President Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that U.S. policy could change if the humanitarian situation in Gaza doesn't improve, criticizing Netanyahu for prioritizing political survival over national interest. Democrats have called for arms withholding from Israel to reduce civilian casualties, with progressive base in Michigan warning of losing support for Biden over his stance on Israel. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including an incident where World Central Kitchen workers died, have sparked criticism. Biden's call for a ceasefire and Schumer's push for new elections in Israel highlight tensions within the Democratic party.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, advocating for new elections on the Senate floor. Schumer, a lifelong supporter of Israel, expressed concerns that the current government no longer meets the needs of Israel, citing a shift in the global landscape. He highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a reevaluation of Israel's direction. Schumer's stance has put pressure on Democratic party officials, including President Joe Biden, to reassess their support for Israel.
Democratic Sen. Van Hollen said it still wasn't clear where President Biden stood in continuing to provide aid to Israel, after the president warned Netanyahu that U.S. policy could change if the humanitarian situation in Gaza didn't improve. Democrats are worried President Biden's stance toward Israel has ruined his standing with a key portion of the Democratic base, as the president continues to face criticism from progressives over his messaging on the war in Gaza.
President Joe Biden's upcoming call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will showcase the contradiction in US policy towards the conflict in Gaza. While expressing frustration over civilian casualties and demanding changes, the US remains staunch in supporting Israel, planning an $18 billion F-15 warplane sale. Fears of regional escalation due to Israeli actions, including a strike in Syria attributed to Israel by the US, add pressure to the call. Biden faces domestic pressure to end the conflict before the election, while Netanyahu may seek to prolong it to avoid potential losses in elections.
Israelis in Jerusalem, particularly at the Machane Yehuda food market, expressed disappointment with Senator Schumer's comments on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza war and his suggestion for new elections, stating that it is not Schumer's place to interfere in Israel's politics. They believe President Biden is turning on Israel for his own political interests before the U.S. national elections. Netanyahu criticized Schumer's comments as inappropriate. Israelis emphasized their ability to handle their own politics and affirmed their democratic values.
President Biden pushed Prime Minister Netanyahu to open up crossing and ports for humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning of consequences if conditions didn't improve for civilians. The US may consider slowing down its supply of weapons to Israel. This is the first time since October's Hamas attack that Biden threatened serious consequences if Israel didn't change its approach in Gaza.
President Biden reevaluated his approach towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct of the war in Gaza after the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers prompted a shift. Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined specific steps Biden wanted Israel to take, such as opening land crossings for aid deliveries. The U.S. policy on Gaza will depend on Israel's immediate actions. Consideration is being given to placing conditions on military aid to Israel.
Sen. Bernie Sanders warns President Joe Biden of political consequences if military aid to Israel continues without conditions. Sanders urges more pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow humanitarian aid in Gaza. Polls show Americans disapprove of Israels actions, with growing protests against Bidens Israel policy within the Democratic Party.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi commended Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for advocating a new election in Israel, referring to it as an act of courage and love for the nation. Pelosi's remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Schumer's comments, prompting Pelosi to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and express concerns about Israel's reputation. Pelosi also criticized Netanyahu for previous interference in US politics, referencing his opposition to the Iran Nuclear Deal and President Donald Trump's subsequent withdrawal from the agreement.
U.S. President Joe Biden plans to address the need for better protections for humanitarian workers and an increase in food shipments into Gaza during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in an Israeli attack.Celebrity chef Jose Andres expressed emotional distress over the targeted attack on his food aid workers. The U.S. and Israel have been discussing Israel's threat of a broad offensive in Rafah, aiming to root out Hamas militants without harming civilians. Negotiations for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, involving the release of hostages by Hamas, are also ongoing.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledges the upside of progressives opting not to vote for President Biden in Democratic primaries over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Hundreds of thousands in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin voted uncommitted in protest, exceeding recent margins of victory. Ocasio-Cortez supports the movement demanding a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and end to US military aid to Israel, while still planning to back Biden. Progressive lawmakers like Rashida Tlaib endorse the movement, with Layla Elabed leading it. Biden has critiqued Israel's war efforts but not implemented significant policy changes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is delaying an offensive in Rafah due to unfavorable timing and conditions politically and militarily. Netanyahu's pressure tactics aim to maintain ceasefire talks and manage domestic protests. Recent actions include opening aid crossings, sending negotiators to Cairo, and transitioning to a lower-tempo fighting phase. Biden warns of policy change if Israel doesn't adjust tactics, while thousands protest against Netanyahu in Israel. Netanyahu undergoes successful hernia surgery amidst the ongoing crisis, with potential for a six-week ceasefire for hostage release and peace negotiations.
Israel faced international criticism after an airstrike killed 7 aid workers in Gaza, prompting the Israeli military to acknowledge the mistake and pause operations by the World Central Kitchen in Gaza. Former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau criticized President Biden for not changing his Israel policy despite private anger over the strike, highlighting divisions within the Democratic Party over US support for Israel amidst ongoing military operations against Hamas.
Former President Trump stated in an interview that any Jewish person voting for President Biden does not love Israel, claiming Democrats avoid discussing Hamas attacks due to Biden's stance on Israel. Trump suggested Jewish and Black people habitually vote Democrat, accused liberal Jews of hating Israel, and insinuated dual loyalties. The Biden campaign criticized Trump's remarks. Trump touted his pro-Israel actions in office, including moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. This perpetuates antisemitic tropes and echoes previous comments accusing Jews voting for Democrats of disloyalty.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting domestic and international pressure, including protests demanding early elections, criticism from US President Joe Biden over the killing of aid workers in Gaza, and opposition from coalition members on issues like mandatory military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Despite the challenges, Netanyahu's grip on power remains resilient as his governing coalition shows no signs of collapse.
Israel is set to open new routes for humanitarian deliveries into Gaza, including the reopening of the Ashdod Port and access to the Erez Crossing. US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more aid trucks into Gaza following the deaths of seven aid workers. The US National Security Council supports Israel's plan to increase aid flow into Gaza, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and aid workers. However, the timeline for opening these routes remains uncertain.
