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As the "Operation of Al-Aqsa Flood " enters its 418th day, the occupying forces persist in increasing their hostility towards the Gaza Strip, resulting in civilian massacres, amidst ongoing clashes between Palestinian resistance and occupation forces on multiple fronts.
Here are the highlights of the developments:
- 12 martyrs, including children and women, in the Israeli shelling of a school in Gaza
Twelve Palestinians, including children and women, were martyred and others were injured as a result of the Israeli air force shelling a UNRWA school in the Daraj neighborhood in the center of Gaza City.
Medical sources described the scene as horrific, as the school was targeted while sheltering displaced persons who had fled from shelling in other areas.
- UNRWA: Hunger reaches critical levels in Gaza
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned on Wednesday that hunger levels in the Gaza Strip had reached unprecedented levels, with residents searching for food scraps in garbage dumps.
They added: "With the onset of winter, conditions deteriorate rapidly, and survival becomes impossible without urgent humanitarian aid", calling for an immediate ceasefire to provide humanitarian assistance.
- Number of journalist martyrs rises to 190 during the massacre
The government media office in Gaza announced an increase in the number of Palestinian journalists who have been martyred since the beginning of the aggression to 190, with the latest being journalist Alaa Fawzi Barhoum.
The office condemned the targeting of journalists, considering it a war crime, and called on the international community to hold the occupation accountable and prosecute it legally for these serious violations.
- Hamas calls for urgent action to stop the massacres and starvation in northern Gaza
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) called on Wednesday for immediate action to stop what it described as "massacres and starvation" in the cities of Beit Lahia and Jabalia in northern Gaza.
The movement stressed in a press statement that the occupation continues its criminal military aggression on the north of the sector for the 55th consecutive day, committing the most heinous crimes against innocent civilians in the north especially, and Gaza in general.
The statement noted that the occupation is carrying out systematic killings and widespread arrests, directly targeting hospitals, medical staff, and civil defense, leading to their complete disruption.
The text explains that Jabalia and Beit Lahia are being subjected to intense shelling and a suffocating siege, with anyone attempting to leave these areas being targeted. The movement added that the occupation is demanding the residents of Beit Lahia to evacuate, amidst continuous bombing of the city, and ongoing atrocities that worsen the suffering of the people. Hamas emphasized that the US administration, as the main partner and supporter of the occupation, bears full responsibility for the war crimes and genocide being committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The movement called on the international community and free peoples to take urgent action to save the Palestinian people from genocide and starvation, urging international and humanitarian organizations to continue pressuring the occupation to allow urgent humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and save northern Gaza from the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Hamas targets Zionist vehicles in Beit Lahia
The Al-Qassam Brigades posted footage documenting the targeting of occupation vehicles in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. The footage showed tanks being targeted with Yasin 105 shells, and the capture of an "EvoMax" drone during an intelligence operation. The brigades reaffirmed their commitment to confront the occupation forces with all available means.
UN experts call for full compliance with warrants for the arrest of Netanyahu and Gantz
UN experts welcomed the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the Palestinian news agency.
The international statement called on countries to fully comply with these warrants, emphasizing that the ICC decision is for justice and accountability, representing a historic step and providing hope for ending decades of impunity for long-term violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Zionist occupation forces continue to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 417th consecutive day, through dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, committing massacres against civilians amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation due to the siege and displacement of over 95% of the population.
Our correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their violent airstrikes and shelling - on Tuesday - in various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons' gatherings, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of wide neighborhoods in Rafah since May 7th, and several axes in Gaza amidst aerial and artillery bombardment and committing horrific massacres, and destruction of homes in Jabalia refugee camp.
For the 53rd consecutive day, northern Gaza continues to suffer from Israeli siege, starvation, violent aerial and artillery shelling, and complete isolation of the northern governorate from Gaza.
The occupation forces have been forcibly disabling civil defense operations in northern Gaza for 35 days due to ongoing Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of citizens without humanitarian and medical care.
The Israeli occupation committed three massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 14 martyrs and 108 injuries admitted to hospitals in the past 24 hours.
The toll of the Israeli aggression has risen to 44,249 martyrs and 104,746 injuries since October 7, 2023.
