Turkey and Israel are locked in a fresh diplomatic confrontation after Ankara reportedly sought an Interpol Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

The dispute centres on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sailed toward Gaza carrying hundreds of activists before Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in the Mediterranean and detained those on board.

Turkey has accused Netanyahu and others of serious crimes, while Israel has rejected the allegations and sharply attacked the Turkish government.

The wider controversy comes as Britain, Canada and Australia condemn Israel’s decision to close a probe into the 2024 strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza.

Turkey Seeks Interpol Red Notice For Netanyahu | Israel-Turkey Row Escalates Over Gaza Flotilla

The Gaza ceasefire is facing renewed pressure after an Israeli air strike killed nine Palestinians and wounded 14 others at a police station in Gaza.

Israeli forces said the strike targeted Hamas militants operating from the civilian police station. In a separate strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp, another Palestinian was killed, taking the reported death toll from Wednesday’s strikes to at least 10.

The Israeli military said four senior commanders from Hamas’ military wing were killed and alleged that they were involved in planning and directing attacks against Israeli forces.

Hamas has accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire, warning mediators that continued targeted strikes could affect its position on the Gaza peace plan. Hamas is also demanding a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has acknowledged for the first time that its troops fired on the vehicle carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family in Gaza in January 2024. Israel has ordered a criminal investigation into the incident.

Gaza War: Israeli Air Strikes Kill 10 As Hamas Accuses Israel Of Ceasefire Violations

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has drawn attention over a map depicting West Asia, with Gaza and the West Bank shown within the map of Israel. The depiction has sparked controversy and renewed questions over how disputed territories are represented in official military communications.

The issue comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing political debate over the status of Gaza and the West Bank. The map's presentation has triggered scrutiny over territorial representation and its potential political implications.

CENTCOM Uses Israel's Map Inclusive of Gaza & West Bank

The occupied West Bank is witnessing a sharp rise in violence by extremist Jewish settlers, with Israeli security data cited in the report showing hundreds of attacks during the first half of 2026. Palestinians describe repeated harassment, attacks, and attempts to disrupt access to essential services.

The report also highlights a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where doctors say cancer patients are dying at significantly higher rates than before the war. With Gaza's only specialized cancer facility destroyed and thousands of patients requiring advanced treatment, access to chemotherapy and medical evacuation remains a major challenge.

This report examines the surge in West Bank settler violence, the impact on Palestinian communities, and the growing healthcare crisis facing cancer patients in Gaza.

West Bank Violence Escalates | Settler Attacks Surge as Gaza Cancer Patients Struggle for Treatment

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain is being viewed as more than just a football showdown. While both teams compete for the biggest prize in football, the final has also drawn political attention due to the contrasting positions of both nations on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Argentina’s President Javier Milei has strengthened ties with Israel and received public support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the final. Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of Europe’s strongest critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and has supported Palestinian statehood.

Argentina, Spain battle for World Cup Glory amid global political divide | Argentina vs Spain

Israeli media reports claim several Arab leaders have privately urged US President Donald Trump to reconsider his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly viewing Netanyahu's government as an obstacle to broader Middle East diplomatic efforts. The reports come as discussions continue over Trump's regional plans and Israel's upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for progress on normalising ties with Saudi Arabia, expressing hope for closer relations with Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had paused normalisation talks with Israel following the Gaza war and has maintained that any agreement depends on progress toward establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Israel-Saudi peace deal back in focus | Arab leaders raise concerns over Netanyahu

UNICEF has raised alarm over the increasing number of minors being killed during Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank. The warning comes amid escalating violence, growing humanitarian concerns and renewed international scrutiny over the impact of the conflict on children.

UNICEF: Israeli Operations Killing More West Bank Minors

The European Union has approved sanctions targeting Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The move comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the reported death toll from Israeli attacks rising sharply since October 2023 amid continuing conflict in the region.

Why The U.S. May Soon Allow Handguns Through The Mail 

US and Hamas held the first direct talks in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday night. According to a report by CNN, a delegation led by senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone met Chief Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who was also joined by Nickolay Mladenov, the US-backed UN Secretary-General's High Representative for Gaza. During the negotiations, Al Haya pressed the need for Israel to implement phase one of the commitments, such as halting air strikes and letting more humanitarian aid, before discussing the next steps.&nbsp;The US advisor had previously met the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Tuesday's meeting, where he reportedly committed to implementing the commitments of phase one if Hamas agrees to complete disarmament. However, under the current U.S.-brokered 20-point peace plan, disarmament is officially the core component of phase two. Following this, there will be a deployment of an international force to Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated territory, the establishment of a technocratic administration and the reconstruction of Gaza.&nbsp;Hamas view the proposal as fundamentally unbalanced. A senior Hamas source said that the proposal “reduces the whole process to a single clause – disarmament – while other first phase obligations are postponed or marginalised.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-impeachment-resolution-democrats-six-articles-explained-1776324002941">Democrats unveil six articles to impeach Pete Hegseth: What are the six articles?</a>“The proposed paper reflects a major imbalance in the ordering of priorities: Israel’s security first, while Palestinians’ humanitarian, political, and administrative rights are postponed,” said the source as reported by CNN. According to the report, Mladenov was relaying Israeli demand, which said that it would return to war if Hamas did not disarm.&nbsp;Israel has pulled back according to what the mediators call the “yellow line”, as decided in the 20-point peace proposal. Hamas and multiple international organisations have said that Israel is not holding up its end of the deal, since the brokering of the ceasefire. Hamas have carried out regular strikes which have resulted in the death of at least 765 people in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect in October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. But the US and Israeli side claim that phase two has begun since the return of the last hostage in January 2026, and now Hamas should agree to complete disarmament.&nbsp; &nbsp;

US and Hamas hold first direct talks in Cairo. Disarmament, ceasefire commitments, and Gaza reconstruction remain key points of contention.

US and Hamas held the first direct talks in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday night. According to a report by CNN, a delegation led by senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone met Chief Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who was also joined by Nickolay Mladenov, the US-backed UN Secretary-General's High Representative for Gaza. During the negotiations, Al Haya pressed the need for Israel to implement phase one of the commitments, such as halting air strikes and letting more humanitarian aid, before discussing the next steps. The US advisor had previously met the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Tuesday's meeting, where he reportedly committed to implementing the commitments of phase one if Hamas agrees to complete disarmament. However, under the current U.S.-brokered 20-point peace plan, disarmament is officially the core component of phase two. Following this, there will be a deployment of an international force to Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated territory, the establishment of a technocratic administration and the reconstruction of Gaza. Hamas view the proposal as fundamentally unbalanced. A senior Hamas source said that the proposal “reduces the whole process to a single clause – disarmament – while other first phase obligations are postponed or marginalised.” Also Read: Democrats unveil six articles to impeach Pete Hegseth: What are the six articles? “The proposed paper reflects a major imbalance in the ordering of priorities: Israel’s security first, while Palestinians’ humanitarian, political, and administrative rights are postponed,” said the source as reported by CNN. According to the report, Mladenov was relaying Israeli demand, which said that it would return to war if Hamas did not disarm. Israel has pulled back according to what the mediators call the “yellow line”, as decided in the 20-point peace proposal. Hamas and multiple international organisations have said that Israel is not holding up its end of the deal, since the brokering of the ceasefire. Hamas have carried out regular strikes which have resulted in the death of at least 765 people in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect in October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. But the US and Israeli side claim that phase two has begun since the return of the last hostage in January 2026, and now Hamas should agree to complete disarmament.

US and Hamas hold first direct talks in Cairo. Disarmament, ceasefire commitments, and Gaza reconstruction remain key points of contention.

US-Hamas hold first direct talks in Cairo, Hamas pushes Israel for implementing ceasefire commitments

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a 20,000-strong International Stabilization Force in Gaza, joined by countries including Indonesia, Morocco, Turkiye and Albania. The initiative aims to protect civilians, train police, and assist reconstruction, while sparking tensions with Israel over Turkish troop involvement. Reports also suggest that Trump is also planning to build a mega base for 5000 troops in Gaza. 


Israel-Gaza War | Trump Gaza Army: ISF to Deploy 20,000 Troops Across Gaza | Gravitas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with discussions focusing on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu’s office said.


Isreal-Gaza War: Israeli PM Meets US Envoys As Talks Focus On Next Phase Of Gaza Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has proposed the creation of a Gaza “Board of Peace” to guide reconstruction and transitional governance following the ceasefire. However, several US allies appear reluctant to join the initiative, raising questions about international backing for the plan.

