The #US plan to build a #FloatingPort off the #GazaCoast is a bold move, reminiscent of the #MulberryHarbours built after D-day in #Normandy, but there are serious concerns that what relief it brings will be too little too late for #Palestinians facing #starvation.

‘Who is going to distribute it?’: the key flaw in US’s plan to build aid port in Gaza | #Israel-#Gaza war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/07/gaza-floating-port-aid-palestinians-impact

‘Who is going to distribute it?’: the key flaw in US’s plan to build aid port in Gaza

‘You need drivers, trucks and a distribution system that doesn’t exist,’ says president of Refugees International aid advocacy group

The Guardian
Middle East crisis live: Israel cannot use aid to Gaza as ‘bargaining chip’, Biden warns as he unveils plan for aid pier

In State of the Union address, US president tells Israeli leadership protecting civilians in Gaza ‘has to be a priority’

the Guardian
Middle East crisis: UN’s expert on torture investigating claims Palestinian detainees were mistreated in Israel – as it happened

UN special rapporteur on torture to carry out fact-finding investigation after receiving allegations detained Palestinians were mistreated

the Guardian

#Israel #IsraelGazaWar

#SigridKaag, the #UN senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for #Gaza, told reporters late on Thursday that air and sea deliveries cannot make up for a shortage of supply routes on land.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/08/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-israel-gaza-palestine-hamas-war-state-of-the-union-biden?page=with:block-65ead4658f087d93d3c5fa6e#block-65ead4658f087d93d3c5fa6e

Middle East crisis live: UK to work with US on Gaza maritime aid corridor after Biden unveils plan for aid pier

In State of the Union address, US president tells Israeli leadership protecting civilians in Gaza ‘has to be a priority’

the Guardian

#Israel #Gaza

Israeli war cabinet member #GadiEisenkot said #Hamas was under “very serious pressure” from mediators to make a “counter-offer”. “Then it will be possible to advance it and take a position,” he said.

A Hamas official told AFP that ceasefire negotiations were not over, on Friday
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/08/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-israel-gaza-palestine-hamas-war-state-of-the-union-biden?page=with%3Ablock-65eafb5f8f0839a0970b5d07#block-65eafb5f8f0839a0970b5d07

Middle East crisis live: UK to work with US on Gaza maritime aid corridor after Biden unveils plan for aid pier

In State of the Union address, US president tells Israeli leadership protecting civilians in Gaza ‘has to be a priority’

the Guardian

A #US charity said it was loading aid for #Gaza on to a boat in #Cyprus, which will be the first shipment to the war-ravaged territory along a maritime corridor the #EuropeanCommission hopes will open this weekend. #OpenArms #WorldCentralKitchen #Israel

Aid ship expected to leave Cyprus and head to Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/09/aid-ship-expected-to-leave-cyprus-and-head-to-gaza

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112060160184213825

Aid ship expected to leave Cyprus for Gaza faces logistical delays

Open Arms vessel, loaded with humanitarian supplies, is waiting for approval from Israel before leaving

The Guardian
Middle East crisis live: aid ship ‘set to sail from Cyprus to Gaza on new maritime corridor’

US charity preparing vessel with hopes it could leave for territory this weekend

the Guardian
Middle East crisis live: aid ship ‘set to sail from Cyprus to Gaza on new maritime corridor’

US charity preparing vessel with hopes it could leave for territory this weekend

the Guardian
Middle East crisis live: aid ship ‘set to sail from Cyprus to Gaza on new maritime corridor’

US charity preparing vessel with hopes it could leave for territory this weekend

the Guardian
Middle East crisis live: Aid ship loaded with 200 tons of food sets sail from Cyprus to Gaza; Houthis to escalate attacks during Ramadan

Charity ship sails from Larnaca port towing barge with flour, rice and protein; Houthis respond after US and UK strikes

the Guardian

US Central Command (#Centcom) said it carried out six strikes on Monday, claiming it destroyed an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles in #Houthi controlled areas.