Local sources reported martyrs and injuries as a result of the occupation aircraft targeting the al-Hurriya school housing displaced persons in the Zaytoun neighborhood southeast of Gaza City.
A civilian was martyred and another injured by Israeli targeting of a group of civilians in the Safatawi neighborhood northwest of Gaza City.
Martyrs and injuries were brought to al-Mauwadani Hospital as a result of occupation shelling of a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City.
Israeli artillery shelling targeted the Jneineh neighborhood east of Rafah in southern Gaza.
Israeli artillery targeted various areas in the north of the Strip, east of the Bureij camp, and in the central Gaza Strip.
The Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson, Mahmoud Basal, announced that "10,000 tents have been severely damaged by the rain in the Gaza Strip, and the majority of displaced tents are destroyed."
The occupation forces continue their aggression on the Gaza Strip, by land, sea, and air, since October 7, 2023, resulting in the martyrdom of 44,235 citizens, mostly women and children, and the injury of 104,638 others, in an ongoing toll as thousands of victims remain under rubble and in the streets, unable to be reached by rescue and ambulance teams.
"Kuwait and the Palestinian Cause" Seminar Overview
• Organized by the Literature and Social Sciences Seminars and the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Center.
• Discussed Kuwait's historical and continuous support for the Palestinian cause.
• Saad Abdulhadi, Chairman of the Cooperation Foundation, highlighted Kuwait's role during "Israeli" aggression on Gaza.
• Emphasized the need for international and regional efforts to support the Palestinian people.
• Hani Al-Masri, founding director of the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies, emphasized Kuwait's stance on normalization with "Israel."
• Al-Masri discussed "Israel's" attempts to displace Palestinians and their plan to resolve the conflict.
• Emphasized the importance of international and regional solidarity to confront these policies.
In the face of challenges facing the Palestinian issue, the Literature and Social Sciences Seminars, in collaboration with the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Center, organized a seminar titled "Kuwait and the Palestinian Issue" at the Jawhara building in Sabah Al-Salem University City. The seminar included influential interventions from prominent figures that shed light on Kuwait's historical and continuous role in supporting the Palestinian cause, in addition to analyzing the current situation in Palestine after recent developments.
Saad Abdulhadi: Kuwait is a space of support amidst aggression
Saad Abdulhadi, Chairman of the Cooperation Foundation and a member of the Board of Trustees of the "Masarat" Center, affirmed that Kuwait has been and continues to be a supporter of the Palestinian cause throughout history. He pointed out that Kuwait has become a haven for Palestinians, especially in light of the ongoing "Israeli" aggression on Gaza. He mentioned that we are now in the fourteenth month of the "Israeli" aggression on Gaza, which has not been limited to the Gaza Strip but has extended to include Lebanon, driven by the policies of the fascist right in "Israel".
Abdulhadi added that "Israel", led by the extremist right, seeks to achieve dangerous strategic goals, such as resolving the conflict with the Palestinians and imposing its vision of a final solution, as well as changing the rules of the game in the Middle East to assert its role as a dominant power. He noted that these policies are internally translated into attempts to reshape the Hebrew state on new foundations that surpass the visions of Western elites that founded "Israel".
Abdulhadi concluded his intervention by emphasizing that this stage witnesses intensive "Israeli" attempts to seize a historic opportunity to implement its agendas, making it necessary to strengthen international and regional efforts to support the Palestinian people and stand against these policies.
Al-Masri: Kuwait's stance on normalization distinguishes it
For his part, Hani Al-Masri, the founding director of the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies, emphasized that Kuwait holds a special place in the hearts of Palestinians, noting that Kuwait has been able to overcome the effects of the Iraqi invasion to continue its steadfast support for the Palestinian people. He said: Kuwait's stance on normalization with "Israel" is not just a political stance, but a principled stance that reflects its loyalty to the Palestinian cause.
The Egyptian clarified that the Palestinian issue is currently going through a critical stage after the events of the "Al-Aqsa Flood," which showed the ability of the Palestinian resistance to shake the "Israeli" occupation. He added: These events have shown the world that "Israel" is not an invincible entity but can be confronted and resisted.
