Feed InformerIsrael News ReviewIsrael News ReviewRespective post owners and feed distributors2013-12-07T13:14:34-04:00Feed Informer http://feed.informer.com/http://feed.informer.com/digests/YSYO20ZZSN/feederThis Nowruz, Iran is dancing between tradition and modernityThe Kurdish festival has brought the people out on to the streets in a defiant show of freedom2024-03-19T05:00:44Zurn:uuid:e9f75e84-2b54-bb62-2a7a-d16b717466f1Israel delegation to visit US over Biden concerns on Rafah offensive – video<p>US national security advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to reporters after US President Joe Biden warned Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a call that an Israeli military operation in Rafah would deepen anarchy in Gaza. They agreed that teams from each side would meet in Washington to discuss it</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/israeli-delegation-us-officials-plan-offensive-rafah-gaza-war">Israeli delegation to visit Washington to discuss planned offensive on Rafah</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2024/mar/19/israel-delegation-to-visit-us-over-biden-concerns-on-rafah-offensive-video">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-19T01:50:30Zurn:uuid:622facec-a53d-871b-9378-12740178f016Guardian StaffPhotograph: SOPA Images/REX/ShutterstockIsraeli delegation to visit Washington to discuss planned offensive on Rafah<p>Move to plot course of Gaza war with US officials follows first phone call between Biden and Netanyahu in over a month</p><p>Israel will send a team of officials to Washington to discuss its planned offensive on Rafah, the White House has said, as the Biden administration seeks to prevent the attack and persuade Israel to allow in more aid in the face of an imminent famine in Gaza.</p><p>The US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, announced the Israeli visit after a phone call on Monday between Joe Biden and the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on the planned Rafah assault that Netanyahu has vowed to launch.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/israeli-delegation-us-officials-plan-offensive-rafah-gaza-war">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T21:36:48Zurn:uuid:03594510-fd90-b38e-af8b-a38c10b367a0Julian Borger in WashingtonPhotograph: Andrew Harnik/APBiden warns Netanyahu that assault on Rafah would be ‘a mistake’Israeli prime minister agrees to send delegation to Washington with alternative plan for Gaza 2024-03-18T20:13:44Zurn:uuid:4056589d-7078-bc01-d6da-97ea81627edbFierce clashes between IDF and Hamas after Israel takes control of key hospital<p>Israel claims to have killed 20 militants at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City following early morning raid</p><p>Fierce fighting has continued around al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, as Israeli troops battled Hamas militants after seizing control of the strategically situated medical complex in an early morning raid.</p><p>Witnesses reported multiple airstrikes and ferocious firefights throughout Monday as fears rose for the safety and hundreds of civilians in the immediate vicinity of the hospital.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/clashes-idf-hamas-israel-takes-control-key-al-shifa-hospital">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T18:06:54Zurn:uuid:e9890e3b-1ffb-288b-5cbd-3aaf74ec67a3Jason Burke in JerusalemPhotograph: AFP/Getty Images‘Catastrophic levels of hunger’ in Gaza mean ‘famine is imminent’, says aid coalition<p>More than a million people are at risk, according to report, as Oxfam says Israeli authorities are blocking relief deliveries</p><p>Famine is imminent in northern Gaza with people already suffering “catastrophic levels of hunger”, a coalition of aid groups has warned.</p><p>The situation was labelled “man-made starvation”, as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a group that includes the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization, said that 1.1 million people, half of Gaza’s population, <a href="https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156872/">faced famine</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/18/famine-gaza-imminent-hunger-aid-group-coalition-oxfam-israeli-authorities">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T18:00:36Zurn:uuid:dfa9b80f-3b63-3d0c-ab54-a03d7d499a3eRuth MichaelsonPhotograph: Anadolu/Getty Images‘Catastrophic levels of hunger’ in Gaza mean famine is imminent, says aid coalition<p>More than a million people are at risk, according to report, as Oxfam says Israeli authorities are blocking relief deliveries</p><p>Famine is imminent in northern Gaza with people suffering “catastrophic levels of hunger”, a coalition of aid groups has warned.</p><p>The situation was called “man-made starvation”, as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a group that includes the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization, said that 1.1 million people, half of Gaza’s population, <a href="https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156872/">faced famine</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/18/famine-gaza-imminent-hunger-aid-group-coalition-oxfam-israeli-authorities">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T18:00:36Zurn:uuid:4646e131-756f-653c-7b5f-504d3a87fc63Ruth MichaelsonPhotograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesFamine is ‘imminent’ here in north Gaza – and I’m watching it begin to unfold | Mahmoud Shalabi<p>An entirely human-made tragedy is under way as the world looks on. Israel must open the crossings