Gaza

A year has passed since an Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital, an event that resulted in deaths among journalists and 22 Palestinians. Major questions persist regarding the rationale behind the military attack.

A year after an Israeli strike killed 22 Palestinians, including journalists like Hussam al-Masri and Mariam Dagga, in a double hit on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, no accountability has been established. Despite Israeli officials asserting that the target was suspected Hamas equipment or personnel, internal accounts suggest questions remain about the military's rationale for the strike, raising accusations of war crimes.

A year after a double Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza killed 22 Palestinians, including journalists Hussam al-Masri and Mariam Dagga, no accountability has been reached. While officials stated the target was a suspected Hamas camera, an anonymous soldier questioned the military's claims about linking the camera or six of the victims to Hamas. Despite repeated inquiries from news agencies like AP, the Israeli army has provided no timeline or details on the ongoing investigation.

Israel has issued a warning to Hamas regarding kites and balloons in Gaza. The title indicates that this conflict warning was captured in a video format.

Mohsen Rezaei warned that support for U.S. economic sanctions by other nations would be considered an “act of war,” and Iran may target alternative oil routes to the Strait of Hormuz. On diplomatic fronts, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir visited Iran for talks, while Israel continued airstrikes in Gaza against Hamas infrastructure and drones. Simultaneously, Oman’s foreign minister is scheduled to visit Tehran.

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel. These visits reportedly took place to discuss plans for deploying troops into Gaza.

Voters who previously left the Democratic party over Gaza are re-engaging with progressive candidates. Zainab Bibi Ahmed volunteered for Abdul El-Sayed, the US Senate nominee in Michigan, after having cast an uncommitted vote in the February 2024 Democratic Michigan primary to protest Joe Biden's support for Israel regarding events in Gaza.

In a key Senate race in Michigan, Mike Rogers is urging Democrats to support him after a divisive Democratic primary. The effort focuses heavily on courting Jewish voters who are concerned with Abdul El-Sayed’s vocal criticism of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza and his association with online streamer Hasan Piker.

United Nations experts report that Israel has continued bombing Gaza and killed over 1,200 people despite a recent 'ceasefire.' Doctors in Gaza noted severe devastation to the healthcare system due to lack of materials and security guarantees. American physicians volunteered to provide emergency medical care while facing multiple threats, both from the Israeli military and later in mainstream media outlets.

An AP investigation revealed how banned goods are being smuggled into Gaza, involving millions of dollars changing hands. The article notes that the smuggling of items restricted by Israel into Gaza has boomed.

The Israeli military announced it will launch criminal investigations into the killings of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, and her family, alongside 15 paramedics, following reviews of troop conduct in Gaza. On diplomatic fronts, France stated it would expel two Iranian diplomats after facing reciprocal expulsions. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker visited Iraq for a three-day visit.

Israel's military stated it would launch criminal investigations into attacks including the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and fifteen Palestinian paramedics, while simultaneously declining to investigate three other incidents involving aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. The statement was issued after reviews of 150 incidents were completed, yet it did not mention high-profile killings such as the August 2025 strike on a hospital in southern Gaza that killed five journalists.

Israel’s military announced it would launch criminal investigations into two attacks in Gaza: the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab's family and 15 Palestinian paramedics. However, the statement also specified that probes would not be launched concerning three other incidents involving World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders aid workers. The article noted that previous high-profile events unmentioned included an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza that killed five journalists.

The Trump administration sanctioned two ICC officials, Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seye, over allegations related to investigations of U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan and alleged crimes in Gaza. Officials accused the ICC of abusing its authority and exceeding its mandate. The International Criminal Court responded by stating that the sanctions undermine the rule of law and constitute a flagrant attack against judicial independence.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families are a prominent force in Israeli life, growing significantly in political and cultural clout while maintaining practices that conflict with other Israelis. Mass protests over proposed changes to military draft exemptions highlight this tension as Israel approaches national elections where these parties are expected to be key players. At the core of their doctrine is the belief that studying scripture is the highest duty, even above working or joining the armed forces.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups (Haredim) are increasing in political and cultural clout, leading to conflicts with other Israelis over their religious practices and civic duties. A contentious issue is the military draft exemption for Haredi men, which sparks mass protests as Israel approaches national elections where these parties may be key players. The article details the conflict between mandatory service participation and the ultra-Orthodox belief that studying scripture is the highest duty.

Demining efforts in Asia, particularly Cambodia, are struggling due to donor fatigue, as international funding is shifting toward active conflicts like Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Deadly remnants of wars, including land mines and unexploded ordnance, continue to threaten communities across Southeast Asia. Demining groups warn that without sustained international support, this unfinished work will endanger people, slow development, and maim or kill residents.

Jared Kushner assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Israeli army won’t withdraw from Gaza until Hamas disarms. This statement followed a meeting between Kushner and Netanyahu in Jerusalem, after Kushner had held talks with a Hamas leader in Egypt. Mairav Zonszein spoke to Abeer Abu Omar about the likelihood of the peace plan making progress.

Iran is working to finalize a joint statement with Oman on managing commercial ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz, detailing routes and the temporary absence of fees or tolls. Separately, Jared Kushner met with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israeli leader rejected a U.S.-backed road map concerning Gaza, while Hamas continues to urge mediation for compliance.