Israel-Gaza War: Trump’s Gaza ‘Board Of Peace’ Faces Hesitation From Key Allies 

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday (06 Jan) reportedly stormed the Birzeit University, located near Ramallah in the West Bank. At least two students were injured after live rounds were fired, reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;According to WAFA, Israeli forces broke past the University's main entrance and conducted searches in buildings on the campus. They also seized property from the student movement sympathetic to Hamas.&nbsp;Nearly 8,000 students were present on the campus at the time of IDF raids, WAFA reported.&nbsp;Several footage from the campus show students fleeing as teargas and canisters land behind them.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Israeli occupation soldiers chase students with gunfire and teargas during their incursion into Birzeit University campus in Ramallah. <a href="https://t.co/afMBR0OlvD">pic.twitter.com/afMBR0OlvD</a>&mdash; Quds News Network (@QudsNen) <a href="https://twitter.com/QudsNen/status/2008484144142315777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-run-venezuela-stephen-miller-power-1767696993755">Will Stephen Miller 'Run' Venezuela? Trump’s plan raises alarm</a>&nbsp;According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, 11 students were hospitalised after getting injured, including five with bullet wounds, four with teargas injuries following the IDF assault.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Israeli army forces storm Birzeit University near Ramallah and attack students during class, firing live ammunition and throwing stun grenades at them, and assaulting journalists. So far, 41 students have been injured. Palestinian Student Day. <a href="https://t.co/tNRtUy5eZ3">https://t.co/tNRtUy5eZ3</a> <a href="https://t.co/WagVhIb4YA">pic.twitter.com/WagVhIb4YA</a>&mdash; FlyingBeagle &quot;Abu Alya&quot; (@FlyingBeagle_) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlyingBeagle_/status/2008527722776002900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Birzeit University, located near Ramallah in the West Bank, is one of Palestine’s leading higher education institutions. Founded in 1924, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and is known for academic research, student activism and its role in Palestinian public life. The institution often serves as a hub for student activism, political debate and protests, drawing frequent attention from Israeli authorities and rights groups.&nbsp;(This is a developing story; Further details are awaited)

Israeli forces reportedly entered Birzeit University, Palestine's premier institution for higher studies, located near Ramallah in the West Bank.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday (06 Jan) reportedly stormed the Birzeit University, located near Ramallah in the West Bank. At least two students were injured after live rounds were fired, reported Al Jazeera. According to WAFA, Israeli forces broke past the University's main entrance and conducted searches in buildings on the campus. They also seized property from the student movement sympathetic to Hamas. Nearly 8,000 students were present on the campus at the time of IDF raids, WAFA reported. Several footage from the campus show students fleeing as teargas and canisters land behind them.

Israeli forces reportedly entered Birzeit University, Palestine's premier institution for higher studies, located near Ramallah in the West Bank.

Israeli military storms Birzeit University campus in West Bank: Reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 29) held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Netanyahu also met several key members in the Trump administration earlier in the day, including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and several other senior white house officials. &nbsp;“I had a great meeting in Florida with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio,” Netanyahu wrote on X.&nbsp;The Israeli Prime Minister is on his fifth visit to the United States this year. He is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at 1 PM ET, with the discussion expected to focus on recent developments linked to the second phase of the Gaza peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;The second phase of the agreement calls for Hamas’ disarmament, reconstruction in Gaza, and the establishment of post-war governance. At the heart of the framework is a proposed “Board of Peace”, expected to include Trump and other international leaders to oversee implementation and ensure stability.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/5th-century-indian-ship-insv-kaundinya-embarks-on-maiden-voyage-pm-modi-hails-navy-1767020246163">5th-century Indian ship INSV Kaundinya embarks on maiden voyage; PM Modi hails Navy</a>&nbsp;Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point Gaza peace plan on September 27, 2025, to put an end to the two-year-long war between Israel and Palestine, triggered by one of the deadliest terror attacks by Hamas inside the Jewish state.&nbsp;The plan proposed an immediate ceasefire, phased Israeli withdrawal, hostage releases and expanded humanitarian access. On October 3, Egypt and Qatar hosted indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, leading to an agreement on a first-phase ceasefire and limited exchanges.&nbsp;On November 6, the UN Security Council endorsed key elements of the framework, urging all sides to comply. Negotiations on post-conflict governance, security guarantees and reconstruction funding continued through December 2025, with mediators pushing to extend the ceasefire and prevent a relapse into large-scale fighting.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister is on his fifth visit to the United States in 2025, reflecting his continued outreach to the US administration as he seeks a tougher Washington stance on Hamas in Gaza and concerns over Iran’s renewed missile program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 29) held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Netanyahu also met several key members in the Trump administration earlier in the day, including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and several other senior white house officials. “I had a great meeting in Florida with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio,” Netanyahu wrote on X. The Israeli Prime Minister is on his fifth visit to the United States this year. He is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at 1 PM ET, with the discussion expected to focus on recent developments linked to the second phase of the Gaza peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The second phase of the agreement calls for Hamas’ disarmament, reconstruction in Gaza, and the establishment of post-war governance. At the heart of the framework is a proposed “Board of Peace”, expected to include Trump and other international leaders to oversee implementation and ensure stability. Also Read: 5th-century Indian ship INSV Kaundinya embarks on maiden voyage; PM Modi hails Navy Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point Gaza peace plan on September 27, 2025, to put an end to the two-year-long war between Israel and Palestine, triggered by one of the deadliest terror attacks by Hamas inside the Jewish state. The plan proposed an immediate ceasefire, phased Israeli withdrawal, hostage releases and expanded humanitarian access. On October 3, Egypt and Qatar hosted indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, leading to an agreement on a first-phase ceasefire and limited exchanges. On November 6, the UN Security Council endorsed key elements of the framework, urging all sides to comply. Negotiations on post-conflict governance, security guarantees and reconstruction funding continued through December 2025, with mediators pushing to extend the ceasefire and prevent a relapse into large-scale fighting.

Israeli Prime Minister is on his fifth visit to the United States in 2025, reflecting his continued outreach to the US administration as he seeks a tougher Washington stance on Hamas in Gaza and concerns over Iran’s renewed missile program.

Ahead of Trump meeting, Netanyahu holds talks with US Secretary of State Rubio

A disturbing video was circulating on Social Media in which an Israeli man was seen ramming a Palestinian offering Namaz at the roadside, in Ramallah, the occupied West Bank. After hitting him with the four-wheeler ATV, he was hurling abuses at him. A moment later, the Israeli settler was seen again shouting at him and gesturing towards him to leave the area.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shocking footage shows an armed Israeli settler driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle and deliberately running over a Palestinian worshipper for no apparent reason, then continuing to try to push him off the road. The incident occurred near Ramallah. <a href="https://t.co/4RQuY3jdLv">pic.twitter.com/4RQuY3jdLv</a>&mdash; ✌️🇵🇸✌️ Mohammed Najjar (@hamada_pal2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamada_pal2020/status/2004268794278277496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The incident has triggered a response from the Israeli military. It said in a statement that the reservist has “acted in severe violation of his authority”. The man was confirmed to be an Israeli reservist soldier, whose service has since been terminated. The incident was captured on camera and widely circulated. Israeli media reported that his weapon had been confiscated and the man was under house arrest for 5 days. Israeli police did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.&nbsp;The Palestinian man had not sustained any physical injury. His father, Majdi Abu Mokho, said that the assailant, along with other settlers, has set up an outpost in the village and comes in occasionally to graze the livestock and block the roads and provoke the residents, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;This year has been the most violent for settler attacks in the West Bank, Palestine. According to the United Nations, over 1680 attacks in 2025, averaging 5 per day, specifically in Jenin and Tubas governorate, were recorded, and 227 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces or settlers between January 1 and December 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A shocking video shows an Israeli settler ramming a Palestinian man offering Namaz in Ramallah. The reservist soldier has been dismissed after the incident.

A disturbing video was circulating on Social Media in which an Israeli man was seen ramming a Palestinian offering Namaz at the roadside, in Ramallah, the occupied West Bank. After hitting him with the four-wheeler ATV, he was hurling abuses at him. A moment later, the Israeli settler was seen again shouting at him and gesturing towards him to leave the area.

A shocking video shows an Israeli settler ramming a Palestinian man offering Namaz in Ramallah. The reservist soldier has been dismissed after the incident.

Watch| Israeli settler rams Palestinian man offering Namaz in West Bank

The US military is reportedly flying surveillance drones in Gaza to locate hostages held captive by Hamas as reported by New York Times. The MQ-9 Reaper drones have been spotted over the enclave and as for some US Defence Department officials, they are being used to locate hostages and monitor signs of life in Gaza. 