for aid and aid workers now</p><p>Here in the north of Gaza, there is virtually no food available. People are resorting to <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68239320">eating animal feed</a> or <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/bird-feed-loaf-date-wrapped-gauze-what-children-eat-gaza-2024-02-26/">bird seed</a> to stay alive. For some, there is only grass left to eat. Doctors have been <a href="https://www.map.org.uk/news/archive/post/1535-charities-call-on-uk-prime-minister-to-demand-ceasefire-and-end-to-siege-on-Gaza">warning for months</a> that the Israeli military’s five-month long bombardment and siege of Gaza would end in hunger and starvation. Today, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has <a href="https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156872/">reported that famine is “imminent”</a> and will take hold in the north of Gaza over the coming two months. Half of the population across Gaza now faces catastrophic levels of hunger, nearly twice as many people as reported in November. Children are already <a href="https://www.ochaopt.org/content/hostilities-gaza-strip-and-israel-flash-update-138">dying of malnutrition and dehydration</a>.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Israeli government continues to throttle aid at the border crossing into Gaza while the international community watches on. The tiny amount of aid that is allowed to enter is either being prevented from getting to people, especially in the north, or is being chaotically distributed, leaving people desperately scrambling for whatever they can get their hands on. This is stripping my community of its dignity while leaving the most vulnerable without any help at all. Hundreds of people have even <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/14/death-trap-israeli-forces-kill-six-aid-seekers-in-gaza-city">paid with their lives</a> trying to get food for their families.</p><p>Mahmoud Shalabi is Gaza director for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). This article was co-produced with his colleagues in London, based on WhatsApp messages and voice notes</p><p><em><strong>Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tone/letters"> letters</a> section, please <a href="mailto:guardian.letters@theguardian.com?body=Please%20include%20your%20name,%20full%20postal%20address%20and%20phone%20number%20with%20your%20letter%20below.%20Letters%20are%20usually%20published%20with%20the%20author%27s%20name%20and%20city/town/village.%20The%20rest%20of%20the%20information%20is%20for%20verification%20only%20and%20to%20contact%20you%20where%20necessary.">click here</a>.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/18/gaza-famine-israel-crossings-aid-workers">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T16:59:32Zurn:uuid:17d76cc5-01bc-3b0d-527c-53b9d62de21cMahmoud ShalabiPhotograph: Habboub Ramez/ABACA/REX/ShutterstockMiddle East crisis live: famine ‘imminent’ in northern Gaza, UN report says, as EU foreign policy chief calls area ‘open air graveyard’<p>Israel using starvation as weapon of war, says Josep Borrell, as UN report warns 1.1 million face ‘catastrophic’ food supply conditions</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza war coverage</a></li></ul><p><strong>Oxfam has accused Israel of controlling “an unpredictable and chaotic regime of approval, scanning and inspection” of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip.</strong></p><p>In a new report, the NGO says “people living in Gaza will suffer mass death from disease and starvation far beyond the current 31,000 Palestinian war casualties unless Israel takes immediate steps to end its violations.”</p><p>The ICJ order should have shocked Israeli leaders to change course, but since then conditions in Gaza have actually worsened. The fact that other governments have not challenged Israel hard enough, but instead turned to less effective methods like airdrops and maritime corridors is a huge red flag, signalling that Israel continues to deny the full potential of better ways to deliver more aid.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T15:01:25Zurn:uuid:12dd7e3a-9934-9e80-ed19-5f71aa895322Martin Belam (now) and Lili Bayer (earlier)Photograph: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis: famine ‘imminent’ in northern Gaza, UN report says, as EU foreign policy chief calls area ‘open air graveyard’ – as it happened<p>Israel using starvation as weapon of war, says Josep Borrell, as UN report warns 1.1 million face ‘catastrophic’ food supply conditions. This live blog is closed</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza war coverage</a></li></ul><p><strong>Oxfam has accused Israel of controlling “an unpredictable and chaotic regime of approval, scanning and inspection” of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip.</strong></p><p>In a new report, the NGO says “people living in Gaza will suffer mass death from disease and starvation far beyond the current 31,000 Palestinian war casualties unless Israel takes immediate steps to end its violations.”</p><p>The ICJ order should have shocked Israeli leaders to change course, but since then conditions in Gaza have actually worsened. The fact that other governments have not challenged Israel hard enough, but instead turned to less effective methods like airdrops and maritime corridors is a huge red flag, signalling that Israel continues to deny the full potential of better ways to deliver more aid.