Israel Palestine War | Business Upturn

‘All Eyes On Rafah’: Celebrities Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor and others unite for a cause on social media

Shukrta Vaigankar — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:53:13 +0000

The phrase “All Eyes On Rafah” gained popularity on social media following Israeli air strikes in Rafah, southern Gaza, that killed 40 Palestinians and injured hundreds more.

Several Indian celebrities, including Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sonakshi Sinha, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Triptii Dimri, Dia Mirza, and Richa Chadha, have shared the popular phrase on their Instagram stories to show their support for Palestinians.

While the Israeli military stated that its air force hit a Hamas compound in Rafah with “precise ammunition and based on precise intelligence,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that a “tragic mistake” had occurred.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its calculations, Sunday night’s attack brings the overall number of Palestinian deaths in the conflict to more than 36,000.

The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas launched an onslaught on southern Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and seizing over 250 hostages. Efforts to conclude the conflict and return more than 120 captives have been deadlocked for weeks, but there were some promising signs this weekend following consultations with Israeli and US intelligence officials, as well as Qatar’s Prime Minister.

Mass grave uncovered in Gaza with 180 Bodies after Israeli withdrawal

Matrika Shukla — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 14:51:08 +0000

Palestinian civil defence crews have uncovered a mass grave containing at least 180 bodies inside the bombed-out Nasser Medical Complex in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The grim discovery was made after Israeli forces withdrew earlier this month from Khan Younis following over six months of intense bombardment and bloody urban warfare that has left large swaths of the city in ruins.

“In the hospital courtyard, civil defence members and paramedics have retrieved 180 bodies buried in this mass grave by the Israeli military. The bodies include elderly women, children and young men,” they reported from the devastated city.

Images from the site showed workers wearing protective gear carefully exhuming the decomposed remains from a dusty pit in the medical complex’s courtyard. The victims’ identities remain unknown.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza called the mass grave evidence of suspected “war crimes” by Israeli forces and demanded an independent international investigation. Israel’s military has not commented on the discovery.

The finding adds to the immense human toll of the over half-year Israeli offensive in Gaza aimed at quelling rocket fire into Israel. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians have been killed and thousands more injured, according to Gaza health officials. Whole neighbourhoods have been flattened.

Peace talks between Israel and Palestinian factions have been moribund for years amid dimming prospects for a two-state solution to the long-running conflict. The latest hostilities in Gaza have sparked widespread condemnation and diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire have so far proved fruitless.

Palestinian authority launches rebuilding efforts in Jenin Refugee Camp after Israeli military raids

Matrika Shukla — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 14:43:54 +0000

The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing has started the daunting task of cleaning up and rebuilding a refugee camp in the northern West Bank city of Jenin following several days of destructive Israeli military raids.

In a statement on Saturday, Minister Ahed Bseiso said crews have begun opening blocked roads, removing rubble and assessing the “severe” damage to infrastructure like roads, buildings, shops and the electricity network caused by Israeli forces during their invasion of the Jenin refugee camp over the past few days.

“The damage is severe and includes roads, buildings and shops, and the electricity network,” Bseiso stated, adding that residents whose homes were destroyed in the Israeli onslaught are being provided alternative accommodations while reconstruction takes place.

The Jenin refugee camp has been a flashpoint of tensions, with Israel carrying out frequent raids it says are aimed at arresting militants. However, the latest Israeli offensive has sparked international outcry over the extent of the destruction in the densely populated camp.

United Nations officials have condemned the Israeli actions, with the UN’s Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland issuing a statement expressing “grave concern about the continuing cycle of violence in Jenin.”

The rebuilding efforts come amid heightened violence across the occupied West Bank in recent months. So far this year, over 90 Palestinians have been killed, making 2024 the deadliest in the territory since 2015.

Palestinian leaders have blamed the escalating bloodshed on Israel’s tough military measures and expanding settlements, which they view as a major obstacle to resolving the decades-old conflict.