The Egyptian also spoke about "Israel's" old and new attempts to displace Palestinians, pointing out that the plan for displacement was not a spontaneous decision, but rather was prepared before the events of the "Al-Aqsa Flood." He explained that the "Israeli" government was seeking to annex the West Bank as part of its political agenda before October 7, reflecting clear intentions to reshape the Palestinian landscape to serve its own interests only.
Difficult choices for Palestinians
The Egyptian also discussed "Israel's" plan to resolve the conflict, explaining that this plan includes 3 harsh options for Palestinians:
- Forced displacement: pushing Palestinians to leave their land using various means.
- Marginalization: keeping them as second-class citizens without any basic rights.
- Suppression: death or imprisonment for those who refuse either of the first two options.
The Egyptian emphasized that these options reflect the nature of the racist "Israeli" regime, which seeks to dismantle the Palestinian issue from its roots. However, he also emphasized the importance of international and regional solidarity to confront these policies and thwart the plans that target the Palestinian people and their rights.
In conclusion, the seminar "Kuwait and the Palestinian Cause" comes as a new affirmation of the importance of supporting the Palestinian cause in the current circumstances. With the escalation of "Israeli" aggression, Kuwait remains a model in its steadfast and supportive positions of Palestinian rights. The question now is: How can this support be strengthened to ensure the continued defense of the issue in international forums?
The Zionist occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 416th consecutive day, through dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling, committing massacres against civilians, amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.
Our correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their violent raids and shelling - on Monday - in various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced people's gatherings, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of wide areas in Rafah since May 7th, and several axes in Gaza amid air and artillery bombardment and the commission of horrible massacres, and demolition operations of citizens' homes in Jabalia camp.
For the 52nd consecutive day, northern Gaza is suffering under Israeli siege and starvation amid intense air and artillery bombardment, and complete isolation of the northern governorate from Gaza.
The occupation forces have been forcibly disabling civil defense operations in northern Gaza for the 34th day due to continuous Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of citizens there without humanitarian and medical care.
Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza reported receiving 6 wounded individuals as a result of the occupation forces targeting civilians in Beit Lahia.
Residents reported sporadic gunfire from Israeli military vehicles north of Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.
Israeli artillery shelled the Tel al-Zaatar area in Jabalia camp in northern Gaza.
5 civilians were martyred and others were injured in Israeli shelling that targeted a group of civilians in the Jebaliya entrance area in northern Gaza.
Two civilians were martyred and others were injured in an Israeli strike targeting a gathering in front of the Indonesian hospital gate in northern Gaza.
Civil defense announced the recovery of two martyrs and two injuries from the Msbeh area in northern Rafah after being targeted by Israeli warplanes and transferred to Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza.
Occupation vehicles indiscriminately fired towards the tents of displaced people south of Mawasi in Rafah. Israeli drones also fired and dropped bombs northwest of Nuseirat camp.
4 civilians were martyred and others were injured in an Israeli shelling on the Msbeh area north of Rafah city.
Two civilians were martyred and others were injured in an Israeli strike on a house in Rafah.
Paramedics from the Red Crescent reported transferring 5 wounded individuals to al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza after Israeli shelling on civilians' homes north of the camp.
Occupation aircraft bombed the new camp north of Nuseirat in central Gaza.
A civilian was injured in a Zionist artillery shelling targeting the Mazhar family's house near Abu Srar roundabout in Nuseirat camp.
The occupation artillery shelled around the old Islamic association building on Shaimaa Street in Beit Lahia city in northern Gaza.
In a scene beyond words, the sea's waters washed away the tents of displaced people in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza..
With the 415th day of the "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", the occupation forces continue to escalate their aggression in the Gaza Strip, leaving massacres against civilians in its wake, amid ongoing clashes between Palestinian resistance and Israeli forces on several fronts.
Day 51... Genocide continues in northern Gaza
For the 51st day, the occupation forces continue their brutal aggression in northern Gaza, targeting homes and infrastructure systematically, imposing a suffocating siege that prevents the entry of medicine, food, and water.
These crimes have resulted in the martyrdom of more than two thousand civilians and the injury of hundreds with varying degrees of wounds, in addition to the displacement of half of the population of the province, estimated at around 200,000 people, amid catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
As part of its efforts to establish a buffer zone, the occupation forces have forcibly displaced tens of thousands to the city of Gaza, while around 80,000 citizens in the north of the Strip still suffer dire conditions due to intense airstrikes and lack of basic resources.