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T15:01:25Zurn:uuid:b1cc489b-e1c0-ae24-1424-a3cef5653148Martin Belam and Lili BayerPhotograph: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty ImagesBiden needs to increase the pressure on NetanyahuSupporting Israel and supporting the country’s prime minister are not the same thing2024-03-18T15:00:27Zurn:uuid:5c51b8ff-4bc7-f0e9-cb90-19bb0f502c6bIsrael tells people to leave area near al-Shifa hospital in Gaza after launching raid – video<p>Israeli forces launched a raid on al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City after they said the medical complex, which is Gaza's largest, had been used to launch attacks on their soldiers. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli army spokesperson, claimed that senior Hamas members had 'regrouped' in the hospital. Israel launched its attack overnight, with gunfire continuing into the early morning, and said it was now in control of the hospital. Israel last launched a raid on the complex in November and that drew widespread international condemnation. Gaza health authorities said there had been casualties and injuries as a result of the raid</p><p></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/al-shifa-hospital-raid-gaza-palestine-israel-idf-hamas-terrorist-activity-claims">Israel tells civilians to evacuate after taking control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/series/middle-east-crisis">Middle East crisis live</a></p></li></ul><p></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/mar/18/israel-raid-al-shifa-hospital-gaza-video">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T13:53:49Zurn:uuid:e6e176d0-190d-803d-af33-9c98df9cafcfPhotograph: Anadolu Agency/ReutersMiddle East crisis live: Gaza now an ‘open air graveyard’, says EU foreign policy chief, as UN report states famine is imminent<p>Israel using starvation as weapon of war, says Josep Borrell, as UN report warns 1.1 million face ‘catastrophic’ food supply conditions</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza war coverage</a></li></ul><p><strong>Oxfam has accused Israel of controlling “an unpredictable and chaotic regime of approval, scanning and inspection” of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip.</strong></p><p>In a new report, the NGO says “people living in Gaza will suffer mass death from disease and starvation far beyond the current 31,000 Palestinian war casualties unless Israel takes immediate steps to end its violations.”</p><p>The ICJ order should have shocked Israeli leaders to change course, but since then conditions in Gaza have actually worsened. The fact that other governments have not challenged Israel hard enough, but instead turned to less effective methods like airdrops and maritime corridors is a huge red flag, signalling that Israel continues to deny the full potential of better ways to deliver more aid.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T11:57:27Zurn:uuid:f2299462-68b1-44a2-77ce-f3e797ca1936Lili Bayer (now) and Martin Belam (earlier)Photograph: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis live: Gaza no longer ‘open air prison’, it has become ‘open air graveyard’, says EU foreign policy chief<p>Gaza is in ‘state of famine’ and Israel is using starvation as weapon of war, says Josep Borrell</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza war coverage</a></li></ul><p><strong>Oxfam has accused Israel of controlling “an unpredictable and chaotic regime of approval, scanning and inspection” of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip.</strong></p><p>In a new report, the NGO says “people living in Gaza will suffer mass death from disease and starvation far beyond the current 31,000 Palestinian war casualties unless Israel takes immediate steps to end its violations.”</p><p>The ICJ order should have shocked Israeli leaders to change course, but since then conditions in Gaza have actually worsened. The fact that other governments have not challenged Israel hard enough, but instead turned to less effective methods like airdrops and maritime corridors is a huge red flag, signalling that Israel continues to deny the full potential of better ways to deliver more aid.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T11:33:40Zurn:uuid:c4922d8f-65d7-6433-21fb-93e32d23f15bMartin BelamPhotograph: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty ImagesIsrael is provoking famine in Gaza, says EU foreign policy chief – video<p>Josep Borrell has accused Israel of creating a famine and using starvation as a weapon of war. 'In Gaza we are no longer on the brink of famine, we are in a state of famine, affecting thousands of people,' the EU's top diplomat told a Brussels conference on humanitarian aid for the Palestinian territory.</p><p></p><p>A number of countries have airdropped food into northern Gaza, where the threat of starvation is most severe. However, aid organisations say these deliveries cannot be a substitute for the mass shipments of assistance that Gaza’s 2.3 million population needs, something that would be possible if Israel opened more border crossings.</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates#top-of-blog">Middle East crisis - live updates</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/mar/18/israel-provoking-famine-gaza-says-eu-foreign-policy-chief-josep-borrellv-ideo">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T10:59:13Zurn:uuid:628e461a-7347-ece6-9d29-cd6e057c1a1ePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesIsrael tells civilians to evacuate after taking control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City<p>Casualties reported after raids on complex, where hundreds are reportedly sheltering and IDF claims is being used by Hamas</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Middle East crisis – live updates</a></li></ul><p>Israeli forces are in control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, after an overnight raid on the medical complex, and have told thousands living nearby to evacuate towards the south of the Palestinian territory.</p><p>Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, said early on Monday that troops were “conducting a high-precision operation in limited areas of Shifa hospital based on … intelligence information indicating the use of the hospital by senior Hamas terrorists to command attacks”.</p><p>Guardian Newsroom: The unfolding crisis in the Middle East. On Tuesday 30 April, 7pm to 8.15pm GMT, join Devika Bhat, Peter Beaumont, Emma Graham-Harrison and Ghaith Abdul-Ahad as they discuss the fast-developing crisis in the Middle East. Book tickets<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events/2024/feb/16/guardian-newsroom-the-unfolding-crisis-in-the-middle-east"> here</a> or at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events">theguardian.live</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/al-shifa-hospital-raid-gaza-palestine-israel-idf-hamas-terrorist-activity-claims">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T10:22:39Zurn:uuid:bd528565-23fa-b258-4813-06995a313182Jason Burke in Jerusalem and Helen LivingstonePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis live: ‘Israel is provoking famine’ in Gaza, says EU foreign policy chief<p>'Gaza is in ‘state of famine’ and Israel is using starvation as weapon of war, says Josep Borrell</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza war coverage</a></li></ul><p><strong>Oxfam has accused Israel of controlling “an unpredictable and chaotic regime of approval, scanning and inspection” of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip.</strong></p><p>In a new report, the NGO says “people living in Gaza will suffer mass death from disease and starvation far beyond the current 31,000 Palestinian war casualties unless Israel takes immediate steps to end its violations.”</p><p>The ICJ order should have shocked Israeli leaders to change course, but since then conditions in Gaza have actually worsened. The fact that other governments have not challenged Israel hard enough, but instead turned to less effective methods like airdrops and maritime corridors is a huge red flag, signalling that Israel continues to deny the full potential of better ways to deliver more aid.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T10:00:30Zurn:uuid:8e253894-44bf-5ede-2f7f-a22c9bd4c4faMartin BelamPhotograph: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis live: Israeli army launches operation around Gaza’s largest hospital<p>Israeli military claims it is carrying out a ‘high-precision’ operation at al-Shifa hospital; Palestinian health authorities say people are trapped inside</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza war coverage</a></li></ul><p>Reuters has spoken to a witness of events at the <strong>al-Shifa hospital</strong> complex via a chat app. It reports:</p><p>“Suddenly, we started to hear sounds of explosions, several bombings, and soon tanks started to roll, they came from the western road and headed toward Al Shifa, then sounds of gunfire and explosions increased,” Mohammad Ali, 32, who lives around one kilometre from the hospital, told Reuters via a chat app.</p><p>“We don’t know what is happening, but it looked as if it was a re-invasion of the Gaza City,” he added, saying that the military activities began at about 1am.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T08:13:17Zurn:uuid:2906db89-6cb0-91b2-f8a8-a46aac5670c9Martin BelamPhotograph: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty ImagesCasualties reported after Israeli army raids al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City<p>IDF claims medical complex, where hundreds are reportedly sheltering, is being used by Hamas, as health ministry reports deaths and injuries</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/18/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-palestine-al-shifa-live-updates">Middle East crisis – live updates</a></li></ul><p>Israeli forces have taken control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, following a major overnight raid on the medical complex.</p><p>Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, said early on Monday that troops were “conducting a high-precision operation in limited areas of Shifa hospital based on … intelligence information indicating the use of the hospital by senior Hamas terrorists to command attacks”.</p><p>Guardian Newsroom: The unfolding crisis in the Middle East. On Tuesday 30 April, 7-8.15pm GMT, join Devika Bhat, Peter Beaumont, Emma Graham-Harrison and Ghaith Abdul-Ahad as they discuss the fast-developing crisis in the Middle East. Book tickets<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events/2024/feb/16/guardian-newsroom-the-unfolding-crisis-in-the-middle-east"> here</a> or at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events">theguardian.live</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/al-shifa-hospital-raid-gaza-palestine-israel-idf-hamas-terrorist-activity-claims">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T07:49:52Zurn:uuid:e42deb30-caf3-c1f7-f5f2-96e2f5acfa4dJason Burke in Jerusalem and Helen LivingstonePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesCasualties reported after Israel army raids al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City<p>IDF claims medical complex, where hundreds are reportedly sheltering, is being used by Hamas, as health ministry reports deaths and injuries</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza coverage</a></li></ul><p>Israeli forces have taken control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, following a major overnight raid on the medical complex.