
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Oil prices briefly surged Friday morning in the wake of Israel’s reported airstrike on Iran, and then quickly dropped following Iran state media’s apparent downplaying of those strikes, as conflict in the Middle East continues to leave behind lingering effects on already climbing oil and gasoline prices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>Brent Crude, an international benchmark, shot up nearly 2% Friday morning to a peak just under $88 per barrel, though the benchmark has since dropped to roughly $87.50, representing a marginal 0.5% uptick on the day.</p>



<p>National benchmark West Texas Intermediate also increased by roughly 2% Friday morning, following reports of an Israeli airstrike, though like the Brent, the WTI has also tapered off, dropping just above $83.50 per barrel.</p>



<p>AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross speculated international conflict could lead to instability in the oil market, saying in a&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/is-the-recent-climb-in-the-price-of-gas-about-to-stall/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;on Thursday the “situation overseas with the war in the Middle East and Ukraine has the oil market on edge.”</p>



<p>While increases in the price of oil typically come with price hikes at the pump, analysts expect those effects on gasoline prices to be delayed, and multiple other factors could help swing the price of gas down from its $3.69 national average this week—its highest point since October, according to GasBuddy.</p>



<p>Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst for GasBuddy,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GasBuddyGuy/status/1781303050570781081" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;he expects gas prices to hit $3.70 per gallon in the near future, though the return of U.S. oil refineries from scheduled maintenance and Iran’s state media’s apparent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2024/04/19/iran-downplays-israeli-strikes-and-may-not-launch-large-scale-retaliation/?sh=47337ea3f5d9">downplaying</a>&nbsp;of Israel’s attack, he said there’s “potential we’re nearing an end to the rise” in prices at the pump.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contra">CONTRA</h2>



<p>Another positive sign for gas prices has been an increase in crude oil inventories, which shot up this week by 2.7 million barrels, to approximately 460 million barrels, though it remains 6 million barrels below its level this time last year, according to the Energy Information Administration. Andrew Gross also estimated gas prices could plateau as U.S. demand hits a typical low ahead of Memorial Day. Gasoline demand in the U.S. declined narrowly from 8.84 million barrels in the week ending April 5 to 8.81 million barrels last week, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/weekly/gasoline.php" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">EIA data</a>, and is slightly below where it had been last April. Gross expects the national average gas price “may waffle a bit with small increases, some flat days, and even some price dips” as a result.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Israel&#8217;s military early on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/04/19/israeli-missiles-reportedly-strike-airbase-in-central-iran/?sh=43f5240f120f">reportedly</a>&nbsp;launched limited airstrikes in Iran, unnamed officials told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/18/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-news/blasts-are-reported-near-the-iranian-city-of-isfahan?smid=url-share" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">multiple</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/israel-gaza-hamas-war/?id=108860743" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">outlets</a>. The reported strikes came several days after Iran’s unprecedented drone and ballistic missile strike on Israel days earlier, which Israeli officials said caused only minor damage. Iran’s attack itself was in retaliation for Israel’s airstrike earlier this month on an Iranian embassy in Syria, which killed at least 16 people, including two senior military leaders. Iranian state TV dismissed Friday’s strike, blasting it as “Israeli and American media propaganda.” Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for any strikes on Iran. Tensions between Iran and Israel have boiled over in recent months in the wake of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, which has left over 33,000 Palestinians dead, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Israel estimates another 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Earlier this week, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/04/17/iran-threatens-fierce-and-severe-response-if-israel-launches-tinest-invasion-in-response-to-weekend-attack/?sh=7eace4a1083b">threatened</a>&nbsp;“fierce and severe” retaliation for the “tiniest invasion” by Israel, though world leaders have urged both sides to de-escalate the situation.</p>


Oil pump with candle stick graph chart in the background. World Oil Industry

Oil Prices Spike—And Fall—As Iran Downplays Israel’s Reported Airstrikes: Here’s How That Could Affect Gas Prices


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>The Israeli military reportedly launched airstrikes targeting Iran early on Friday, in response to Tehran’s drone attack on its territory over the weekend, amid concerns about escalation between the two Middle Eastern nations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>Citing unnamed Iranian officials, the New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/18/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-news/blasts-are-reported-near-the-iranian-city-of-isfahan?smid=url-share" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;the strikes hit an airbase near the city of Isfahan in central Iran, while an unnamed “senior U.S. official” told&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/israel-gaza-hamas-war/?id=108860743" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">ABC News</a>&nbsp;that Israel had launched a missile strike against Iran.</p>



<p>The Iranian state controlled Fars News Agency also reported explosions being heard near the Isfahan airport, but an official later told the state media that explosions were caused by air defense batteries firing at a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irna.ir/news/85449584/%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%BE-%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%85-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%87%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B4%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%A9-%D9%BE%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">suspicious object</a>.</p>



<p>On Iranian state TV, however, the country’s officials publicly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-04-18/ty-article-live/five-idf-reservists-in-serious-condition-following-rocket-drone-strike-on-northern-israel/0000018e-eecd-daad-a3de-eeff299e0000?liveBlogItemId=11850594&amp;utm_source=site&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=live_blog_item#11850594" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">dismissed</a>&nbsp;reports of the strike, calling it “Israeli and American media propaganda” and denied that an emergency meeting of the Supreme National Security Council had been convened.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/live-blog/2024-04-19/middle-east-latest?cursorId=6621F343688C0000" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">According to</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg, Israel had informed the U.S. officials on Thursday about its plan to carry out a strike on Israel in the following 24-48 hours.</p>



<p>Sources cited by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/iran-israel-attack-live-updates-rcna148496/rcrd39372?canonicalCard=true" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/israel-strikes-site-iran-retaliation-weekend-assault" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">outlets</a>&nbsp;referred to the retaliatory attacks as “limited” while a retired military general appearing on Israel’s Channel 12 said he believed it was a “symbolic attack” that may not force a response by the Iranians.</p>



<p>The Israeli military has refused to comment on reports of the attack so far.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TANGENT</h2>