Civil Defense: Severe losses in lives and equipment
The Civil Defense in Gaza announced the martyrdom of 87 of its members since the beginning of the Zionist aggression on October 7, 2023.
It stated that the department has lost equipment worth $1.3 million, in addition to the breakdown of most of its vehicles due to fuel shortages, pointing out that civil defense activities in the northern sector have been halted for 33 days, exacerbating the suffering of the population and hindering rescue efforts.
Mass exodus from Shuja'iya neighborhood in eastern Gaza
Israeli threats forced hundreds of Palestinian families in Shuja'iya neighborhood to flee south on foot, amid a lack of transportation means and vehicle destruction.
This comes after the occupation declared the area dangerous and susceptible to targeting, reflecting the continuation of the policy of forced displacement.
Al-Qassam Brigades target Israeli positions in northern Gaza
The Al-Qassam Brigades announced on Sunday the targeting of the command center of the invading Israeli forces in northern Gaza with heavy mortar shells, as part of their ongoing operations to deter aggression.
The Al-Qassam Brigades stated in a press release that they struck the command-and-control center of the invading enemy forces in the Tawam area north of the city of Gaza with a barrage of heavy mortar shells.
Two former Israeli prisoners accuse Netanyahu's government of betrayal
Two former Israeli prisoners accused Netanyahu's government of betrayal for delaying a prisoner exchange deal, warning that this delay threatens the lives of detainees in Gaza, according to the Hebrew newspaper "Maariv".
The prisoners described the government's actions as moral bankruptcy and a disgrace.
Escalation in Lebanon and explosions in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv witnessed violent explosions on Sunday after being targeted by missiles from Lebanon, while Hezbollah announced the attack on an Israeli naval base in Ashdod and the targeting of Israeli forces in Metula and Khiyam.
In response, the occupation escalated its bombardment of areas in southern Lebanon, resulting in the martyrdom of a Lebanese soldier.
Protests in Amsterdam against Netanyahu and Gantz
Hundreds of people demonstrated in the Dutch capital demanding the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Ya'alon Gantz, accusing them of committing genocide in Gaza and criticizing the continued support of Western countries for Israel.
The Zionist occupation forces continue to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip for the 414th consecutive day, through dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the siege and displacement of over 95% of the population.
Intense airstrikes and shelling
Correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their intense airstrikes and shelling - on Saturday - in various areas of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced people's gatherings, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.
Ground invasion
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of wide areas in Rafah since May 7th, and several axes in Gaza amidst aerial and artillery bombardment and committing terrible massacres, and demolition operations of civilians' homes in Jabalia camp.
For the 50 days, northern Gaza under Israeli siege
For the 50th consecutive day, northern Gaza remains under Israeli siege and starvation amidst intense aerial and artillery shelling, and complete isolation of the northern governorate from Gaza.
The occupation forces continue to forcibly disable the civil defense work in northern Gaza areas for the 32nd day due to continuous Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of citizens there without humanitarian and medical care.
7 martyrs
Medical sources reported the arrival of 7 martyrs, most of them women, and a number of wounded to Al-Maamouni Hospital as a result of targeting a house in the Zaitoun neighborhood east of Gaza City.
The young man Musa Ahmed Abu Asi was martyred in an Israeli shelling that targeted his house this morning in the Sheikh Nasser area in Khan Younis.
The young man Mohammed Adnan Al-Nada passed away from injuries he sustained after being shot by the occupation army in the Al-Nada neighborhood in the outskirts of Rafah.
Civil defense announced the retrieval of 7 martyrs and a number of injuries from the "Shaldan" family home after it was shelled by the Israeli occupation in the Zaitoun neighborhood south of Gaza City.
The martyrs are: Zakaria Shaker Shaldan, his brother Mohammed Shaker Shaldan, his wife martyr Duaa Shaldan, martyr Abdullah Shaker Shaldan and his sons Anas and Maryam, and martyr Huda Osama Shaldan.
Air raid on Al-Bureij camp
3 martyrs, including two women, were killed and a number of citizens were injured following an Israeli shelling on a residential apartment in the Ilyas building in Al-Nusairat camp in the middle of the Strip.