Turkish foreign minister calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood

Matrika Shukla — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 14:37:40 +0000

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan forcefully called on the international community Saturday to oppose the United States’ veto of Palestine’s bid for United Nations membership and to recognize an independent Palestinian state.

“It is unjust that Palestine is not allowed to become a member of the UN,” Fidan declared at a joint news conference with his Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug in Istanbul. “We call on the international community to oppose this injustice and recognize the state of Palestine.”

The remarks come amid escalating violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, which Fidan referred to as an “ongoing massacre.” He said Turkey and Mauritania were in “great solidarity” on the situation in Gaza and urged an “urgent ceasefire and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid” to the coastal territory.

The U.S. has long backed Israel’s opposition to recognizing Palestinian statehood until a final peace agreement is reached to resolve the decades-old conflict. However, over 130 United Nations members have already recognized Palestinian statehood.

Fidan’s strident comments reflect the increasingly emboldened stance of Turkey and some other nations which accuse the U.S. of unfairly obstructing Palestinian aspirations for independence. It will likely further inflame tensions between the NATO allies as Turkish-U.S. relations remain strained over various issues.

The Palestinian Authority has sought full U.N. membership as part of its strategy for achieving an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down over a decade ago.

Israeli forces detain dozens in West Bank crackdown amid escalating tensions

Matrika Shukla — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:33:12 +0000

Israeli forces have carried out a campaign of arrests in the occupied West Bank over the past two days, detaining at least 30 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society.

Half of those arrests took place in the Nur Shams refugee camp, where Israeli troops have been engaged in a more than 40-hour military raid that has left several Palestinians dead and widespread destruction. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society stated that among those detained were three women from Jerusalem, who were later released. However, the majority remain in Israeli custody.

The latest wave of arrests brings the total number of Palestinians detained by Israeli forces since the start of October to 8,340, reflecting an intensifying crackdown by Israeli authorities.

The situation in Nur Shams has been particularly dire, with the Israeli military raid described as one of the camp’s most destructive ever. At least five Palestinians have been killed so far, including a teenager, as Israeli forces faced resistance during house-to-house searches.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Nida Ibrahim reported haunting scenes of bodies, mostly children, being brought to al-Najjar Hospital with devastating injuries that could not be treated due to the intensity of the clashes.

Human rights groups have condemned the Israeli raids and mass arrests, raising concerns over potential violations of international law and the disproportionate use of force against Palestinian civilians. As the crisis in the occupied territories escalates, calls are growing for intervention to halt the cycle of violence and facilitate negotiations towards a just resolution to the long-standing conflict.

Israeli raid on Nur Shams refugee camp leaves trail of destruction and civilian casualties

Matrika Shukla — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:27:40 +0000

Israeli military forces have continued their raid on the Nur Shams refugee camp in the occupied West Bank for a second day, leaving a trail of destruction and civilian casualties in their wake.

According to the Israeli military, their forces have killed 10 fighters and arrested eight wanted individuals during the two-day operation in Nur Shams. They also claim to have confiscated extensive weaponry.

However, Palestinian media reports paint a grimmer picture, with at least five people confirmed killed so far, including a teenager. The toll could be higher as clashes are forcing Palestinians to remain indoors, blocking most rescuers from reaching the camp.

An Al Jazeera correspondent, Nida Ibrahim, reported from outside the camp describing the raid as one of the camp’s most destructive ever. She witnessed scenes of bodies, mostly children, being transferred from al-Najjar Hospital for burial after being killed in the Israeli attacks.

“We spoke to a doctor from the hospital who described them as having devastating wounds, soaked in blood,” Ibrahim stated. “Their burns were so bad that even if they made it to the hospital alive, they would have quickly lost their lives because there’s no way such injuries could be treated right away given the current situation.”

Palestinian officials have struggled to provide an updated casualty toll due to the ongoing clashes forcing residents to remain indoors. The destructive Israeli raids have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and Palestinian authorities.

As the violence continues to escalate in the occupied territories, concerns mount over the rising civilian death toll and lack of access for medical aid workers in conflict zones like Nur Shams camp.