<p>Real time air traffic data on FlightRadar24 showed&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/OrenCNN/status/1781132736423403933" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">several airplanes diverting</a>&nbsp;away from Iran just after the strikes were reported. FlightRadar24 then&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1781150391280750655" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that Iranian authorities had issue a notification informing pilots that the airports in Isfahan, Shiraz and the national capital Tehran were closed. Budget Emirati carrier Fly Dubai&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/flydubai-airline-cancels-flights-to-iran-statement" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;receiving the notification and announced the cancellation of its flights to Iran. The notices of closure at all three airports were&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1781194845991633032" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">lifted</a>&nbsp;a few hours later.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



<p>An unnamed Israeli official cited by the Washington Post said the attack “was intended to signal to Iran that Israel had the ability to strike inside the country.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>The extent of the damage from the attack remains unclear. Iranian authorities said nuclear facilities located near Isfahan <a href="https://www.irna.ir/news/85449584/%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%BE-%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%85-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%87%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B4%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%A9-%D9%BE%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were safe</a>. The International Atomic Energy Agency also <a href="https://twitter.com/iaeaorg/status/1781196309329793463" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed</a> this while calling for restraint and saying “nuclear facilities should never be a target in military conflicts.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>On Wednesday, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/04/17/iran-threatens-fierce-and-severe-response-if-israel-launches-tinest-invasion-in-response-to-weekend-attack/?sh=447e1fd11083">warned</a>&nbsp;that any military incursion by Israel would be met with a severe response. Over the weekend, Iran launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israeli territory in an unprecedented attack. Israel claimed the strikes resulted in only minor damages as its military—along with U.S. and other allied forces in the region—were able to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/13/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-news/611216e4-0347-518a-bd58-51184c463120?smid=url-share" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">shoot down 99%</a>&nbsp;of the missiles and drones. Iran said its attack was in response to an Israeli airstrike on its diplomatic compound in Damascus that resulted in the deaths of 16 people—including two senior military leaders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-mideast-tensions-4-19-2024-a7ccbae2e2844bab089e8e4377a24ddb" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Iran fires air defense batteries at Isfahan air base and nuclear site after drones spotted</a>&nbsp;(Associated Press)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/04/17/iran-threatens-fierce-and-severe-response-if-israel-launches-tinest-invasion-in-response-to-weekend-attack/?sh=447e1fd11083">Iran Threatens ‘Fierce And Severe’ Response If Israel Launches ‘Tinest Invasion’ In Response To Weekend Attack</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>


Iranian official TV confirms ‘massive explosions’ in central Isfahan province

Israeli Missiles Reportedly Strike Airbase In Central Iran


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>The price of bitcoin dropped by 7% on Saturday over the course of less than an hour, as prices for other cryptocurrencies also sharply declined after Iran launched an attack on Israel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>The price of bitcoin was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/digital-assets/assets/bitcoin-btc/?sh=57fc0c8a4357">down</a>&nbsp;7% to $62,570 as of 4:40 p.m. Saturday afternoon, after the cryptocurrency briefly fell to a low on the day of $60,908 minutes earlier.</p>



<p>The price of ethereum fell over 9% to $2,923, while prices for Binance coin and solana dropped 9% and nearly 18%, respectively.</p>



<p>Prices for several less-traded cryptocurrencies dropped by at least 15%, including avalanche (20%), XRP (20%) and the meme token dogecoin (18%).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>$73,750. That’s what the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-down-to-64000-after-record-high/">price</a>&nbsp;for bitcoin was on March 24, the all-time high price for the cryptocurrency.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Concerns over increased geopolitical conflict in the Middle East have impacted U.S. markets in recent days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/investing/stocks-oil-banks-geopolitics/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">dropped</a>&nbsp;by 475 points Friday, after the White House said the U.S. and Israel were preparing for a potential attack by Iran. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon told investors geopolitical conflict was cause for concern, noting it could “be determinative on what happens to the global economy if oil and gas prices go too high,” CNN&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/investing/jpmorgan-chase-bank-earnings-q1/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">reported</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2024/04/13/iran-launches-drone-attack-on-israel/?sh=343044cb2130">Iran Launches Drone Attack On Israel</a> (<em>Forbes</em>)<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/"></a></p>


Iran-Reaction, IRGC Missile And UAV Attack On Israel

Bitcoin Plummets After Iran Launches Attack On Israel


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israel will be moving forward with a planned attack on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip despite pleas from the United States and other countries concerned for the 1 million civilians sheltering there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>Netanyahu&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1777380259131789536" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">on Monday said</a>&nbsp;a victory against the militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel in October, &#8220;requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of the terrorist battalions there. It will happen &#8211; there is a date.”</p>



<p>The prime minister has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/02/09/israeli-prime-minister-orders-plan-to-evacuate-13-million-people-in-rafah/?sh=69e1c8e22e08">for months insisted</a>&nbsp;attacks in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza strip, are necessary to eliminate Hamas and win the six-month war, but Western allies have warned against attacking the city that holds more than 1 million civilian refugees who have been driven from their homes.</p>



<p>Netanyahu’s announcement follows backlash from his far-right supporters after <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2024/04/07/rafah-invasion-on-pause-israel-withdraws-most-troops-from-southern-gaza-heres-what-that-could-mean/?sh=5046a14124b2">Israel withdrew</a> most of its troops from southern Gaza on Sunday, a decision met with scrutiny and a threat from security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5b4fed42-cbb6-472d-8e3a-6249c6d9c6cb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning</a> that if he didn’t launch a &#8220;large-scale offensive&#8221; in Rafah, Netanyahu &#8220;will not have a mandate to continue&#8221; as prime minister.</p>



<p>The United States has put increasing pressure on Netanyahu to not authorize a major military strike in Rafah—President Joe Biden weeks ago said to do so would be a “<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/18/biden-warns-netanyahu-against-mistake-of-invading-rafah-white-house" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">mistake</a>” and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/biden-warns-israel-to-protect-civilians-aid-workers-in-gaza-or-risk-losing-u-s-support#:~:text=Today%2C%20for%20the%20first%20time,the%20civilian%20suffering%20in%20Gaza." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Thursday said</a>&nbsp;continued U.S. support for the war in Gaza would depend on how well Israel worked to protect civilians and aid workers.</p>



