A group of human rights experts backed by the United Nations has made damning accusations against Israel for its actions during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The experts alleged that Israeli forces engaged in disproportionate violence targeting women and children, as well as perpetrating rape and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees.
The experts went further to claim that Israel was committing genocidal acts by systematically targeting Gaza’s reproductive health care facilities, though they refrained from explicitly accusing Israel of genocide. Israel has refused to cooperate with the UN-backed Human Rights Council that oversaw the investigation, citing bias against Israel.
While a fragile ceasefire has halted the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza since January, Israel has imposed severe restrictions on essential supplies to Gaza as a pressure tactic against Hamas. Negotiations regarding the ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages are ongoing in Qatar, but progress remains elusive.
Recent Developments:
– Israel conducts airstrikes in Lebanon near the Syrian border, targeting Hezbollah facilities in the Bekaa Valley.
– Senior Turkish officials visit Syria following a deal to integrate a Kurdish-led armed group into the Syrian military.
– Israel’s foreign minister is poised to rejoin Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party, potentially bolstering the party’s prospects in the next election.
Hamas has called for the prosecution of Israeli leaders following the report detailing allegations of sexual violence against Palestinians.
Hamas claims a report by United Nations-backed human rights experts confirms the severity of Israel’s actions against Palestinians. The report accuses Israel of using disproportionate violence in Gaza, particularly targeting women and children, and of committing rape and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees. Israel denies these allegations, stating it takes measures to avoid harming civilians. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his former defense minister for war crimes in Gaza, which they deny. The court also issued a warrant for Hamas’ military leader, who has since been confirmed killed.
At Trump Tower, Jewish protesters gathered to demand the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested for immigration violations. The protesters, from the Jewish Voice for Peace group, filled the lobby with banners and chants calling for Khalil’s release. Police eventually arrested at least 65 protesters and removed them from the building.
In Syria, a Russian airbase is providing shelter to thousands of civilians fleeing sectarian violence. The violence between government forces and armed groups loyal to deposed President Assad has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths, mostly from the Alawite minority sect. Many refugees have sought shelter in the Russian airbase in Latakia province, despite government attempts to assure them of safety.
Syria’s interim rulers have signed a new constitution putting the country under the rule of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham for five years. The constitution maintains Islamic law as the main source of jurisprudence and requires the head of state to be Muslim, while also enshrining freedom of expression and the media. A committee will be formed to draft a permanent constitution, with uncertainties about inclusivity.
Arab nations express support for Trump’s change of direction on Gaza relocation plan
Arab countries have applauded President Donald Trump’s recent statement indicating a shift away from his proposal to relocate the population of Gaza. Trump stated, “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” during a press briefing, which was met with positive reactions from allies such as Egypt and Jordan. Both countries had previously rejected the idea of accepting a large number of Palestinian refugees as suggested by Trump.
Hamas also welcomed Trump’s apparent change of heart regarding the plan to displace Gazans. The initial proposal to resettle around 2 million Palestinians from Gaza to other countries, with the intention of developing Gaza as a tourist destination, had raised concerns among human rights experts due to potential violations of international law.
Meanwhile, amidst ongoing challenges in Gaza, approximately 25,000 Palestinian patients are in urgent need of medical evacuation. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in collaboration with local partners, is conducting daily evacuations to provide necessary medical care to these individuals, including those with chronic illnesses like cancer, heart conditions, and hemophilia.
In a separate incident, three individuals were injured in an Israeli airstrike in Syria, with no reported fatalities. The targeted building in a Damascus suburb, believed to be the residence of a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, was destroyed, causing damage to nearby structures. Despite the strike, conflicting reports emerged regarding the presence of the group’s leader at the time.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike on the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s command center in Damascus, stating it was a preemptive measure against planned “terrorist activities” directed at Israel.
The center was reported to have been used as a base for attacks against Israel, prompting a strong warning from Defense Minister Israel Katz. He stated that any terrorist activities organized against Israel would be met with a forceful response, with air force planes ready to target terrorist locations in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that the targeted building, situated in Dummar suburb, was occupied by Palestinians and resulted in one fatality.
In a humanitarian effort, Israel has provided food aid to the Druze minority in Syria, delivering 10,000 packages to the community in the southern region of Sweida. This move is seen as an attempt to establish ties with the Druze and support them during the country’s transition from civil war. However, some Druze have rejected Israel’s assistance, viewing it as an attempt to interfere in Syria’s affairs.
Israel’s military presence in southern Syria, established after the downfall of President Bashar Assad, has been the subject of controversy. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Syria’s military, claiming to protect its citizens from Iran-backed groups aligned with the former government. Critics accuse Israel of attempting to destabilize Syria and weaken its unity.
Accusations of sexual and gender-based violence have been raised against Israel by U.N.-backed experts in relation to its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israel has denied these allegations, criticizing the sources of information used by the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The commission’s report also highlighted the destruction of Gaza and attacks on civilian facilities, leading to disproportionate harm to women and children.
The commission’s findings could be used as evidence in potential war crimes prosecutions, with Israel facing scrutiny over its military actions and treatment of detainees during the conflict with Hamas. Israel has defended its actions, emphasizing efforts to minimize harm to civilians and attributing civilian casualties to Hamas operating in residential areas.
The conflict with Hamas began in October 2023, resulting in significant casualties and hostage-taking. Despite a fragile ceasefire, tensions persist between Israel and Hamas, with the international community closely monitoring the situation for potential human rights violations and war crimes.
It is claimed by some sources that Hamas was involved in committing rape and sexual violence during the attack. As a response, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 48,000 Palestinians, with a majority being women and children, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. It is important to note that the ministry did not specify the number of combatants among the casualties.