</p><p>Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, said early on Monday that troops were “conducting a high-precision operation in limited areas of Shifa hospital based on … intelligence information indicating the use of the hospital by senior Hamas terrorists to command attacks”.</p><p>Guardian Newsroom: The unfolding crisis in the Middle East. On Tuesday 30 April, 7-8.15pm GMT, join Devika Bhat, Peter Beaumont, Emma Graham-Harrison and Ghaith Abdul-Ahad as they discuss the fast-developing crisis in the Middle East. Book tickets<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events/2024/feb/16/guardian-newsroom-the-unfolding-crisis-in-the-middle-east"> here</a> or at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events">theguardian.live</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/al-shifa-hospital-raid-gaza-palestine-israel-idf-hamas-terrorist-activity-claims">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T07:35:43Zurn:uuid:474398d3-4e1f-f6c6-885d-77a59d7d1bdfJason Burke in Jerusalem and Helen LivingstonePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesIsrael raids Gaza’s largest hospitalThousands of people have taken refuge in al-Shifa medical complex2024-03-18T07:19:22Zurn:uuid:d463d9a1-60a1-730a-290e-cab21e8fc24eIsrael raids Gaza’s biggest hospitalThousands of people have taken refuge in al-Shifa medical complex2024-03-18T07:19:22Zurn:uuid:c8456efe-f4e2-61cc-42db-494419d7439dNetanyahu’s American crisisOther Israeli leaders have clashed with the White House. None has been as brazen2024-03-18T05:00:42Zurn:uuid:f42e0815-4cd7-7257-d36c-76ddff7691eaIt’s central bank week! The headline acts will be the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England2024-03-18T05:00:17Zurn:uuid:35217179-d995-4fec-518a-172bdb2dc8ccIsrael army launches raid on al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City<p>IDF claims medical complex, where hundreds are reportedly sheltering, is being used for ‘terrorist activity’, while Hamas accuses military of war crime </p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">See all our Israel-Gaza coverage</a></li></ul><p>Israeli forces have launched a raid at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, a military spokesperson has said, with reports of heavy gunfire from the complex.</p><p>Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said early on Monday that troops were “conducting a high-precision operation in limited areas of Shifa hospital”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/al-shifa-hospital-raid-gaza-palestine-israel-idf-hamas-terrorist-activity-claims">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T03:58:01Zurn:uuid:9dd3d62b-a823-2761-b7ad-2e2928a4f177Helen LivingstonePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesNetanyahu rejects international pressure over planned assault on Rafah – video<p>Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that international calls for new elections in Israel aimed to 'stop the war, and paralyze the country' and vowed Israel 'will act in Rafah' adding that 'it will take a few weeks'. 'To our friends in the international community I say: 'Is your memory so short? So quickly did you forget October 7, the most terrible massacre committed against Jews since the Holocaust?'.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/mar/18/netanyahu-rejects-international-pressure-over-planned-assault-on-rafah-video">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-18T02:47:54Zurn:uuid:8b326bfe-5df4-6127-7c0a-a9b331edafd3Guardian StaffPhotograph: Israel government press office via APNetanyahu vows to press ahead with assault on Rafah<p>PM acknowledges international pressure is increasing but says it will not stop Israel achieving its goals</p><p>Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with sending Israeli troops into Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, rejecting deep international concerns over the risks to more than a million Palestinians who have sought shelter there.</p><p>Netanyahu said no amount of international pressure would stop Israel from realising all of its war aims.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/17/benjamin-netanyahu-troops-rafah-israel-gaza">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-17T17:46:38Zurn:uuid:fe15dfeb-084e-41fe-6a90-41cb74bec48fJason Burke in JerusalemPhotograph: Ariel Schalit/APMiddle East crisis live: Palestinian foreign ministry accuses Israeli government of ‘blind revenge’<p>Comments come after Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israeli military would go ahead with plans for operations in Rafah</p><p>The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Israeli forces released <strong>Tamer Fouad Salim Al-Qarm</strong>, a PRCS volunteer, yesterday after a “36-day detention during the occupation’s raid on al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis”.