Six months after a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, the ongoing conflict has led to a high death toll among Gazans, hunger in the strip, and Israeli hostages being held captive. There are no apparent winners, with Hamas possibly facing decimation and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu under pressure. The conflict has also sparked a surge in global antisemitism, causing anxiety in Europe and concerns among American Jews about safety. Anti-Muslim bigotry has also risen as a result of the strife.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed during a Senate hearing that there is no evidence of Israel committing genocide in Gaza amid its conflict with Hamas. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports over 33,000 deaths and 75,000 injuries due to the ongoing conflict. The U.S. urges Israel to prioritize civilian safety and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Recent discussions have highlighted the need for Israel to address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians and minimize civilian casualties in the conflict. President Biden has pressured Israel to enhance efforts to protect civilians and allow aid into Gaza.
Egyptian, French, and Jordanian leaders caution Israel about launching an offensive on Gaza's southern city of Rafah, stating it would lead to "dangerous consequences" and increased death and suffering, as well as risk regional escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms a set date for the offensive focused on releasing hostages and defeating Hamas. US opposes any assault on Rafah, emphasizing the need for a deal over hostages and ceasefire talks in Cairo involving Israeli and Hamas representatives.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren expressed her belief that international courts could interpret Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, citing the use of starvation and bombing in civilian areas. Despite stating she values labeling Israel's actions as wrong over the legal case for genocide, she acknowledged ample evidence and the ongoing legal process at the International Court of Justice. Warren has criticized the Biden administration's policies on Israel, called for a ceasefire, and demanded conditions on future aid. She also mentioned blocking the sale of US fighter jets to Israel and emphasized the need for humanitarian relief in the region.
Israeli antigovernment protesters gathered in Tel Aviv and other parts of the country demanding the government to secure the release of captives held by Hamas in Gaza and calling for early elections. Demonstrators expressed anger at Benjamin Netanyahu's government for its inability to secure the release after six months of fighting. The protests included confrontations between security forces and protesters, with scenes of fires being started and chants against the government's handling of the situation. Ceasefire negotiations in Cairo involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are ongoing.
Residents in Gaza City feel let down by the international community's inaction despite facing danger from Israeli bombs, starvation, and psychological trauma. The United States, Germany, and other Western nations continue to support Israel despite evidence of war crimes. Talks in Cairo continue while Israeli bombardments and blockades persist, putting vulnerable Gazans at greater risk. Medical institutions warn of catastrophic consequences due to lack of aid and ongoing war. Palestinians criticize the lack of humanitarian assistance and call for an end to the conflict, expressing feelings of betrayal and loss.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a political crisis as the ultra-Orthodox community, known as the Haredim, is at the center of controversy over their military draft exemption. The issue has sparked resentment among secular and conventionally religious Israelis, with 70% of the population supporting the end of exemptions. Netanyahu's coalition is at risk as he must choose between alienating ultra-Orthodox factions or secular supporters. The demographic growth of the ultra-Orthodox community and their societal impact, particularly during the Gaza war, have raised concerns about Israel's future.
The Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza sparked surprise globally, with only one brigade left in the enclave, coinciding with the six-month mark since the conflict sparked by Hamas. Officials downplayed the significance, emphasizing the IDF's capability for necessary actions. The timing raised speculation, perceived differently by Israeli media; with Israel Hayom linking it to ceasefire talks pressure, while Maariv suggested it as preparation for a future operation in Rafah.
The killing of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza has sparked global outrage and forced Israel to open new points of entry for humanitarian aid. The United Nations reports that a total of 224 humanitarian aid workers have been killed since the beginning of the war, highlighting systemic failings in the Israel Defense Forces' approach to protecting humanitarian workers in the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have expressed remorse over the incident, and the IDF has removed two senior officers from their posts after an investigation found violations of protocol.
Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission. Rep. Ritchie Torres is absolutely right about Hamas Tuesday rejection of yet another cease-fire offer: The hyperbolic and hysterical demonization of Israel from fair-weather friends makes Hamas feel emboldened to continue rejecting ceasefires and continue holding the hostages captive, the Bronx Democrat posted on X. The terrorist thugs could have ended this war the week it began by sending the captives home.
John Flickinger, father of Jacob Flickinger, a humanitarian worker killed in Israeli drone strikes in Gaza, urged the United States to use its influence to stop the killings, suggesting that aid suspension could have saved lives. He described a conversation with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and expressed hope for policy changes. Jacob Flickinger, a dual US and Canadian citizen, was part of a World Central Kitchen convoy targeted in the attack, along with six others of various nationalities. The Canadian government is assisting Jacob's partner and son for relocation. World Central Kitchen ceased Gaza food deliveries, suspecting deliberate intimidation by Israel.
Israeli and Hamas officials state that no substantial advancements have been made in the recent Gaza truce negotiations in Cairo involving mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Despite reports suggesting progress, both sides acknowledge the lack of movement towards a deal. The US presented a proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release to Hamas, awaiting their response. International concern has been raised over the high Palestinian death toll and humanitarian crisis resulting from Israels military actions in Gaza, where over 33,000 Palestinians have died since October 7.
During a U.N. Security Council meeting, Israel's Ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, criticized the notion of Palestinian statehood and accused the U.N. of supporting Nazi ideology by endorsing it. Erdan highlighted the historical connection between the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Adolf Hitler, stating that the conflict is about the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews. The Palestinian Authority seeks U.N. membership, but Israel's right-wing government opposes Palestinian statehood, leading to ongoing tensions and unresolved conflicts.
The Israeli defence ministry is buying 40,000 tents in preparation for an assault on Rafah in Gaza to eliminate remaining Hamas battalions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at invading Rafah, the last city in Gaza not targeted. Plans include evacuating civilians to 'humanitarian islands' in central Gaza before the assault. The US has cautioned against the assault, predicting global isolation for Israel. France's foreign minister suggests pressure and sanctions on Israel for humanitarian aid access to Gaza. International journalists' exclusion from Gaza allows misinformation to spread amidst the conflict.
At a rally in Dearborn, Michigan, activists chanted 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' during Al Quds Day, denouncing Israel. Video from the Middle East Media Research Institute shows speakers criticizing US support for Israel and calling for the end of the Jewish nation. Dearborn has seen a rise in anti-Israel sentiment, with efforts to vote uncommitted in protest of Biden's support for Israel. The city was labeled 'America's jihad capital' due to celebrations of Hamas attacks. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud increased police presence in response to anti-Muslim sentiment following the labeling by a Wall Street Journal columnist.
