JERUSALEM — Israel plans to build more than 3,300 new homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to a fatal Palestinian shooting attack, a senior Cabinet minister said. The decision drew an angry response from the U.S. at a time of growing tensions over the course of Israel’s war on Hamas in […]
Read MoreThe two-state solution for Israel and Palestine has hit another barrier. Here’s why
Israeli politicians supported Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of ‘unilateral’ recognition of a Palestinian state. The move represents yet another barrier for the historically challenging proposal of a two-state solution. Many believe that recognition of a Palestinian state would reward Hamas for the events of 7 October, experts say. Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of any “unilateral” recognition of […]
Read MoreUNICEF chief Catherine Russell says donors must feel comfortable before again committing aid to UNRWA, as Penny Wong speaks out
UNICEF’s executive director Catherine Russell says she understands the concerns of donor countries including Australia who have suspended aid to the UN’s refugee agency in Gaza, following allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. Australia was one of a group of countries that suspended aid to UNRWA after evidence was […]
Read MoreAussie rocker Aleksandr Uman and his band Bi-2 avoid deportation to Russia, but end up in Israel
In short: An Australian guitarist who co-founded one of the world’s most popular Russian-language bands has avoided deportation to Moscow after their anti-war stance raised the ire of the Kremlin. What’s next: The seven members of the group Bi-2 are instead in Israel, where guitarist Aleksandr Uman says they’re “free to keep moving forward”. […]
Read MoreChaos as Israeli forces storm hospital
JERUSALEM: Israeli forces raided the biggest functioning hospital in Gaza as footage showed chaos, shouting and gunfire in dark corridors filled with dust and smoke. Israel’s military called the raid on Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis ‘‘precise and limited’’ and said it was based on information that Hamas militants were hiding […]
Read MoreIsraeli president, Palestinian PM to attend conference
13 February 2024, Canberra Times / Australian Associated Press: Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh are among hundreds of high-ranking officials due to attend the Munich Security Conference this week, its chair Christoph Heusgen says.
Read MoreHostages Freed Amid Rafah Onslaught
13 February 2024, The Australian / AFP, by Mai Yaghi – Phil Hazlewood: Two Israeli hostages have been rescued in Rafah during a night-time operation carried out as airstrikes pummelled the southern Gaza city and ground troops prepared to move in.
Read MorePM warns Israel to listen to the world after latest strikes
13 February 2024, The Age / Reuters, AP, AAP, by Matthew Knott: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has demanded Israel heed the international community’s warnings to minimise civilian casualties in Gaza as new strikes killed dozens of people in the southern city of Rafah yesterday.
Read MoreUK places sanctions on Israeli settlers for ‘forcing’ Palestinians from their land
13 February 2024, The Guardian, by Peter Beaumont: The UK has imposed sanctions against four Israeli nationals, saying they were “extremist settlers” who had violently attacked Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The measures impose strict financial and travel restrictions on the four individuals, who Britain said were involved in “egregious abuses of human rights”.
Read MoreRarely if ever has Australia or the US said no to Israel. Now is the time
13 February 2024, The Guardian, by Peter George: If foreign policy is predicated on self-interest, then now’s the time for Australian political parties to set aside petty political point scoring and revert to a more mature approach to international affairs that we haven’t witnessed in 40 years or more.
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