Despite reprisals from the #US,# UK and other coalition partners, the Houthis have escalated their campaign of attacks on commercial vessels in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. #RedSea #Israel #Gaza

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/11/yemen-airstrikes-us-uk-coalition

Red Sea crisis: US-UK strikes on Yemen’s Houthis reportedly kill 11

Houthi spokesperson says the group will escalate its military operations during Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza

The Guardian

#Palestinians observe #Ramadan, the holiest month on the #IslamicValendar, in Rafah in the southern #GazaStrip on March 11, 2024. The month of fasting and prayer takes place this year amid a war between #Israel and #Hamas, with millions dislocated from their homes and food and other necessities in short supply. Ramadan runs through April 9.

Palestinians observe Ramadan in war-torn Gaza
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/palestinians-observe-ramadan-in-war-torn-gaza/ss-BB1jIh8u?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

A ship carrying aid is nearing #Gaza about 48 hours after it left #Cyprus, with further aid preparations being made aboard a second “much bigger” vessel. It came as the #EU foreign policy chief said starvation was being used as a weapon of war.

After the 240-mile voyage, the ship will dock at a jetty being built by the #WorldCentralKitchen (WCK), the organisation that will distribute the aid. #Israel #OpenArms

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/ship-carrying-aid-gaza-to-reach-shore-thursday-morning

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112081592377476681

Ship carrying aid nears Gaza as Cyprus puts second vessel on standby

Where Spanish-flagged vessel Open Arms will dock, and how supplies will be distributed, is still unclear

The Guardian

Straight to the Israeli public. And he's Jewish - they can't call him anti-Semitic can they?
----
In remarks from the #Senate floor, Schumer said he had a longstanding relationship with #Netanyahu but believed he “has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of #Israel”. #Gaza

Schumer calls Netanyahu obstacle to peace and urges new Israeli elections | #ChuckSchumer
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/14/chuck-schumer-israel-speech

Schumer faces backlash after calling for new Israeli elections to oust Netanyahu

Senate majority leader says Israeli prime minister has ‘lost his way’ and warns that country risks becoming ‘a pariah’

The Guardian
Israel’s war on Gaza live: US row flares after ‘unprecedented’ criticism

Highest-ranking Jewish politician in the US, Chuck Schumer, calls PM Netanyahu ‘a major obstacle to peace’.

Al Jazeera

The foreign minister, #PennyWong, announced the decision to unfreeze $6m in emergency funding for #UNRWA on Friday, as part of a broader package of support.

Wong also announced that #Australia would support airdrops by #Jordan and the #UnitedArabEmirates. #Israel

Australia reinstates funding to UNRWA to provide aid in #Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/15/unrwa-funding-australia-reinstates-gaza-aid-october-7-hamas-claims

Australia reinstates funding to Unrwa to provide aid in Gaza

Friday’s decision to ‘unpause’ $6m in funding to Unrwa follows similar moves by Canada and Sweden

The Guardian

Mustafa faces a huge task of management and diplomacy. Swathes of #Gaza are now rubble and most of its 2.3 million people have been displaced and need aid. In addition to overseeing billions in expected international aid, Mustafa will need both political buy-in from #Hamas and its supporters and cooperation from #Israel, which wants to eradicate Hamas.

Who is #MohammadMustafa, the new Palestinian PM?
https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/world/who-is-mohammad-mustafa-the-new-palestinian-pm/ar-BB1jUWin

MSN

This has got to *stop*. Innocent ship crewmen have already been maimed or killed by these attacks

Their #RedSea attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to take longer and more expensive journeys around southern #Africa, and stoked fears that the #Israel-#Hamas war could spread and destabilise the wider #MiddlEast. #RedSeaCrisis

Merchant vessel struck by missile west of #Yemen's al Hudaydah
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/merchant-vessel-struck-by-missile-west-of-yemen-s-al-hudaydah/ar-BB1jVxqE?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

#AFP video footage and photographs showed the Spanish aid vessel visible off #Gaza coast towing a barge which the Spanish charity (#WorldCentralKitchen) operating it says is carrying 200 tonnes of food for #Palestinians threatened with #famine after more than five months of war. #Israel

#MiddleEast crisis live: Spanish aid vessel visible off Gaza coast, say reports
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/15/middle-east-crisis-live-rows-over-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-proposal-israel?page=with:block-65f40c4e8f081c54654f35fe#block-65f40c4e8f081c54654f35fe

