A Jordanian diplomat, who previously characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as a “vicious attack against the protected population of Gaza,” has been elected to the International Court of Justice. This appointment immediately raises concerns about potential bias within a body tasked with impartial judgment. The diplomat’s strong statement, while arguably reflecting the experiences of many Gazans, presents a significant challenge to the perception of neutrality expected from a judge at this level.
The controversy stems from the diplomat’s unambiguous description of the conflict. He framed the situation not as a conflict between Hamas and Israel, but as a direct assault on the civilian population of Gaza.… Continue reading
Four deaths resulted from two separate incidents surrounding food distribution in Gaza. At a World Food Programme warehouse, two were crushed and two shot while desperate crowds overwhelmed the facility amidst a severe food shortage caused by an 11-week siege and blockade. Separately, Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd at a US-backed distribution point, injuring dozens and killing at least one, despite claims of only firing warning shots. These events highlight the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread starvation and malnutrition, exacerbated by the limited and contested aid delivery systems. The UN has condemned the inadequate aid flow, calling it insufficient to address the impending famine.
Read More
The Israeli army announced plans to expand its control over Gaza from 40% to 75%, confining the civilian population to three designated zones. This two-month operation will involve consolidating civilians in Mawasi, central Gaza (Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat), and Gaza City. The IDF’s strategy will shift from targeting Hamas fighters to seizing territory and destroying infrastructure. While potentially reducing immediate violence, this forced displacement is likely to further strain Israel’s international relationships.
Read More
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned Britain, France, and Canada for their criticism of Israel’s Gaza offensive, accusing them of implicitly supporting Hamas. He asserted that their calls for a ceasefire and sanctions against Israel emboldened Hamas, citing Hamas’s appreciation of their statements. Netanyahu declared that these nations’ actions placed them “on the wrong side of history,” despite their previous condemnation of the October 7th attacks and antisemitism. The statement followed a shooting in Washington, D.C., where the suspect allegedly shouted “Free Palestine.”
Read More
Following the Washington embassy killings and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the UK, France, and Canada issued a joint statement criticizing Israel’s military actions and demanding increased aid to Gaza. This unprecedented criticism prompted a strong rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who accused the leaders of siding with Hamas. The UK subsequently suspended trade talks with Israel, while France reiterated its call for increased humanitarian access to Gaza. Despite condemning the Washington attacks, the UK maintained its support for Israel’s right to self-defense within international law.
Read More
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher initially claimed 14,000 Gazan babies faced imminent death without immediate aid delivery, a figure later clarified by the UN as referring to children suffering severe acute malnutrition over a year, not 48 hours. This followed reports of stalled aid trucks at the border, highlighting the urgent need for supplies including baby food and nutrition. Fletcher criticized Israel’s proposed aid distribution strategy, advocating for the previously used method. Despite initial concerns, Israel subsequently permitted additional aid trucks to enter Gaza.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Following intense airstrikes that killed over 140 Palestinians on Friday, the Israeli military announced a mobilization of forces for a further ground offensive in Gaza. While some ground troops have reportedly begun advancing, a large-scale invasion has yet to materialize. Simultaneously, indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar, mediated efforts to avert further escalation. The extent and timing of the planned ground operation remain unclear.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker