Liberal MP Julian Leeser has accused the human rights commission of turning a blind eye to anti-Semitism and committing an “aberration of duty” in failing to condemn the October 7 attacks, declaring that it had gone “AWOL” since Israel’s war on Hamas began. One of parliament’s most senior Jewish MPs, Mr Leeser launched a scathing […]
Read MoreRamadan begins but joy, like food, is scant
RAFAH: Palestinians have begun fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with ceasefire talks at a standstill, hunger worsening across the Gaza Strip and no end in sight to the war between Israel and Hamas. Prayers were held outside amid the rubble of demolished buildings yesterday. Fairy lights and decorations were hung in tent […]
Read MoreGaza ceasefire talks at a crossroads as Ramadan deadline fast approaching
Talks in Cairo have extended into a third day, as both Israel and Hamas say they are waiting for a response from the other to reach a ceasefire agreement. Key Points Ceasefire talks in Cairo have entered their third day, despite the absence of an Israeli delegation. Both Israel and Hamas claim they are awaiting […]
Read MoreThe two-state solution for Israel and Palestine has hit another barrier. Here’s why
Israeli politicians supported Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of ‘unilateral’ recognition of a Palestinian state. The move represents yet another barrier for the historically challenging proposal of a two-state solution. Many believe that recognition of a Palestinian state would reward Hamas for the events of 7 October, experts say. Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of any “unilateral” recognition of […]
Read MoreIsrael plans to build 3,300 new settlement homes. It says it’s a response to a Palestinian attack
JERUSALEM — Israel plans to build more than 3,300 new homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to a fatal Palestinian shooting attack, a senior Cabinet minister said. The decision drew an angry response from the U.S. at a time of growing tensions over the course of Israel’s war on Hamas in […]
Read MoreBenjamin Netanyahu unveils plan for post-war Gaza, saying Israel would keep security control on Palestinian areas
In short: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will keep security control over all Palestinian areas and make reconstruction of Gaza dependent on its demilitarisation. The plan was swiftly dismissed by Palestinian officials as doomed to failure. What’s next: Gaza truce talks were underway in Paris on Friday, in what appears to be the most […]
Read MoreIsrael-Gaza war updates: WHO says Gaza’s Nasser Hospital ‘not functional anymore’
In short: The Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis is completely out of service, according to UN health officials. It is the second largest hospital in the Gaza Strip and fuel shortages and Israeli raids have made it unusable. What’s next? The World Health Organization has urged Israel to grant its staff […]
Read MoreWorld court hears case on legality of Israel occupation
The United Nations’ highest court is preparing to open historic hearings into the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of lands sought for a Palestinian state, plunging the 15 international judges back into the heart of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Six days of hearings are scheduled at the International Court of Justice at The Hague from […]
Read MoreIsraeli Cabinet opposes unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state
The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voted to oppose plans by some allies to recognize a Palestinian state without Israeli participation in talks, but signalled willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Palestinians, something that hasn’t taken place in over a decade. The vote, urged by Netanyahu, came after the […]
Read MoreAussie rocker Aleksandr Uman and his band Bi-2 avoid deportation to Russia, but end up in Israel
In short: An Australian guitarist who co-founded one of the world’s most popular Russian-language bands has avoided deportation to Moscow after their anti-war stance raised the ire of the Kremlin. What’s next: The seven members of the group Bi-2 are instead in Israel, where guitarist Aleksandr Uman says they’re “free to keep moving forward”. […]
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