Israel-Palestine War | Reports: US Drones Flying Over Gaza to Locate Hostages

US tech giant Microsoft have reduced access to Microsoft's certain services like Azure to the IDF's intelligence unit, after reports of it being used as a tool to spy on the Palestinians.&nbsp;“I want to let you know that Microsoft has ceased and disabled a set of services to a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD),” &nbsp;said Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of the company. This was in response to an investigation by The Guardian, +972 magazine, and Local call, which revealed that Israel's Unit 8200 have used Azure for storing data they obtained after spying on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.<h2>Role of Microsoft in the Genocide</h2>The investigation revealed that in 2021, following a meeting between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the Unit 8200’s leader, Yossi Sariel, an AI-powered surveillance system was created. Since 2022, the system has recorded ‘one million calls an hour’.&nbsp;The process used a cloud computing platform of Azure to record, compile, playback, translate and analyse millions of phone calls, which contributed to and aided the airstrikes and other operations in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-disturbing-case-of-sderot-cinema-1753794317516">Watching war as entertainment: The disturbing case of Sderot Cinema</a><h2>Consequences of the report</h2>Following the report, Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, released an external investigation which supported the probes of the journalists.&nbsp;“First, we do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians. We have applied this principle in every country around the world, and we have insisted on it repeatedly for more than two decades,” read a statement from the company.“At no point has Microsoft accessed IMOD’s (Israeli Defence Ministry) customer content,” read the statement.&nbsp;However, the services were stopped only for Israel's Unit 8200 and the specific services. It continued for other commercial products of Microsoft and other wings of IDF. This has drawn criticism from Palestinian activists, with protests like "No Azure for Apartheid," implying that Microsoft still aids in the military operations of Israel.Just after the publication of the report, the IDF's Unit 8200 reportedly took off the large trove of data from Microsoft's server in the Netherlands, Ireland, and according to reports, it plans to use Amazon Web Services now.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Microsoft suspends Azure services to Israel’s Unit 8200 after reports revealed AI-powered mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

US tech giant Microsoft have reduced access to Microsoft's certain services like Azure to the IDF's intelligence unit, after reports of it being used as a tool to spy on the Palestinians. “I want to let you know that Microsoft has ceased and disabled a set of services to a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD),” said Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of the company. This was in response to an investigation by The Guardian, +972 magazine, and Local call, which revealed that Israel's Unit 8200 have used Azure for storing data they obtained after spying on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Role of Microsoft in the Genocide The investigation revealed that in 2021, following a meeting between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the Unit 8200’s leader, Yossi Sariel, an AI-powered surveillance system was created. Since 2022, the system has recorded ‘one million calls an hour’. The process used a cloud computing platform of Azure to record, compile, playback, translate and analyse millions of phone calls, which contributed to and aided the airstrikes and other operations in the Gaza Strip. Read Also: Watching war as entertainment: The disturbing case of Sderot Cinema Consequences of the report Following the report, Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, released an external investigation which supported the probes of the journalists. “First, we do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians. We have applied this principle in every country around the world, and we have insisted on it repeatedly for more than two decades,” read a statement from the company. “At no point has Microsoft accessed IMOD’s (Israeli Defence Ministry) customer content,” read the statement. However, the services were stopped only for Israel's Unit 8200 and the specific services. It continued for other commercial products of Microsoft and other wings of IDF. This has drawn criticism from Palestinian activists, with protests like "No Azure for Apartheid," implying that Microsoft still aids in the military operations of Israel. Just after the publication of the report, the IDF's Unit 8200 reportedly took off the large trove of data from Microsoft's server in the Netherlands, Ireland, and according to reports, it plans to use Amazon Web Services now.

Microsoft suspends Azure's cloud and advanced AI services to Israel’s Unit 8200 after reports revealed AI-powered mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Microsoft blocks its cloud and AI services to IDF's Unit 8200, after reports of aiding in genocide

Amid mounting pressure over the war in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is to address the United Nations General Assembly today. Earlier on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the world leaders via a video link after the Trump administration denied him a visa to enter the United States. Israel is under increasing global pressure to end its genocide in Gaza.&nbsp;Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accused “the extremist Israeli government” of using starvation as a war tactic to extend its settlements to the Gaza territory. The 89-year-old Palestinian President said 65,419 people have been killed and 167,160 wounded since October 2023 in response to the 1,139 people killed and roughly 200 taken captive by Hamas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-disturbing-case-of-sderot-cinema-1753794317516">Watching war as entertainment: The disturbing case of Sderot Cinema</a>&nbsp;“What Israel is carrying out is not merely an aggression….It is a war crime and a crime against humanity that is both documented and monitored, and it will be recorded in history books and the pages of international conscience as one of the most horrific chapters of humanitarian tragedy in the 20th and 21st centuries,” said Abbas. He thanked those countries which recognised the Palestinian state and said, "Hamas will not have a role to play in governance."&nbsp;With Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, 157 of the 193 member states of the United Nations (UN), or approximately 81 per cent, have accepted the statehood of Palestine. In a situation, Netanyahu's annual speech at the UN General Assembly is expected to be nothing short of a spectacle. The International Criminal Court have already issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes, which he vehemently denies. His flight took a detour without entering too deeply into the European airspace. Against the backdrop of this, Netanyahu sounded resolute, “I will tell our truth."“Since October 2023, Israeli officials have demonstrated a clear and consistent intent to establish permanent military control over Gaza and to change its demographic composition while systematically destroying Palestinian life in Gaza," said one UN report released on Tuesday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-hamas-resistance-organisation-unga-1758630799929">'Hamas is a resistance organisation'- Erdogan's remark on the sidelines of UNGA</a><h2>Trump says ‘will not allow’ Netanyahu to annex the West Bank&nbsp;</h2>Trump on Thursday told a reporter at the Oval Office that he 'will not allow' Netanyahu to annex the West Bank. Following Netanyahu's UNGA speech, &nbsp;Trump will hold a meeting with him on Monday. "We're getting pretty close to having a deal on Gaza, and maybe even peace," &nbsp;said Trump.On Wednesday morning, Israel closed the only crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and neighbouring Jordan, trapping more than two million Palestinians from accessing the outside world.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Israeli PM Netanyahu faces global scrutiny at UNGA as Abbas accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza; ICC arrest warrant heightens tensions.

Amid mounting pressure over the war in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is to address the United Nations General Assembly today. Earlier on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the world leaders via a video link after the Trump administration denied him a visa to enter the United States. Israel is under increasing global pressure to end its genocide in Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accused “the extremist Israeli government” of using starvation as a war tactic to extend its settlements to the Gaza territory. The 89-year-old Palestinian President said 65,419 people have been killed and 167,160 wounded since October 2023 in response to the 1,139 people killed and roughly 200 taken captive by Hamas. Also Read: Watching war as entertainment: The disturbing case of Sderot Cinema “What Israel is carrying out is not merely an aggression….It is a war crime and a crime against humanity that is both documented and monitored, and it will be recorded in history books and the pages of international conscience as one of the most horrific chapters of humanitarian tragedy in the 20th and 21st centuries,” said Abbas. He thanked those countries which recognised the Palestinian state and said, "Hamas will not have a role to play in governance." With Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, 157 of the 193 member states of the United Nations (UN), or approximately 81 per cent, have accepted the statehood of Palestine. In a situation, Netanyahu's annual speech at the UN General Assembly is expected to be nothing short of a spectacle. The International Criminal Court have already issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes, which he vehemently denies. His flight took a detour without entering too deeply into the European airspace. Against the backdrop of this, Netanyahu sounded resolute, “I will tell our truth." “Since October 2023, Israeli officials have demonstrated a clear and consistent intent to establish permanent military control over Gaza and to change its demographic composition while systematically destroying Palestinian life in Gaza," said one UN report released on Tuesday. Also Read: 'Hamas is a resistance organisation'- Erdogan's remark on the sidelines of UNGA Trump says ‘will not allow’ Netanyahu to annex the West Bank Trump on Thursday told a reporter at the Oval Office that he 'will not allow' Netanyahu to annex the West Bank. Following Netanyahu's UNGA speech, Trump will hold a meeting with him on Monday. "We're getting pretty close to having a deal on Gaza, and maybe even peace," said Trump. On Wednesday morning, Israel closed the only crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and neighbouring Jordan, trapping more than two million Palestinians from accessing the outside world.

Israeli PM Netanyahu faces global scrutiny at UNGA as Abbas accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza; ICC arrest warrant heightens tensions.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu to address UNGA over allegations of Gaza genocide today

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday (Sep 25) addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) via video link as he was denied a visa to travel to New York for the session. However, even as he declared that Hamas would not have a role in the post-war Palestinian government, Israel found another reason to criticise him. Israel pointed out that the Palestinian president wore a small key-shaped lapel pin during his pre-recorded speech at the UN General Assembly. Notably, Abbas has been seen wearing the key-shaped lapel pin in his previous UN addresses as well.&nbsp;

<h2>What the key means for Palestine?</h2>As per reports, the key represents the mass displacement of 1948 and symbolises their claim to the “Right of Return” to their ancestral homes. For Palestinians, it is not only a sign of protest, but a symbol to declare their right. The mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948, known as the Nakba or "catastrophe," involved the expulsion of approximately 750,000 Palestinian Arabs from their homes during the 1948 Palestine war. The key serves as a tribute to Palestinians who kept their house keys when they were forced to flee. Now, the key as a symbol holds a hope that they will one day return to their properties.<h2>What the key means for Israel?</h2>However, Israel views the symbol as a clear sign of its intended erasure. The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X that the pin signals “a desire to destroy Israel.” Slamming the recognition of Palestine by several Western nations, Israel categorically rejected the Palestinian right of return. The ministry added, “It is long overdue for Arab countries to grant citizenship to the descendants of those who left in 1948. Abbas’s ‘key’ represents the old PLO agenda: a single Palestinian state replacing Israel, which will not be allowed.” "This will not happen,” the ministry said in its post.<h2>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' UNGA address</h2>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was denied a visa by the US for attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), addressed the session via video conferencing. In his address, he said that Hamas should not have any role in the governance of Palestine. Abbas added that the October 7 attack by Hamas does not represent the Palestinians. Abbas also highlighted that the Palestinian people in Gaza have endured nearly two years of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement. He condemned Israel’s actions as not just aggression but war crimes and crimes against humanity, stating that these atrocities would be recorded in history as a major humanitarian tragedy. Criticising the Israeli government for continuing illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and referring to the latest E1 settlement plan, he warned that this plan would divide the West Bank, isolate Jerusalem, and undermine the possibility of a two-state solution, violating international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wore a key-shaped pin at the UN, symbolizing Palestinians’ Right of Return. Israel condemned it as a call for its destruction. Abbas urged peace and disarming Hamas, while Israel urged Arab states to grant Palestinians citizenship.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday (Sep 25) addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) via video link as he was denied a visa to travel to New York for the session. However, even as he declared that Hamas would not have a role in the post-war Palestinian government, Israel found another reason to criticise him. Israel pointed out that the Palestinian president wore a small key-shaped lapel pin during his pre-recorded speech at the UN General Assembly. Notably, Abbas has been seen wearing the key-shaped lapel pin in his previous UN addresses as well.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wore a key-shaped pin at the UN, symbolising Palestinians’ Right of Return. Israel condemned it as a call for its destruction. Abbas urged peace and disarming Hamas, while Israel urged Arab states to grant Palestinians citizenship.

'Key pin' on jacket of Palestine president during UN address angers Israel: Here's what it means

The South China Sea is one of the world's most contested maritime regions, with overlapping territorial claims from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

The South China Sea is one of the world's most contested maritime regions, with overlapping territorial claims from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Top 6 hotly disputed international borders of the world and why

Archaeologists in East Jerusalem claimed to have uncovered the largest dam in Israel, dating back as old as 9th century BCE. The dam was believed to be constructed 2800 years ago &nbsp;in the time of King Joash and Amaziah of Judah. King Joash is widely regarded as a historical figure among Jews, but most of his references were found in Biblical texts, particularly from the Old Testament.Located near the Pool of Siloam in the City of David, the massive dam is 12 meters high, 8 meters wide, and 21 meters in length, making it the earliest massive dam found in Jerusalem. Archaeologists believed it to be a sophisticated water management system to tackle the climate challenges of that time, such as droughts and flash floods. It redirected water from the Gihon Spring and channelling it into the Siloam Pool. The discovery sheds light on some of the advanced engineering and urban planning capabilities of ancient Jerusalem. The dating of the dam was verified through radiocarbon dating and peer-reviewed by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States.&nbsp;<h2>Who is funding these excavations?</h2>The excavation was primarily funded by the Ir David Foundation (Elad) in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Tel Aviv University. The foundation manages the City of David National Park and invests in archaeological research in the area. The Israeli Government has also allocated NIS 60 million for archaeological digs and preservation of the city. A portion of this is redirected towards the Israel Antiquities Authority for excavation purposes.BBC News Arabic in September 2020 revealed, in an investigation that companies controlled by Abramovich donated approximately $100 million to Elad. Roman Abramovich is a Russian-Israeli oligarch and former owner of Chelsea Football Club, with close ties to Putin and is now banned in the UK.&nbsp;<h2>Political Controversy around the Elad Foundation and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem</h2>Archaeological digging in a turbulent political landscape like East Jerusalem is marred with controversy. The Silwan neighbourhood and the City of David area are considered part of the occupied Palestinian territory under international law. A part which Palestinians claim to be the future capital of a Palestinian state. It was annexed by Israel after the Six-Day War of 1967.Human Rights Group and archaeologists have accused the Elad Foundation of using excavation as a political tool. American anthropologist and academic Nadia Abu El-Haj, known for her critical work on the intersection of archaeology, nationalism, and colonialism, has examined in her book ‘Facts on the Ground’ how archaeological practices in Jerusalem are shaped by ideological and cultural forces to shape national identity and political agenda. She shows with case studies how archaeological sites in the West Bank are used to assert territorial claims. She argued that Earth accumulates over time the top layer, the most recent history, lower layers, older history. She criticises the practices of the Elad Foundation, which uses horizontal tunnelling instead of the top-down method. Thus, purposefully mix artefacts from different layers, making it hard to determine their age or the correct historical context.&nbsp;The Elad Foundation was formed with the mission to promote Jewish historical and archaeological presence in the area. It had forcibly acquired land from Palestinian families on numerous occasions, declaring them absent from the land, under the Absentee Property Law with the help of the Israeli government, even when families were residing in the place.“We are a foundation whose goals are to house Jewish families in the City of David. These are the foundation’s stated objectives with the Registrar of Associations for which we receive donations. This is a main part of the foundation’s goals,” said David Be’eri, CEO of the Elad foundation, in an Israeli court during a lawsuit filed against the Palestinian resident of Silwan.

Archaeologists in East Jerusalem uncover a biblical-era dam, raising concerns over Israeli excavation practices and disputed Palestinian land claims.

Archaeologists in East Jerusalem claimed to have uncovered the largest dam in Israel, dating back as old as 9th century BCE. The dam was believed to be constructed 2800 years ago in the time of King Joash and Amaziah of Judah. King Joash is widely regarded as a historical figure among Jews, but most of his references were found in Biblical texts, particularly from the Old Testament. Located near the Pool of Siloam in the City of David, the massive dam is 12 meters high, 8 meters wide, and 21 meters in length, making it the earliest massive dam found in Jerusalem. Archaeologists believed it to be a sophisticated water management system to tackle the climate challenges of that time, such as droughts and flash floods. It redirected water from the Gihon Spring and channelling it into the Siloam Pool. The discovery sheds light on some of the advanced engineering and urban planning capabilities of ancient Jerusalem. The dating of the dam was verified through radiocarbon dating and peer-reviewed by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States. Who is funding these excavations? The excavation was primarily funded by the Ir David Foundation (Elad) in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Tel Aviv University. The foundation manages the City of David National Park and invests in archaeological research in the area. The Israeli Government has also allocated NIS 60 million for archaeological digs and preservation of the city. A portion of this is redirected towards the Israel Antiquities Authority for excavation purposes. BBC News Arabic in September 2020 revealed, in an investigation that companies controlled by Abramovich donated approximately $100 million to Elad. Roman Abramovich is a Russian-Israeli oligarch and former owner of Chelsea Football Club, with close ties to Putin and is now banned in the UK. Political Controversy around the Elad Foundation and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem Archaeological digging in a turbulent political landscape like East Jerusalem is marred with controversy. The Silwan neighbourhood and the City of David area are considered part of the occupied Palestinian territory under international law. A part which Palestinians claim to be the future capital of a Palestinian state. It was annexed by Israel after the Six-Day War of 1967. Human Rights Group and archaeologists have accused the Elad Foundation of using excavation as a political tool. American anthropologist and academic Nadia Abu El-Haj, known for her critical work on the intersection of archaeology, nationalism, and colonialism, has examined in her book ‘Facts on the Ground’ how archaeological practices in Jerusalem are shaped by ideological and cultural forces to shape national identity and political agenda. She shows with case studies how archaeological sites in the West Bank are used to assert territorial claims. She argued that Earth accumulates over time the top layer, the most recent history, lower layers, older history. She criticises the practices of the Elad Foundation, which uses horizontal tunnelling instead of the top-down method. Thus, purposefully mix artefacts from different layers, making it hard to determine their age or the correct historical context. The Elad Foundation was formed with the mission to promote Jewish historical and archaeological presence in the area. It had forcibly acquired land from Palestinian families on numerous occasions, declaring them absent from the land, under the Absentee Property Law with the help of the Israeli government, even when families were residing in the place. “We are a foundation whose goals are to house Jewish families in the City of David. These are the foundation’s stated objectives with the Registrar of Associations for which we receive donations. This is a main part of the foundation’s goals,” said David Be’eri, CEO of the Elad foundation, in an Israeli court during a lawsuit filed against the Palestinian resident of Silwan.

Archaeologists in East Jerusalem uncovered a biblical-era dam, raising concerns over Israeli excavation practices and disputed Palestinian land claims.

Israel excavates 2800-year-old dam in East Jerusalem to strengthen claims on Palestinian land

Tensions continue to rise as Palestinians flee Gaza City following intense IDF strikes, while inside Israel, citizens staged protests against the government’s occupation plan. 

Palestinians Escape IDF Strikes in Gaza as Israelis Rally Against Occupation Plan 

The Israeli military on Wednesday (Aug 13) said that it had approved the “framework” for a fresh offensive in the Gaza Strip. This new development comes days after the nation’s security cabinet called for the seizure of Gaza City. The plan was approved by the Armed Forces Chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. A statement by the IDF said that he "approved the main framework for the IDF's operational plan in the Gaza Strip." Hamas has, meanwhile, accused Israel of escalating its attacks. “The Israeli occupation forces continue to carry out aggressive incursions in Gaza City,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of the Hamas government media office, claiming that Tel Aviv was using a “scorched earth policy” aimed at destroying civilian property. "These assaults represent a dangerous escalation aimed at imposing a new reality on the ground by force, through a scorched earth policy and the complete destruction of civilian property," he told AFP. &nbsp;<h2>When will the new offensive take place?</h2>As per an AFP report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is yet to provide a precise timetable for when the warring nations’ troops will enter Gaza City – the territory's largest city – where thousands sought refuge from Israel’s previous offensive.&nbsp;News of the Israeli military’s approval of the fresh framework comes just hours after a senior delegation arrived in Cairo for “preliminary talks” for a temporary truce with Egyptian officials.&nbsp;Israel’s plan to expand operations after more than 22 months of war has drawn international criticism and domestic pushback. UN-backed experts warn of famine across Gaza, where Israel has sharply limited humanitarian aid. The war began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which killed 1,219 people in Israel, according to official figures. Israel’s retaliatory offensive, meanwhile, has killed at least 61,599 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza — figures the UN regards as credible.

The Israeli military has approved a new operational framework for an offensive in Gaza City, days after the security cabinet backed its seizure.

The Israeli military on Wednesday (Aug 13) said that it had approved the “framework” for a fresh offensive in the Gaza Strip. This new development comes days after the nation’s security cabinet called for the seizure of Gaza City. The plan was approved by the Armed Forces Chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. A statement by the IDF said that he "approved the main framework for the IDF's operational plan in the Gaza Strip." Hamas has, meanwhile, accused Israel of escalating its attacks. “The Israeli occupation forces continue to carry out aggressive incursions in Gaza City,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of the Hamas government media office, claiming that Tel Aviv was using a “scorched earth policy” aimed at destroying civilian property. "These assaults represent a dangerous escalation aimed at imposing a new reality on the ground by force, through a scorched earth policy and the complete destruction of civilian property," he told AFP. When will the new offensive take place? As per an AFP report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is yet to provide a precise timetable for when the warring nations’ troops will enter Gaza City – the territory's largest city – where thousands sought refuge from Israel’s previous offensive. News of the Israeli military’s approval of the fresh framework comes just hours after a senior delegation arrived in Cairo for “preliminary talks” for a temporary truce with Egyptian officials. Israel’s plan to expand operations after more than 22 months of war has drawn international criticism and domestic pushback. UN-backed experts warn of famine across Gaza, where Israel has sharply limited humanitarian aid. The war began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which killed 1,219 people in Israel, according to official figures. Israel’s retaliatory offensive, meanwhile, has killed at least 61,599 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza — figures the UN regards as credible.

The Israeli military has approved a new operational framework for an offensive in Gaza City, days after the security cabinet backed its seizure.

Israeli Armed Forces Chief approves new ‘framework’ for Gaza city seizure; Hamas slams ‘aaggressive' incursions

London's Metropolitan Police said Saturday that officers had arrested at least 150 people for supporting Palestine Action at a protest backing the group banned last month under anti-terror laws.&nbsp;"We've now arrested 150 people in Parliament Square," the force said in a post on X, adding "there are still people holding placards supporting Palestine Action" and that "officers are steadily working through the crowd making further arrests".

London Metropolitan Police said Saturday that officers had arrested at least 150 people for supporting Palestine Action at a protest backing the group banned last month under anti-terror laws.



London's Metropolitan Police said Saturday that officers had arrested at least 150 people for supporting Palestine Action at a protest backing the group banned last month under anti-terror laws. "We've now arrested 150 people in Parliament Square," the force said in a post on X, adding "there are still people holding placards supporting Palestine Action" and that "officers are steadily working through the crowd making further arrests".

London's Metropolitan Police said Saturday that officers had arrested at least 150 people for supporting Palestine Action at a protest backing the group banned last month under anti-terror laws.

UK: Police arrest 150 pro-Palestine activists under anti-terror laws

Former Palestine national team player Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the "Palestinian Pele", has been killed by Israeli gunfire in the Gaza Strip, the sport's local governing body said. Obeid, 41, was killed on Wednesday when Israeli forces "targeted people waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip", the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said in a statement. With Gaza in the throes of a hunger crisis, the UN rights office said last month that Israeli forces had killed more than 1,300 Palestinians trying to get food aid in the territory since late May.&nbsp;“An ex-star of the Khadamat Al-Shati club in Gaza, Obeid played 24 international matches for team Palestine,” the PFA said. "During his long career, Al-Obeid scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football," it added.&nbsp;The midfielder also played for the Al-Amari Youth Center Club in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-invitation-cost-kerala-govt-inr-13-lakh-officials-travelled-to-spain-using-public-money-report-1754640113601">Messi invitation cost Kerala govt INR 13 lakh; officials travelled to Spain using public money – Report</a>&nbsp;While living there in 2010, Obeid was among six players on the national team from Gaza who were turned back at the Jordanian border for "security reasons" on their way to a friendly in Mauritania.&nbsp;An Israeli security official said at the time that the players had failed to renew special permits allowing them to play in the West Bank.&nbsp;"When I heard that we would be forbidden from travelling, I was very upset, because any athlete dreams of wearing his national jersey in international forums," Obeid told AFP in 2010.&nbsp;"We want to be able to travel freely with our families, just like athletes anywhere else in the world."&nbsp;Israel had previously allowed the six players to travel with the team.&nbsp;Born in Gaza City, Obeid was married and had five children. Since the start of the Gaza war, triggered by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, 662 people from the sport and scouting sector have been killed, including 321 in the football community, according to the PFA.Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,258 in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.&nbsp;The 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

While living there in 2010, Obeid was among six players on the national team from Gaza who were turned back at the Jordanian border for "security reasons" on their way to a friendly in Mauritania.

Former Palestine national team player Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the "Palestinian Pele", has been killed by Israeli gunfire in the Gaza Strip, the sport's local governing body said. Obeid, 41, was killed on Wednesday when Israeli forces "targeted people waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip", the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said in a statement. With Gaza in the throes of a hunger crisis, the UN rights office said last month that Israeli forces had killed more than 1,300 Palestinians trying to get food aid in the territory since late May. “An ex-star of the Khadamat Al-Shati club in Gaza, Obeid played 24 international matches for team Palestine,” the PFA said. "During his long career, Al-Obeid scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football," it added. The midfielder also played for the Al-Amari Youth Center Club in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. Also read | Messi invitation cost Kerala govt INR 13 lakh; officials travelled to Spain using public money – Report While living there in 2010, Obeid was among six players on the national team from Gaza who were turned back at the Jordanian border for "security reasons" on their way to a friendly in Mauritania. An Israeli security official said at the time that the players had failed to renew special permits allowing them to play in the West Bank. "When I heard that we would be forbidden from travelling, I was very upset, because any athlete dreams of wearing his national jersey in international forums," Obeid told AFP in 2010. "We want to be able to travel freely with our families, just like athletes anywhere else in the world." Israel had previously allowed the six players to travel with the team. Born in Gaza City, Obeid was married and had five children. Since the start of the Gaza war, triggered by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, 662 people from the sport and scouting sector have been killed, including 321 in the football community, according to the PFA. Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,258 in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

While living there in 2010, Obeid was among six players on the national team from Gaza who were turned back at the Jordanian border for "security reasons" on their way to a friendly in Mauritania.

