Recent IDF operations in Gaza have resulted in a significant increase in Israeli control, exceeding 50% of the territory in a short period. This rapid advance aims to separate civilians from Hamas fighters and control food distribution, rather than solely focusing on eliminating Hamas operatives. While the ultimate extent of IDF control remains uncertain, warnings have been issued to civilians in northern Gaza to relocate southward to avoid further military operations. The number of civilians remaining in northern Gaza is currently unknown but is likely substantially lower than previous estimates due to both pre-existing evacuations and ongoing IDF actions.
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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attributed the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington to a climate of “toxic antisemitic incitement” emanating from unnamed European officials. He directly linked this incitement, particularly heightened since the October 2023 Hamas attack, to the murder, asserting a causal relationship between anti-Israel rhetoric and the violence. Saar’s accusations followed recent criticism of Israel’s Gaza operation from European allies, including warnings of potential consequences. He specifically cited accusations of genocide and war crimes as fueling this hostile environment.
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Anti-Hamas protests, now in their third day, have erupted in southern Gaza, with hundreds demonstrating against the group’s rule and the ongoing war. Videos show protestors chanting for Hamas’s removal, fueled by a recent interview where a senior official declared the conflict “eternal.” These demonstrations, although risky given Hamas’s suppression of dissent, mark a significant shift, particularly in southern Gaza where the group’s influence previously remained strong. Protesters, facing hunger, displacement, and relentless bombings, are openly defying Hamas, demanding an end to the conflict and a peaceful future.
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In his first general audience, Pope Leo XIV issued a plea for an immediate end to the Gaza conflict and for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery. He described the situation in Gaza as “increasingly worrying and painful,” noting the dire consequences for civilians, including the threat of famine. Despite Israel’s claim of increased aid shipments, UN and Church officials reported minimal aid reaching those in need. The Pope’s appeal follows the recent death of Pope Francis and echoes his predecessor’s commitment to peace.
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In response to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and restrictions on aid, British, French, and Canadian leaders issued a joint statement demanding an end to hostilities and threatening further action. Netanyahu sharply criticized this intervention, accusing the leaders of rewarding Hamas’s actions and supporting a Palestinian state. He instead endorsed the Trump-era plan for Gaza, despite its international condemnation. This joint statement highlights a growing rift between Israel and its Western allies over the ongoing conflict. The escalating tensions reflect a deterioration in relations following previous disagreements over arms sales and statehood recognition.
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Following a Hamas attack, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, prompting condemnation from Britain, France, and Canada who deemed the actions disproportionate and threatened further action if humanitarian aid restrictions weren’t lifted. Netanyahu, vowing to take control of all of Gaza, cited pressure from key allies as the reason for easing the blockade, though aid remains severely limited. Despite international pressure and criticism, Israel’s far-right government continues its offensive, aiming for complete victory and potentially displacing the Gazan population. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a catastrophic death toll and widespread destruction.
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President Trump has reportedly increased pressure on Israel to end its conflict with Hamas, threatening to withdraw support if the fighting continues. This pressure followed Israel’s mobilization of reservists and intensified Gaza bombings. While Israel initially halted humanitarian aid, it has since resumed limited deliveries, with the UN expressing concern over insufficient aid levels. Simultaneously, Israel announced a new, US-backed humanitarian aid mechanism to prevent famine in Gaza while maintaining its military operation.
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Despite international condemnation and pressure to lift its blockade, Israel, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, declared its intention to fully control Gaza, launching a major offensive in Khan Younis. This follows a near three-month blockade that left Gaza on the brink of famine, prompting a limited resumption of aid—deemed wholly insufficient by international leaders—while the military warned of an “unprecedented attack.” Canada, Britain, and France issued a joint statement threatening further action, including sanctions, if Israel does not cease its offensive and fully restore aid access. Netanyahu, however, justified the actions as necessary for achieving “complete victory,” including the release of hostages and Hamas’s destruction.
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The U.S. State Department has closed its Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem, effectively eliminating a dedicated diplomatic channel between the Palestinians and Washington. This action, implemented on May 16, 2025, merges the office’s functions into the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, a move reflecting a return to the Trump administration’s approach. The closure comes amidst escalating violence in Gaza and despite ongoing talks between U.S. officials and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The office’s dissolution leaves Palestinian affairs under the purview of the U.S. ambassador to Israel, who has previously expressed skepticism about Palestinian identity.
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John Q. Hosedrinker