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112092971398837893

Middle East crisis live: Spanish aid vessel visible off Gaza coast, say reports

The Open Arms, towing barge with 200 tons of food for Palestinians threatened with famine, said to be five kilometres off Gaza coast

the Guardian

Why it matters: #Biden's backing of #Schumer's remarks is another sign of the growing divide between the president and #Netanyahu over the war in #Gaza, and will likely give backwind to other #Democrats to publicly criticize the Israeli government more forcefully. #Israel #Gaza #Netanyahu

Biden backs Schumer's criticism of Bibi
https://www.axios.com/2024/03/15/biden-schumer-israel-netanyahu-speech

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112095622476980515

Biden backs Schumer's criticism of Bibi

"I think he expressed serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans."

Axios

Images and videos have been coming through #WorldCentralKitchen offloading food aid to #Gaza on Thursday as part of WCK’s #OperationSafeena (boat in Arabic).

The WCK is expected to deliver 37 million meals to Gaza where about 2 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced by Israeli attacks across the narrow strip. #Israel

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/15/middle-east-crisis-live-rows-over-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-proposal-israel?page=with:block-65f4758e8f08d86e4257d894#block-65f4758e8f08d86e4257d894

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112099673978056555

Middle East crisis live: Gaza aid ship from Cyprus begins offloading food; US stresses need for Rafah plan that protects civilians

Aid ship expected to deliver 37m meals to Gaza where about 2 million Palestinians are displaced; Antony Blinken says US has seen no such plan

the Guardian

The chaos in the #RedSea due to the #Israel-#Gaza war has spread further.
-----
An Indian navy warship has intercepted the hijacked cargo ship #MVRuen and demanded the #SomaliPirates on board surrender, a navy spokesperson said on Saturday.

Until the Ruen was seized, there had been no successful hijacking of a merchant ship by Somali pirates since 2017. #India #Somalia #GulfOfAden

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/indian-navy-intercepts-somali-pirates-on-cargo-ship-ruen/ar-BB1k0iBD?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

Happy ending for this one. No one killed, thank god. #India #GulfofAden #IndianOcean #Somalia #SomaliPirates #Israel #Gaza

The #IndianNavy has freed the hijacked ship #MVRuen and detained 35 #pirates

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112105794300113403

Norobiik @[email protected] (@[email protected])

The chaos in the #RedSea due to the #Israel-#Gaza war has spread further. ----- An Indian navy warship has intercepted the hijacked cargo ship #MVRuen and demanded the #SomaliPirates on board surrender, a navy spokesperson said on Saturday. Until the Ruen was seized, there had been no successful hijacking of a merchant ship by Somali pirates since 2017. #India #Somalia #GulfOfAden https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/indian-navy-intercepts-somali-pirates-on-cargo-ship-ruen/ar-BB1k0iBD?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

Noc.Social

The #MVAbdullah, which had 23 crew members and was transporting coal, was on its way to the #UAE from #Mozambique when pirates in the #IndianOcean captured it on Tuesday.The MV's location changed on Thursday after it anchored approximately seven nautical miles off the coast of Garacad, #Somalia. #Bangladesh #GulfOfAden #Israel #Gaza #SomaliPirates

Anchored in hope: Govt promises swift action to save MV Abdullah, crew
https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/274169882/anchored-in-hope-govt-promises-swift-action-to-save-mv-abdullah-crew?utm_source=bignewsnetwork&utm_medium=referral

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112108377828088574

Anchored in hope: Govt promises swift action to save MV Abdullah, crew

The government is making every attempt to rescue both the hijacked Bangladesh-flagged MV Abdullah and its crew members

Big News Network.com

Sources close to #Hamas said its leaders now recognise that they need to show #Palestinians “a big victory” to avoid a popular backlash after the immense destruction and loss of lives in five months of war.

“They know now that they need to demonstrate that they are really on the side of the people,” said one source.