‘Palestinian Pele’ Suleiman al-Obeid killed by Israeli gunfire in Gaza strip

In what may be called a domino effect, many nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada, have announced that they are willing to recognise Palestine, after French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a diplomatic bombshell. The latest in the list of countries is Canada, and that was enough to draw the attention of US President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his disappointment and hinted that doors for a trade deal might be closed for Canada after it decides to recognise Palestine. In March, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminium, weeks later, the same on automobiles. In June, he doubled steel and aluminium duties. Now he is threatening to tax copper at 50 per cent&nbsp;starting August 1. He has also said that if Canadian PM Mark Carney is not able to strike a trade deal with US, then America will impose a 35 per cent tariffs on all goods from Canada.

<h2>Canada, UK, France and Malta to recognise Palestine</h2>Canada will officially recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, citing recent reform commitments by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and emphasising the need to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. "Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution, an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said during a press conference alongside Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution — an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. My statement on Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state: <a href="https://t.co/VHW1ziQ9s0">pic.twitter.com/VHW1ziQ9s0</a>&mdash; Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkJCarney/status/1950681502565470591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This came after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September this year. In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron emphasised the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and protecting civilians, describing his decision as a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Macron also reaffirmed France’s support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and long-term development efforts for a future Palestinian state.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… <a href="https://t.co/VTSVGVH41I">pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I</a>&mdash; Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1948482142356603089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Following France's move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and meets several other conditions, including recommitting to a viable peace process. Joining these countries, Malta also announced its decision to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly’s meeting on a two-state solution to the conflict on July 29.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the country will recognize Palestine as a state at the United Nations Assembly in September, unless Israel takes &quot;substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.” He shared this statement in a video posted on July 29, 2025. <a href="https://t.co/dI1ps8oodR">pic.twitter.com/dI1ps8oodR</a>&mdash; Tempo English (@tempo_english) <a href="https://twitter.com/tempo_english/status/1950511703692574761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How many countries have recognised Palestine so far?</h2>

On November 15, 1988, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat declared Palestine an independent state, naming Jerusalem as its capital. In the aftermath, over 80 nations, primarily from the Global South, including regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world—extended recognition. Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, nearly 20 additional countries followed suit, with another 12 joining between 2000 and 2010, mostly from Africa and South America. By 2011, all African states except Eritrea and Cameroon had recognized Palestinian statehood.&nbsp;A milestone came in 2012 when the UN General Assembly voted 138–9 (with 41 abstentions) to elevate Palestine's status to that of a non-member observer state. Sweden became the first EU member in Western Europe to recognise Palestine in 2014. More recently, on May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain formally recognised Palestine, prompting diplomatic backlash from Israel. Slovenia joined on June 4, while Malta and Belgium are still considering recognition. None of the G7 countries has recognised the state of Palestine. The Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN observer status, has also recognised Palestine.

US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, has said that it will be difficult for him to strike a trade deal with Canada after the country showed its intent to recognise Palestine amid massive hunger crisis in Gaza due to Israel's offensive

In what may be called a domino effect, many nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada, have announced that they are willing to recognise Palestine, after French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a diplomatic bombshell. The latest in the list of countries is Canada, and that was enough to draw the attention of US President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his disappointment and hinted that doors for a trade deal might be closed for Canada after it decides to recognise Palestine. In March, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminium, weeks later, the same on automobiles. In June, he doubled steel and aluminium duties. Now he is threatening to tax copper at 50 per cent starting August 1. He has also said that if Canadian PM Mark Carney is not able to strike a trade deal with US, then America will impose a 35 per cent tariffs on all goods from Canada.

US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, has said that it will be difficult for him to strike a trade deal with Canada after the country showed its intent to recognise Palestine amid massive hunger crisis in Gaza due to Israel's offensive

Trump baffled after Canada says it would recognise Palestine, raises 'trade deal': Here's what he threatened

The United Kingdom on Wednesday rejected US President Donald Trump's criticism of its recognition of Palestinian statehood, saying that it does not reflect rewarding Hamas; on the contrary, it is about supporting the Palestinian people. UK Prime Minister on Tuesday issued an ultimatum to Israel that it would recognise the state of Palestine unless Israel takes steps to end the “appalling” situation of Gaza.&nbsp;Palestinian Authority have confirmed that more than 60,000, including women and children, have been killed by the Israeli's in the two-year-long war in Gaza. If suffering and starvation in Gaza continue and a permanent ceasefire is not achieved, with the establishment of a stable humanitarian corridor by September, then the UK would recognise the statehood of Palestine.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump reacted to the decision by saying that he doesn't think Hamas "should be rewarded" with the recognition of Palestinian independence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back at Keir Starmer, saying that he would not agree to any such conditions.“Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel’s border today will threaten Britain tomorrow. Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you, too. It will not happen," said Netanyahu.When asked about the criticism from the US and Israel, British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, designated as the media spokesperson of the government, said on LBC Radio,"This is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas is a vile terrorist organisation that has committed appalling atrocities. This is about the Palestinian people. It's about those children that we see in Gaza who are starving to death."&nbsp;France has also put forward such an ultimatum to Israel, and several other Western countries, like Australia, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Portugal, Andorra, and San Marino, have signed a statement recognising the statehood of Palestine. They consider it to be an “essential step toward the two-state solution”.

The UK firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's criticism that recognising Palestinian statehood is rewarding Hamas, clarifying that it reflects the support for the struggle of Palestine.

The United Kingdom on Wednesday rejected US President Donald Trump's criticism of its recognition of Palestinian statehood, saying that it does not reflect rewarding Hamas; on the contrary, it is about supporting the Palestinian people. UK Prime Minister on Tuesday issued an ultimatum to Israel that it would recognise the state of Palestine unless Israel takes steps to end the “appalling” situation of Gaza. Palestinian Authority have confirmed that more than 60,000, including women and children, have been killed by the Israeli's in the two-year-long war in Gaza. If suffering and starvation in Gaza continue and a permanent ceasefire is not achieved, with the establishment of a stable humanitarian corridor by September, then the UK would recognise the statehood of Palestine. US President Donald Trump reacted to the decision by saying that he doesn't think Hamas "should be rewarded" with the recognition of Palestinian independence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back at Keir Starmer, saying that he would not agree to any such conditions. “Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel’s border today will threaten Britain tomorrow. Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you, too. It will not happen," said Netanyahu. When asked about the criticism from the US and Israel, British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, designated as the media spokesperson of the government, said on LBC Radio,"This is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas is a vile terrorist organisation that has committed appalling atrocities. This is about the Palestinian people. It's about those children that we see in Gaza who are starving to death." France has also put forward such an ultimatum to Israel, and several other Western countries, like Australia, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Portugal, Andorra, and San Marino, have signed a statement recognising the statehood of Palestine. They consider it to be an “essential step toward the two-state solution”.

The UK firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's criticism that recognising Palestinian statehood is rewarding Hamas, clarifying that it reflects the support for the struggle of Palestine.

'Recognising Palestine isn't a gift to Hamas': UK rejects Trump’s criticism of statehood move

India on Tuesday (July 30) urged a purposeful dialogue and diplomacy to bring a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. Speaking at the UN conference titled - 'The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of The Two-State Solution' India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish P said that India has always called for an immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. He also stated that it is India’s earnest desire to see peace and calm prevail in the Middle East. His statement comes amid a massive humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.<h2>India's statement on Israel-Palestine conflict</h2>India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish P highlighted the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza and said, “...Our efforts must now focus on how to bring about a two-state solution through purposeful dialogue and diplomacy, and bringing the parties to the conflict to engage directly with each other...The humanitarian assistance pillar demands our immediate attention and action. The human suffering in Gaza continues unabated. Tens of thousands have been killed, and many more injured. Several medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Children have been deprived of schooling for more than 20 months. Humanitarian aid needs to flow without impediments...Palestinians in Gaza must have access to food, fuel and other basic necessities without hindrance. Humanitarian assistance is vital in sustaining life and must remain outside the realm of politics or conflict..."&nbsp;He also clarified India's stance, saying, "India has also been clear on the measures that must be undertaken in the short-term - An immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. There are no alternatives to these measures. We appreciate the efforts of all friendly states that have facilitated such measures between the parties...It is also India’s earnest desire to see peace and calm prevail in the Middle East. India expresses its complete readiness to contribute to this noble endeavour”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | New York | At the United Nations High-Level International Conference on &quot;The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of The Two-State Solution&quot;, India&#39;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish P. says, &quot;...Our… <a href="https://t.co/vweX5UIJMe">pic.twitter.com/vweX5UIJMe</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1950368466491596848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Famine in Gaza</h2>International alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has increased. Aid organisations said last week there was mass hunger among Gaza's 2.2 million people, with food running out after Israel cut off all supplies to the territory in March, before resuming it in May with new restrictions. A United Nations-affiliated organisation that tracks food security worldwide has issued a dire alert confirming that a "worst-case" famine scenario is unfolding across the Gaza Strip. "Latest data indicates that famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City," the report stated. "Immediate, unimpeded" humanitarian access into Gaza is the only way to stop rapidly rising “starvation and death.”&nbsp;

<h2>Israel announces 'tactical pause' to fighting amid hunger crisis</h2>Amid a worsening hunger crisis in Gaza and international criticism of Israel for its offensive, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that it will pause its offensive for ‘humanitarian aid’, but also stated that there is no hunger crisis in Gaza. The military said it would cease activity in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah and Gaza City from 10 am to 8 pm (0700-1700 GMT) until further notice, areas where it had not renewed ground operations since March, when it resumed its Gaza offensive. Designated secure routes for convoys delivering food and medicine will also be in place permanently from 6 am until 11 pm, the military said.&nbsp;

At a UN conference, India called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, urging immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, and dialogue. Ambassador Harish P emphasized India’s commitment to peace and readiness to help restore calm in the Middle East.