<p>Biden told Netanyahu that he needed to take “measurable” steps to ease &#8220;civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers” or risk losing the support of the United States, Israel&#8217;s closest ally.</p>



<p>About two-thirds of the entire population of the Gaza Strip (some 1.5 million people) was sheltering in Gaza as of two weeks ago with no safe way to evacuate, Deepmala Mahl of the humanitarian organization CARE International&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/israeli-invasion-rafah-palestinian-civilians/story?id=108395828#:~:text=With%20about%20two-thirds%20of,evacuate%20them%2C%22%20she%20said." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">told ABC News</a>&nbsp;while warning of a &#8220;terrible loss of life&#8221; if Israel&#8217;s military invades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Netanyahu&#8217;s announcement comes one day after the six-month anniversary of an attack on Israel by Hamas that saw the group kill about 1,200 Israelis and take 253 hostages on Oct. 7. Twenty days later, Israel responded by carrying out attacks in Gaza that the territory’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/health-ministry-in-hamas-run-gaza-says-war-death-toll-at-33-207-1c950825" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">health ministry says</a>&nbsp;have killed more than 33,000 people. In that time, more than 2.3 million residents of Gaza have been displaced, more than half of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-09-2024-d3229eec6a85c071248d3ddc2de2a73e" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">sought shelter</a>&nbsp;in Rafah. Military operations in Rafah have been increasingly criticized by foreign governments and international organizations. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrc.no/news/2024/february/gaza-israels-military-operation-in-rafah-would-be-fatal-for-displaced-civilians-and-humanitarian-aid/#:~:text=Any%20further%20deterioration%20in%20humanitarian,showers%2C%20or%20personal%20hygiene%20items." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Norwegian Refugee Council</a>&nbsp;said an attack would &#8220;turn Rafah into a zone of bloodshed and destruction&#8221; and&nbsp;<a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/care-statement-grave-humanitarian-consequences-military-operation-rafah" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CARE International&nbsp;</a>warned against &#8220;devastating consequences for civilians.&#8221; In addition to Biden&#8217;s concerns on behalf of the United States, more than two dozen countries in the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/israeli-invasion-rafah-palestinian-civilians/story?id=108395828#:~:text=With%20about%20two-thirds%20of,evacuate%20them%2C%22%20she%20said." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">European Union</a>&nbsp;(all but Hungry) last month warned against what they called a &#8220;catastrophic&#8221; offensive plan in Rafah.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>Continued negotiations in Cairo. Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz on Monday told Israel’s Army Radio that the country has reached a &#8220;critical point&#8221; in its negotiations with Hamas over the safe return of 133 hostages still held in Gaza by the militant group. “I am more optimistic than I was,&#8221;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5b4fed42-cbb6-472d-8e3a-6249c6d9c6cb" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">he reportedly said</a>, &#8220;but we can’t promise things when dealing with Hamas.” Netanyahu&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1777380259131789536" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;Monday also referenced the talks in Cairo, saying &#8220;we are working all the time to achieve our goals, primarily the release of all our hostages and achieving a complete victory over Hamas.&#8221;</p>


Destruction in Khan Yunis after Israel’s withdrawal

Israel Moving Ahead With Plan To Attack Rafah: ’There Is A Date,’ Netanyahu Says


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>A total of 322 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Sunday—the most in a single day since the war began—the Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed on Sunday, as Israel faces increased scrutiny over its treatment of aid workers that has resulted in over 200 deaths so far.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>A total of 228 of the trucks that crossed into Gaza on Sunday were carrying food, said the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cogatonline/status/1777030931280167407?s=46&amp;t=XMT4bHReB9TWcV5q_r0pFw" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;on social media, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s department that handles humanitarian aid shipments.</p>



<p>The rapid increase in aid deliveries follows increased scrutiny on the process after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/04/02/netanyahu-says-israel-deeply-regrets-strike-that-killed-7-aid-workers-what-we-know-about-victims/?sh=3d7d6d9275fb">seven aid workers</a>&nbsp;with World Conflict Kitchen were killed in Israeli air strikes on Monday.</p>



<p>One of the seven international aid workers was an American citizen, prompting the White House to call for “specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.”</p>



<p>Following a tense conversation with President Biden on Thursday, Israel reopened the Erez Crossing, the large border entry between northern Gaza and Israel, and announced it would allow aid shipments to flow through the port of Ashdod.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>The increased pressure to protect international aid workers comes after the Israeli government apologized for the deaths of the seven World Conflict Kitchen workers on Monday. After an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/04/05/idf-fires-senior-officers-after-deadly-strike-on-aid-workers-as-it-blames-mistaken-identification/?sh=7cb8b7f7ae7f">IDF investigation</a>, the Israeli military called the attack a “grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification,” and dismissed two senior officers over the strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1775214347519660112" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">apologized</a>, adding that “we will do everything in our power to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future.” José Andrés, the celebrity chef and founder of World Conflict Kitchen, told&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/week-transcript-4-7-24-chef-jos-andrs/story?id=108949216" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">ABC News’s</a>&nbsp;Martha Raddatz the attack was “unforgivable” and called for Israel to face “a real reckoning on how they conduct war.” Andres thanked Israeli military for releasing the results of the investigation so quickly, but also called for an independent investigation into the attack. “The perpetrator cannot be investigating himself,” Andrés said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>More than 220. That’s how many international aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war began on Oct. 7, according to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148276" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">U.N. estimates</a>. Speaking on Friday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation into the other deaths. “We want to know why each one of them was killed,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/apr/05/we-want-to-know-why-un-chief-questions-israel-on-196-aid-workers-killed-in-gaza-video" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Guterres demanded</a>&nbsp;after a meeting of the U.N. Security Council.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TANGENT</h2>



<p>Although a record number of aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, aid shipments have faced other issues making it into the besieged territory during the war. In February, a group of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/10/gaza-aid-blockade-protest-kerem-shalom/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">far-right Israeli activists</a>&nbsp;camped out in front of aid convoys attempting to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing. Aid shipments have also been threatened by members of Netanyahu’s government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right member of Netanyahu’s coalition,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/13/israel-gaza-flour-shipment" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">intervened to block</a>&nbsp;a shipment of flour bound for Gaza from the U.S.</p>