#GazaCeasefire hopes rise after Hamas abandons key demands | #Israel-#Gaza war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/16/gaza-ceasefire-hopes-rise-after-hamas-abandons-key-demands

Gaza ceasefire hopes rise after Hamas abandons key demands

Israeli negotiators are heading to Qatar after the group dropped calls for a permanent end to hostilities and agreed a 40-day pause

The Guardian

“It’s like we are stuck in 6 October, but with the pictures from 7 October in our mind,” Shita said. “We were naive, or maybe it was hubris … They took everything we thought about reality and shook it.” #Lebanon #Gaza

‘I can’t drink my coffee and see the #Hezbollah flag’: calls for a wider war on #Israel’s border
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/17/calls-wider-war-israel-border-hezbollah

‘I can’t drink my coffee and see the Hezbollah flag’: calls for a wider war on Israel’s border

Israelis evacuated from northern border region say militants must be pushed back – even at risk of more fighting

The Guardian

The nuances reflect the tightrope the #US is still trying to walk, seeking to claw back leadership on the issue at the #UN, while keeping pressure on #Hamas to agree a limited deal that would exchange 40 of the most vulnerable hostages for a six-week pause.

The US finally backs a ceasefire, but the nuances in its UN resolution show the tightrope it walks | #Israel-#Gaza war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/21/us-un-ceasefire-gaza

The US finally backs a ceasefire, but the nuances in its UN resolution show the tightrope it walks

Draft resolution loosens linkage between Gaza ceasefire and hostage release as US tries to claw back leadership on issue at UN

The Guardian

Representatives of the Yemeni #Houthi movement have engaged in discussions with Russian and Chinese diplomats to secure safe passage for their fleets through the #RedSea. The agreement entails that the #Houthis ensure their ships will not be targeted for attacks. #Israel #Gaza

Houthi rebels negotiate safe Red Sea passage with #Russia and #China
https://essanews.com/houthi-rebels-negotiate-safe-red-sea-passage-with-russia-and-china,7008404510406273a

Houthi rebels negotiate safe Red Sea passage with Russia and China

Representatives of the Yemeni Houthi movement have engaged in discussions with Russian and Chinese diplomats to secure …

essanews.com

#US Secretary of State #AntonyBlinken landed in #Israel Friday for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu, ahead of a #UNSecurityCouncil vote on a US draft resolution noting the need for an "immediate" #ceasefire that would allow in more aid.

Blinken in Israel ahead of #UN vote on #GazaCeasefire plan
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240322-blinken-heads-to-israel-to-press-for-immediate-truce-in-gaza-war

A #US effort to ramp up political pressure on #Israel by casting an international spotlight on its concerns failed Friday in the #UnitedNations #SecurityCouncil when #Russia, #China and #Algeria voted against it.

US-sponsored #UN resolution calling for immediate cease-fire in #Gaza fails
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-set-introduce-resolution-calling-immediate-cease-fire/story?id=108360065

Russia, China veto US resolution calling for immediate cease-fire in Gaza

The U.S. is scrambling to avoid a major clash with Israel over Rafah.

ABC News

#UN #SecurityCouncil passes resolution calling for #ceasefire in #Gaza after #US abstains. #Israel

For the first time the UN security council has voted for a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, after the US abstained, rather than using its veto as it has done on previous occasions. #Russia and #China have also previously vetoed texts.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/mar/25/israel-gaza-live-unrwa-aid-north-gaza-un-security-council-vote-ceasefire-middle-east-latest?page=with:block-66018d788f0806e0c1f1cce6#block-66018d788f0806e0c1f1cce6

Israel-Gaza war live: UN security council passes immediate ceasefire resolution; US ‘disappointed’ after Israel cancels visit

Netanyahu cancels high-level Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington after US abstains in UN security council vote

the Guardian
Israel-Gaza live: UN security council passes resolution calling for immediate ceasefire, as US abstains

Previous attempts to get resolution passed had faced multiple hurdles as US, China and Russia used their vetos

the Guardian
Israel-Gaza live: UN security council passes resolution calling for immediate ceasefire, as US abstains

Previous attempts to get resolution passed had faced multiple hurdles as US, China and Russia used their vetos

the Guardian

The #US abstained and the 14 other council members all voted in favour of the #SecurityCouncil #ceasefire resolution, put forward by the 10 elected council members who voiced their frustration with more than five months of deadlock between the major powers. Applause broke out in the chamber after the vote.

