📰 Israel’s government likely to approve plan to re-occupy Gaza, Israeli media reports
The article reports that Israel’s Security Cabinet is meeting to discuss potential actions in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, including the option of fully occupying the Palestinian enclave. Israeli journalist Amit Segal quoted a source indicating a decision to occupy Gaza has been made to rescue hostages and confront Hamas. The escalation follows the breakdown of ceasefire talks and the release of propaganda videos showing emaciated hostages. International pressure on Israel to end the conflict has increased, with European leaders condemning Hamas’ treatment of Israeli captives. There are differing opinions within Israel’s leadership on how to resolve the situation, with some advocating for re-occupying Gaza while the military is considering alternative options.
📰 Johnson dines with Netanyahu in landmark visit, highest US official to visit disputed West Bank
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson had a private dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Judea and Samaria, marking a significant visit as the most senior U.S. official to the occupied West Bank. The discussion focused on the war in Gaza and aid deliveries, with plans to meet Palestinian leaders during the Middle East visit. Johnson also met with Israeli officials in Ariel, close to the Green Line border. Republicans in Congress introduced legislation to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of the West Bank in official U.S. documents, highlighting the historical ties to the region. Netanyahu’s administration aims to annex parts of the West Bank, despite varying U.S. views on the occupation status.
European leaders condemned a Hamas video showing Israeli captives, denouncing the “unlimited inhumanity” of the situation. The U.S. legislation aims to change the labeling of the West Bank to reflect Israel’s historical and religious connections to Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu’s administration plans to annex territory in the West Bank, supported by some top officials. The visit by Speaker Johnson could indicate potential U.S. support for Israel’s expansionist plans amid efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and opposition from European and Arab nations pushing for a Palestinian state. Israeli officials see a current opportunity to implement Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, though the specific significance of this moment is not confirmed.
📰 European leaders decry Hamas video of Israeli captives: ‘unlimited inhumanity’
Leaders across Europe expressed horror at the recent footage released by Hamas showing Israeli captives Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, taken hostage nearly 670 days ago. French President Macron condemned Hamas’ “unlimited inhumanity” and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages, and aid resumption. Macron reiterated support for a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living in peace. Other Western nations, including the U.K., Canada, and Germany, followed Macron’s lead in supporting Palestinian statehood. German Chancellor Merz and U.K. Foreign Secretary Lammy also criticized Hamas and called for the release of hostages and disarmament. The U.S. is reportedly working on a comprehensive deal for a ceasefire and the return of all hostages, with White House envoy Witkoff involved in negotiations.
📰 As Israel faces blame for the hunger crisis in Gaza, UN’s own data shows most of its aid is looted
New data from the U.N. agency UNOPS reveals that a majority of aid entering Gaza has been looted within the territory. The situation has led to increased condemnation of Israel over the hunger crisis in Gaza, with some Western governments considering recognizing a Palestinian state as a response. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, criticized the lack of nuance in the conflict, pointing out the roles of international humanitarian organizations and Hamas in the crisis. The U.N. confirmed aid theft due to limited supplies entering Gaza, emphasizing the need for a steady flow of aid to prevent further theft. Reports indicate that a large portion of aid trucks did not reach their intended destinations, with aid being stolen by hungry people or armed actors. Israel has announced the resumption of aid airdrops to Gaza amid the growing hunger crisis.
📰 Russian volcano erupts for first time in centuries after massive earthquake strikes Kamchatka Peninsula
Less than a week after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in far eastern Russia, the Krasheninnikov volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula erupted for the first time in hundreds of years, sending ash 6 kilometers into the sky. The volcanic eruption, captured in stunning photos, was accompanied by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake and prompted a tsunami warning for three areas of Kamchatka, which was later lifted by Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services. The eruption of Krasheninnikov, the first confirmed in 600 years, caused small tsunami waves in Japan and Alaska, triggering tsunami alerts along the US West Coast and Pacific islands south toward New Zealand. Despite the last known eruption of Krasheninnikov being in 1550, the reason for the discrepancy in historical records was unclear. The eruption, following the earlier earthquake, led to moderate explosive activity at the volcano, with the plume spreading eastward toward the Pacific Ocean.
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