Former Iranian foreign minister Zarif condemns Isfahan incident, urges focus on Gaza conflict

Matrika Shukla — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:46:15 +0000

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has condemned the “reckless fireworks” that took place in Iran’s city of Isfahan, urging world leaders to instead turn their attention to “ending Israeli transgressions” in its devastating war on Gaza.

In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zarif said nothing should divert international public opinion away from “Israel’s atrocities” as the offensive on the besieged Palestinian territory rages on.

Genocide continues apace in Gaza. Nothing will divert international public opinion from Israel's atrocities.

Israel's recurring acts of aggression against Iran, especially its provocative attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria, went unpunished by the UN Security Council,…

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 19, 2024

“Genocide continues apace in Gaza,” warned Zarif, who served as Iran’s chief negotiator for the 2015 nuclear deal with the U.S. and world powers before it unravelled under the Trump administration.

His comments came after a recent flare-up in tensions between Iran and Israel, with Tehran launching missile strikes against an Israeli diplomatic compound in Syria on April 13. Iran said the strike was in retaliation for an Israeli drone attack 12 days earlier that killed two Revolutionary Guard members in Syria.

Then on Thursday, Iran said it shot down three drones over the city of Isfahan in another incident it linked to Israel, though there was no major damage reported. Israel has not confirmed its involvement.

Zarif strongly criticized the actions in Isfahan as “reckless fireworks” but insisted they should not detract from the dire situation unfolding in Gaza under Israel’s military onslaught.

“Nothing should divert international public opinion from these atrocities,” he stated, referring to Israel’s assault on Gaza which has killed nearly 34,000 Palestinians over the past six months.

The former Iranian diplomat also aimed at the U.S. for wielding its veto power last week to block a UN Security Council resolution that sought full UN membership and statehood for the Palestinian territories.

Zarif called the U.S. veto “clearly a step in the wrong direction” on the path toward a negotiated two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.

He further argued that the Security Council’s failure to condemn the April 1 strike by Israel on Iran’s diplomatic premises in Syria was what “compelled Iran to invoke its right to self-defence” with the subsequent missile attack on April 13.

While playing down the recent incidents implicating Iran, Zarif’s sharply worded statements illustrate how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the core grievances underpinning the bitter rivalry between Tehran and Israel.

U.S. vetoes UN Palestinian statehood bid, sparks global outcry

Matrika Shukla — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:13:57 +0000

The decades-long quest by the Palestinian people for an independent homeland faced an utterly familiar obstacle this week as the United States wielded its veto power to stop a United Nations bid to make them a full member state.

The failed attempt on Thursday came in the form of a draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council by Algeria on behalf of Arab nations. It called for granting the Palestinian territories full UN membership and recognition as a sovereign state alongside Israel. Despite garnering support from 12 of the 15 council members, with only Britain and Switzerland abstaining, the resolution could not overcome the U.S. veto.

As one of five permanent members, an American “no” vote is enough to automatically defeat any measure before the UN’s most powerful body.

U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood defended the veto by insisting a negotiated two-state solution agreed upon by both sides remains the only legitimate path to the long-elusive goal of Palestinian statehood.

“President Biden has consistently emphasized that a lasting peace in the region hinges on a two-state solution reached through mutual agreement,” Wood told the council meeting. “This is the only path that ensures Israel’s security and its future as a democratic Jewish state, while also guaranteeing Palestinians can live in peace and dignity in their own state.”

He argued that prematurely conferring statehood, however well-intentioned, would not achieve that objective and could jeopardize the chances of reaching a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. “We have long been clear that a premature action here in New York, even with the best intentions, will not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people,” Wood said.

The U.S. veto triggered outrage and condemnation from several other council members as well as Palestinian leaders who accused Washington of once again obstructing their legitimate aspirations through its long-held policy of unconditional support for Israel.

“The U.S. veto is a blatant attempt to resist the inevitable course of history,” stated Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya.

Palestinian representative Ziad Abu Amr pointedly questioned how the establishment of their own state could possibly undermine prospects for peace given that the same 1947 UN resolution that led to Israel’s creation also envisioned a Palestinian state.

“How could granting the state of Palestine full membership of the United Nations…damage the prospects of peace between Palestinians and Israelis or international peace?” Abu Amr asked the chamber.

Israel’s Ambassador Gilad Erdan adamantly opposed Palestinian membership, dismissing the notion that the territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority met the established criteria for an independent state.

While the decisive Security Council defeat was a stinging setback, the Palestinian leadership immediately vowed to continue vigorously pursuing their campaign for UN recognition and full membership rights. Around 140 of the 193 UN member states have already formally recognized Palestinian statehood.

However, failure at the Security Council means the Palestinian bid cannot automatically proceed to the UN General Assembly, where a two-thirds majority among the full membership would be required. Palestinian officials have not ruled out pursuing that route through a separate process.

As the impasse over establishing a sovereign Palestinian state drags on with no clear resolution, concerns continue to mount about the viability and continued prospects for a two-state solution alongside Israel. This is due largely to Israel’s continued expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank in territory that Palestinian leaders insist must be part of their future independent state.

By exercising its veto for the first time in six years on this issue, the U.S. reaffirmed its position as Israel’s most steadfast ally and protector on the global stage. However, the lopsided 12-1 vote also highlighted the depth of Washington’s isolation and alienation from traditional partners who overwhelmingly favour a more balanced approach facilitating Palestinian people’s aspirations for sovereignty and self-determination.

Ex-UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness slams Israel’s ‘dishonest’ attack on Palestinian agency

Matrika Shukla — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:25:35 +0000

A former spokesman for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has strongly condemned Israel’s criticisms of the organization, dismissing them as politically motivated lies aimed at dismantling support for Palestinian rights.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Chris Gunness, who served as UNRWA’s spokesperson for many years, accused Israel of waging a dishonest campaign against UNRWA based on false accusations. “This attack is based on a lie. It’s dishonest,” Gunness stated. He argued that Israel’s true intent is to undermine the status and rights of the 5.9 million Palestinian refugees currently registered with UNRWA. “If you get rid of UNRWA, you suddenly get rid of the 5.9 million refugees registered with UNRWA,” he warned.

According to Gunness, disbanding UNRWA would strip Palestinian refugees of vital services and protections they are entitled to, including healthcare, education, and the right to self-determination. “If the agency is disbanded, Palestinians would lose inalienable rights,” he said.

The former spokesman alleged that Israel is actively working to eradicate the agency to the detriment of the Palestinian people. He pointed to the recent blockade of UNRWA aid convoys attempting to reach northern Gaza since March 22nd as evidence of this campaign. “In Gaza, we’re seeing since March 22 UNRWA aid convoys blocked to the north. The implications of that are the 300,000 people there will slip further into starvation,” Gunness stated gravely.

UNRWA, established in 1949, is tasked with providing relief and humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. The agency has long been a target of criticism from Israel, which has accused it of perpetuating the refugee crisis and harbouring anti-Israeli sentiments.

Since October 7, Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of around 33,899 Palestinians and left 76,664 wounded. In retaliation, Hamas’s attacks on October 7 have led to 1,139 casualties in Israel, with several captives held in Gaza.

Hezbollah strikes Israeli village, escalating regional tensions

Matrika Shukla — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:23:48 +0000

Tensions escalate as Hezbollah claims responsibility for firing missiles and drones at Israel’s northern Bedouin village of Arab al-Aramshe, injuring at least seven people. The attack targeted an Israeli military facility, with two individuals severely wounded. This development adds a new dimension to the conflict, raising concerns about further violence and retaliation in the region.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, has been involved in the conflict in the region for many years. The group has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli targets in the past, including rocket attacks and border skirmishes. The latest attack on Israel’s northern Bedouin village of Arab al-Aramshe is a significant escalation in the conflict, with at least seven people injured.

