Gaza burns and we are all complicit
| We watch, in real time, the continuous bombardment of Gaza - the starvation of men, women, and children; the targeting of medical personnel, journalists, and people queuing up for food.
South Africa filed an action in the International Criminal Court (ICC) alleging acts of genocide by Israel. The ICC ruled rather ambiguously that Palestinians in Gaza had 'plausible rights to protection from genocide.' There is controversy as to what this exactly means.
The ICC has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and also some Hamas officials, for war crimes.
Scores of countries and international organisations have said that Israeli actions in Gaza could be considered genocidal or border on genocide.
We know that the objective of the Israeli government is...
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The Sun
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- The Sun
Israel to partially reopen Gaza private goods trade amid aid crisis
JERUSALEM: Israel will partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid, the defence ministry's civil affairs agency COGAT announced on Tuesday. The move follows months of blockade and conflict with Hamas, which has left Gaza in dire need of basic supplies. 'As part of formulating the mechanism, a limited number of local merchants were approved by the defence establishment, subject to several criteria and strict security screening,' COGAT said. Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza in March but partially lifted restrictions in May to allow a US-backed private agency to distribute food. Despite resumed aid convoys and airdrops by Arab and European nations, UN experts warn famine is spreading in the war-torn enclave. The new trade mechanism will permit food staples, fruit, vegetables, baby formula, and hygiene products. Deliveries will undergo military inspections to prevent Hamas involvement, with payments made via monitored bank transfers. COGAT reported over 300 aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday, more than recent days, though Hamas disputed the figures, claiming only 95 trucks arrived, many looted amid alleged Israeli-instigated chaos. The UN estimates 500-600 daily truckloads are needed to sustain Gaza's population. - AFP
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Israel considers full Gaza takeover as ceasefire talks collapse
JERUSALEM/CAIRO: Israel's cabinet is reportedly considering a full military takeover of Gaza, reversing its 2005 withdrawal, as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas collapse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favours expanding the offensive to seize the entire enclave, according to Israeli Channel 12. A senior Israeli source confirmed that increased military action is being weighed after indirect talks with Hamas failed. The move would mark a dramatic shift from Israel's 2005 disengagement, which right-wing factions blame for Hamas's rise to power. The potential full-scale occupation raises questions over whether Israel intends a prolonged presence or a short-term operation to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages. The current coalition government, among Israel's most right-wing, includes parties advocating annexation of Gaza and the West Bank. However, the military has resisted long-term governance plans, citing manpower strains from prolonged mobilisation. The war, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, has devastated Gaza, with Palestinian authorities reporting over 60,000 dead and widespread famine. International pressure for a ceasefire is mounting, with several European nations threatening to recognise Palestinian statehood next month if hostilities continue. Inside Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least 13 Palestinians on Tuesday, including aid seekers near Rafah. Israeli tanks advanced into central Gaza, though it remains unclear if this signals a broader offensive. Palestinians in remaining unoccupied areas fear further displacement. 'Where would we go, into the sea? This is a death sentence,' said Abu Jehad, a Gaza resident. A Palestinian official close to negotiations suggested Israel's threats aim to pressure Hamas, but the group insists on a full withdrawal. Meanwhile, limited aid, including chocolates and biscuits, entered Gaza, with hopes for more essential supplies. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly working on an end-war plan, but Israeli officials also discuss annexation. Earlier ceasefire talks in Doha, proposing a 60-day truce and hostage exchange, collapsed. The military is expected to propose expanding operations into unentered Gaza zones. - Reuters
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Israel prepares new Gaza war plan amid hostage crisis
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to unveil an updated military strategy for Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages. Reports suggest the plan includes a full reoccupation of the Palestinian territory, though officials have yet to confirm details. Netanyahu is expected to meet top security officials in Jerusalem to finalize the strategy. Meanwhile, Israel's diplomats are pushing for a UN Security Council session to highlight the hostage crisis, diverting attention from Gaza's worsening humanitarian crisis. 'Netanyahu wants the Israeli army to conquer the entire Gaza Strip,' public broadcaster Kan reported, citing unnamed cabinet members. Private newspaper Maariv echoed the sentiment, declaring, 'The die is cast. We're en route for the total conquest of Gaza.' Hamas officials dismissed the threats, insisting they will not compromise on ceasefire negotiations. 'The ball is now in the hands of Israel and the Americans,' senior Hamas official Husam Badran told Al Jazeera. The conflict, triggered by Hamas' October 2023 attacks, has left over 60,933 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza's health ministry. Aid agencies warn of famine among Gaza's 2.4 million residents, while Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from hostage families demanding a truce. Internationally, European nations are moving toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, despite opposition from Israel and the US. Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies, however, see the war as an opportunity to tighten control over Gaza and the West Bank. Israel's COGAT agency announced a partial reopening of private-sector trade with Gaza to ease reliance on aid convoys. Approved goods include food staples and hygiene products, subject to strict security checks to prevent Hamas involvement. Netanyahu reiterated Israel's war goals: 'the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages, and the promise that Gaza will no longer pose a threat.' Meanwhile, retired Israeli security officials urged US intervention to end the conflict, arguing military objectives have been met. - AFP