</p><p>The PRCS added in its post on X that Israeli troops continue to detain 13 PRCS members and volunteers, “whose fate remains unknown to this moment”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/17/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-strikes-syria-military-gaza-latest">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-17T15:55:41Zurn:uuid:740ae8f1-3ab7-a63e-1590-d9b2571757d4Yohannes LowePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis: Palestinian foreign ministry accuses Israeli government of ‘blind revenge’ – as it happened<p>Comments come after Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israeli military would go ahead with plans for operations in Rafah</p><p>The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Israeli forces released <strong>Tamer Fouad Salim Al-Qarm</strong>, a PRCS volunteer, yesterday after a “36-day detention during the occupation’s raid on al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis”.</p><p>The PRCS added in its post on X that Israeli troops continue to detain 13 PRCS members and volunteers, “whose fate remains unknown to this moment”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/17/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-strikes-syria-military-gaza-latest">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-17T15:55:41Zurn:uuid:efc4d68e-ebec-c8cf-323b-13ba68a367d5Yohannes LowePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis live: Israeli assault on Rafah would make regional peace ‘very difficult’, says German leader<p>Chancellor Olaf Scholz says it is ‘very clear we must do everything so the situation does not get worse than it already is’</p><p>The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Israeli forces released <strong>Tamer Fouad Salim Al-Qarm</strong>, a PRCS volunteer, yesterday after a “36-day detention during the occupation’s raid on al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis”.</p><p>The PRCS added in its post on X that Israeli troops continue to detain 13 PRCS members and volunteers, “whose fate remains unknown to this moment”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/17/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-strikes-syria-military-gaza-latest">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-17T15:14:42Zurn:uuid:6e65c8e4-bde9-8271-7686-44f332542b1fYohannes LowePhotograph: AFP/Getty Images‘I can’t drink my coffee and see the Hezbollah flag’: calls for a wider war on Israel’s border<p>Israelis evacuated from northern border region say militants must be pushed back – even at risk of more fighting</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/17/what-is-hezbollahs-role-and-influence-in-lebanon">What is Hezbollah’s role and influence in Lebanon?</a></li></ul><p>Omer Shita does not want another war, but thinks Israel may need one if his family are ever going to return to their home on the country’s northern border.</p><p>He has put his life on hold – living miles from his wife and children, working part-time from a laptop – so he can patrol the empty streets of their kibbutz, set in green hills with sweeping views of the first villages inside Lebanon.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/17/calls-wider-war-israel-border-hezbollah">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-17T15:07:33Zurn:uuid:e8bd16af-4823-ce32-ee3e-b39a4d193ea2Emma Graham-Harrison and Quique Kierszenbaum in Kibbutz SnirPhotograph: Quique Kierszenbaum/The GuardianNetanyahu defies western allies over Gaza strategyCritics are seeking to orchestrate elections that would ‘paralyse’ Israel and lead to its defeat, says prime minister2024-03-17T14:43:39Zurn:uuid:65120ac2-3117-8bd1-6062-640ab256ddbcNetanyahu lashes out at western allies over Gaza strategy‘Have you so quickly lost your moral consciences?’ asks prime minister2024-03-17T14:43:39Zurn:uuid:2bc20a1e-fec8-0641-6577-56bfb1e66fd4Middle East crisis live: Israel will push on with its Gaza offensive into Rafah, says Netanyahu<p>Israeli prime minister accuses allies of ‘forgetting October 7’ and says army is preparing for more operations against Hamas</p><p>The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Israeli forces released <strong>Tamer Fouad Salim Al-Qarm</strong>, a PRCS volunteer, yesterday after a “36-day detention during the occupation’s raid on al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis”.</p><p>The PRCS added in its post on X that Israeli troops continue to detain 13 PRCS members and volunteers, “whose fate remains unknown to this moment”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/17/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-strikes-syria-military-gaza-latest">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-17T12:03:27Zurn:uuid:91d3a51b-4c61-2dd7-d163-240c9c7c90d0Yohannes LowePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis live: Israeli strikes hit multiple sites in Syria, wounding a soldier, says Syrian military<p>Syria’s state news agency reports airstrikes coming from Golan Heights led to ‘material losses’ and wounding of a soldier</p><p>The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Israeli forces released <strong>Tamer Fouad Salim Al-Qarm</strong>, a PRCS volunteer, yesterday after a “36-day detention during the occupation’s raid on al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis”.