The Israeli military has responded to the attack, with the Israeli Air Force conducting strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The situation remains volatile, with both sides threatening further retaliation. The international community has expressed concern about the escalating violence and has called for restraint from both sides.

The conflict in the region is complex and deeply rooted in the region’s history and politics. The involvement of non-state actors like Hezbollah adds a new layer of complexity to the conflict, with the potential for further violence and retaliation. The international community must work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict and address the underlying issues that have contributed to the violence.

Qatar’s PM urges international intervention as Gaza ceasefire talks face challenges

Matrika Shukla — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:21:55 +0000

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, have highlighted the critical phase of negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite efforts led by Qatar and Egypt, talks face challenges as Israel and Hamas maintain firm stances.

The prolonged conflict, now spanning six months, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with calls for an end to the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community is urged to intervene and facilitate a resolution to prevent further escalation and loss of life in the region.

The conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, with many civilians facing a lack of access to food, water, and medical care. The international community has called for an end to the violence and a return to negotiations. Qatar and Egypt have been leading efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, but talks have faced challenges due to the firm stances of Israel and Hamas.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has highlighted the critical phase of negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. The international community is urged to intervene and facilitate a resolution to prevent further escalation and loss of life in the region.

The UN has also called for an end to the violence and a return to negotiations, with the UN Secretary-General urging both sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

The conflict in Gaza is complex and deeply rooted in the region’s history and politics. The international community must work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict and address the underlying issues that have contributed to the violence. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be addressed urgently, with a focus on providing aid and assistance to those in need. The international community must also work to prevent further escalation and loss of life in the region, with a focus on finding a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict.

Israeli strikes in Gaza claim 40 lives, including children, sparking international condemnation

Matrika Shukla — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:13:44 +0000

In a tragic escalation of violence, Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of at least 40 Palestinians, including children, in Gaza. The strikes hit a playground and a busy market in the Maghazi refugee camp, adding to the toll of 56 Palestinians killed across Gaza.

The international community, including the UN, U.S., and Palestinian rights groups, has condemned the attacks, with fears of further retaliation looming. The death toll in Gaza has reached 33,899 Palestinians killed and 76,664 wounded since October 7, underscoring the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians.

The Israeli military has been conducting airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza since October 7, following the kidnapping and killing of three Israeli teenagers in the occupied West Bank. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with the majority of the casualties being Palestinian civilians.

The UN has reported that at least 33,899 Palestinians have been killed and 76,664 wounded since the conflict began. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, and dozens of people are still being held captive in Gaza.

The latest strikes on Gaza have been particularly devastating, with at least 56 Palestinians killed in the past day alone. The strikes hit a playground and a busy market in the Maghazi refugee camp, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. The international community has expressed alarm at the escalating violence, with the UN, US, and Palestinian rights groups condemning the attacks.

The conflict has also had a significant impact on the civilian population in Gaza, with many facing food insecurity and a lack of access to basic services. The UN has reported that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, with many civilians facing a lack of access to food, water, and medical care. The conflict has also had a significant impact on the region’s economy, with many businesses and infrastructure destroyed.

The international community has called for an end to the violence and a return to negotiations. The UN has urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The U.S. has also called for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations, while Palestinian rights groups have called for an end to the Israeli occupation and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.

Israel obstructs UN probe into Oct 7 Hamas Attack

Matrika Shukla — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:51:27 +0000

United Nations investigators say Israel is actively obstructing their efforts to examine the events surrounding the October 7th Hamas attack in southern Israel that left dozens killed and injured.

In a briefing to the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday, Chris Sidoti, one of the three members of the independent UN Commission of Inquiry, accused the Israeli government of failing to cooperate and hampering their investigation.

“So far as the government of Israel is concerned, we have faced not merely a lack of cooperation but active obstruction of our efforts to receive evidence from Israeli witnesses and victims to the events that occurred in southern Israel,” Sidoti stated via video link.