An Israeli airstrike on the Abu Sebla family home near the tents of the displaced in Khan Younis camp in the south of the Strip resulted in 6 martyrs, including a child, and more than 24 injuries.
A martyr was killed and others were injured in the occupation's shelling of the Abu Asi family home in the Sheikh Nasser area east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
The power was cut off at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north of the Strip after the occupation drones targeted the hospital's power generator.
A doctor at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north of the Gaza Strip, Nahed Ghunaim, one of the workers, and a citizen were injured as Israeli "Quadcopter" drones threw bombs at the hospital's reception and emergency entrance.
The Zionist occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 413th consecutive day, through dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation as a result of the siege and displacement of more than 95% of the population.
Correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their intensive airstrikes and shelling - on Friday - in various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons' gatherings, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of wide areas in Rafah since May 7th, and several axes in Gaza amidst aerial and artillery bombardment and committing horrific massacres, as well as demolishing homes in Jabaliya refugee camp.
For the 49th consecutive day, North Gaza continues to suffer under Israeli siege and starvation, amidst intense aerial and artillery bombardment, and complete isolation of the northern governorate from Gaza.
The occupation forces have been forcibly obstructing the work of civil defense in northern Gaza areas for the 31st consecutive day due to continuous Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of citizens without humane and medical care.
Civil defense reported retrieving the bodies of martyrs from under the rubble of the Daia family's house in the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza after it was bombed by occupation aircraft above its residents, including children and civilians.
Three citizens were martyred and others were injured in a bombardment targeting a gathering of citizens near the Sanafour junction in the Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City.
One citizen was martyred and 5 others were injured to varying degrees; due to the targeting of citizens as they gathered in front of the gate of Kamal Adwan hospital in North Gaza to collect drinking water.
Four citizens, including the exiled prisoner to Gaza, Murad Awad Rajoub from Hebron, were martyred and others were injured in an Israeli missile strike targeting a gathering of citizens near the East bakery west of Gaza.
One citizen was martyred and others were injured due to the occupation artillery shelling the northeastern outskirts of Khan Yunis city in southern Gaza.
Several citizens were injured in an Israeli artillery shelling targeting the town of Abassan east of Khan Yunis city.
The occupation aircraft bombed the vicinity of Bahlool station in the Apple neighborhood in eastern Gaza without any reported injuries. Occupation helicopters fired machine gun fire towards the eastern areas of Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli warships targeted a fishing boat in the sea off the city of Gaza. Three citizens were killed and others were injured when the occupation targeted a group of citizens near Abu Haleema station on Shifa Street west of Gaza City. Occupation aircraft carried out an airstrike on Block 12 east of Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza.
Three citizens, including a mother and her daughter, were killed, while the father was injured after midnight as a result of the occupation aircraft targeting their tent in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis. Palestinian Red Crescent announced the retrieval of two martyrs out of 7 martyrs who were targeted yesterday near the Beauty Plus hall in the center of Rafah city.
At least two citizens were killed and others were injured last night as a result of the Israeli occupation aircraft bombing a house belonging to the Daeya family in the Sabra neighborhood south of Gaza City, and ambulance and rescue teams are still searching for missing persons under the rubble. A number of medical staff members were injured inside the Martyr Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, some of them described their injuries as serious, as a result of the occupation drones throwing bombs on the hospital square.
A medical source at the hospital said that the occupation drones targeted the power generator, causing extensive damage, especially since there is no alternative for this generator, which all hospital departments rely on, and there are no resources available to repair the damage amidst the continuous Israeli siege. The occupation aircraft also fired bullets towards the remaining houses in Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip without any reported injuries.
In the central Gaza Strip, 5 citizens were killed and others were injured as a result of the Israeli occupation bombing a house belonging to the Hor family in the area of Camp (5) north of Nusseirat. In the southern Gaza Strip, local sources said that the occupation forces demolished several houses south of Rafah.
On the 412th day of the "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", the occupation forces continue to escalate their aggression against the Gaza Strip, leaving massacres against civilians in their wake amidst ongoing clashes between the Palestinian resistance and the occupation forces on multiple fronts.
