On the on going isreal’s war on gaza, several nations, including the United States, are reassessing their support for the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, following accusations by Israel that certain agency staff were implicated in attacks by Hamas on October 7.
This move has drawn criticism from senior Palestinian figures and Hamas, with strong objections against the decision by almost a dozen Western countries to reduce their contributions. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, expressed concerns that cutting off funds to UNRWA might contravene the Genocide Convention. He highlighted the adverse impact on Palestinians in Gaza, stating, “This additional collective punishment is unnecessary and leaves a stain on everyone,” in a publication.
Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, committed on Sunday to hold accountable any UN staff involved in terrorism. However, he urged donor nations to ensure the ongoing operations of UNRWA. He emphasized the importance of not penalizing the thousands of UNRWA employees, many of whom work in extremely hazardous conditions for humanitarian aid workers. Guterres underlined the urgent necessity to address the critical needs of the populations they assist.
Countries like Ireland and Norway have declared their intention to continue funding the agency, despite the ongoing scrutiny and allegations.
Israeli forces raid a West Bank hospital, killing three Palestinians
Security forces, not openly identified and resembling civilians and medical staff, conducted an operation in a hospital in Jenin, a city in the West Bank, early on a Tuesday. This operation resulted in the death of three individuals, alleged by the authorities to be involved in militant activities.
The military stated that one of the deceased was linked to Hamas and suspected of orchestrating an imminent attack, reportedly motivated by events that occurred on October 7. Dr. Tawfiq al-Shawbaky, the head of surgery at Ibn Sina Hospital, contradicted this claim in an interview, describing the individual as a paralyzed patient reliant on a wheelchair.
The hospital released CCTV footage showing armed individuals, disguised as hospital staff and local civilians, which the military confirmed in a statement. According to Dr. al-Shawbaky, these individuals forcibly entered the hospital, confronting the staff, and fatally shot a patient and two others present in his room – identified as his brother and friend.
The United Nations has noted an increase in such operations in the West Bank following October 7, raising alarms over the intensifying situation. Reports from the U.N. indicate that over 360 Palestinians have been fatalities in incidents involving Israeli forces or settlers since that date, alongside six Israeli fatalities. Dr. al-Shawbaky emphasized the need for hospitals to remain neutral zones and called for measures to prevent similar incidents during military operations.
Investigations Should Be Conducted Into Accusations Against UNRWA Personnel, States Russia’s Leading Diplomat
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that accusations from Israel, claiming involvement of several UNRWA employees in an attack by Hamas on October 7, warrant investigation.
Countries such as the US, Germany, and the UK have temporarily halted their financial support to UNRWA, an essential aid organization for Gaza’s population, following these allegations.
UNRWA announced on Friday that it has initiated an inquiry into a number of its staff members and has cut off connections with those accused of participating in the attack.
The humanitarian crisis is escalating as thousands flee the conflict in Khan Younis, seeking refuge in Rafah.
There, people are forced to sleep in the streets and makeshift tent camps, struggling with the additional challenge of sewage flooding the area.
According to Ahmed al-Moghrabi, a plastic surgeon at Nasser Hospital, the situation is dire with indiscriminate tank fire as the hospital in Khan Younis faces an ongoing siege, now in its fifth day. The death toll has alarmingly risen to 26,257 Palestinians killed and 64,797 injured.
In diplomatic efforts, reports from AP and The New York Times, citing unnamed U.S. officials, indicate that Israel is willing to halt military actions for two months in exchange for the release of 100 captives. CIA Director Bill Burns is slated to discuss the details of this potential agreement in France during a meeting with key figures including David Barnea of Israel’s Mossad, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence head Abbas Kamel. The focus of these talks is primarily on negotiations regarding captives.
Simultaneously, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has been urging China to leverage its influence on Iran to halt its support for the Houthis, who have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea.
In other news, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced plans for an Israeli military administration in Gaza. Tel Aviv witnessed rallies by families of captives held in Gaza, following earlier anti-government protests. Additionally, pro-Palestinian demonstrators have assembled outside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s residence for two consecutive nights.
Pope Francis has reiterated his plea for a ceasefire in Gaza. In response to the International Court of Justice’s ruling demanding unobstructed humanitarian aid access to Gaza, Israeli officials, as reported by Haaretz, have decided to prevent protesters from obstructing trucks at the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing.
Lastly, Israeli forces have conducted overnight raids in Hebron and Beita, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, leading to the arrest of nine Palestinians, as reported by Wafa news agency.
Uganda says judge’s dissent in ICJ ruling doesn’t reflect its position
Judge Julia Sebutinde holds a unique position as a member of a 17-judge panel at the International Court of Justice. In a significant ruling concerning a country’s responsibility to prevent severe human rights abuses, Judge Sebutinde stood out by voting against all six measures that were adopted.
The backstory of Julia Sebutinde is marked by her deep commitment to international law and justice. Her distinguished career is a testament to her dedication to upholding legal principles, often in the face of complex and challenging international situations. Her decision to vote against the measures was rooted in her independent legal reasoning and a thorough analysis of the intricate details of the case.
The government of the Republic of Uganda, acknowledging Judge Sebutinde’s esteemed role and her contribution to international law, issued a statement to clarify that her opinions and decisions at the International Court of Justice were her own. They emphasized that her views did not necessarily reflect the official position of the Ugandan government.
In line with its international affiliations, Uganda aligned itself
Israeli forces strike Hezbollah locations with the aim of neutralizing a risk, says the Israeli military.
Israeli combat aircraft targeted two Hezbollah locations in the Lebanese towns of Zibqin and Houla, as per statements by Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Israeli artillery units hit multiple sites in southern Lebanon with the objective of neutralizing a potential danger.