</p><p>The PRCS added in its post on X that Israeli troops continue to detain 13 PRCS members and volunteers, “whose fate remains unknown to this moment”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/17/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-strikes-syria-military-gaza-latest">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-17T11:21:31Zurn:uuid:5c2169b4-dc55-a452-c9c4-98d648f6193fYohannes LowePhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesIndian Navy frees ship hijacked by Somali pirates Gang that seized bulk carrier in December forced to surrender after operation in Indian Ocean 2024-03-17T06:27:47Zurn:uuid:f8d6dacc-6a42-5557-6669-f3f0ed540bc2Qatar’s ties to US universities scrutinised amid rise in antisemitismCongressional panel whose hearings prompted resignation of Harvard president turns gaze on Doha 2024-03-17T05:00:58Zurn:uuid:b90d9698-dab4-d9cf-6e1d-e1dc6c45ab92Middle East crisis: ceasefire talks ‘expected to resume on Sunday’ – as it happened<p>Source tells Reuters that discussions would cover issues including prisoner-hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid</p><ul><li>See all our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Gaza war coverage here</a></li></ul><p>Record numbers of <strong>Palestinian</strong> detainees are filling <strong>Israeli</strong> prisons where they face “systemic abuse” and torture, rights advocates warned, calling for international action, reports AFP.</p><p>Members of several Israeli NGOs travelled to <strong>Geneva</strong> this week to raise concerns before the <strong>UN</strong> about a major “crisis” inside the country’s prisons.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/16/middle-east-crisis-live-aid-ship-unloads-food-in-gaza">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-16T16:54:41Zurn:uuid:f528a137-97d0-fa05-d9da-ee928221bd3cAmy SedghiPhotograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesGaza ceasefire hopes rise after Hamas abandons key demands<p>Israeli negotiators are heading to Qatar after the group dropped calls for a permanent end to hostilities and agreed a 40-day pause</p><p>Israeli negotiators are expected to arrive in Qatar on Sunday amid intense new efforts to bring the war in Gaza to at least a temporary halt, after Hamas abandoned key ceasefire demands last week following a series of setbacks.</p><p>In recent days, the militant organisation has been disappointed by the failure of its calls for a wave of protest during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, angered by the appointment without consultation of a new prime minister by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and suffered the possible death of a key military commander in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/16/gaza-ceasefire-hopes-rise-after-hamas-abandons-key-demands">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-16T16:46:33Zurn:uuid:1e88040b-ffcc-2370-3f59-51d6efce0ec6Jason Burke in JerusalemPhotograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesMiddle East crisis live: ceasefire talks ‘expected to resume on Sunday’<p>Source tells Reuters that discussions would cover issues including prisoner-hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid</p><ul><li>See all our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Gaza war coverage here</a></li></ul><p>Record numbers of <strong>Palestinian</strong> detainees are filling <strong>Israeli</strong> prisons where they face “systemic abuse” and torture, rights advocates warned, calling for international action, reports AFP.</p><p>Members of several Israeli NGOs travelled to <strong>Geneva</strong> this week to raise concerns before the <strong>UN</strong> about a major “crisis” inside the country’s prisons.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/16/middle-east-crisis-live-aid-ship-unloads-food-in-gaza">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-16T16:20:01Zurn:uuid:941ca3e3-55d3-58b1-6435-37befedeb349Amy SedghiPhotograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesTop senator calls on Biden to ‘use all levers’ to pressure Israel over Gaza<p>Democrat Chris Van Hollen says Biden must cease giving arms to Israel until it lifts restrictions on aid and does more to protect lives</p><p>Joe Biden should use his leverage and the law to pressure Israel to change how it is prosecuting the war in Gaza, the Democratic senator Chris Van Hollen said.</p><p>Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, is among a group of senators urging Biden to stop providing Israel with offensive weapons until it lifts restrictions on the delivery of food and medicine into Gaza, where <a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-malnutrition-famine-children-dying-israel-palestinians-2f938b1a82d7822c7da67cc162da1a37">children are now dying of hunger</a> and famine looms.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/16/biden-senator-chris-van-hollen-israel-gaza-aid">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-16T14:42:05Zurn:uuid:de15e5fd-7804-3fb4-49a3-dc055f21deabLauren Gambino in WashingtonPhotograph: Haitham Imad/EPAMiddle East crisis live: charity says ‘all cargo’ offloaded from Gaza aid ship<p>World Central Kitchen says 200 tonnes of food is ready for distribution as aid agency warns third of infants in northern Gaza are acutely malnourished</p><ul><li>See all our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Gaza war coverage here</a></li></ul><p>Record numbers of <strong>Palestinian</strong> detainees are filling <strong>Israeli</strong> prisons where they face “systemic abuse” and torture, rights advocates warned, calling for international action, reports AFP.</p><p>Members of several Israeli NGOs travelled to <strong>Geneva</strong> this week to raise concerns before the <strong>UN</strong> about a major “crisis” inside the country’s prisons.