Humanitarian aid trucks at Rafah Border Crossing

Largest Aid Convoy Enters Gaza Since War Began Amid Mounting Pressure On Israel


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Mediators attempting to broker a truce agreement between Israel and Hamas to pause the fighting during Ramadan and release some of the hostages taken by Hamas have made progress on an agreement, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-25-2024-f3e4ea708548689cf8d9d404c3ee94ee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple</a> <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-paris-israel-and-mediators-agree-on-outline-for-hostage-deal-pending-hamas-okay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outlets</a> <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-skirmish-throughout-gaza-talk-truce-resurfaces-2024-02-25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> Sunday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>The agreement would mean a pause in fighting for six weeks during the holy month Ramadan, which begins March 10, and would mean the exchange of about 40 of the 130 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, a senior Egyptian official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-25-2024-f3e4ea708548689cf8d9d404c3ee94ee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;the Associated Press, for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel.</p>



<p>It also would mean hundreds of trucks filled with aid could reach Gaza, the official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-25-2024-f3e4ea708548689cf8d9d404c3ee94ee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;The AP.</p>



<p>Intelligence chiefs briefed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet Saturday night after they returned from a meeting with U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Paris over the weekend.</p>



<p>During the meeting, the war cabinet voted to send a delegation to Qatar to continue discussing the potential agreement, the Times of Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-paris-israel-and-mediators-agree-on-outline-for-hostage-deal-pending-hamas-okay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>.</p>



<p>Hamas has yet to publicly comment on the reports of an updated agreement but senior Hamas leaders met with mediators in Egypt this week, NPR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/23/1233356379/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-negotiations-paris-netanyahu-day-after" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>At some point this week Qatar is expected to host continued discussions between Israel and Hamas in the hopes of finalizing a truce, Egyptian security sources&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-skirmish-throughout-gaza-talk-truce-resurfaces-2024-02-25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;Reuters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>More than 29,000. That’s the death toll in Gaza since the fighting began more than five months ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-19-2024-81c2d362340b611a98e4b929b4b5d0a4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to</a>&nbsp;the Gaza Health Ministry. More than 1,200 people have died in Israel since the fighting, mostly from the Oct. 7 attack, Israeli officials say.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>If the negotiators come to an agreement, this would be the second pause in fighting since the start of the war on Oct. 7. The last pause in fighting ended December 1 after Hamas and Israel agreed to a multi-day cease-fire in exchange for the release of more than 100 hostages by Hamas. Since then, the fighting has continued, more people have died and the international calls for a cease-fire, both temporary and permanent, have grown. Recently, the Biden administration has publicly <a href="https://usun.usmission.gov/statement-by-ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-on-algerian-proposed-draft-resolution-on-the-situation-in-the-middle-east/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advocated</a> for a temporary cease-fire and the release of all hostages being held by Hamas. That came after the U.S. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/02/20/us-vetoes-un-resolution-calling-for-israel-hamas-cease-fire-and-offers-its-own-plan/?sh=58a029884b7f">vetoed</a> a United Nations resolution that called for an immediate cease-fire and hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel.</p>


TOPSHOT-PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-GAZA

Ramadan Truce Between Israel And Hamas Gets Closer, Reports Say


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>The head of the United Nations agency providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees on Saturday denounced a move by a growing number of countries to pull funding for the agency following allegations by Israel that some of its staffers participated in Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p><a href="https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/finland-to-suspend-its-funding-to-unrwa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finland</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/01/the-netherlands-halts-financial-support-for-unrwa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netherlands,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/swiss-aid-payment-to-un-agency-for-palestinian-refugees-in-doubt-08d15150" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Switzerland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/italy-suspends-financing-unrwa-foreign-minister-tajani-2024-01-27/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italy</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-allegations-about-unrwa-staff-and-7-october-attacks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the U.K.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/germany-says-suspending-funding-to-un-agency-in-gaza-df4ea2be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Germany</a>&nbsp;all announced suspensions of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on Saturday.</p>



<p>Those announcements followed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/statement-on-unrwa-allegations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S.</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorWong/status/1751103658509644035" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australia&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canada-suspends-cash-for-un-agency-serving-palestinians-amid-probe-into-hamas-attack-1.6744404" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada</a>, who suspended funding on Friday.</p>



<p>Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the agency,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/unrwa%E2%80%99s-lifesaving-aid-may-end-due-funding-suspension" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>&nbsp;it was “shocking” to see the suspension, especially since the agency took “immediate action” to terminate the contracts of the accused staffers and investigate the allegations.</p>



<p>Citing Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-genocide-court-south-africa-27cf84e16082cde798395a95e9143c06" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ruling</a>&nbsp;from the International Court of Justice that ordered Israel to take measures to enable humanitarian assistance for people in Gaza, Lazzarini said it would be “immensely irresponsible” to sanction the agency and those it serves “because of allegations of criminal acts against some individuals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



<p>“I urge countries who have suspended their funding to re-consider their decisions before UNRWA is forced to suspend its humanitarian response,” Lazzarini said in his statement. “The lives of people in Gaza depend on this support and so does regional stability.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Israel alleged on Friday that 12 UNRWA staffers were involved in Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack against Israel, where militants killed roughly 1,200 people and took more than 200 captive. UNRWA terminated the contracts of those employees and launched an investigation the same day, and the New York Times reported Friday that the employees are also<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/world/middleeast/un-aid-israel-oct-7-attacks.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;subject</a>&nbsp;to a criminal investigation. In a statement Friday, Lazzarini reiterated UNRWA’s condemnation of Oct. 7 “in the strongest possible terms” and called for the “unconditional release” of all Israeli hostages. But the U.S. led the charge in pulling back funding, with State Department spokesman Matthew Miller saying in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/statement-on-unrwa-allegations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement&nbsp;</a>that the U.S. was “extremely troubled” by the allegations. On Friday, the International Court of Justice at the UN<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/key-takeaways-world-court-decision-israei-genocide-case-2024-01-26/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;ordered</a>&nbsp;Israel to take steps to avoid continued casualties that would constitute a genocide in Gaza. UNRWA is the largest humanitarian actor in Gaza with 3,000 core staff on the ground, per Lazzarini’s statement. Israel has in the past&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/world/middleeast/unrwa-aid-israel-hamas-attack.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accused</a>&nbsp;UNRWA of spreading pro-Hamas propaganda.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>26,083. That’s the number of Palestinians that have been killed in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/health-ministry-in-hamas-run-gaza-says-war-death-toll-at-26-083-86a72a11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according </a>to the health ministry in Gaza.</p>


UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini in Gaza

Head Of UN Agency Denounces ‘Shocking’ Funding Cuts Amid Allegations Staffers Were Involved In Hamas’ Attack On Israel


<p><strong>Topline</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thursday, January 11, marked the start of an unprecedented legal confrontation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in the Netherlands, as South Africa argued that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to “genocide”. The country has also condemned all violations of international law by all parties, including the actions of Hamas. The case, which has drawn worldwide attention, emphasizes the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the diverse global reactions it has ignited.</p>



<p><strong>Key Facts</strong></p>



<ul>
<li>South Africa presents its case first at the ICJ. The claim by its legal team, led by Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, is supported by an 84-page application citing Israeli military and political statements.</li>



<li>The South African application states, “No armed attack on a State’s territory, no matter how serious&#8230;can provide any possible justification for or defense to breaches of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.”</li>



<li>Israel&#8217;s President Isaac Herzog firmly rejects these accusations, asserting the country’s stance of self-defense and adherence to humanitarian law.</li>



<li>Ngcukaitobi stated, “The intent to destroy Gaza has been nurtured at the highest level of state,” emphasizing the severity of the situation. His colleague, Adila Hassim, reinforced this sentiment by highlighting the daily suffering of Palestinians: “Every day, there is mounting, irreparable loss of life, property, dignity, and humanity for the Palestinian people.”</li>



<li>The case has sparked significant public interest and polarized views, with demonstrations outside the ICJ and an international outcry from countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Turkey and Iran supporting South Africa&#8217;s allegations.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Its outcome could have potential ramifications for South Africa&#8217;s diplomatic relations with the United States (US), an ally of Israel.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>Contra</strong></p>



<p>Israel has firmly rejected the accusations. Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the claims as &#8220;atrocious and preposterous&#8221;, asserting Israel&#8217;s stance of self-defense. &#8220;We will present proudly our case of using self-defense… under humanitarian law,&#8221; Herzog declared during a meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, emphasizing Israel&#8217;s commitment to avoiding civilian casualties.</p>



<p>Amidst the legal battle, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has criticized the South African government&#8217;s approach. In a statement issued by Prof Karen Milner, National Chair of the SAJBD, the organization accused South Africa of an &#8220;inversion of justice&#8221;. Milner pointed to South Africa&#8217;s alignment with Hamas and the inclusion of controversial figures in its delegation as evidence of a flawed and biased perspective. &#8220;This says volumes about South Africa’s intention,&#8221; Milner remarked, questioning the motives behind the legal action.</p>



<p><strong>Key Background</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>This legal confrontation at the ICJ comes against a backdrop of escalating violence and political strife in Gaza. The 84-page application was lodged with the ICJ on December 29 2023. The ICJ&#8217;s role in this matter is limited to issuing opinions on allegations, which, while not enforceable, carry significant moral and political weight. The conflict has claimed over 23,000 lives according to Gaza’s health ministry.</p>



<p>The US, historically an ally of Israel, may find its diplomatic stance with South Africa challenged, depending on the outcome and reactions to the ICJ&#8217;s ruling. Zane Dangor, Director-General of South Africa&#8217;s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, commented on the potential impact of the case during a media conference last week. “We will be able to see how we regain this after the hearings are done but clearly, under the current circumstances, the relationship is not going to be normal and we will have to look at how do we engage after this, particularly working towards a permanent solution for the relationship,” adding, “We feel that our position is the principled one and that is something that they understand.”</p>



<p><strong>Further Reading</strong></p>



<p><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2024/01/01/south-africa-accuses-israel-of-genocide-in-un-filing/">South Africa Accuses Israel Of Genocide In UN Filing (F</a><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2024/01/01/south-africa-accuses-israel-of-genocide-in-un-filing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ORBES AFRICA)</a></p>


South Africa’s genocide case against Israel begins at International Court of Justice

South Africa Presents Its Case At The ICJ Over “Genocide” In Gaza


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>South Africa <a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-israel-un-court-palestinians-genocide-ffe672c4eb3e14a30128542eaa537b21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched</a> a case Friday in the UN’s International Court of Justice alleging “acts and omissions by Israel” in Gaza “are genocidal in character,” and asking the court to order Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza as the death toll reportedly exceeds 20,000.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>South Africa’s submission said Israel’s actions in Gaza are “genocidal” because they are intended “to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnic group,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-israel-un-court-palestinians-genocide-ffe672c4eb3e14a30128542eaa537b21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Associated Press reported.</a></p>



<p>Israel rejected the allegations “with disgust,” according to the report.</p>



<p>South Africa can bring its case against Israel under the Genocide Convention, which both are&nbsp;<a href="https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&amp;mtdsg_no=IV-1&amp;chapter=4&amp;clang=_en&amp;_gl=1*1hi9d9x*_ga*MTk5NDkwNTg0Mi4xNzAzMjY0MzU2*_ga_TK9BQL5X7Z*MTcwMzg3NDg1OS42LjAuMTcwMzg3NDg2NS4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signatories</a>&nbsp;to,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-israel-un-court-palestinians-genocide-ffe672c4eb3e14a30128542eaa537b21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to</a>&nbsp;the Associated Press.</p>



<p>As of December 22,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2023/12/22/more-than-20000-dead-in-gaza-amid-israel-hamas-war-hamas-run-health-ministry-says/?sh=c6ed0892c385">over 20,000</a>&nbsp;Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.</p>



<p>A hearing for South Africa’s request for Israel to suspend its military operations is likely in the next days or weeks, but if the case goes ahead it will take years,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-israel-un-court-palestinians-genocide-ffe672c4eb3e14a30128542eaa537b21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to</a>&nbsp;the Associated Press, and the court’s orders are not always followed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONTRA</h2>