#Israel isolated as #UN security council demands immediate ceasefire in #Gaza | #UnitedNations
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/25/un-gaza-ceasefire-vote

Israel isolated as UN security council demands immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Israeli PM cancels White House visit by two ministers and says US ‘abandoned its policy in the UN’ after abstaining on vote

The Guardian

In the #Hebrew-language newspaper Ma’ariv, #BenCaspit described the approach of the Israeli prime minister as “delusional”, “madness” and “terrifying”, adding: “This man is putting us all at risk: our future, our children’s future, the strategic alliance that is the keystone of Israeli national security.” #Israel #Gaza

‘Madness’: #Netanyahu’s handling of #US relations under scrutiny after #UN vote
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/26/benjamin-netanyahu-handling-us-relations-un-israel-gaza-ceasefire-vote

‘Madness’: Netanyahu’s handling of US relations under scrutiny after UN vote

Tone in parts of Israeli media borders on contempt, as prime minister’s growing friction with Biden linked to US abstention

The Guardian

Announcing the move, Foreign Minister #MichealMartin said that while it was for the #WorldCourt to decide whether #genocide is being committed, he wanted to be clear that #Hamas' Oct. 7 attack and what is happening in #Gaza now "represents the blatant violation of international #HumanitarianLaw on a mass scale."

#Ireland to intervene in #SouthAfrica genocide case against #Israel
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ireland-to-intervene-in-south-africa-genocide-case-against-israel/ar-BB1kDyWr?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

#Corsight, a Tel Aviv-based company, built the tool to identify #Hamas members. But officers say it’s often inaccurate. #Israel #Gaza

#Israel quietly rolled out a mass #FacialRecognition program in the #GazaStrip
https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/27/24114043/israel-facial-recognition-gaza-strip-corsight

The Israeli military is using facial recognition in Gaza

Israeli intelligence officers are using Google Photos and a proprietary tool from Corsight to build a database of Palestinian faces.

The Verge

A panel of judges at the #UN’s top court, which is already considering a complaint from #SouthAfrica that #Israel is committing #genocide in the #Palestinian territory, issued the ruling after an emergency measure in January obliging Israel to admit emergency aid. Under international law, using starvation as a weapon of war is explicitly prohibited

#Famine is setting in’: UN court orders Israel to unblock Gaza food aid
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/28/famine-is-setting-in-icj-orders-israel-to-unblock-gaza-food-aid

‘Famine is setting in’: UN court orders Israel to unblock Gaza food aid

Judges issue unanimous decision and say Palestinians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance

The Guardian

#Lazzarini told Switzerland’s Keystone-ATS news agency on Tuesday that #UNRWA had secured funding until the end of May after previously warning the agency could be forced to halt operations in March. #Israel #Gaza

#Japan to resume funding to #UNRWA, following #Sweden, #Finland and #Canada
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/3/29/japan-to-resume-funding-to-unrwa-following-sweden-finland-and-canada

Japan to resume funding to UNRWA, following Sweden, Finland and Canada

Move comes after meeting between Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.

Al Jazeera

“If the families knew how small the gap is, which #Netanyahu is refusing to close in negotiations with #Hamas, they would explode,” said #AmosMalka, a former head of the #IsraelDefenseForces’ military intelligence directorate who was among the speakers at the rally in #TelAviv. “This is more evidence of his unsuitability to serve.”

Thousands of Israeli protesters call for Netanyahu’s removal | #Israel
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/31/israeli-protesters-call-benjamin-netanyahu-removal

Tens of thousands of Israeli protesters call for Netanyahu’s removal

Demonstrators join families of hostages in cities across country and vow to persist until he is ousted as PM

The Guardian

The investigation determined that a colonel had authorized the series of deadly #DroneStrikes on the convoy based on one major’s observation — from grainy drone-camera footage — that someone in the convoy was armed. That observation turned out to be untrue. #WorldCentralKitchen #Gaza

#MiddleEast crisis live: #Israel military sacks two senior officers over killing of aid workers and says strikes were ‘a tragedy’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/05/middle-east-crisis-live-us-welcomes-israeli-plan-to-reopen-erez-crossing-for-gaza-aid?page=with%3Ablock-660fd4c98f089f4ce52084a3#block-660fd4c98f089f4ce52084a3

Middle East crisis live: Israel military sacks two senior officers over killing of aid workers and says strikes were ‘a tragedy’

Three others also reprimanded for role in drone strikes in Gaza that killed seven aid workers as IDF says they mishandled critical information

the Guardian

“Let’s be very clear. This is tragic, but it is not an anomaly,” #ScottPaul, of the humanitarian group #Oxfam, “The killing of aid workers in #Gaza has been systemic.”