India on Tuesday (July 30) urged a purposeful dialogue and diplomacy to bring a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. Speaking at the UN conference titled - 'The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of The Two-State Solution' India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish P said that India has always called for an immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. He also stated that it is India’s earnest desire to see peace and calm prevail in the Middle East. His statement comes amid a massive humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. India's statement on Israel-Palestine conflict India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish P highlighted the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza and said, “...Our efforts must now focus on how to bring about a two-state solution through purposeful dialogue and diplomacy, and bringing the parties to the conflict to engage directly with each other...The humanitarian assistance pillar demands our immediate attention and action. The human suffering in Gaza continues unabated. Tens of thousands have been killed, and many more injured. Several medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Children have been deprived of schooling for more than 20 months. Humanitarian aid needs to flow without impediments...Palestinians in Gaza must have access to food, fuel and other basic necessities without hindrance. Humanitarian assistance is vital in sustaining life and must remain outside the realm of politics or conflict..." He also clarified India's stance, saying, "India has also been clear on the measures that must be undertaken in the short-term - An immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. There are no alternatives to these measures. We appreciate the efforts of all friendly states that have facilitated such measures between the parties...It is also India’s earnest desire to see peace and calm prevail in the Middle East. India expresses its complete readiness to contribute to this noble endeavour”

At a UN conference, India called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, urging immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, and dialogue. Ambassador Harish P emphasised India’s commitment to peace and readiness to help restore calm in the Middle East.

'Access to food, aid in Gaza, release of Israeli hostages': India's BIG statement in UN on two-state solution of Israel-Palestine conflict

An unsettling ritual unfolds almost daily in a small city in southern Israel, located roughly 1 km from the Gaza Strip border. Founded in 1951, the Sedrot town was a transit camp for Jewish immigrants. It now has a population of about 30,000. It is one of the most targeted towns by rockets from the Gaza Strip. Its proximity to the border of Gaza has turned its everyday life into a waiting game between shelter and sirens.<h2>Sderot Cinema</h2>Since the start of the war, every day Israeli's gather at an observation deck to watch the bombings of Gaza. It is the highest point in Sedrot city, called Kobi Hill. One Le Monde reporter, Lucas Minisini, reveals his experience of July 17, speaking to a gentleman on the hilltop. "When I see and hear a missile fall on Gaza, I am happy", said Afik with a weird grin on his face. The phenomenon is more than a decade old. First reported by the Guardian in 2014, the Gaza War. They say that residents bring lawn chairs, snacks, and drinks with them as they sit on hilltops to observe airstrikes. There is a binocular installed, some carry their own, some bring their dogs, with alcohol and other substances. There are shops and cafes nearby, making it the perfect picnic spot with the destructive visuals of the Gaza bombings.The term “Sedrot Cinema” was coined by a Danish photojournalist, Allan Sorensen, who sarcastically called it so, as “Israelis bringing chairs to hilltop in Sderot to watch latest from Gaza. Clapping when blasts are heard.” The tweet went viral and triggered immense media coverage from Vice to The Guardian, ABC News, Time Magazine and more. Meanwhile, locals pushed back against this, which they called “vilification” of the town by the international media. However, the recent report by the French outlet Le Monde shows that it's an ongoing phenomenon. According to some reports, they gather and enjoy the view for $1.50.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This is the best ever true news BBC ever made about Israel, 4 minutes but every minute is extremely important <a href="https://t.co/ZnSEpPvusb">pic.twitter.com/ZnSEpPvusb</a>&mdash; Furkan Gözükara (@GozukaraFurkan) <a href="https://twitter.com/GozukaraFurkan/status/1949220179981766969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Avik, a young Israeli, smiles as he watches Gaza being bombed from a nearby hilltop overlooking Beit Hanoun. “When I see a rocket hit Gaza, I feel happy,” he says. He and others gather at this spot—known as “Sderot Cinema”—to watch the destruction, paying just $1.50 for the view. <a href="https://t.co/ZyngVxnm0e">pic.twitter.com/ZyngVxnm0e</a>&mdash; Ramy Abdu| رامي عبده (@RamAbdu) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamAbdu/status/1947373714133131476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Deeper context</h2>These images and videos have shocked the world. The Israeli media doesn't show the women and children being slaughtered. It's all hostages and Hamas. This media manipulation has diminished basic human kindness and made people incapable of feeling empathy. The spectacle drew international condemnation as it was the display of Palestinian dehumanisation and desensitisation of violence. Critics observed the sadistic pleasure from the pain of one group of people to another group of people who have barely met. The grotesque contrast on one side of celebration and comfort to hunger, death and destruction on the other side is diabolical. Many argue that the small hill town had been at the forefront of Hamas attacks for so long that watching the strikes relieves them and serves as a vengeful outlet for their anger. This explanation raises more complex, ethical, emotionally charged and morally fraught questions. Does the same situation not apply to Palestinians, too? Sderot has faced rockets, turning them into morally disturbing individuals who derive pleasure from pain. The decades of occupation, historical injustice, and generational trauma in Gaza and the West Bank have created fertile ground for extremist groups like Hamas. Thus creating a spiral of violence. As philosopher and political leaders like Franz Fanon, Nelson Mandela, Malcom x, have echoed the sentiment, "If you treat people like animals, don't be surprised if they start to act like beasts".However, extremism is a mere symptom; it's not the solution. As the act of the Sderot hills is morally corrupt, the Hamas actions are also savage. Palestinians have every right to resist, but the means of resistance have been debated in political philosophy, anti-colonial struggle and international law.

The disturbing phenomenon where Israeli's watch Gaza bombings with snacks and drinks and cheer along with the sound of explosions blurring war, spectacle and moral boundaries.

An unsettling ritual unfolds almost daily in a small city in southern Israel, located roughly 1 km from the Gaza Strip border. Founded in 1951, the Sedrot town was a transit camp for Jewish immigrants. It now has a population of about 30,000. It is one of the most targeted towns by rockets from the Gaza Strip. Its proximity to the border of Gaza has turned its everyday life into a waiting game between shelter and sirens. Sderot Cinema Since the start of the war, every day Israeli's gather at an observation deck to watch the bombings of Gaza. It is the highest point in Sedrot city, called Kobi Hill. One Le Monde reporter, Lucas Minisini, reveals his experience of July 17, speaking to a gentleman on the hilltop. "When I see and hear a missile fall on Gaza, I am happy", said Afik with a weird grin on his face. The phenomenon is more than a decade old. First reported by the Guardian in 2014, the Gaza War. They say that residents bring lawn chairs, snacks, and drinks with them as they sit on hilltops to observe airstrikes. There is a binocular installed, some carry their own, some bring their dogs, with alcohol and other substances. There are shops and cafes nearby, making it the perfect picnic spot with the destructive visuals of the Gaza bombings. The term “Sedrot Cinema” was coined by a Danish photojournalist, Allan Sorensen, who sarcastically called it so, as “Israelis bringing chairs to hilltop in Sderot to watch latest from Gaza. Clapping when blasts are heard.” The tweet went viral and triggered immense media coverage from Vice to The Guardian, ABC News, Time Magazine and more. Meanwhile, locals pushed back against this, which they called “vilification” of the town by the international media. However, the recent report by the French outlet Le Monde shows that it's an ongoing phenomenon. According to some reports, they gather and enjoy the view for $1.50.

The disturbing phenomenon where Israeli's watch Gaza bombings with snacks and drinks and cheer along with the sound of explosions blurring war, spectacle and moral boundaries.

Watching war as entertainment: The disturbing case of Sderot Cinema

In a big diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognise the state of Palestine at the the United Nations General Assembly in September this year. In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron emphasised the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and protecting civilians, describing his decision as a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Macron also reaffirmed France’s support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and long-term development efforts for a future Palestinian state. The announcement was met with strong condemnation from Israeli officials. France would join list of 147 of the 193 UN member states that have recognised Palestine. It represents 75 percent of the international community.

