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Israeli army destroys 1,000 truckloads of food and medicine for Gaza, report
Israeli army destroys 1,000 truckloads of food and medicine for Gaza, report

Egypt Independent

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • Egypt Independent

Israeli army destroys 1,000 truckloads of food and medicine for Gaza, report

The Israeli army has destroyed tens of thousands of relief supplies, including large quantities of food, intended for the residents of Gaza, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday citing Israeli military sources. The corporation indicated that the destroyed aid included 1,000 truckloads of food and medical supplies, stressing that the destruction of the humanitarian supplies was due to a defect in the aid distribution mechanism in Gaza. Joint statement by members of the US Congress emphasized the chaos and danger in delivering aid to Gaza Strip has led to the deaths of approximately 700 people, noting that the humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling and unacceptable. The statement added that more than 100 non-governmental organizations have warned of widespread famine across Gaza Strip, stressing that up to 75 percent of Gaza's population is facing catastrophic levels of famine following the blockade imposed by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu. The statement continued: 'The aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is insufficient to meet the needs of the population, and the Trump administration ignored congressional consultations in granting GHF US$30 million.' 'The expansion of the Israeli military operation in Gaza has put humanitarian operations at risk, and the continuation of this war without a clear end is not in Israel's national security interest.' The statement noted that, 'the absence of a practical plan for the post-war period in Gaza was a grave mistake. We call on the Trump administration to pressure Netanyahu to undertake radical reforms or close the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. We also call on the Trump administration to pressure Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.'

What's happening in southern Syria – and why Israel is involved
What's happening in southern Syria – and why Israel is involved