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. ( , BY-dən; born November 20, 1942) is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama and represented Delaware in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009.Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden moved with his family to Delaware in 1953. He graduated from the University of Delaware before earning his law degree from Syracuse University. He was elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970 and to the U.S. Senate in 1972. As a senator, Biden drafted and led the effort to pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act and the Violence Against Women Act. He also oversaw six U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings, including the contentious hearings for Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas. Biden ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and 2008. In 2008, Obama chose Biden as his running mate, and he was a close counselor to Obama during his two terms as vice president. In the 2020 presidential election, Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, defeated incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence. He is the oldest president in U.S. history, and the first to have a female vice president.As president, Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recession. He signed bipartisan bills on infrastructure and manufacturing. He proposed the Build Back Better Act, which failed in Congress, but aspects of which were incorporated into the Inflation Reduction Act that he signed into law in 2022. Biden appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. He worked with congressional Republicans to resolve the 2023 United States debt-ceiling crisis by negotiating a deal to raise the debt ceiling. In foreign policy, Biden restored America's membership in the Paris Agreement. He oversaw the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan that ended the war in Afghanistan, during which the Afghan government collapsed and the Taliban seized control. He responded to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by imposing sanctions on Russia and authorizing civilian and military aid to Ukraine. During the Israel–Hamas war, Biden announced military support for Israel, and condemned the actions of Hamas and other Palestinian militants as terrorism. In April 2023, Biden announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 presidential election.
Poland's Foreign Ministry has called in the Israeli ambassador following the death of a Polish man, who was among the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna said the "new situation in Polish-Israeli relations and the moral, political and financial responsibility" for the incident would be discussed with the ambassador. Comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ambassador, Yacov Livne, on the incident have caused disquiet in Poland..
US President Joe Biden unveils a proposal to cancel up to $20,000 of accrued and capitalized interest for borrowers, benefiting 23 million borrowers. The plan, combined with previously announced measures, aims to provide debt relief to over 30 million borrowers. Biden emphasizes the positive impact on the economy and pledges to continue delivering student loan relief if re-elected in November. Progressives have long urged Biden to address student loan debt, highlighting its significance in appealing to younger voters. However, some groups express discontent over Biden's stance on Israel, impacting his support within certain demographics.
An Israeli inquiry revealed that Israeli troops mistakenly targeted aid workers in Gaza, leading to the deaths of seven workers from the World Central Kitchen. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted to violating protocol and firing two officers over the incident. The IDF mistook aid workers for Hamas gunmen, sparking outrage from allies. The incident occurred as the IDF attempted to track down Hamas militants in Gaza, accusing Hamas of infiltrating civilian areas. The aid workers' vehicles were targeted despite not being identified as belonging to the charity, leading to the tragic deaths of workers from various nationalities.
By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Democratic-majority U.S. Senate is likely to bring a quick end this week to House Republicans' months-long drive to impeach President Joe Biden 's top border official, who they accuse of failing to deter record-setting levels of illegal immigration. Almost two months have passed since the House of Representatives narrowly voted to approve two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, an election-year move so divisive that it required two attempts to pass the narrowly Republican-controlled chamber. Republican presidential challenger Donald Trump , who holds great sway within his party, has focused much of his campaign on blasting Biden's border policies, and Reuters/Ipsos polling shows that immigration is Republican voters' top concern.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed seven workers from World Central Kitchen, leading to the suspension of operations by three aid providers including WCK and Anera. The Israeli government is being criticized internationally for the killings and for restricting humanitarian aid. Famine is looming in Gaza with half the population on the brink of starvation. The UAE is also reportedly suspending operations in Gaza. The UN's Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) expresses concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The UK's Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, stated that the country's position on arms exports to Israel remains unchanged, following the killing of aid workers in Gaza. Pressure mounts on the UK government to disclose legal advice on arms sales, with calls from Labour Party members to halt exports if international law violations are found. Lord Cameron also discussed the situation in Gaza with US Secretary of State Blinken in Washington and urged US support for a financial aid package for Ukraine.
Airstrikes by Israel in Gaza killed seven members of a humanitarian convoy from World Central Kitchen, leading to criticism from Biden and demands for improved security procedures from aid organizations. Israel claims the strikes were unintentional and has pledged to investigate. Aid operations were suspended by some organizations in response, with calls for Israel to avoid harming aid workers. Over 200 humanitarian aid workers and 100 journalists have been killed since the conflict began on 7 October, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for these groups.
Following a strike in Damascus blamed on Israel that killed 12 people, including two Iranian generals, Gen Rahim Safavi warned Israel that none of its embassies are safe. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is prepared for any response. Regional tensions have escalated as Hamas marks six months of conflict with Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.
CAIRO -- Egypt, Jordan, and France on Monday urged an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been under deadly Israeli siege and bombardment over the past six months. In a joint article, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah II, and French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate and unconditional implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2728, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the conflict-stricken enclave. "We warn against the dangerous consequences of an Israeli offensive on Rafah, where more than 1.5 million Palestinian civilians have sought refuge. Such an offensive will only bring more deaths and suffering, heighten the risks and consequences of mass forcible displacement of the people of Gaza and threaten regional escalation," said the leaders.
Israel has withdrawn almost all of its troops from southern Gaza, leaving only one brigade in Khan Younis to secure the 'Netzarim corridor'. The withdrawal is linked to negotiations with Hamas over Israeli hostages, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eager for a ceasefire deal. Plans for a ground invasion of the city of Rafah were considered but warnings of 'disastrous consequences' led to troop withdrawal. Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman confirmed Netanyahu's willingness to proceed with a ground invasion if necessary, as Israel transitions towards a counter-terrorism strategy in the conflict with Hamas.
The Israeli military has withdrawn its ground forces from Khan Younis in southern Gaza after months of fighting, with the 98th division leaving to recuperate and prepare for future operations. The Nahal brigade and the 162nd division remain in Gaza. It is unclear how many troops have withdrawn, and the IDF has not commented on the reasons for the withdrawal. The withdrawal raises questions about Israel's plans for an offensive in Rafah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows no truce until Hamas frees all hostages, amidst international pressure for a ceasefire and escalating tensions with Iran.