The commission says it has struggled to gather testimony from large numbers of witnesses and victims in Israel due to the lack of cooperation from authorities. Sidoti appealed directly to the Israeli government to allow access, as well as for victims and witnesses to contact the UN inquiry.

“I use this opportunity to appeal again both to the government of Israel to cooperate, and to victims and witnesses to the events in southern Israel to contact the commission of inquiry so that we can hear what they have experienced,” he said.

Sidoti, a former Australian human rights commissioner, revealed the commission proactively collected digital evidence from the aftermath of the attack on October 7th itself. However, he warned some of that online content has since been removed or “disappeared from the internet.”

“If it had not been collected on that day, it would not have been able to be collected,” he cautioned.

Israel has not yet commented on the allegations of obstruction from the UN investigators. The inquiry into the Hamas attack was launched by the UN Human Rights Council last November.

UN finds massive unexploded ordnance in Gaza schools after Israeli withdrawal

Matrika Shukla — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:43:42 +0000

The United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has reported finding significant amounts of unexploded ordnance, including 1,000-pound (450kg) bombs, inside schools and on roads in the city of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, after Israeli forces withdrew from the area.

In a statement, UNRWA said it faced “significant challenges in operating safely due to the presence of unexploded ordnance [UXOs], including 1,000-pound [450kg] bombs inside schools and on roads.”

Earlier this month, the UN warned that decontaminating Gaza from unexploded munitions would require “millions of dollars” and “many years” of work.

The discovery of unexploded ordnance in civilian areas has raised concerns about the potential risks to Palestinian civilians, particularly children, in the aftermath of the conflict.

Escalating Tensions in Lebanon

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli military carried out a drone strike on the southern Lebanese town of Ain Baal, near Tyre, according to reports from Lebanon’s an-Nahar media.

The strike killed at least one person and injured several others, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera Arabic. The attack came after several drones from Lebanon hit northern Israel, reportedly injuring three Israelis.

The escalating violence between Israel and Lebanon has raised fears of a potential broader conflict in the region, with both sides accusing the other of provocations.

International calls for de-escalation and a return to dialogue have intensified as the situation remains volatile.

Earlier today,

“A short time ago, two explosive drones crossed the territory of Lebanon towards the territory of Israel and exploded in the area of Beit Hillel. The incident is under investigation,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

The escalating violence between Israel and Lebanon has raised fears of a potential broader conflict in the region, with both sides accusing the other of provocations.

International calls for de-escalation and a return to dialogue have intensified as the situation remains volatile.

Escalating violence in Gaza: Israeli airstrikes and militant attacks surge amid rising tensions with Iran

Matrika Shukla — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:31:38 +0000

The violence in Gaza has escalated sharply over the past day, with a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes and militant attacks amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. In one of the most devastating strikes, Israeli warplanes destroyed a mosque and nearby homes in the northern Gaza Jabalia refugee camp, wounding a large number of children and women, according to reports from the region.

Iran has warned Israel it will face “a painful response” if it takes “the slightest action” following Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israeli targets. Israel has urged 32 countries to impose sanctions on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and its missile program. The grim situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Ten bodies have been recovered so far from a mass grave at Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital. Israeli settlers have continued their deadly rampage in the occupied West Bank, with more Israeli troops being deployed to the area.

The death toll is staggering. At least 33,843 Palestinians have been killed and 76,575 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7th. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7th attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens still being held captive.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to “steal attention away from Gaza” by escalating his confrontation with Iran over the attacks on Israeli targets.

“We are against escalating. Netanyahu wants to draw attention away from Gaza and focus on his confrontation with Iran,” Safadi said during a news conference in Berlin with his German counterpart. He added that Iran had responded to the attack on its consulate but “did not want to escalate further.”

The situation remains volatile, with attack drones from Lebanon striking northern Israel earlier today. “Two explosive drones crossed from Lebanon into Israel and exploded in the Beit Hillel area,” the Israeli military reported, though no damage or casualties were disclosed.