Iran is nearing a joint statement with Oman regarding a plan for ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which would reopen the waterway temporarily without fees or tolls. Separately, amid the expiration of a 60-day deadline between the U.S. and Iran, Jared Kushner met with Benjamin Netanyahu following Israel's rejection of a U.S.-backed road map for the Gaza truce deal.

Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the conflict in Gaza, following Kushner's earlier meeting with Hamas. The discussions come after Netanyahu rejected a 15-point roadmap that was backed by the U.S. and intended to advance the truce deal in Gaza.

Mideast negotiator Jared Kushner met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a U.S.-backed road map for Gaza, following a conversation with Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt. The plan includes disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, but Israel rejected it, stating that Hamas must fully disarm before any pullout can occur. This rejection has led regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to condemn Israel’s actions.

Jared Kushner met with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the premier rejected a U.S.-backed road map intended to move a truce deal forward in Gaza. The roadmap, which includes disarmament, was challenged by Israel, as it demands that Hamas fully disarm before any Israeli withdrawal can occur. Meanwhile, regional powers including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued statements condemning Israel’s rejection of the plan.

Jared Kushner met with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Gaza after the premier rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point road map. The meeting followed Kushner's Sunday conversation with Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt, where disarmament was discussed. Meanwhile, regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE condemned Israel's rejection of peace efforts.

Kushner is set to hold talks with Netanyahu after meeting a Hamas leader. Additionally, an envoy is reportedly pushing Washington’s peace plan for Gaza.

The article argues that Marco Rubio, as US secretary of state and chief American diplomat, has a unique chance to promote global peace given major international crises such as the unresolved Iran war, escalating Russian attacks on Nato allies, and ongoing conflicts like the Ukraine war. The author frames this opportunity for Rubio to prove himself as a respected global statesman, particularly in relation to potential 2028 nomination bids.

Palestinians in Qusra, West Bank, have been unable to leave their homes due to threats from Israeli settlers. The article notes that successive Israeli governments support a movement aiming to solidify control over the territory by building numerous settlements, which are viewed as illegal by most of the international community. Currently, Palestinians in the West Bank live under Israeli military rule, while settlers retain status as Israeli citizens.

The UAE blamed Iran for attacking two ADNOC oil tankers with drones in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an act of piracy and a violation of freedom of navigation. In separate news, Jared Kushner will travel to the Middle East, starting in Israel and moving to Cairo, to advance plans aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.

Two tankers owned by ADNOC were attacked by drones while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leading the UAE Foreign Ministry to accuse Iran of piracy and a 'flagrant violation' of freedom of navigation. Meanwhile, Jared Kushner is scheduled to travel to the Middle East next week for talks concerning an end to conflict in Gaza.

A public university in New Jersey reportedly deleted a reference to genocide in Gaza from its website following complaints from a donor. A Jewish scholar of genocide stated that officials caved to pressure from the donor.

Negotiator Jared Kushner will travel to Israel and Egypt next week with Board of Peace officials. The trip aims to advance plans for an end to the conflict in Gaza. These efforts come after a deal announced by the Trump administration encountered Israeli opposition.

Donald Trump criticized US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Truth Social, accusing it of wasting taxpayer money abroad under his view of an “America first” agenda. This criticism led to the agency being placed in effect closed down. The article notes that claims against USAID included a lie from Fox News about spending millions on condoms for Gaza.

Netanyahu is noted for his history of defying U.S. presidents while also mastering a political balancing act. Specifically, Netanyahu rejected Trump’s Gaza plan. The article notes that he has maintained a long history of defying U.S. presidents.

A rift is widening between Trump and Netanyahu due to election pressures pulling them in opposite directions. The Israeli leader expressed a willingness to defy the U.S. regarding Gaza, while the president faces pressure to show progress on foreign entanglements weighing on his approval rating.

Netanyahu rejected Trump’s latest plan to advance a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that Israel will not withdraw from any controlled territory until Hamas is completely disarmed. This position risks angering Trump but maintains Netanyahu's political stance amid the ongoing conflict. The disagreement leaves elements such as international force deployment and reconstruction efforts on hold.

US President Donald Trump made new demands regarding Iran, requiring compensation for people killed and wounded by Iranian actions. The demanded compensation specifically covers damages and deaths that occurred in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, insisting on full Hamas disarmament and rebuking US pressure regarding wars in Lebanon and Iran. Tensions remain high in the Middle East, as Iran issued demands for reopening the strait of Hormuz following reports that the UAE was targeted by an Iranian missile. Separately, Donald Trump made rhetorical attacks on voting machine integrity while imploring Congress to pass the Save America Act nationwide.

Israel rejected a deal for Gaza announced by Donald Trump, insisting that withdrawal will not occur until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Separately, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attacked the government-held port of Mocha on Yemen's Red Sea coast, deepening fears over strategic shipping routes. Meanwhile, details emerged regarding potential managing of the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman.

World shares displayed mixed performance across Europe and Asia, although Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose sharply, while major U.S. indices posted gains following weaker job market data. Oil prices increased, reaching $84.23 per barrel for Brent crude, due to continued uncertainty regarding the conflict in the Middle East after Israel rejected a deal for Gaza. Investors are currently focused on upcoming inflation updates, specifically the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Asian shares were mixed following gains on Wall Street, as seen in Japan’s Nikkei 225 advancing 2%. Oil prices climbed amid geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Yemen's Houthi rebels. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks advanced, with the S&P 500 topping an all-time high, fueled by hopes that a weak jobs market would cause the Federal Reserve to wait on raising interest rates.