Israel has withdrawn almost all its troops from southern Gaza, leaving only one brigade in Khan Younis. The move comes after ongoing negotiations with Hamas over Israeli hostages. The withdrawal is linked to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's desire for a ceasefire deal. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that troops were pulled out to prepare for future missions, including in the city of Rafah. Despite the official explanation of giving troops time to recuperate, some rockets were fired towards Israel from Khan Younis after the soldiers left.
Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old American-Canadian aid worker, was one of seven charity workers killed by an IDF airstrike in Gaza while distributing aid. He was planning to leave the region for Egypt due to safety concerns. Jacob, described as a loving husband and new father, had been volunteering with the World Central Kitchen. His death has sparked international outrage and raised questions about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to recent attacks in the region.
The IDF fired lethal precision guided missiles into vehicles carrying aid workers, mistaking them for Hamas fighters based on unsound evidence, leading to the deaths of foreign aid workers and raising ethical questions in combat. The decision to launch airstrikes without proper information sharing and investigation reflects poorly on the military's standards. World Central Kitchen operated at night due to their good relationship with the Israeli military, highlighting the complexities of working in conflict zones. The incident sparked an international outcry, shedding light on similar uninvestigated cases involving Palestinian civilians.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticizes Israel for its inadequate explanation regarding the deaths of seven aid workers, including Australian Zomi Frankcom, in an Israeli air strike. Australia appoints a retired air force general to review Israel's investigation and determine if further action is necessary. Foreign Minister Penny Wong expresses deep dissatisfaction with Israel's initial response and appoints former military chief Mark Binskin to oversee ongoing investigations and ensure full accountability for the deaths.
Around 50 protesters organized were arrested after the shut down a cafeteria in the Senate in protest of the U.S.'s policy on Israel. 'Senate can't eat until Gaza eats!' the activists shouted as they blocked entrances to the Dirksen cafeteria. They were apprehended by Capitol Police.
The Gaza Strip is experiencing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the Israel–Hamas war. The crisis includes both a famine and a healthcare collapse. At the start of the war, Israel implemented a complete blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in significant shortages of fuel, food, medication, water, and essential medical supplies. This siege resulted in a 90% drop in electricity availability, impacting hospital power supplies, sewage plants, and shutting down the desalination plants that provide drinking water. Widespread disease outbreaks have spread across Gaza.Heavy bombardment by Israeli airstrikes caused catastrophic damage to Gaza’s infrastructure, further deepening the crisis. By mid-November, Israel had dropped the equivalent of two nuclear bombs on Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 4,000 children killed in the war's first month. UN Secretary General António Guterres stated Gaza had "become a graveyard for children."Organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross, and a joint statement by UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the UN Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund, and World Food Programme have warned of a dire humanitarian collapse. On November 8, UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk described the Rafah Crossing as "gates to a living nightmare."
Podcaster Joe Rogan and comedian Andrew Schulz discussed on a podcast the speculation that the Democratic Party may replace President Biden with California Gov. Gavin Newsom around May. Rogan expressed skepticism about Biden's mental acuity but noted the administration's commitment to transgender ideology. Schulz suggested that Newsom might run with Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden is replaced.
An armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been taking place chiefly in and around the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. After clearing Hamas militants from its territory, the Israeli military embarked on an extensive aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip followed by a large-scale ground invasion beginning on 27 October. Clashes have also occurred in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and with Hezbollah along the Israel–Lebanon border. The hostilities constitute the fifth war of the Gaza–Israel conflict since 2008 and are part of the broader Israeli–Palestinian conflict. They are considered to be the most significant military escalation in the region since the Yom Kippur War 50 years earlier.The Hamas offensive involved 3,000 militants breaching the Gaza–Israel barrier and attacking Israeli communities and military bases. During this attack, 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed, while 253 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive to the Gaza Strip. The attack was proclaimed as a response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, the prospect of Arab–Israeli normalization, and the plight of Palestinian refugees and prisoners. In response, Israel declared a state of war, tightened its existing blockade of Gaza and launched one of the most severe bombing campaigns in history, before commencing the ground invasion on 27 October. Israeli forces laid siege to Gaza City on 2 November and moved south to attack Khan Yunis a month later on 3 December; both sieges remain ongoing. Israel's next objective is the capture of Rafah. An estimated 6,000-12,000 militants have been killed during the conflict, and Israel has lost over 200 soldiers during its invasion. A United Nations resolution calling for a humanitarian pause passed on 15 November; the seven-day truce took effect at the end of that month.A humanitarian crisis has developed in the Gaza Strip, with healthcare in a state of collapse, shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel due to the blockade, electricity and communications blackouts, and potential famine conditions. More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during the conflict, including over 12,300 children and 8,400 women. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million population have been internally displaced. The widespread civilian deaths have led to accusations of war crimes against both Israel and Hamas. In February 2024 576,000 people were "facing catastrophic levels of deprivation and starvation", stated The United Nations. More than 100 Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops that opened fire when huge crowds raced to pull goods off an aid convoy.The war has had significant international repercussions. Popular protests that primarily call for a ceasefire have occurred across the world. Israel's actions have been denounced by the Islamic world and much of the Global South; South Africa launched an International Court of Justice case alleging that Israel committed genocide. Israel has however received significant support from its traditional Western allies, especially the United States, which vetoed multiple UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire. In response, Iran-backed militias have attacked American military bases in the Middle East, while the Yemeni Houthi movement attacked commercial ships they alleged were linked to Israel, incurring a military response from a number of countries.