<p>Lior Haiat, the spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs <a href="https://x.com/LiorHaiat/status/1740803554166636751?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> the claim “lacks both a factual and a legal basis, and constitutes a despicable and contemptuous exploitation of the Court.” Haiat <a href="https://x.com/LiorHaiat/status/1740803554166636751?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accused</a> South Africa of “cooperating with a terrorist organization that is calling for the destruction of the State of Israel,” and called on the ICJ and international community to reject the case.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>South Africa also filed a referral to the International Criminal Court in November for an investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel in Gaza. “We have put through a referral because we believe that war crimes are being committed there,” South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-israel-palestinians-icc-referral-6f1dd2b3af534d4d42d56a156968eae4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to</a> the Associated Press. “And of course we do not condone the actions that were taken by Hamas earlier, but similarly we condemn the actions that are currently underway and believe that they warrant an investigation by the ICC.” During a virtual meeting in November that included Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Ramaphosa <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-palestine-putin-xi-brics-0c070286b154198a36f0cf7440f973b5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called</a> Israel’s “deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food and water,” in Gaza “tantamount to genocide.” Later that month, a majority of South African lawmakers voted to close the Israeli embassy and cut diplomatic ties with Israel until it agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, the Associated Press <a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-israel-ambassador-recall-gaza-bb30d780d0d33f2220dc08bf032a5738" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2023/12/22/more-than-20000-dead-in-gaza-amid-israel-hamas-war-hamas-run-health-ministry-says/?sh=c6ed0892c385">More Than 20,000 Dead In Gaza Amid Israel-Hamas War, Hamas-Run Health Ministry Says</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>


Pro-Palestinian demonstration in Johannesburg

South Africa Accuses Israel Of Genocide In UN Filing


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>A drone struck a vessel reportedly linked to Israel off the coast of India on Saturday morning—an unexplained attack that comes as the Houthi militant group continues a campaign of strikes against ships hundreds of miles west in the Red Sea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>The attack took place about 200 nautical miles off the coast of Veraval in India’s state of Gujarat—making it one of the furthest drone attacks to hit a vessel in recent weeks, after the Houthis began launching attacks from the portion of Yemen they control.</p>



<p>The Houthis have not taken credit, but British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed to Forbes the attack took place in the “heightened threat area” for drone strikes.</p>



<p>India’s&nbsp;<a href="https://aninews.in/news/world/asia/indian-navy-coast-guard-vessels-moving-towards-merchant-ship-hit-by-suspected-drone-attack20231223165323/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANI</a>&nbsp;news agency identified the vessel as the MV Chem Pluto, a Liberian-flagged tanker carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to India that Ambrey told Forbes has a link to Israel (the Houthis have targeted ships it says are connected to Israel in the past).</p>



<p>The unmanned aerial vehicle struck the ship’s stern, sparking a fire in the ship’s rope locker and causing structural damage, according to Ambrey.</p>



<p>The fire was extinguished, but the vessel also sustained some damage to the aft, and the ship began taking on water, Ambrey said—no injuries or casualties were reported among the crew of 20 people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Merchant vessels in the Red Sea have faced dozens of attacks by ballistic missiles and drones over the past month. Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the majority of the attacks, which they say are a response to Israel’s war in Gaza. The Houthis control a large portion of northern Yemen, including the capital of Sana’a, and are allied with the Iranian government and Gaza-based militant group Hamas, which attacked southern Israel in October. The attacks have primarily been targeted at vessels linked to Israel. “Merchant vessels are advised that these types of attacks are typically targeted at Israeli-affiliated shipping, but have in the past mistakenly hit previously Israel-affiliated vessels,” Ambrey said. The drone attacks have slowed trade in the region, causing shipping giants Maersk and Hapag Lloyd to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/12/15/maersk-pauses-shipments-through-red-sea-after-recent-houthi-attacks/?sh=24e033d6495c">halt cargo shipments</a>&nbsp;through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. BP also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/12/18/oil-giant-bp-halts-shipments-in-the-red-sea-following-houthi-attacks/?sh=596022022ccb">paused all oil shipments</a>&nbsp;through the Red Sea on Monday. Swedish furniture store Ikea, dairy brand Danone, and appliance manufacturer Electrolux have all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/britneynguyen/2023/12/21/these-companies-are-facing-product-delays-due-to-red-sea-houthi-attacks-ikea-danone-and-more/?sh=1825e6ba1063">reported shortages and delays</a>&nbsp;since the attacks began.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



<p>On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/12/19/us-announces-multinational-naval-force-to-combat-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea/?sh=15f13d9f104e">Operation Prosperity Guardian</a>, a multinational security force aimed at protecting merchant vessels in the Red Sea. According to Austin, the Houthi attacks threaten “the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law.” The coalition will include forces from the U.K., Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, the Defense Department announced. Air Force Major General Pat Ryder said the coalition force will act as a “highway patrol” on the Red Sea shipping lanes, which the military estimates sees anywhere from 10-15% of all global shipping.</p>


Israel’s Response To Hamas Attack Complicated By Hostages And Concerns Over Gaza Campaign

Drone Hits Israeli-Linked Oil Tanker Off Indian Coast, Security Firm Says


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Israel released 39 Palestinians it was holding in its Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank on Friday as part of a deal for the release of Israeli hostages Hamas took during its Oct. 7 attack—the Palestinians released were mostly teenage boys and women, a vast majority had not yet been convicted of a crime and many had been imprisoned for years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>Seventeen of the released Palestinian prisoners are minors and, of those 17, 15 are boys and two were girls, while the remaining 22 are adult women,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/24/who-were-the-palestinian-prisoners-israel-released-on-friday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Jazeera</a>&nbsp;reported.</p>



<p>Israel holds 2,200 Palestinians in detention under its controversial “administrative detention” policy that Israel says is a counter-terrorism measure it uses against people who plan to commit future offenses, according to the AP.</p>



<p>The released prisoners include Iyas Khatib, 17, the son of a U.N. aid worker who was put in “administrative detention” last year based on secret evidence without being publicly charged of a crime or put on trial, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-prisoner-exchange-hostage-92545883b1fef86fb9b34549b7deca58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Associated Press</a>&nbsp;reported.</p>