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/16/middle-east-crisis-live-aid-ship-unloads-food-in-gaza">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-16T13:07:20Zurn:uuid:83e4bde9-9835-a8dc-f0aa-2338306b47fdAmy SedghiPhotograph: Israel Defense Forces/ReutersMigrants and strongmen: the EU’s north Africa headacheEuropean leaders are desperate to curb irregular arrivals but risk replicating their pre-Arab Spring policies2024-03-16T11:00:46Zurn:uuid:bb815055-2c9d-3f33-0808-277a80d9560aMiddle East crisis live: aid ship unloads food in Gaza<p>Israeli troops ‘secure’ jetty after ship arrives via new maritime corridor from Cyprus </p><ul><li>See all our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Gaza war coverage here</a></li></ul><p>A <strong>US</strong> charity said on Saturday that its team in the war-ravaged <strong>Gaza Strip</strong> had finished unloading the first maritime aid shipment to reach the besieged territory, reports AFP.</p><p>“All cargo was offloaded and is being readied for distribution in Gaza,” <strong>World Central Kitchen (WCK)</strong> said in a statement, noting that the aid was “almost 200 tonnes of food”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/16/middle-east-crisis-live-aid-ship-unloads-food-in-gaza">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-16T09:16:08Zurn:uuid:866ea06a-d59f-e232-608f-4fb94dc589b3Amy SedghiPhotograph: Israel Defense Forces/Reuters‘Everyone has friends in jail’: how Palestinian prisoners became central to Gaza ceasefire talks<p>Hamas seeks scaled-back release it can portray as victory as Israeli government weighs conflicting pressures over hostages</p><p>In a cafe on a dusty roundabout in the small West Bank town of Silwad, men sit and play cards, one eye on the large TV screen showing the latest news from Gaza. When there is any mention of a possible ceasefire deal – and so the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails – there is silence.</p><p>“Nobody tell us anything officially. We see on the news about a deal. So we just know that my brother might be released,” said Akhram Hammad, a 45-year-old blacksmith whose sibling Tayyer is serving multiple life sentences for <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/2004-10-06/ty-article/sniper-who-killed-10-israelis-arrested/0000017f-e565-d97e-a37f-f765c5820000">shooting dead seven Israeli soldiers and three civilians</a> at a checkpoint not far from Silwad in 2002. “It would be really good and everybody would be really happy; otherwise, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/16/palestinian-prisoners-gaza-ceasefire-talks-israel-hostages">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-16T05:00:04Zurn:uuid:5278435c-3dd7-c0e3-65a5-195ad26ab4bfJason Burke in Silwad and Sufian TahaPhotograph: Alaa Badarneh/EPATelecoms groups reroute Red Sea internet traffic after Houthi attacksCompanies act after reports that submarine cables were cut by an anchor from a sunken ship2024-03-16T00:01:11Zurn:uuid:c286ad3a-c3fa-5712-aebf-42edcb062763The week around the world in 20 pictures<p>The continuing war between Israel and Hamas, voting in Russia’s presidential election, the start of Ramadan and Ariana Grande at the Oscars: the last seven days, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_twenty_photos_/">as captured by the world’s leading photojournalists</a>.</p><p><strong><em>Warning: this gallery contains images that some readers may find distressing</em></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2024/mar/15/the-week-around-the-world-in-20-pictures">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-15T22:19:19Zurn:uuid:cfc0ed31-97bb-015e-28ae-cdae05ee1a8aJim PowellPhotograph: Mahmoud Essa/APPEN America festival sees authors withdraw in protest over Israel-Gaza war<p>Group decries organization’s inadequate response to ‘genocide’ being committed against Palestinians in letter</p><p>More than a dozen prominent authors and literary figures have withdrawn from PEN America’s flagship World Voices Festival in protest of what they see as an inadequate response by the organization to the “genocide” being committed against Palestinians by Israel in Gaza.</p><p>The group of writers, which includes Naomi Klein, Michelle Alexander, Hisham Matar, Isabella Hammad and Zaina Arafat, sent a letter to PEN America asserting it had “betrayed the organization’s professed commitment to peace and equality for all, and to freedom and security for writers everywhere” by failing to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/pen-america-festival-authors-withdraw-israel-gaza-war-protest">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-15T21:56:54Zurn:uuid:667e3ed4-2e65-d0d3-4395-6429eb0e3ddaRichard LuscombePhotograph: Kevin Lamarque/ReutersAuthors withdraw from PEN America festival in protest over Israel-Gaza war<p>Group of more than a dozen writers decry organization’s inadequate response to ‘genocide’ being committed by Israel</p><p>More than a dozen prominent authors and literary figures have withdrawn from PEN America’s flagship World Voices Festival in protest of what they see as an inadequate response by the organization to the “genocide” being committed against Palestinians by Israel in Gaza.</p><p>The group of writers, which includes Naomi Klein, Michelle Alexander, Hisham Matar, Isabella Hammad and Zaina Arafat, sent a letter to PEN America asserting it had “betrayed the organization’s professed commitment to peace and equality for all, and to freedom and security for writers everywhere” by failing to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/pen-america-festival-authors-withdraw-israel-gaza-war-protest">Continue reading...</a>2024-03-15T21:56:54Zurn:uuid:724c3364-fad3-e67a-d014-ba5d83760328Richard LuscombePhotograph: Kevin Lamarque/ReutersBiden praises anti-Netanyahu speech amid deepening rift with Israeli PMUS president says call by most senior Democrat in the Senate for a new government reflects views of ‘many Americans’2024-03-15T20:42:17Zurn:uuid:96efbd5f-69a9-7a45-8136-c3a23857c4a8