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is an ongoing military and political conflict in the Levant. Beginning in the mid-20th century, it is one of the world's longest-continuing conflicts. Key areas of the conflict include the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements, borders, security, water rights, Palestinian freedom of movement, and the Palestinian right of return.The conflict has its origins in the arrival of Jewish immigrants and settlers to Palestine in the late 19th and 20th centuries and the advent of the Zionist movement. The local Arab population opposed Zionism, primarily out of fear of territorial displacement and dispossession. The Zionist movement garnered the support of an imperial power in the 1917 Balfour Declaration issued by Britain, which promised to support the creation of a "Jewish homeland in Palestine". Following World War I, Mandatory Palestine was established, and tensions grew into open sectarian conflict between Jews and Arabs. In 1936, an Arab revolt erupted demanding independence, which the British suppressed.The 1947 United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine triggered the 1948 Palestine war, which saw the expulsion and flight of most Palestinian Arabs, the establishment of Israel on most of the Mandate's territory, and the control of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank by Egypt and Jordan, respectively. In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (which became known as the Palestinian territories), which is now considered to be the longest military occupation in modern history, and has drawn international condemnation for violating the human rights of the Palestinians.The conflict has claimed many civilian casualties, mostly Palestinian, since its inception. Various attempts have been made to resolve the conflict as part of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, alongside efforts to resolve the broader Arab–Israeli conflict. Progress towards a negotiated solution between the Israeli government and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was made with the Oslo Accords of 1993–1995. The majority of recent peace efforts have been centred around the two-state solution, which involves the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Public support for a two-state solution, which formerly enjoyed support from both Israeli Jews and Palestinians, has dwindled in recent years. Official negotiations are mediated by the Quartet on the Middle East, which consists of the United Nations, the United States, Russia, and the European Union. The Arab League, which has proposed the Arab Peace Initiative, is another important actor, along with Egypt and Jordan. Since 2006, the Palestinian side has been split between Fatah dominating the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas that gained control of the Gaza Strip. Attempts to remedy this have been repeated and continuing. Since 2019, the Israeli side has also been experiencing political crisis. The latest round of peace negotiations began in July 2013 but were suspended in 2014. Since 2006, Hamas and Israel have fought five wars, the most recent of which began in 2023 and is ongoing as of March 2024.
On the evening of 27 October 2023, Israel launched a large-scale invasion of the Gaza Strip, with the stated goals of eliminating and destroying Hamas, a military and political movement which led an attack against Israel earlier in October, and to free hostages taken by Hamas. Following the attack, Israel declared a state of war, tightened its blockade, ordered the evacuation of the northern Gaza Strip, and launched "Operation Swords of Iron".More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israeli operation, including over 12,500 children and 7,000 women, with another 7,000 people missing and presumed dead under the rubble of destroyed buildings. By mid-December Israel had dropped 29,000 munitions on Gaza, destroying or damaging 70 percent of homes in the Strip. Experts say that the scale and pace of destruction in Gaza is among the most severe in recent history. During the invasion, Israel destroyed at least a third of Gaza's homes and hundreds of cultural landmarks, and desecrated dozens of cemeteries in the strip.A severe humanitarian crisis has developed, with healthcare in a state of collapse, shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel due to the blockade, electricity and communications blackouts, and the UN warning of potential famine. It was widely reported that there is "no safe place in Gaza" as Israel struck areas it had previously told Palestinians to evacuate to. The widespread civilian deaths have led to accusations of war crimes against both Israel and Hamas. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million population have been internally displaced and around 250,000–500,000 Israelis were internally displaced, while thousands of Palestinians have been detained by Israel, and Israel has stated it lost 225 additional soldiers in its invasion as of 4 February 2024.As a result of the invasion, South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), charging that Israel was guilty of committing a genocide, and requesting that the ICJ render provisional measures of protection.
Butler County, Ohio, Sheriff Richard Jones discusses the impact of Biden administration's border policies and migrant crimes. Senate Republicans, including Sen. Marshall and Sen. Scott, push for an open trial on the impeachment articles against Secretary Mayorkas. The trial may be dismissed by a procedural maneuver, with both Republicans and Democrats expecting this outcome. Republicans argue Mayorkas has undermined US laws, while Democrats may attempt to swiftly end the trial.
The Israeli military has dismissed two officers and reprimanded three others for a mistaken attack in central Gaza that killed seven aid workers, believing they were targeting Hamas fighters. The United States-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) called for an independent investigation and CEO Erin Gore emphasized the need for Israel to assure the safety of humanitarian aid workers. The Israeli military accepted responsibility for the incident, attributing it to a serious failure in identification, decision-making errors, and deviation from Standard Operating Procedures. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stressed the importance of prioritizing civilian protection to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Gaza–Israel conflict is a localized part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict beginning in 1948, when 200,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes, settling in the Gaza Strip as refugees. Since then, Israel has fought 15 wars against the Gaza Strip. The number of Gazans killed in the most recent 2023 war — 27,000 — is higher than the death toll of all other wars of the Arab-Israeli conflict.Israel fought four wars against the Egyptian-administered Gaza Strip: 1948 Palestine War, border attacks of 1949–1956, first occupation of Gaza during the Suez Crisis and the capture of Gaza in 1967. During the first occupation, 1% of Gaza Strip's population was either killed, tortured or imprisoned by Israel. Following two periods of low-level insurgencies, a major conflict between Israelis and Palestinians erupted in the First Intifada (523 Gazans killed). The 1993 Oslo Accords brought a period of calm. But, in 2000 the Second Intifada erupted. Towards the end of the Second Intifada, Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005, Hamas won the 2006 election and seized control of Gaza in 2007.In 2007, Israel imposed a land, air and sea blockade of the Gaza Strip, turning it into an "open-air prison". The blockade was widely condemned as a form of collective punishment, while Israel defended it as necessary to stop Palestinian rocket attacks. Hamas considered it a declaration of war. A 2008–2009 Israeli invasion of Gaza resulted in more than 1,000 deaths and widespread destruction of homes, schools and hospitals. A 2012 Israeli operation also killed more than 100 people.In 2014, Israel invaded Gaza in a major war that resulted in the deaths of 73 Israelis (mostly soldiers) and 2,251 Palestinians (mostly civilians). The invasion resulted in "unprecedented" destruction, damaging 25% of homes in Gaza city and 70% of homes in Beit Hanoun. After 2014, notable events in the conflict included the "Great March of Return" (2018-2019) and clashes in November 2018, May 2019 and November 2019. The 2021 crisis saw 256 Palestinians and 15 Israelis killed.On October 7, 2023, Palestinian militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people (mostly civilians). Israel responded with bombing Gaza Strip and launching an invasion that has killed more than 29,000 Gazans as of February 2024.
An investigation by Al Jazeera's Sanad verification agency revealed that Israeli drones deliberately targeted three vehicles carrying World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, leading to the deaths of seven people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called the incident a grave accident, attributing it to mistaken identification of the vehicles as being overtaken by Hamas gunmen. As a result, two senior IDF officers were dismissed, with three commanders reprimanded, and potential criminal prosecution for those involved in the attack.
