Israel has intensified its military offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza, despite increasing international pressure and legal challenges. The International Court of Justice is set to respond to a petition to halt the assault, and the International Criminal Court has requested arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. While international support for Israel wanes, domestic backing for the war remains strong, viewing it as an existential conflict. The offensive could test Israel's relations with the United States, its key ally.
Election observers have condemned fraud and manipulation in the December 17 Serbian election, leading to mounting protests in Belgrade as thousands rally against what they call a rigged election and demand international pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić over tactics like inflated voting rolls. The government claims a sweeping victory and dismisses accusations of electoral irregularities as lies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing a response to Iran's first-ever direct attack, with the Israeli military vowing to retaliate. International pressure for restraint is mounting amid fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East. The attack, launched in retaliation for an alleged Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy compound in Damascus, has raised concerns of open warfare between the two long-time foes and sparked calls for de-escalation from world leaders. The G7 is considering coordinated measures against Iran, while disruptions in travel and heightened tensions continue to unfold.
Israel's war cabinet is under pressure to decide on a response to Iran's missile and drone attack, with international allies urging restraint to avoid escalating tensions. President Biden has pledged support for Israel's security, while the European Union plans to discuss ways to calm the conflict. The Iranian attack, largely thwarted, has raised fears of a cycle of reprisals akin to previous conflicts, with Israel weighing strategic implications for its war in Gaza and its alliance with Western and moderate Arab countries.
The Israeli military has reduced its ground troops in the southern Gaza Strip following the conclusion of its operation in Khan Younis, with the 98th commando division being pulled out to prepare for future operations. The Nahal brigade and the 162nd division remain in Gaza, and the move comes amid mounting international pressure for a ceasefire, ongoing negotiations for a hostage deal, and uncertainty about Israel's plans for a ground offensive in Rafah.
Aid agencies accuse the Israeli military of systemic failings in protecting humanitarian workers in Gaza, citing a pattern of attacks on aid workers and infrastructure. The killing of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen has sparked global outrage and international pressure on Israel, leading to rare expressions of contrition and the removal of two senior officers from their posts. The attacks have resulted in the curtailment of aid deliveries to Gaza's starving population, despite agencies' efforts to coordinate with Israeli authorities for protection. The IDF's preliminary investigation into the recent attack found multiple errors in targeting the aid convoy, but the mounting toll faced by aid agencies suggests deeper systemic issues in the military's approach to protecting humanitarian workers.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson strongly criticizes calls for an arms embargo on Israel, warning that it would be a "death wish of Western civilization" and could lead to a victory for Hamas. He argues that such a move would be detrimental to Israel's security and plays into Hamas' tactics of provoking a violent response and garnering international sympathy. Johnson acknowledges the need for an investigation into recent incidents but emphasizes the moral difference between Hamas and Israel.
Six months into the war in Gaza, Israel faces mounting international pressure and isolation as the conflict shows no signs of abating. The recent killing of aid workers by an Israeli airstrike has angered even some of Israel's closest allies, prompting demands for concrete steps to reduce civilian harm. With Gaza in ruins and its population dependent on aid for survival, Israel has opened more border crossings to allow in humanitarian aid, but the conflict persists as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
Israel contemplates a pivotal operation in Rafah, Gaza, as it seeks a path to victory against Hamas, but faces international pressure and humanitarian concerns. Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on the necessity of taking Rafah, which is considered the hub of Hamas' terrorist activity, but discussions with the US and ongoing hostage negotiations complicate the situation. Without conquering Rafah, Israel may struggle to claim victory, but the humanitarian crisis and international pressure pose significant challenges to a potential operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for international pressure to be redirected towards Hamas and Iran, criticizing U.S. leaders for their remarks and urging the international community to support Israel's military goals in the conflict. Netanyahu emphasized the need to continue the military operation until all its objectives are achieved, including eliminating Hamas, releasing hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. He also approved operational plans for action in Rafah and urged the international community to focus their pressure on Hamas and Iran, whom he sees as the real threats to the region and the world.
In a significant shift, Israel has announced its intention to "flood" Gaza with humanitarian aid following international pressure, including admonishments from Washington and London. The Israel Defense Forces plan to provide supplies to alleviate hunger in the Gaza Strip, marking a departure from previous policies towards the region.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his resignation amid international pressure and a low-scale civil war in the country, agreeing to leave office once a transitional presidential council is created and an interim PM is named. The crisis in Haiti has led to violent gangs burning police stations, attacking the main airport, and raiding prisons, resulting in a humanitarian and security crisis. The international community, including the US, is discussing ways to help Haiti, and the US has deployed a security team and airlifted personnel from its embassy. The situation has led to scores of deaths, homelessness, and shortages of food and water, with heavily armed gangs controlling a significant portion of the capital. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced additional financial aid and support for a multinational force deployment to Haiti.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has agreed to resign once a transitional presidential council is established, succumbing to international and internal pressure amid the country's escalating gang violence. The announcement comes after urgent discussions in Jamaica involving Caribbean leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, with plans for a transitional council and an interim premier. The situation in Haiti has been described as on the brink of disaster, with widespread violence, political instability, and urgent humanitarian needs.
The top U.N. court is set to hold public hearings on the legality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory, with the focus on the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The U.S., Egypt, Russia, France, and China are among the countries participating, while Israel will not attend. The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, and Israel's government has approved a declaration refusing to recognize a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Norway will help transfer frozen funds to the Palestinian Authority, and the largest medical facility in southern Gaza is no longer functional after Israeli raids.
Israeli forces raided Nasser Hospital in Gaza, claiming it was based on information that Hamas militants were hiding hostages there, which Hamas denies. The raid caused chaos and forced medical staff and patients to flee, with one staff member detained. The death toll in Gaza rises to 28,663, with nearly all of its 2 million inhabitants displaced. Israel faces international pressure to show restraint as it continues its offensive into Rafah, the last relatively safe place in Gaza.