The killing of the #AidWorkers, all of whom worked for #WorldCentralKitchen, were condemned by #Israel’s closest allies and renewed criticism of Israel’s conduct in the nearly 6-month-old war with #Hamas.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/05/middle-east-crisis-live-us-welcomes-israeli-plan-to-reopen-erez-crossing-for-gaza-aid?page=with:block-660fd57e8f08fd57229db376#block-660fd57e8f08fd57229db376

Middle East crisis live: Israel military sacks two senior officers over killing of aid workers and says strikes were ‘a tragedy’

Three others also reprimanded for role in drone strikes in Gaza that killed seven aid workers as IDF says they mishandled critical information

the Guardian

#Iran warned of harsh retaliation, raising the spectre of a wider war and prompting the Israeli armed forces to suspend leave for all combat units on Thursday, a day after they said they were mobilising more troops for air defence units. #Israel #Gaza #Syria

Iran vows to punish Israel at funeral for officers killed in #EmbassyStrike
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iran-vows-to-punish-israel-at-funeral-for-officers-killed-in-embassy-strike/ar-BB1l7lPB?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

This year's #Eurovision istaking place in #Malmö, an international city with a young and diverse population (around a third of which was born outside #Sweden) and a strong #PalestinianCommunity- many of whom have been attending regular protests against the #Gaza invasion by #Israel.

‘We are not the arena to solve a #MiddleEast conflict’: Sweden braced for a politically charged Eurovision
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/apr/07/eurovision-sweden-middle-east-conflict-israel

‘We are not the arena to solve a Middle East conflict’: Sweden braced for a politically charged Eurovision

Israel’s inclusion in the lineup while war rages in Gaza may lead to the most controversial contest ever

The Guardian

Organisers said about 100,000 people converged at a #TelAviv crossroads and were later joined by families of #GazaHostages. #Israel

Tens of thousands of Israelis rally against #Netanyahu as #Gaza war reaches six month mark
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/tens-of-thousands-of-israelis-rally-against-netanyahu-as-gaza-war-reaches-six-month-mark

Tens of thousands of Israelis rally against Netanyahu as Gaza war reaches six month mark

Organisers said about 100,000 people converged at a Tel Aviv crossroads and were later joined by families of Gaza hostages

The Guardian
A senior Iranian official has warned that none of #Israel’s embassies were safe any more, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The warning comes after #Iran vowed revenge after an airstrike destroyed the Iranian consulate in #Damascus, killing at least 11 people last week. #Gaza #Syria
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/07/middle-east-crisis-live-four-israeli-soldiers-killed-in-khan-younis-as-gaza-war-reaches-six-month-mark?page=with%3Ablock-66127ab68f089f4ce5209824#block-66127ab68f089f4ce5209824
Middle East crisis live: Iranian official warns that none of Israel’s embassies are safe any more

Tehran views confrontation with Israel as ‘legitimate and legal right’, says senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader

the Guardian
Talks in #Cairo aimed at brokering a truce have made “significant progress”, with more negotiations expected in the coming days, Egyptian state-linked outlet Al-Qahera reported on Monday. Al-Qahera cited a high-ranking Egyptian source to report that the progress was made on “several contentious points of agreement”. #Israel #Hamas #Qatar #Egypt #Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/08/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-troops-southern-gaza-cairo-ceasefire-talks?page=with:block-661330838f089f4ce5209d4a#block-661330838f089f4ce5209d4a
Israel pulls troops out of southern Gaza; reports of progress in Cairo ceasefire talks – Middle East crisis live