The Gaza War, also known as Operation Cast Lead (Hebrew: מִבְצָע עוֹפֶרֶת יְצוּקָה), also known as the Gaza Massacre (Arabic: مجزرة غزة), and referred to as the Battle of al-Furqan (معركة الفرقان) by Hamas, was a three-week armed conflict between Gaza Strip Palestinian paramilitary groups and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that began on 27 December 2008 and ended on 18 January 2009 with a unilateral ceasefire. The conflict resulted in 1,166–1,417 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths. Over 46,000 homes were destroyed in Gaza, making more than 100,000 people homeless.A six month long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended on 4 November, when the IDF made a raid into Deir al-Balah, central Gaza to destroy a tunnel, killing several Hamas militants. Israel said the raid was a preemptive strike and Hamas intended to abduct further Israeli soldiers, while Hamas characterized it as a ceasefire violation, and responded with rocket fire into Israel. Attempts to renew a truce between Israel and Hamas were unsuccessful. On December 27, Israel began Operation Cast Lead with the stated aim of stopping rocket fire. In the initial air assault, Israel attacked police stations, military targets including weapons caches and suspected rocket firing teams, as well as political and administrative institutions, striking in the densely populated cities of Gaza, Khan Yunis and Rafah. After hostilities broke out, Palestinian groups fired rockets in retaliation for the aerial bombardments and attacks. The international community considers indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian structures that do not discriminate between civilians and military targets as illegal under international law.An Israeli ground invasion began on 3 January. On 5 January, the IDF began operating in the densely populated urban centers of Gaza. During the last week of the offensive (from 12 January), Israel mostly hit targets it had damaged before and struck Palestinian rocket-launching units. Hamas intensified its rocket and mortar attacks against mostly civilian targets in southern Israel, reaching the major cities of Beersheba and Ashdod for the first time during the conflict. Israeli politicians ultimately decided against striking deeper within Gaza amid concerns of higher casualties on both sides and rising international criticism. The conflict ended on 18 January, when the IDF first declared a unilateral ceasefire, followed by Hamas' announcing a one-week ceasefire twelve hours later. The IDF completed its withdrawal on 21 January.In September 2009, a UN special mission, headed by the South African Justice Richard Goldstone, produced a report accusing both Palestinian militants and the Israeli army of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, and recommended bringing those responsible to justice. In 2011, Goldstone wrote that he does not believe that Israel intentionally targeted civilians in Gaza as a matter of explicit policy. The other authors of the report, Hina Jilani, Christine Chinkin, and Desmond Travers, stated that no new evidence had been gathered that disputed the report's findings. The United Nations Human Rights Council ordered Israel to conduct various repairs of the damages. On 21 September 2012, the United Nations Human Rights Council concluded that 75% of civilian homes destroyed in the attack were not rebuilt.
The Gaza Strip ( ; Arabic: قِطَاعُ غَزَّةَ Qiṭāʿ Ġazzah [qɪˈtˤɑːʕ ˈɣaz.za]), or simply Gaza, is a polity and the smaller of the two Palestinian territories (the other being the West Bank). On the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Gaza is bordered by Egypt on the southwest and Israel on the east and north.The territory came into being when it was controlled by Egypt during the 1948 Arab–Israeli war, and became a refuge for Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the 1948 Palestine war. Later, during the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured and occupied the Gaza Strip, initiating its decades-long military occupation of the Palestinian territories. The mid-1990s Oslo Accords established the Palestinian Authority (PA) as a limited governing authority, initially led by the secular party Fatah until that party's electoral defeat in 2006 to the Sunni Islamic Hamas. Hamas would then take over the governance of Gaza in a battle the next year, subsequently warring with Israel.In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its military forces from Gaza, dismantled its settlements, and implemented a temporary blockade of Gaza. The blockade became indefinite after the 2007 Hamas takeover, supported by Egypt through restrictions on its land border with Gaza. Despite the Israeli disengagement, the United Nations (UN), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and many human-rights organizations continue to consider Gaza to be held under Israeli military occupation, due to what they consider Israel's effective military control over the territory; Israel disputes that it occupies the territory. The land, sea, and air blockade prevents people and goods from freely entering or leaving the territory, leading to Gaza often being called an "open-air prison." The UN, as well as at least 19 human-rights organizations, have urged Israel to lift the blockade. Israel has justified its blockade on the strip with wanting to stop flow of arms, but Palestinians and rights groups say it amounts to collective punishment and exacerbates dire living conditions.The Gaza Strip is 41 kilometres (25 miles) long, from 6 to 12 km (3.7 to 7.5 mi) wide, and has a total area of 365 km2 (141 sq mi). With around 2 million Palestinians on approximately 365 km2 (141 sq mi) of land, Gaza has one of the world's highest population densities. More than 70% of Gaza's population are refugees or descendents of refugees, half of whom are under the age of 18. Sunni Muslims make up most of Gaza's population, with a Palestinian Christian minority. Gaza has an annual population growth rate of 1.99% (2023 est.), the 39th-highest in the world. Gaza's unemployment rate is among the highest in the world, with an overall unemployment rate of 46% and a youth unemployment rate of 70%. The population has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Gaza has throughout the years been seen as a source of Palestinian nationalism and resistance.
Social media users have been spreading false claims that Israel blamed Hamas for the deaths of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, when in fact, Israeli officials have not made such statements. The Israeli military confirmed that the deaths were a result of an IDF strike, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledging an unintended strike in Gaza. Posts on social media featured footage of the vehicle hit by the airstrike, but there is no evidence to support the claim of a Hamas roadside bomb.