In Gaza itself, active military operations have been observed in the south and central areas. Surveillance drones have been detected over Rafah, which could presage further attacks. Clashes have raged in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where at least three Palestinians have been killed. Gaza City remains under intense Israeli bombardment, including drone strikes on civilian vehicles. The health ministry has warned that generators powering the few functioning hospitals could fail “at any moment.”

As the cycle of violence spirals, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has warned that “even the smallest action against Iranian interests will be met with a severe, widespread and painful response,” despite calls for restraint from European leaders.

Israeli forces are encircling a school in Beit Hanoon sheltering hundreds of Palestinians who fear a repeat of the violence that occurred at al-Shifa Hospital in March. With both sides issuing bellicose rhetoric and civilian casualties mounting, the path to de-escalation remains perilously unclear amid reports the U.S. is preparing new sanctions on Iran.

Air India set to resume flights to Israel from March 3rd amid regional tensions

Matrika Shukla — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:31:29 +0000

Air India is set to resume its flights to Israel starting March 3rd, as per insider sources. The airline plans to operate flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, marking a return to regular service after suspending operations late last year due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza.

The decision to suspend flights came after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli territory in October, resulting in casualties on both sides. In response, Israel initiated a significant air and ground offensive in Gaza, leading to further casualties and heightened tensions in the region.

Prior to the suspension, Air India operated five weekly flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, offering service on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The resumption of these flights signals a positive step towards restoring normalcy in air travel between India and Israel.

Additionally, India has forged a partnership with Israel to provide its workforce for construction-related jobs. This collaboration underscores the growing economic and strategic ties between the two countries, despite periodic tensions in the region.

With the restart of Air India’s flights to Israel, travellers can once again benefit from convenient air connectivity between the two nations, facilitating tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. As both countries continue to navigate geopolitical challenges, maintaining robust air links serves as a vital bridge for fostering bilateral relations and enhancing people-to-people connections.

Palestinian death toll in Gaza nears 28,000: ministry

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:53:01 +0000

Gaza, Feb 9 : The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,947, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Friday.

In a press statement, the ministry said 67,459 Palestinians have been wounded in the coastal enclave since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October last year.

Israeli forces killed 107 Palestinians and wounded 142 others in the past 24 hours, the ministry added, noting that some victims remain under the rubble amid heavy bombardment and a lack of civil defense and ambulance crews.

Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said Israeli aircraft launched a series of raids targeting several homes in the neighborhoods of Gaza City, including al-Rimal, al-Sabra, al-Zaytoun, Tal al-Hawa, and Sheikh Ajlin.

The sources told Xinhua that ambulances were unable to reach the targeted locations due to Israel’s aerial and artillery bombardment and drone attacks on everything moving in those areas.

Meanwhile, at least 8 Palestinians were killed in a bombing that targeted two homes in Rafah, the southernmost Gazan city, said medical sources.

According to paramedics, in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, a number of young men were killed as a result of Israel’s continued artillery shelling, while another young man and an elderly man were killed by Israeli forces’ bullets in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital in the city.

Also, several Palestinians were killed and some others injured as a result of Israeli aircraft bombing a house in the city of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.

Gal Gadot faces backlash for organizing screening of Hamas terror attacks

Sheetal Choudhary — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:02:01 +0000

Gal Gadot is a renowned Israeli actress who has showcased her phenomenal acting skills through her movies. Recently the star has been making headlines for the wrong reasons. She is planning on organizing a Hollywood screening to showcase the brutal terror attacks of Hamas. The official video footage is of the 7th October attack, which was later collected by Israel.
The screening is titled ‘Bearing Witness to the October 7th Massacre.’ Which is going to be 47 minutes of uncensored content. The video is said to have been collected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Prominent Hollywood celebrities will also be attending the screening in New York and Los Angeles this week, as per reports.
The footage had a screening in the UK last week for the journalists. More such screenings are also going to be organized in the coming times. Capturing videos by phone is strictly not allowed while the video is being played.
The video will precisely showcase the atrocities done by Hamas to the Israeli people on the 7th of October. The attack led to massive destruction with 5,000 missiles launched on Israel. It even led to the killing of 1,400 people while 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas.
Award-winning filmmaker Guy Nattiv, who has initiated this action said that all of this is possible only because of Gal Gadot and her husband Yaron Varsano.
As soon as the news started spreading about the screening, netizens took to X to criticize the actress. One wrote, “not so Wonderwoman-like after all,” while another wrote, “one of my fav actress turns into one of my hated actress.” Many such notions have been made of the actress for screening the footage.