Spectator

time16-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Spectator

What's happening in southern Syria – and why Israel is involved

Over the last 24 hours, southern Syria has seen a sharp escalation in violence involving Syrian government forces, local Druze militias, and Israeli airpower. The developments centre on the city of As-Suwayda and the surrounding region, home to much of Syria's Druze population, and have drawn renewed attention to the complex relationship between the Druze community, the Syrian regime, and Israel. The Syrian army has begun heavily shelling areas in and around As-Suwayda. Israeli aircraft launched strikes against regime positions in Suwayda and Daraa, and reportedly targeted a military convoy belonging to Abu Amsha, a Turkish-backed militia commander. Then, this morning, three Israeli drones entered Damascus airspace and struck the General Staff building in Umayyad Square – a move the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation described as a message to Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa. In response to the unfolding situation, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was granted permission to leave his court hearing early and returned to the Kirya for emergency consultations. By this morning, Israel had moved reinforcements to its northern border. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) reported that dozens of suspects attempted to infiltrate Israeli territory from Syria, specifically in the Khader area. In cooperation with the Border Police, Israeli forces worked to prevent infiltration and to disperse the gathering. At the same time, a number of Druze Israeli civilians crossed the border fence into Syrian territory near Majdal Shams. Some of them were reportedly attempting to reach the front lines near Suwayda on foot, approximately 40 miles away, in order to defend fellow Druze communities under attack. Some of the Druze who infiltrated Syria yesterday were found to have weapons. The IDF stated that it is working to safely return those individuals. It emphasised that this is a serious incident that constitutes a criminal offence and endangers both the public and IDF personnel. Israeli forces say they are continuing to monitor the situation and maintain readiness for a range of scenarios; Israeli media claimed that the airstrikes had helped Druze militias repel Syrian forces from parts of Suwayda. What explains this sudden surge in hostilities – and why is Israel involving itself? At the centre of the picture is the Druze minority. Numbering roughly one million across the region, the Druze are a religious community with roots in 11th-century Egypt and theological elements drawn from Islam, Greek philosophy, and other traditions. The religion is closed to converts, and Druze identity is passed on only by birth. A strong belief in reincarnation, strict community ethics, and a tradition of political pragmatism define Druze communal life. In Syria, the Druze have historically tried to remain apart from major power struggles. But since the outbreak of the civil war, they have found themselves increasingly vulnerable, particularly as jihadist factions, including remnants of Isis, reassert themselves in the south. Reports suggest that Druze communities in and around Suwayda had been under mounting pressure from both the Assad regime and Islamist groups. In late April, tensions escalated dramatically after a group of Syrian Druze were allowed to visit religious sites in Israel for a pilgrimage. Upon returning to Syria, they were accused by jihadist figures of being Israeli agents,. Clerics in several mosques reportedly called for jihad against the Druze. Since then, there have been reports of targeted attacks, executions, and armed assaults on Druze areas. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that more than 200 people have been killed in recent clashes; of those, 92 were Druze, including 21 civilians who were reportedly executed by government forces. A video circulated yesterday appearing to show Syrian soldiers forcibly shaving the moustaches of Druze men – a deliberate act of humiliation and disrespect. Such images have compounded the sense of crisis. The violence has been carried out by forces loyal to Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa, who lacks international credentials and is perceived by some as a jihadist figure, has quickly become a source of both moral and strategic concern for Israeli policymakers. While some argue the killings reflect decentralised militias acting independently, the broader implications for Israel's security posture and diplomatic strategy are clear. Israel's defence establishment has responded with both clarity and force. Following yesterday's strikes, defence minister Israel Katz warned al-Sharaa that 'the Syrian regime must leave the Druze in Sweida alone and withdraw its forces.' He added: 'Israel will not abandon the Druze in Syria and will enforce the disarmament policy we have decided upon. The IDF will continue to attack regime forces until their withdrawal from the area – and will soon raise the level of responses against the regime if the message is not understood.' This broader context may explain Israel's decision to intervene militarily. Although Israel has no formal relationship with the Druze across the border, it has a deep, enduring bond with its own Druze citizens – roughly 150,000 in number. These citizens are not just integrated but often serve at the very heart of Israeli society and national defence. Druze Israelis have long volunteered for the IDF, often serving in elite combat units, special forces, and leadership roles. Their loyalty and bravery have been recognised and respected across Israeli society. Many have paid the ultimate price, including during the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, when Druze fighters were among the first to mobilise and defend Israeli communities. That day, described by some as a national reckoning, also proved a moment of profound solidarity between the Jewish and Druze populations of Israel – reaffirming a relationship built on shared sacrifice and mutual respect. Speaking with me a few months ago, Khalifa Khalifa, a Druze Israeli journalist and former soldier, explained the sense of kinship many Druze feel with Jews in Israel and around the world. 'We are Arabs who love the Jewish people,' he said, describing how Druze identity has often brought the community into conflict with both Islamist and authoritarian regimes in the region. He explained how reincarnation beliefs, communal solidarity, and historical persecution have shaped Druze attitudes towards bravery, defence and belonging. This may help explain why Israel is taking a keen interest in the fate of the Druze in Syria. While humanitarian concern plays a role – Israel has allowed some wounded Druze Syrians into Israeli hospitals in the past – the logic is also strategic. Southern Syria is unstable, with multiple actors vying for control. Supporting local Druze forces may be a way for Israel to contain threats close to its border without deploying ground troops. Meanwhile, prospects for normalising relations between Israel and Syria have significantly worsened. A proposed non-aggression pact, which may have involved Israeli withdrawal from recently captured Syrian territory, now appears politically untenable. Public trust is essential for any such arrangement, yet the current atrocities have deeply undermined confidence in Syria's leadership. Inside Israel, there is growing discomfort with the idea of legitimising a regime associated with civilian executions and sectarian violence. This morning, Israel's Druze leadership issued a dramatic statement: 'We call on all members of the community to prepare by any means necessary to cross the border in order to assist our brothers being slaughtered in Syria.' The situation remains fluid. Turkey has raised its alert level but has not yet intervened. Syria has announced further reinforcements to the south. And within Israel, political leaders are monitoring developments closely. Whether this becomes a larger regional flashpoint or remains a limited conflict will depend on what happens next. For now, the events of the past day have put the Druze – and their unique position in the region's tangled politics – back in the spotlight.