Charles Ellis Schumer ( SHOO-mər; born November 23, 1950) is an American politician serving as Senate Majority Leader since 2021 and the senior United States senator from New York since 1999. A member of the Democratic Party, he has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017 and was Senate Minority Leader from 2017 to 2021. Schumer is in his fifth Senate term, making him the longest-serving US senator from New York, having surpassed Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jacob K. Javits in 2023. He is the dean of New York's congressional delegation.A native of Brooklyn and a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Schumer was a three-term member of the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1980. He served nine terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1981 to 1999, first representing New York's 16th congressional district before being redistricted to the 10th congressional district in 1983 and 9th congressional district 10 years later. In 1998, Schumer was elected to the Senate, defeating three-term Republican incumbent Al D'Amato. He was reelected in 2004 with 71% of the vote, in 2010 with 66% of the vote, in 2016 with 70% of the vote, and in 2022 with 56% of the vote.Schumer chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 2005 to 2009, overseeing 14 Democratic gains in the Senate in the 2006 and 2008 elections. He was the third-ranking Democrat in the Senate, behind Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Majority Whip Dick Durbin. He served as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate from 2007 to 2017 and chaired the Senate Democratic Policy Committee from 2011 to 2017. Schumer won his fourth term in the Senate in 2016 and was then unanimously elected Democratic leader to succeed Reid, who was retiring.In January 2021, Schumer became Senate Majority Leader, becoming the first Jewish Senate majority leader. As majority leader, Schumer shepherded through the Senate some of the Biden administration's major legislative initiatives, such as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act. Under his leadership, the Senate confirmed the most federal judges during the first two years of any presidency since John F. Kennedy's, and the most diverse slate of federal judicial nominations in American history, including Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first African American woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to carry out an offensive in Rafah, stating 'It will happen' without specifying a date. Recent images show Israeli soldiers near the Israeli-Gaza border and Palestinians walking through the destruction in the wake of an air and ground offensive in Khan Younis.
Pope Francis met with relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas on the six-month anniversary of the attack in southern Israel. The hostages were taken on Oct 7, and the meeting included discussions and a press conference with family members in Rome. Israeli authorities reported 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages in response to a Hamas-led attack in December, which led to Israel's ground offensive in Khan Younis.
Turkey and Israel have implemented trade barriers against each other as relations worsen due to the conflict in Gaza. Turkey restricted exports of 54 products to Israel, including aluminum, steel, and jet fuel, in response to Israel's ban on Turkish military cargo planes delivering aid to Gaza. This move follows Turkish President Erdogan's strong criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, with Israel accusing Erdogan of prioritizing support for Hamas over Turkey's economic interests. The trade restrictions reflect domestic political considerations for Turkey, potentially leading to reduced bilateral trade worth $5.4 billion in 2023.
Yemen is in the middle of a humanitarian disaster after nearly a decade of civil war between the Saudi and Western-backed government, and the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. As Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford has found, war in Gaza is making the situation even worse for Yemenis already facing violence, starvation and disease. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Alex and Yemen-born producer Ahmed Baider to explore how Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, ostensibly in support of Gaza, are preventing aid from getting into Yemen. Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Assistant Producer : Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth.
Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu ( NET-ən-YAH-hoo; Hebrew: בִּנְיָמִין נְתַנְיָהוּ, romanized: Binyāmīn Nētanyāhū, pronounced [binjaˈmin netanˈjahu] ; born 21 October 1949) is an Israeli politician who has been serving as the prime minister of Israel since 2022, having previously held the office from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. He is the chairman of the Likud party. Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history, having served for a total of over 16 years. He is also the first prime minister to have been born in Israel after its establishment.Born in Tel Aviv to secular Jewish parents, Netanyahu was raised in Jerusalem and in Philadelphia in the United States. He returned to Israel in 1967 to join the Israel Defense Forces. He became a team leader in the Sayeret Matkal special forces and took part in several missions, achieving the rank of captain before being honorably discharged. After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Netanyahu became an economic consultant for the Boston Consulting Group. He moved back to Israel in 1978 to found the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute. From 1984 to 1988, Netanyahu was Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations. Netanyahu rose to prominence after being elected as the chairman of Likud in 1993, becoming Leader of the Opposition. In the 1996 election, Netanyahu beat Shimon Peres, becoming the first Israeli prime minister elected directly by popular vote, and its youngest-ever. Netanyahu and Likud were heavily defeated in the 1999 election by Ehud Barak's One Israel alliance; and Netanyahu chose to retire from politics entirely, entering the private sector. Netanyahu later returned to politics, and served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance under Ariel Sharon. During the latter position, he initiated reforms of the Israeli economy that led to significant growth, before ultimately resigning over disagreements regarding the Gaza disengagement plan.Netanyahu returned to the leadership of Likud in December 2005 after Sharon stepped down to form a new party, Kadima. He was the leader of the opposition from 2006 to 2009. After the 2009 election, Netanyahu formed a coalition government with other right-wing parties and was sworn in as prime minister for a second time. He went on to lead Likud to victory in the 2013 and 2015 elections. A period of political deadlock ensued after three consecutive elections in 2019 and 2020 failed to produce a government, which was solved after a coalition rotation agreement was reached between Netanyahu and centrist Blue and White alliance's Benny Gantz. The coalition collapsed in December 2020, before the rotation could take place, and a new election was held in March 2021. In his penultimate government, Netanyahu led Israel's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis. In June 2021, after Naftali Bennett formed a government with Yair Lapid, Netanyahu was removed from the premiership, becoming opposition leader for the third time, before returning as prime minister again after forming a coalition with right-wing parties after the 2022 election. Netanyahu and his coalition partners pursued a wide-ranging judicial reform, which was met with a polarized reaction, with opponents holding mass protests across the country over the first nine months of 2023. On 7 October 2023, Israel suffered a large-scale attack by Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups, triggering the Israel–Hamas war. Due to the Israeli government's failure to anticipate the attack, Netanyahu has been heavily criticized by opponents for presiding over Israel's biggest intelligence failure in 50 years, and massive protests calling for his removal from office have been held.Netanyahu made his closeness to Donald Trump, a personal friend since the 1980s, central to his political appeal in Israel from 2016. During Trump's presidency, the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and brokered the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and various Arab states. Netanyahu has faced international criticism over his decades-long policy as prime minister of expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, deemed illegal under international law. In 2019, Netanyahu was indicted on charges of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud, following a three-year investigation, due to which he relinquished all his ministerial posts, except for the position of prime minister.