The most prominent developments are as follows:
4 massacres in Gaza leave 112 martyrs, including 64 children and women
The Gaza government's media office announced that the occupation army committed 4 brutal massacres in several areas in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 112 martyrs, including 64 children and women, in addition to 22 missing and over 120 injured.
The office stated in a statement today, Thursday, that the massacres took place in the vicinity of Kamal Adwan hospital in north Gaza, as well as in the areas of Abu Iskandar in Gaza governorate, Al-Nusairat refugee camp in the central governorate, and Khan Younis governorate.
The statement confirmed that these massacres come at a sensitive time after the failure of the United Nations Security Council to issue a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the war on Gaza, where the United States used its veto power against the resolution, highlighting its complicity in the war, which is considered genocide against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Al-Qassam Brigades: Elimination of 15 Zionist soldiers in Beit Lahia
Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas movement, announced that its fighters managed to eliminate 15 Zionist soldiers during a clash in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.
Al-Qassam said in a military statement via its Telegram channel: "Our fighters engaged in a clash with a Zionist force of 15 soldiers, eliminating them from point zero in the field area of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza."
International Criminal Court: Arrest warrants issued against Netanyahu and Gantz for war crimes
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against the occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gantz for their involvement in "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity" in Gaza.
The court affirmed that there are "reasonable grounds" to believe that Netanyahu and Gantz directly supervised the attacks targeting civilians, including charges of using starvation as a weapon of war, as well as committing murder and persecution crimes, as reported by Al Jazeera website.
"Hamas" welcomes the issuance of International Criminal Court arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gantz
The Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" welcomed the decision of the International Criminal Court, describing it as a "historic step" in holding the occupation accountable for its ongoing crimes against the Palestinian people.
The movement stated in a statement that these warrants represent a correction of a long history of injustice towards the Palestinian people, calling for the accountability to include all leaders of the occupation.
Dutch Foreign Minister: We will arrest Netanyahu in implementation of the "International Criminal Court" decision
In another development, Dutch Foreign Minister Casper Fieldcamp announced that the Netherlands will comply with the decision of the International Criminal Court and arrest the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in the Netherlands, according to the Palestinian news agency.
Fieldcamp confirmed his country's respect for the court's decision, and clarified that the Netherlands will not make any unnecessary contact with Netanyahu after the arrest warrant is issued.
Borrell: International Criminal Court decision binding on all member states
On the other hand, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, affirmed in a statement that the International Criminal Court decision to arrest Netanyahu and Gantz is "binding" on all member states of the court, calling for the decision to be implemented without any leniency.
Borrell emphasized that the implementation of the decision must be at the level of all member states.
Australia denies former Israeli minister entry to the country
In another international reaction, Australian authorities announced that they refused to grant a visa to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked to participate in a conference in Australia.
Hebrew reports mentioned that the visa rejection was due to concerns that Shaked might "incite discord."
Australian law prohibits entry to individuals who stir up conflicts or incite violence in Australian society.
The Bear Brigade, a semi-military Russian unit, was first deployed in West Africa to support local councils and expand Russia's geopolitical influence. Following the decline of the Wagner Group, the Bear Brigade aligns with Moscow's goal to exert influence in Africa while addressing gaps left by Western countries, especially France. The Brigade functions as a more formal unit under Russian military supervision, focusing on securing regimes that have severed ties with their Western allies.
The formation and structure of the Bear Brigade include former combatants from the conflict in Ukraine and former special forces operatives, reflecting the Brigade's distinguished military experience. The operations of the Bear Brigade in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger focus on securing regimes that have severed ties with their Western allies and acting as a force multiplier for local armies and contributing to counter-insurgency efforts.
One of the key roles of the Bear Brigade in Africa is protecting military council leaders, such as Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, by securing political figures. By securing political figures, the Brigade works to stabilize Moscow-aligned regimes and enhance Russian influence in the region. Although their direct combat involvement has been limited compared to Wagner, the Bear Brigade assists in training local forces and securing strategic sites. The Brigade is known for its harsh tactics, often criticized for exacerbating violence rather than alleviating it.
Russia has effectively utilized the Bear Brigade to capitalize on anti-colonial sentiments, positioning Russia as a preferred security and military aid partner in Africa.