<h2>How many countries have recognised Palestine so far?</h2>On November 15, 1988, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat declared Palestine an independent state, naming Jerusalem as its capital. In the aftermath, over 80 nations, primarily from the Global South, including regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world—extended recognition. Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, nearly 20 additional countries followed suit, with another 12 joining between 2000 and 2010, mostly from Africa and South America. By 2011, all African states except Eritrea and Cameroon had recognized Palestinian statehood.&nbsp;&nbsp;A milestone came in 2012 when the UN General Assembly voted 138–9 (with 41 abstentions) to elevate Palestine's status to that of a non-member observer state. Sweden became the first EU member in Western Europe to recognise Palestine in 2014. More recently, on May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain formally recognised Palestine, prompting diplomatic backlash from Israel. Slovenia joined on June 4, while Malta and Belgium are still considering recognition. None of the G7 countries has recognised the state of Palestine. The Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN observer status, has also recognised Palestine.<h2>How Hamas reacted?</h2>Hamas welcomed French President Macron’s announcement, describing it as a positive step toward justice for the Palestinian people and support for their legitimate right to self-determination. In a statement, the group urged all countries, particularly European nations and those that have yet to recognise Palestine, to follow France’s example. “We consider this a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination,” Hamas said in a statement, after French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would formally state its recognition in September. “We call on all countries of the world — especially European nations and those that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine — to follow France’s lead,” Hamas added.<h2>How Israel reacted?</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that France's move would reward terrorism and could lead to the creation of another Iranian proxy, similar to what happened in Gaza. He warned that, under the current conditions, a Palestinian state would serve as a platform for attacking Israel rather than coexisting peacefully. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the decision as disgraceful and claimed it amounted to a surrender to terrorism. Meanwhile, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich went even further, calling on Israel to respond by formally annexing the West Bank.

“We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,” Israeli PM Netanyahu wrote on X.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will recognise Palestine at the UN in September, calling it a step to ensure peace in the West Asian region. If France officially recognises Palestinian statehood, it would join the list of 147 countries that have already done so. 

In a big diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognise the state of Palestine at the the United Nations General Assembly in September this year. In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron emphasised the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and protecting civilians, describing his decision as a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Macron also reaffirmed France’s support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and long-term development efforts for a future Palestinian state. The announcement was met with strong condemnation from Israeli officials. France would join list of 147 of the 193 UN member states that have recognised Palestine. It represents 75 percent of the international community.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will recognise Palestine at the UN in September, calling it a step to ensure peace in the West Asian region. If France officially recognises Palestinian statehood, it would join the list of 147 countries that have already done so.&nbsp;

France to recognise Palestine, Israel condemns move, Hamas says 'welcoming step': How many countries have recognised Palestinian statehood?

Israel has unveiled a controversial plan to build a so-called "humanitarian city" in southern Gaza. Tel Aviv, which has been at war with Hamas in Gaza for over 21 months, has proposed a city with a "closed zone" where it wants to house around 600,000 of the people displaced from southern Gaza. However, the proposed project has come under intense fire, with critics warning that it may amount to a "war crime" – a distraction at best and a blueprint towards ethnic cleansing at worst. So, what is it? A concentration camp reminiscent of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, or a place of shelter for hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans? Here's all we know.<h2>What is Israel proposing?</h2>First unveiled last week by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, the plan envisions constructing a walled encampment in southern Gaza during a proposed 60-day ceasefire. The area, as per AFP, would initially house 600,000 displaced Palestinians, and eventually, Israel intends to relocate the entire Gaza population, over two million people, into this zone.Katz has described it as a civilian aid hub with four international distribution centres, secured by Israeli forces, albeit "from a distance." But new arrivals would be screened for Hamas ties and not permitted to leave once admitted, except to go to other countries, Katz said. The project is reportedly backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<h2>Why is it so controversial?</h2>Critics, including officials from UN agencies to *Israeli officials — say the humanitarian city is neither humane nor a city, but rather a mass detention site being planned under the guise of humanitarian relief. "It is a concentration camp. I am sorry," said former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an interview with The Guardian. "If they [Palestinians] will be deported into the new ‘humanitarian city’, then you can say that this is part of an ethnic cleansing. It hasn’t yet happened.". He said that this would be the "inevitable interpretation" of any attempt to create a camp for hundreds of thousands of people.His sentiments were echoed by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) which said that the "plan would de-facto create massive concentration camps at the border with Egypt". Slamming the proposal Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer has said he is "appalled" by the idea. On X, he insisted that "Palestinian territory must not be reduced...Civilians must be able to return to their communities."<h2>What would it cost?</h2>Estimates, as published by AFP, peg the cost of the proposed facility between 10 and 20 billion shekels ($3–6 billion). This huge expense would come on top of the economic burden of the ongoing war — now in its 21st month — which has already strained Israel's budget. "That money is not coming back," opposition leader Yair Lapid posted on X. The proposal has also been seen as a nod to long-standing goals of far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, key coalition partners of the Israeli Prime Minister. "Netanyahu is letting Smotrich and Ben Gvir run wild with extremist delusions just to preserve his coalition. Instead of plundering the middle class's money, end the war and bring back the hostages."<h2>What does international law say?</h2>Under international humanitarian law, the forced displacement of civilians is strictly prohibited, except for temporary evacuations due to immediate dangers from hostilities. In a statement, Amnesty International, which has accused Israel of genocide, warned that, "relocating Gazans within the territory or "deporting them outside against their will would amount to the war crime of unlawful transfer". On Friday (Jul 11), 16 prominent Israeli legal scholars in a letter to Netanyahu and Katz also warned that the scheme could fall under the definitions of war crimes.

What is Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city'? A concentration camp reminiscent of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, or a place of shelter for hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans? Here's all we know.

Israel has unveiled a controversial plan to build a so-called "humanitarian city" in southern Gaza. Tel Aviv, which has been at war with Hamas in Gaza for over 21 months, has proposed a city with a "closed zone" where it wants to house around 600,000 of the people displaced from southern Gaza. However, the proposed project has come under intense fire, with critics warning that it may amount to a "war crime" – a distraction at best and a blueprint towards ethnic cleansing at worst. So, what is it? A concentration camp reminiscent of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, or a place of shelter for hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans? Here's all we know. What is Israel proposing? First unveiled last week by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, the plan envisions constructing a walled encampment in southern Gaza during a proposed 60-day ceasefire. The area, as per AFP, would initially house 600,000 displaced Palestinians, and eventually, Israel intends to relocate the entire Gaza population, over two million people, into this zone. Katz has described it as a civilian aid hub with four international distribution centres, secured by Israeli forces, albeit "from a distance." But new arrivals would be screened for Hamas ties and not permitted to leave once admitted, except to go to other countries, Katz said. The project is reportedly backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Why is it so controversial? Critics, including officials from UN agencies to *Israeli officials — say the humanitarian city is neither humane nor a city, but rather a mass detention site being planned under the guise of humanitarian relief. "It is a concentration camp. I am sorry," said former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an interview with The Guardian. "If they [Palestinians] will be deported into the new ‘humanitarian city’, then you can say that this is part of an ethnic cleansing. It hasn’t yet happened.". He said that this would be the "inevitable interpretation" of any attempt to create a camp for hundreds of thousands of people. His sentiments were echoed by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) which said that the "plan would de-facto create massive concentration camps at the border with Egypt". Slamming the proposal Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer has said he is "appalled" by the idea. On X, he insisted that "Palestinian territory must not be reduced...Civilians must be able to return to their communities." What would it cost? Estimates, as published by AFP, peg the cost of the proposed facility between 10 and 20 billion shekels ($3–6 billion). This huge expense would come on top of the economic burden of the ongoing war — now in its 21st month — which has already strained Israel's budget. "That money is not coming back," opposition leader Yair Lapid posted on X. The proposal has also been seen as a nod to long-standing goals of far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, key coalition partners of the Israeli Prime Minister. "Netanyahu is letting Smotrich and Ben Gvir run wild with extremist delusions just to preserve his coalition. Instead of plundering the middle class's money, end the war and bring back the hostages." What does international law say? Under international humanitarian law, the forced displacement of civilians is strictly prohibited, except for temporary evacuations due to immediate dangers from hostilities. In a statement, Amnesty International, which has accused Israel of genocide, warned that, "relocating Gazans within the territory or "deporting them outside against their will would amount to the war crime of unlawful transfer". On Friday (Jul 11), 16 prominent Israeli legal scholars in a letter to Netanyahu and Katz also warned that the scheme could fall under the definitions of war crimes.

What is Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city'? A concentration camp reminiscent of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, or a place of shelter for hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans? Here's all we know.

Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained