author: Yolande Knell
In a recent twist of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s popularity has surged following military victories against Hezbollah. A poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12 indicates that Netanyahu’s Likud party would secure the most seats in a general election. Furthermore, Netanyahu strengthened his position by welcoming former political rival Gideon Saar into his coalition government. Despite facing criticism for joining forces with Netanyahu, Saar’s decision has bolstered the government’s majority and stability. The composition of the government also undermines the influence of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, providing Netanyahu with more maneuvering room. As Netanyahu navigates the challenges…
Israel’s military is under investigation after soldiers were caught on camera throwing the bodies of three dead Palestinians off a rooftop in the West Bank town of Qabatiya. The incident, which also showed a military bulldozer removing the bodies, has sparked widespread outrage. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called it a “serious incident” that does not align with their values. The IDF reported that the operation in Qabatiya resulted in the deaths of four militants in a firefight and three others in a drone strike. Eyewitnesses described how Israeli troops surrounded a building, leading to a deadly confrontation. The IDF…
Israeli forces have carried out a major operation in multiple Palestinian cities in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians. The operation, described as a counterterrorism effort by Israeli security forces, targeted areas in Jenin, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Tubas simultaneously. This coordinated assault is believed to be the first of its kind since the second intifada. Reports indicate that Israeli forces closed off main roads, conducted drone strikes, and entered hospitals in Jenin and Tulkarm. Medics in al-Far’a refugee camp struggled to reach the wounded after an Israeli drone strike. The exact details of…
A 10-month-old baby in Gaza has been left partially paralyzed after contracting polio, marking the first case in 25 years. The World Health Organization is mobilizing efforts to implement a vaccination program to contain the virus. The re-emergence of polio in Gaza is attributed to disruptions in child vaccination programs and damage to water and sanitation systems due to the ongoing conflict. The UN is urging a pause in fighting to conduct a polio vaccination campaign for over 640,000 children. Adequate resources and safety measures are crucial for the success of the initiative. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces have sent…
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, with most being women, children, and the elderly. Satellite images reveal that nearly 60% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, with the city of Rafah suffering the most destruction. Israel’s military offensive in Rafah has left large areas in ruins, with key landmarks and buildings destroyed. The operation has also seen the creation of buffer zones along the border with Egypt, with military vehicles and observation towers now present in cleared areas. The death toll is likely higher than reported, with estimates…
A far-right Israeli minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, led hundreds of Jewish Israelis to Jerusalem’s holy site, the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, against the Israeli government’s ban on Jewish prayer. This visit sparked condemnation from Palestinian leaders, the UN, and Arab states, as it is considered provocative. Although Ben-Gvir stated the goal is to enable Jewish prayer, the Israeli prime minister’s office reaffirmed that only Muslim worship is allowed under the status quo agreement. The al-Aqsa Mosque compound is highly significant to both Jews and Muslims, with tensions around its control dating back to the 1967 Middle East war. Recent incidents of Jewish…
Al Jazeera vehemently denied the Israeli military’s claim that their correspondent killed in an airstrike in Gaza was a Hamas operative. Ismail al-Ghoul, along with his cameraman and a passing boy, were killed in the attack. Despite other high-profile assassinations this week, many Palestinians mourned the loss of the locally prominent journalist. The IDF accused al-Ghoul of being a Hamas operative, but Al Jazeera refuted the claim, stating he was a civilian journalist. Journalists in Gaza honored the fallen pair, emphasizing their dedication and sacrifices during the conflict. With the recent attacks on Al Jazeera staff and families in Gaza,…
Palestinian officials are outraged by Israel’s latest settlement drive in the occupied West Bank, which includes retroactively authorizing three outposts. The move is expected to escalate tensions in the region, already heightened by recent violence. Despite international law declaring settlements illegal, Israel continues to expand them, further diminishing hopes for a Palestinian state. The recent approval of thousands of new homes and the seizure of a significant amount of West Bank land have intensified concerns about the viability of a two-state solution. The UK and other countries have condemned Israel’s actions, urging a halt to illegal expansions. The UK emphasizes…
1 hour ago By Yolande Knell, Middle East correspondent BBC Once aid arrives in Gaza it can mount up for days waiting to be collected Hundreds of pallets of food lie untouched near starving families in Gaza, as lawlessness and looting hinder aid distribution efforts. International organisations struggle to improve distribution capacity amid growing challenges in the region, leaving critical supplies stagnant. Despite various roadblocks, efforts are being made to alleviate the dire situation in Gaza. \ Source link
3 hours ago By Yolande Knell, Anastassia Zlatopolskai, BBC News Watch: Parents of freed Russian-Israeli hostage tell BBC his return was a “miracle” After being dramatically rescued by Israeli special forces from Hamas captivity, one of the hostages’ parents described the miraculous event. The freed Russian-Israeli, Andrey, spent eight months enduring attempted brainwashing and uncertainty about his fate while in captivity. Emotional accounts from his parents revealed the psychological trauma inflicted on the hostages, including taunting and humiliation. The rescue operation, captured on bodycam footage, showed the tense moment of liberation. Andrey’s return to Israeli territory was hailed as a…