<p>The prisoners also include Marah Bakeer, 24, who was a 16-year-old high school student in occupied East Jerusalem when Israeli forces shot at and arrested her for allegedly trying to stab an Israeli officer, an accusation Bakeer and her family deny,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/25/family-celebrates-return-of-free-palestinian-prisoner-marah-bakeer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Jazeera</a>&nbsp;reported.</p>



<p>The 39 are part of a list of 300 Palestinians Israel said it was considering releasing as part of its deal with Hamas—some on the list were held on minor charges like throwing stones (though some were held on charges as serious as attempted murder), less than a quarter of them were convicted of a crime and most were being held on remand while awaiting a trial, the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67522703" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC</a> reported.</p>



<p>Other common offenses the prisoners have been accused of include threatening security officers, entering Israel illegally without a permit, supporting terrorism and associating with hostile or unknown organizations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/24/who-were-the-palestinian-prisoners-israel-released-on-friday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Jazeera</a>&nbsp;reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>The released prisoners were being held in Israel’s Ofer prison, which is situated in the occupied West Bank near its western border north of Jerusalem. Israeli forces began using it in 2002 and it has since housed scores of Palestinian detainees, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.addameer.org/content/offer-prison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Addameer</a>&nbsp;Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, a Palestinian non-governmental organization. The Israeli military court system is designed to prosecute Palestinians that violate its various military orders in occupied Palestinian territory, according to Addameer. Human rights groups allege that Israel’s military court system rules Palestinains guilty 99% of the time, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67528844" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC</a>. Addammer points to other perceived issues with the military court and Israeli prison systems, including that Israeli officers, despite being required to interrogate prisoners in their native language, allegedly often&nbsp;<a href="https://www.addameer.org/israeli_military_judicial_system/military_courts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get them to sign</a>&nbsp;statements in Hebrew they don’t understand and that prison officials allegedly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.addameer.org/key_issues/medical_negligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deliberately don’t provide</a>&nbsp;prisoners with necessary medical care.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>750,000. That’s how many Palestinians have at one point been in an Israeli jail since 1967, according to estimates from human rights groups, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-prisoner-exchange-hostage-92545883b1fef86fb9b34549b7deca58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AP</a>&nbsp;reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEWS PEG</h2>



<p>The release of the Palestinian prisoners was part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/11/22/what-to-know-about-the-israel-hamas-hostage-deal/?sh=64f13bfe5845">an agreement</a>&nbsp;between Israel and Hamas that ended weeks of ferocious fighting between the two. That fighting began Oct. 7 after Hamas crossed the border of northern Gaza into Israel, killing around 1,200 and taking 240 hostage in a bloody attack. Israel responded with frequent airstrikes and a ground military incursion into Gaza. More than 14,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel declared war, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/11/24/temporary-ceasefire-takes-effect-in-gaza/?sh=2c11d07321a5">fighting paused</a>&nbsp;as part of a temporary cease-fire. As part of the cease-fire deal, Hamas agreed to release some of the hostages it took on Oct. 7, and Israel agreed to free some of its Palestinian prisoners. Along with the 39 released Palestinians, 13 Israeli hostages were released Friday. The pause in fighting—which is set to last four days, but could be extended if both sides come to further agreement—allowed trucks carrying humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>More Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages to be released. Israel has promised to release 150 Palestinian prisoners and Hamas agreed to release 50 hostages. All of those are expected to be released by the end of the four-day cease-fire. However, even more could ultimately be released soon. As part of the deal, Israel agreed to continue the pause in fighting one more day for each additional 10 hostages released by Hamas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TANGENT</h2>



<p>The newly freed Palestinian minors’ names are Yousef Mohammad Mustafa Ata, Qusai Hani Ali Ahmad, Jibreel Ghassan Ismail Jibreel, Mohammad Ahmad Suleiman Abu Rajab, Ahmad Nu’man, Ahmad Abu Na’im, Baraa Bilal Mahmoud Rabee, Aban Iyad Mohammad Said Hammad, Moataz Hatem Moussa Abu Aram, Iyas Abdul Qader Mohammad Khatib, Hazma Laith Khalil Othman Othman, Mohammad Mahmoud Ayoub Dar Darwish, Jamal Khalil Jamal Barahmeh, Jamal Yousef Jamal Abu Hamdan, Mohammad Anis Saleem Tarabi, Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahman Suleiman Rizq, Zeina Raed Abdou and Noor Mohammad Hafez al-Tahir, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/24/who-were-the-palestinian-prisoners-israel-released-on-friday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Jazeera</a>. The adults’ names are Rawan Nafez Mohammad Abu Matar, Marah Joudat Moussa Bakeer, Malak Mohammad Yousef Suleiman, Amani Khaled Nu’man Hasheem, Nihaya Khader Hussein Sawan, Fayrouz Fayez Mahmoud al-Baw, Tahreer Adnan Mohammad Abu Suriya, Falasteen Fareed Abdul Latif Najm, Walaa Khaled Fawzi Tanja, Maryam Khaled Abdul Majid Arafat, Asil Muneer Ibrahim al-Tayti, Azhar Thaer Bakr Assaf, Raghd Nashat Salah al-Fanni, Fatima Nu’man Ali Badr, Rawda Moussa Abdul Qader Abu Ujaima, Sara Ayman Abdul Aziz Abdullah al-Suweisa, Fatima Ismail Abdul Rahman Shahin, Samira Abdul Harbawi, Samah Bilal Abdul Rahman Souf, Fatima Bakr Moussa Abu Shalal, Hanan Saleh Abdullah al-Barghouthi and Fatima Nasr Mohammad Amarnah, according to Al Jazeera.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/willskipworth/2023/11/24/heres-what-to-know-about-the-hostages-released-from-gaza/?sh=4800c2e1aff7">Here’s What To Know About The Hostages Released From Gaza</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/willskipworth/2023/11/24/first-hostages-released-amid-temporary-israel-hamas-ceasefire/?sh=1c663278e9fe">First Hostages Released Amid Temporary Israel-Hamas Ceasefire</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/11/24/temporary-ceasefire-takes-effect-in-gaza/?sh=2c11d07321a5">Temporary Ceasefire Takes Effect In Gaza</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/11/22/what-to-know-about-the-israel-hamas-hostage-deal/?sh=64f13bfe5845">What To Know About The Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2023/11/23/israeli-forces-reportedly-arrest-director-of-gazas-largest-hospital/?sh=28e410055505">Israeli Forces Reportedly Arrest Director Of Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>


