The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
A new scandal has emerged involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and its alleged orders to stop recording war cabinet meetings during Israel's offensive on Gaza in October 2023. This deviation from standard security protocols has prompted an investigation by Israel's Attorney General, with reports claiming that Netanyahu's office has collected sensitive footage of a senior military figure for unknown purposes. The controversy surrounding this incident highlights potential misuse of power by the Prime Minister's office and raises questions about the security of sensitive information in Israel's government.
The president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed his government's willingness to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resolve any concerns about their nuclear program. This comes as IAEA chief Rafael Grossi visits Tehran, amidst concerns about escalating tensions in the region, including the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. Grossi stressed the importance of achieving results in the ongoing nuclear talks in order to prevent further conflict and avoid any potential attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Qatar has pulled out of its crucial role as a mediator in the ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, citing a lack of progress and a lack of willingness from both parties. The move comes after months of failed attempts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, leading the efforts. However, Washington has reportedly urged Qatar to expel Hamas leaders from Doha, claiming that the group's political office no longer serves a purpose in the negotiations. This decision marks a significant shift in Qatar's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Violence erupted in Amsterdam after an Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match, as Israeli fans were attacked by local youths incited by social media calls to target Jewish people. The rise in antisemitic speech and actions in Europe, in the midst of the conflict in Gaza, has sparked tension and condemnation from authorities across the continent. Dutch officials have pledged to prosecute those responsible for the assaults, while Israeli fans remain resolute, vowing to continue attending future matches.
The popular surfing destination of Argum Bay in Sri Lanka has been making headlines for the wrong reasons. The United States and Israel have issued security warnings to their citizens who are visiting the area due to potential attacks. This comes following protests against Israel's actions in Gaza and concerns for the safety of international tourists. Despite the troubles, Argum Bay remains a popular tourist spot with a complex history.
The Israeli Defense Forces have released drone footage allegedly showing the final moments of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was reportedly killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. The video shows a man sitting inside a damaged apartment, believed to be Sinwar, and throwing a stick at an approaching drone before the building collapsed. Israeli leaders are celebrating his death as a victory and a turning point in the fight against Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli military is investigating whether it successfully executed a planned operation targeting three militants in the Gaza Strip, including prominent Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. While the identity of the militants has not yet been confirmed, the Israeli army has evidence suggesting that Sinwar was among those killed. If confirmed, this would be a major victory for Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a series of high-profile assassinations of Hamas leaders. Sinwar was the leader of Hamas in Gaza and has been on Israel's wanted list since orchestrating an attack in 2023.
The Israeli military is investigating the possibility of Hamas' top leader Yahya Sinwar being killed in a recent operation in Gaza. Along with this, an Israeli airstrike on a school that was being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians has claimed the lives of 15 people, including five children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Sinwar, who was chosen as Hamas' top leader after the assassination of Ismael Haniyeh, has been in hiding since the beginning of Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza.
The escalating violence between Israel and Gaza has led to Nicaragua taking a decisive stand against Israel by breaking off diplomatic ties and condemning their actions as "fascist" and "genocidal". Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with dozens killed in the Jabalia refugee camp alone. In a show of solidarity, Lebanon has also faced Israeli military strikes, injuring UN peacekeepers and killing two Lebanese soldiers.