Israeli defence minister says withdrawal part of preparations for attack on Rafah; Egyptian media reports progress in negotiations

the Guardian

Finally. Maybe the tragic and completely unnecessary deaths of 7 #WCK #AidWorkers will not have been in vain.
----
He promised to “streamline #SecurityChecks” that aid organisations have blamed for choking the flow of assistance to the territory’s more than 2 million people through six months of war. #Israel

“We plan to flood #Gaza with aid and we are expecting to reach 500 trucks per day,” Gallant told reporters in Tel Aviv.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/4/11/israels-war-on-gaza-live-hamas-says-netanyahu-hindering-ceasefire-chances?update=2829671

Israel’s war on Gaza live: Famine already occurring in north Gaza, says US

USAID’s Samantha Power agrees with UN-backed assessment, is first US official to publicly say famine happening in Gaza.

Al Jazeera

"Another refugee crisis from #Gaza into #Egypt, I can assure you... would make the resolution of the #Palestinian refugee question as a consequence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict impossible," Grandi told Reuters at #UNHCR headquarters in #Geneva. #Israel

UN refugee chief says outflow of Gazans into Egypt would make conflict resolution impossible
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/un-refugee-chief-says-outflow-of-gazans-into-egypt-would-make-conflict-resolution-impossible/ar-BB1lvYqG?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

Israeli newspaper #YediothAhronoth reported Thursday that #Indonesia had agreed to normalise its ties with #Israel. The media outlet said #Jakarta needed Israel to approve its request to join the #OECD.

The #TimesOfIsrael, confirmed the report, citing an Israeli official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity about Indonesia’s possible normalisation of ties with Israel. #Gaza #TootSEA

Indonesia denies reports about normalising ties with Israel to join the OECD
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-denies-reports-about-normalising-ties-with-israel-to-join-the-oecd

Indonesia denies reports about normalising ties with Israel to join the OECD

Indonesia has denied allegations that it will establish diplomatic ties with Israel to gain membership to the OECD. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits Times

#Israel has won battle after battle against #Hamas, but its central aims in #Gaza remain unfinished. WSJ’s #ShayndiRaice explains how Israel is on a path to lose the war.

Israel Faces the Prospect of Losing the War in Gaza | Watch
https://www.wsj.com/video/series/on-the-news/israel-faces-the-prospect-of-losing-the-war-in-gaza/99DF6C84-3C3F-41D0-8D96-FBDB8CB4E6ED

Israel Faces the Prospect of Losing the War in Gaza

Israel has won battle after battle against Hamas, but its central aims in Gaza remain unfinished. WSJ’s Shayndi Raice explains how Israel is on a path to lose the war. Photo: Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images

WSJ

Few members of the organisation’s top echelons have been harmed so far and much of its extensive #TunnelNetwork remains intact. However, the organisation’s ability to effectively #govern is much reduced, its #MilitaryStores are depleted, and thousands of #fighters are dead.

#Hamas weakened and divided but far from defeated six months into #GazaWar | #Israel #Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/13/hamas-six-months-gaza-war-israel

Hamas weakened and divided but far from defeated six months into Gaza war

Few of Hamas’s senior leaders have been harmed but its ability to govern is reduced and thousands of fighters are dead

The Guardian

If it's Sunday in your part of the world, this is probably the best time to pray for peace in the #MiddleEast. What happens next will affect us all
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Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on Jewish state threatens to drag #MiddleEast into regional conflagration.

#Israel under fire as #Iran launches #drones and #CruiseMissiles
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/13/israel-under-fire-as-iran-launches-extensive-drone-strikes

Iran launches hundreds of drones and cruise missiles at Israel in unprecedented attack

Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on Jewish state involved more than 300 drones and missiles, and raises the risk of a broader regional conflagration

The Guardian

A hastily assembled coalition including the #US and #UK has helped #Israel shoot down Iranian drones over #Jordan, #Iraq and #Syria in an effort to blunt the attack and prevent an uncontrollable escalation.

Jordanian jets had also downed dozens of Iranian drones flying across northern and central Jordan heading towards Israel.

US and UK forces help shoot down Iranian drones over Jordan, Syria and Iraq | #Israel
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/14/us-and-uk-forces-help-shoot-down-iranian-drones-over-jordan-syria-and-iraq

US and UK forces help shoot down Iranian drones over Jordan, Syria and Iraq

US defence official says action is part of ‘ironclad commitment to Israel’s security’, with UK’s Royal Air Force also involved in regional operations

The Guardian

#JoeBiden rushed back to Washington on Saturday afternoon from a weekend trip to Delaware as it became clear from Iranian leadership signals that some sort of an attack by Iran was imminent.

