The past week has seen the promise of peace shattered, first by an Israeli incursion into Gaza (7 Palestinian, 1 Israeli dead), then Gaza’s rocket retaliation (1 Israeli Palestinian dead), then Israel’s retaliation (7 Palestinians dead). Israel’s defense minister has resigned, and a new, fragile ceasefire is in effect.
Last weekend saw an escalation of violence that started when Israeli military infiltrated Gaza, initiated a firefight, and retreated under cover of shelling. One Israeli and 7 Palestinians were killed, and Hamas responded with rockets. Today, factions in the besieged Gaza Strip say they have agreed to an Egypt-brokered ceasefire. “The resistance will respect this declaration as long as the Zionist enemy respects it.”
3-year-old Louay was not allowed to have his mother present for his chemo treatments in Nablus because she is a “first-degree relative of a Hamas member.” But following widespread reporting, Louay’s mother was informed that she will be allowed to join him.
With many thanks to the Goldin family – whose son’s remains are being held by Hamas – Israel is withholding humanitarian exit permits, especially to Gazans “related to Hamas members.” This leaves little Louay without a relative for his trips to Nablus for chemo.
Though in the past 4 months Israel has killed over 160 Palestinians & Hamas has killed 2 Israelis, Israel felt it was time for an all-out airstrike against Gaza. At least 140 bombs were dropped, killing a pregnant mother, 23, and her 18 month old daughter…
Israeli soldiers “came under fire” at Gaza border, 1 moderate injury; in response, Israeli tanks targeted 7 Hamas military posts, killing 3 Palestinians, gravely injuring a 4th.
Israeli President Reuvin Rivlin speaks as though Israel alone has Gaza’s best interests in mind, but a little digging proves his words to be utterly disingenuous.
Israeli PM Netanyahu, tired of incendiary kites, has closed Gaza’s commercial border crossing; Hamas calls the decision a ‘crime’; HRW calls it ‘collective punishment’.
Abdullah, 13, lost a leg to an Israeli sniper bullet. He’s not a cute kid who had a tragic accident. His story is the horror that Gaza has become for nearly every family.
Nikki Haley yet again stands nearly alone against world opinion: the UN resolution condemning Israel passed, amendment condemning Hamas failed to pass.