US puts pressure on Israel to restore communications in Gaza

United News of India (UNI) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:51:54 +0000

Washington, Oct 30 : The United States has put pressure on the Israeli government to restore communications in the Gaza Strip, The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing a senior US official.

A communications blackout has been reported in the Palestinian exclave since Friday night when the Israel Defence Forces announced the expansion of ground operations in Gaza.

The breakdown in communications disrupted emergency services and cut off contact with the UN staff delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, the Gaza Strip’s civil defence confirmed the partial restoration of communications in the region.

“We made it clear they had to be turned back on,” the official told the newspaper.

The official added that the Israelis did not explain to Washington why they cut off communications in the Gaza Strip, the report read.

Later on Monday, the White House confirmed reports that the US government worked with the Israeli side to restore communications in Gaza.

“The restoration of communications in Gaza was critical.

Aid workers, civilians, and journalists need to be able to communicate to each other and the rest of the world.

Our Administration cared about this, worked on it, and are glad to see it restored,” the White House said on X.

On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighbouring Israeli communities.

Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than two million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.

The blockade was later eased to allow trucks with humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured on both sides.

‘Stop genocide in Gaza’: CPI(M) leaders including CM Pinarayi Vijayan protests against Israel in Delhi

Shreyansh Raghuvanshi — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 15:21:32 +0000

On Sunday, the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a protest in front of AKG Bhawan office in Delhi to express solidarity with Palestine since India abstained from voting on the United Nations’ resolution.

The Polit Bureau and Central Committee (CC) members of the CPI(M) party protested in the national capital “calling for an end to genocidal aggression in Gaza by Israeli forces working with support from imperialist USA.” The party has officially supported the UN Resolution on Isreal-Palestine.

Polit Bureau and CC members of the CPI(M) sat in protest calling for an end to genocidal aggression in Gaza by Israeli forces working with support from imperialist USA.

We support the UN Resolution on Isreal-Palestine! #Israel #Palestine #GazaWar #endtheoccupatio pic.twitter.com/ArlKrYCRR1

— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) October 29, 2023

“CPI(M) Central Committee protest dharna demanding an end to Israeli genocidal agression against Palestinians. Israel must implement UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid,” said CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Recollecting Rabindranath Tagore: “Give me a voice of thunder, That I may hurl imprecations upon this cannibal, Whose gruesome hunger, Spares neither woman nor child,” Yechury wrote in a another post on X.

Recollecting Rabindranath Tagore:
“Give me a voice of thunder,
That I may hurl imprecations upon this cannibal,
Whose gruesome hunger,
Spares neither woman nor child.”https://t.co/UtLmWTBSdp

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) October 29, 2023

The protest was also joined by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, who addressed the protestors and said: “We are here to protest against the inhuman genocide that is going on against the Palestinian people and the support being extended to Israel by the government of India in blatant violation of time tested policy of solidarity with the Palestinian people who fight for their own land. It is really shocking that the government has gone to the extent of abstaining from discussion of the UN resolution, supporting Israel and the US,” as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the protest over the Israel-Hamas war with the message 'Stop this Genocidal Aggression on Gaza', Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says, "We are here to protest against the inhuman genocide that is going on against the Palestinian people and the support being extended… pic.twitter.com/673KmD1QjR

— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023

On the same day, a blast at the Convention Centre in Kalamassery, Kerala left many injured, including a death. Earlier on Friday, Khaled Mashel, allegedly a former leader of Hamas, virtually addressed a meeting organized by the youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, on Friday.