Netanyahu's Trial Sessions Cancelled After Attending Secret Court Hearing - Jordan News
Netanyahu's Trial Sessions Cancelled After Attending Secret Court Hearing - Jordan News

Jordan News

time29-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Jordan News

Netanyahu's Trial Sessions Cancelled After Attending Secret Court Hearing - Jordan News

Netanyahu's Trial Sessions Cancelled After Attending Secret Court Hearing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on Sunday at the Jerusalem District Court to attend a closed-door session, following the rejection of his request to avoid giving testimony, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. اضافة اعلان The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that the head of military intelligence gave a classified briefing to the judges at the request of Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (not Yisrael Katz as sometimes misreported). Shortly afterward, Channel 12 confirmed that the trial sessions against Netanyahu have been suspended, following his appearance at the secret court meeting. Netanyahu had been attending trial hearings twice a week over corruption charges, but the sessions had already been paused due to the recent war with Iran, which began on June 13 and lasted 12 days. The developments signal further delays in a case that has already stretched for years, raising concerns about judicial transparency and the influence of national security matters on legal proceedings.

Iran hits Israel following US airstrikes on nuclear facilities
Iran hits Israel following US airstrikes on nuclear facilities

Shafaq News

time22-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Shafaq News

Iran hits Israel following US airstrikes on nuclear facilities

Shafaq News/ Iran launched a barrage of rockets toward Israel late Saturday, hours after the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Maariv reported that a 'heavy salvo' of around 40 missiles was fired from Iran. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported direct impacts in the cities of Ness Ziona, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, and the Carmel area in Haifa. Israel's Home Front Command stated that air raid sirens were activated in 400 localities, stretching from Haifa in the north to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea region. Debris and missile fragments reportedly landed in at least ten locations across the Carmel mountain area, the northern coastal plain, and the greater Tel Aviv area.

Israel under Iranian fire: third wave within a day
Israel under Iranian fire: third wave within a day

Shafaq News

time16-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Shafaq News

Israel under Iranian fire: third wave within a day

Shafaq News/ Iran launched a fresh wave of missile strikes against Israel on Monday evening, marking the third such barrage within 24 hours. According to Iranian state television, the latest operation involved joint drone and missile attacks targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa—two of Israel's most densely populated cities. The strikes came amid continued warnings from Iranian officials of a widening military campaign in response to Israel's earlier offensive. In anticipation of further attacks, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation announced a plan to deploy dozens of fortified shelters across urban centers in the Gush Dan region, including central Tel Aviv to shield civilians from ongoing missile threats. On the Iranian side, authorities reported the activation of air defense systems across multiple provinces, citing what they described as 'coordinated threats.' Iranian media confirmed that defensive units were deployed in West Azerbaijan's Oshnavieh and in the southwestern province of Bushehr, where Iranian forces claimed to have intercepted an attack targeting the South Pars gas field, a critical energy installation. In East Azerbaijan, Iranian outlets claimed that a 15-Khordad air defense battery successfully downed an Israeli F-35 fighter jet over the city of Tabriz. No independent verification has been provided. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an urgent warning to residents of Bnei Brak, a suburb of Tel Aviv, urging them to evacuate immediately. The warning was widely viewed as a direct response to earlier Israeli calls for civilians to leave Tehran, following a series of airstrikes on strategic Iranian targets. The Israeli military, for its part, confirmed it had intercepted several Iranian drones, reporting no casualties or material damage as of Monday evening. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei posted on X, 'Victory from Allah and an imminent conquest'—a Quranic verse widely interpreted as a declaration of unwavering confidence in Iran's path and the inevitability of its victory in the ongoing conflict.

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