The Arab–Israeli conflict is the phenomenon involving political tension, military conflicts, and other disputes between various Arab countries and Israel, which escalated during the 20th century. The roots of the Arab–Israeli conflict have been attributed to the support by Arab League member countries for the Palestinians, a fellow League member, in the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict; this in turn has been attributed to the simultaneous rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism towards the end of the 19th century, though the two national movements had not clashed until the 1920s.Part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict arose from the conflicting claims by these movements to the land that formed the British Mandatory Palestine, which was regarded by the Jewish people as their ancestral homeland, while at the same time it was regarded by the Pan-Arab movement as historically and currently belonging to the Arab Palestinians, and in the Pan-Islamic context, as Muslim lands. The sectarian conflict within the British Mandate territory between Palestinian Jews and Arabs escalated into a full-scale Palestinian civil war in 1947. Taking the side of the Palestinian Arabs, especially following the Israeli Declaration of Independence, the neighbouring Arab countries invaded the by-then former Mandate territory in May 1948, commencing the First Arab–Israeli War. Large-scale hostilities mostly ended with ceasefire agreements after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Peace agreements were signed between Israel and Egypt in 1979, resulting in Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula and the abolition of the military governance system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in favor of Israeli Civil Administration and consequent unilateral annexation of the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem.The nature of the conflict has shifted over the years from the large-scale, regional Arab–Israeli conflict to a more local Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which peaked during the 1982 Lebanon War when Israel intervened in the Lebanese Civil War to oust the Palestinian Liberation Organization from Lebanon. With the decline of the 1987–1993 First Intifada, the interim Oslo Accords led to the creation of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994, within the context of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. The same year, Israel and Jordan reached a peace accord. In 2002, the Arab League offered recognition of Israel by Arab countries as part of the resolution of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in the Arab Peace Initiative. The initiative, which has been reconfirmed since, calls for normalizing relations between the Arab League and Israel, in exchange for a full withdrawal by Israel from the occupied territories (including East Jerusalem) and a "just settlement" of the Palestinian refugee problem based on UN Resolution 194. In the 1990s and early 2000s, a ceasefire had been largely maintained between Israel and Syria, while limited warfare continued in Lebanon against Iranian proxy militias. Despite the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, the interim peace accords with the Palestinian Authority and the generally existing ceasefire, until the mid-2010s the Arab League and Israel had remained at odds with each other over many issues. Among Arab belligerents in the conflict, Iraq and Syria are the only states who have reached no formal peace accord or treaty with Israel, with both supporting Iran.The Syrian civil war reshuffled the situation near Israel's northern border, putting the Syrian Arab Republic, Hezbollah and the Syrian opposition at odds with each other and complicating their relations with Israel, upon the emerging warfare with Iran. The conflict between Israel and Hamas-ruled Gaza, is also attributed to the Iran–Israel proxy conflict. By 2017, Israel and several Arab Sunni states led by Saudi Arabia formed a semi-official coalition to confront Iran. This move and the Israeli normalization with Gulf states was marked by some as the fading of the Arab–Israeli conflict.
There is a catastrophic-level food crisis with increasing risk of famine in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israel–Hamas war. The crisis derives from Israeli airstrikes that have destroyed food infrastructure, such as bakeries and flour mills, and a widespread scarcity of essential supplies. This has left over half a million Gazans on the brink of starvation and is part of a broader humanitarian crisis in the Strip.Human rights groups have accused Israel of using starvation as a method of warfare. The limited entry of aid trucks has exacerbated the crisis, prompting experts to label it as one of the worst instances of man-made starvation in nearly a century. According to Michael Fakhri, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, "famine may very well be already occurring".The entire population in the Gaza Strip is classified in Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Phase 3 - Crisis, or above. 50% of the population is in IPC Phase 4 - Emergency, and 25% is in IPC Phase 5 - Catastrophe. According to the IPC, the risk of famine is increasing every day.
On 1 April 2024, during the Israel–Hamas war, an Israeli airstrike killed seven people, including four World Central Kitchen employees who were leaving a food warehouse in Deir al-Balah, Gaza.Five of the dead were taken to Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and were seen wearing protective gear showing the charity's logo. Four of the seven were respectively citizens of the United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, the United States, and Canada.The airstrike occurred hours after the charity brought shipload of food to the northern Gaza Strip, which has been pushed closed to famine by Israel's invasion and blockade during the Israel-Hamas war. The charity in a statement said that it had coordinated the convoy's movements with the Israeli military. The incident led the World Central Kitchen to pause its operations in the Gaza Strip, and its chief executive Erin Gore said in a statement: "This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable." Gore called the airstrike a "targeted attack" by the Israeli military. The attack also received international condemnations.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the Republican House majority, stating they had completely failed and expressing her frustration with their actions at a town hall event in Georgia. She highlighted their failure to address key priorities such as the border issue and criticized GOP lawmakers for following instructions from Donald Trump, who wanted to prevent President Joe Biden from achieving a legislative victory. Greene's comments have garnered agreement even from her critics, who concurred with her assessment of the GOP's performance.
The Democratic National Committee accuses Robert F Kennedy Jr's presidential campaign of acknowledging its role as a 'spoiler' in the November election, after a staffer associated with the campaign discussed campaign strategy in a video. The staffer outlined a strategy to reduce Biden's chances of winning by diverting electoral votes to Kennedy, aiming to send the decision to Congress where Trump would likely be chosen. RFK Jr has expressed concern about the 'weaponization of government' against Trump and vowed to appoint a special counsel for the January 6 events.
President Biden may be left off the Ohio presidential ballot in November as his nomination by the Democratic Party won't be certified until after the state's deadline. Ohio law requires candidates to be certified 90 days before the election, but Biden will not be confirmed until the Democratic National Convention starts on Aug. 19. The Ohio Secretary of State's office advised that Biden could be left off unless the convention date is moved up or an exception is made. Failure to meet the deadline could have dire consequences for Biden and down-ballot Democrats.
Joe Biden, the 46th and current president of the United States, announced his candidacy for re-election for a second and final term as president on April 25, 2023, with Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate. If re-elected, he would be the oldest president inaugurated (on January 20, 2025), breaking his own (January 20, 2021) record, and he would be the second two-term vice president to be elected president twice, after Richard Nixon in 1972.In May 2021, Biden's chief of staff Ron Klain indicated the Biden administration was "anticipating a bruising general election matchup" against Donald Trump, who had served as the 45th president of the United States and had been defeated by Biden in the 2020 presidential election, if the latter followed through on a bid to return to the presidency. In November 2021, against a backdrop of declining approval ratings, the Biden White House reiterated Biden's intent to run for reelection. In a March 2022 press conference, when asked about the possibility that Trump could be his opponent in 2024, Biden replied, "I'd be very fortunate if I had that same man running against me".
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