#Iran launches #drone and #MissileStrike against #Israel as #Biden rushes back to #WhiteHouse
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/13/biden-white-house-israel-iran-tension

Iran launches drone and missile strike against Israel as Biden rushes back to White House

US president convenes top advisers as US and Jordanian forces help Israel intercept barrage

The Guardian

Most of the #missiles launched by #Iran were intercepted outside #Israel’s borders, while a limited number fell inside the country’s territory, IDF spokesperson, Avichay Adraee has said.

Israel reports minor damage to military base after ‘limited number’ of Iran missiles fall on its territory – live
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/13/iran-launches-drone-attack-against-israel?page=with%3Ablock-661b23938f08f961ba5a8c5e#block-661b23938f08f961ba5a8c5e

Israel reports minor damage to military base after ‘limited number’ of Iran missiles fall on its territory – live

IDF spokesperson says total number of ‘aerial units’ launched by Iran numbered about 200; attack comes nearly two weeks after Israeli strike in Damascus killed top Iranian commander

the Guardian

#UNSecretaryGeneral #AntónioGuterres has condemned #Iran’s attack on #Israel and called for restraint and an immediate cessation of hostilities.

“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the #MiddleEast,” Guterres said in a statement.

source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/13/iran-launches-drone-attack-against-israel?page=with%3Ablock-661b25978f087ec9b8535331#block-661b25978f087ec9b8535331

Israel reports minor damage to military base after ‘limited number’ of Iran missiles fall on its territory – live

IDF spokesperson says total number of ‘aerial units’ launched by Iran numbered about 200; attack comes nearly two weeks after Israeli strike in Damascus killed top Iranian commander

the Guardian

#MitchMcConnell calls for #Congress to take action on supplemental bill that includes aid for #Israel and #Ukraine.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said the #US “must stand with our ally.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/13/iran-launches-drone-attack-against-israel?page=with:block-661b263f8f08f961ba5a8c67#block-661b263f8f08f961ba5a8c67

Israel reports minor damage to military base after ‘limited number’ of Iran missiles fall on its territory – live

IDF spokesperson says total number of ‘aerial units’ launched by Iran numbered about 200; attack comes nearly two weeks after Israeli strike in Damascus killed top Iranian commander

the Guardian

“We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from #Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us,” #BennyGantz said in a statement as the Israeli war cabinet was due to convene to discuss #Israel’s response to Iran’s attack. #Gaza

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/13/iran-launches-drone-attack-against-israel?page=with%3Ablock-661bda808f08f961ba5a8fda#block-661bda808f08f961ba5a8fda

Iran International reported that Coalition Council of Islamic Revolution Forces (also known by its Persian acronym SHANA), an organization with close links to #Iran’s Supreme Leader, honored #Zahedi’s “strategic role in forming and strengthening the resistance front as well as in planning and executing the #AlAqsaStorm." #Israel #Gaza

Slain Iranian general planned, executed #Hamas’ massacre
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/slain-iranian-general-planned-executed-hamas-massacre-797014

Slain Iranian general planned, executed Hamas’ massacre

Iranian organization, linked to Supreme Leader, praises late general for role in mass murder of 1,200 in Israel.

The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com

The success in stopping so many #drones and #missiles was due to #Arab countries having passed on intelligence about the Iranian plan, as well as enabling the use of their #airspace and providing #RadarTracking. In some cases, Arab militaries (not just #Jordan) took an active role in intercepting the threats. #Israel

Report: Gulf states, including #SaudiArabia, provided intelligence on Iran attack
https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-gulf-states-including-saudi-arabia-provided-intelligence-on-iran-attack/

@Norobiik

> regional coalition

he's dreaming, no Arab country will join in attacking Iran

Unless by region he means the West, then I can see the US and UK joining at least

@Norobiik so far this looks like a symbolic "we hit them back" sort of attack, i.e. Iran did not want to escalate to full-scale war at this time.