Russia's Wagner Group military additionally has been present in various parts of Africa as well as Syria and Central African Republic which has raised serious concerns of violation of Human Rights. These acts, which include the use of violence to target civilian populations of war who are believed to support any of the rebel group, have brought accusations of war crimes against the group.
It should be noted that the presence of Wagner Group in Africa has prospects of geopolitical and security interests including changing of the power structures in Africa, getting diplomatic tensions, and risking the general order in the region.
Additionally, Analysts have argued that their intervention has increased the conflict rate in Mali and Burkina Faso and can further fuel dissatisfaction in the rebel factions causing recruitment into violent extremist groups. Russia’s furthering its relations in Africa through military assistance on the other hand may weaken the economic sovereignty of Africa through gaining access to the natural resources of the content.
Overall, the Wagner Group's presence has significant implications for the stability and security of African nations.
The Wagner Group and the Wagner Group are both entities that promote Russian interests abroad, but they differ in structure, leadership, and approach. The Wagner Group, founded as a semi-independent private entity under Yevgeny Prigozhin's leadership, aligns with Russian goals but is a shift towards explicit state control. Operationally, the Wagner Group emphasizes economic gains, often securing mineral and resource privileges in exchange for protection, as seen in the Central African Republic. However, it prioritizes political stability for Russia-friendly regimes, such as supporting the military council in Burkina Faso and Mali.
The state-backed nature of the Wagner Group adds an additional layer of official oversight, enabling it to function as a quasi-governmental force rather than a private or semi-independent entity. This alignment underscores Moscow's strategic axis, providing a more officially supported presence throughout Africa, reducing reliance on semi-independent actors like Wagner.
The Russian Bear Brigade faces challenges in Africa, complicating its mission to support local governments such as the military council in Burkina Faso and Mali. One of the main issues is its recent partial withdrawal of 100 out of 300 elements it had in Burkina Faso to support Russian forces in Crimea, redirecting forces to Ukraine, weakening its impact on the ground and limiting its ability to deter rebel threats. Additionally, logistical challenges arise from working in conflict-prone areas with difficult terrains and limited infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Russian Bear Brigade represents a new phase in Russia's strategy to expand its influence in Africa through quasi-military operations overseen by the state. By solidifying its military participation under state supervision, Russia works to enhance its influence through a framework that blends military presence with diplomatic support, creating a more cohesive and sustainable foothold on the continent.
Just under three-quarters felt anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia had become more widespread
A majority of Muslims feel Islamophobia and hate against them has become more widespread since the summer riots, but around half also feel able to be more open about their identity, according to a survey.
Tell Mama, a charity monitoring such incidents, said its latest survey indicated that one in two of those asked said they had become more open, mainly through conversations with friends and colleagues, about their Muslim identity after the violence which erupted following the Southport attack.
The organisation analysed, as part of the annual No2H8 campaign, the opinions of 750 Muslims across the UK eight weeks after disorder broke out in parts of England and Northern Ireland following the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport.
Tell Mama said just under three-quarters (71%) felt anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia had become more widespread since the unrest.
Almost two-thirds (62%) said the potential risk of harm to Muslim communities had since increased significantly or somewhat.
People hold pro-refugee, anti-racist placards as they attend a counter demonstration against an anti-immigration protest called by far-right activists, outside the United Immigration Services offices at The Beacon in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north-east England on August 7, 2024
open image in gallery
While one in three Muslims surveyed said they had considered leaving the UK as a result of the violence – which saw mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted – 55% said they felt safe or very safe in the UK.
Iman Atta, Tell Mama director, said: “Many British Muslims are very scared at the moment. They need our government to show it hears their fears and is working to keep them safe.
“This poll is proof of the terrifying impact anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia is having.
“More work must be done to reassure these people. And we need greater focus on supporting social cohesion in the worst affected areas. These findings should be a wake-up call for the Government.”
A Government spokesperson said: “These results are extremely concerning. Attacks and hatred against Muslim communities are unacceptable and we have been clear that we will seek to stamp out Islamophobia and racism wherever it occurs.
“All communities must feel safe, especially in places of worship, which is why we introduced the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and will continue to work with communities and across government to deliver a new approach to tackling racial and religious hatred.”
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Source: Independent Site