Gilad Shalit Swap Deal

Israel Released 39 Palestinian Prisoners: Here’s What We Know About Them


<p><strong>South Africa&#8217;s National Assembly has voted in favor of suspending diplomatic relations with Israel, including closing its embassy, in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This significant political move reflects escalating tensions and calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations.</strong></p>



<p>South Africa’s National Assembly voted yesterday to suspend diplomatic ties with Israel, as well as the closure of the Israeli embassy within the country, due to Israel’s continued war against Hamas in Palestine. The vote, which came hours after Israel recalled its ambassador to South Africa, passed with 248 votes in favor and 91 against. However, the vote is not binding unless enforced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.</p>



<p>The vote, initiated by opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and supported by the ruling African National Congress (ANC), called for a suspension of all diplomatic ties with Israel until a ceasefire is reached. Earlier this week during a virtual summit of the BRICS nations, chaired by President Ramaphosa, it issued a statement condemning attacks on civilians in Palestine.</p>



<p>The move was welcomed by the South African branch of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. “There is no role for diplomacy with a settler-colonial apartheid state that is guilty of genocide against a population that it occupies,” said SA BDS Coordinator Roshan Dadoo to FORBES AFRICA. “South Africa should not be having relations with a state that perpetrates war crimes with impunity, and treats the United Nations, international law, and the rest of the world with utter disdain.”</p>



<p>However, the National Assembly’s vote was not appreciated by all parties. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) condemned the vote as pointless in light of Israel’s withdrawal of its ambassador for consultations, and condemned the chanting of “from the river to the sea” by some members of parliament “a chant which calls for the destruction of the only Jewish state, makes a mockery of the ANC’s stated position of supporting a two-state solution,” said Professor Karen Milner of the SAJBD in a statement.</p>



<p>Both the Israeli ambassadors’ recall as well as the National Assembly vote indicate a further breakdown in diplomatic relations between Israel and South Africa, which has historically had strong political, historical, and ideological ties to Palestinians. The ANC-led government has long condemned the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, and it remains to be seen how this recent development will impact the already strained relations.</p>



<p>The resolution, titled ‘Closure of the Israel Embassy in South Africa and suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel’, was presented by Julius Malema of the EFF. This parliamentary decision, while symbolic, reflects a long-standing stance of the South African government since Nelson Mandela&#8217;s presidency, likening the Palestinian struggle to the country’s own fight against apartheid. The ANC&#8217;s chief whip, Pemmy Majodina, emphasized the resolution&#8217;s call for a ceasefire and commitment to United Nations-facilitated peace negotiations.</p>



<p>President Ramaphosa has been vocally critical of Israel&#8217;s military actions in Gaza, urging the International Criminal Court to investigate potential war crimes.</p>



<p>This recent parliamentary vote, amidst the backdrop of escalating violence in Gaza and Israel&#8217;s strategic military campaign against Hamas, marks a pivotal moment in South Africa&#8217;s foreign policy, mirroring its historical commitment to human rights and international law. As the world watches, the actions of Ramaphosa&#8217;s administration in the coming days will be crucial in shaping the future of South Africa-Israel relations and, possibly, the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.</p>


Israeli attacks continue on the 47th day in Gaza

South Africa Votes to Suspend Diplomatic Ties with Israel Amid Gaza Conflict


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Israel and Hamas have reached a deal in which around 50 hostages being held by Hamas will be released to Israel, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-21-23/h_2ae5a4fa82ac4a7db0fd2a21acbd1581" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna126110" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>, while fighting will pause for four days—marking the first major agreement between the two sides since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>News of the deal broke Tuesday night after Israel’s cabinet accepted the highly anticipated agreement.</p>



<p>The four-day pause in fighting will be the first pause longer than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2023/11/09/israel-agrees-to-4-hour-daily-pauses-in-fighting/?sh=2359b2cb7028">four hours</a>&nbsp;that Israel has agreed to since the fighting escalated in early October.</p>



<p>Israel will let 300 aid trucks a day cross from Egypt into Gaza as part of the deal, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/21/israel-hamas-hostage-ceasefire-deal-imminent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Axios</a>.</p>



<p>Israel did not state whether the deal will involve the release of Palestinian prisoners, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna126110" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC News</a>&nbsp;reported some 150 Palestinians held by Israel could be released under the agreement.</p>



<p>Because the deal was approved Tuesday, the hostages may not be released until Thursday to allow a 24-hour judicial review period, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/11/21/world/israel-hamas-gaza-war-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Times reported</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, before the deal was announced.</p>



<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office hinted at the deal Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM_heb/status/1726956351681953872" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announcing</a>&nbsp;Israel’s war cabinet, security cabinet and government would all have meetings Tuesday night “in light of the developments on the issue of freeing the hostages.”</p>



<p>At the start of one of Tuesday night’s meetings, Netanyahu said he asked President Joe Biden to help improve the hostage deal to “include more hostages for a lower cost,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BarakRavid/status/1727058670025068637" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to an Axios reporter.</p>



<p>Qatar and the U.S. have both helped in negotiations between Hamas and Israel, working for weeks to help arrange a hostage release and potential break in fighting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/21/world/israel-hamas-hostages/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to CNN.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>Israel suggested a pause in fighting could continue beyond four days, saying in a statement, “The release of every additional ten hostages will result in one additional day in the pause,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/nov/21/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-hamas-leader-haniyeh-truce-ceasefire-talks-gaza-qatar-latest-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guardian</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



<p>“The war continues, the war will continue until we achieve all of our goals: to eliminate Hamas, to return all our hostages, to ensure that the day after Hamas, Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu said Tuesday before one of the meetings to approve the deal, CNN&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-21-23#h_9558fc152576df835f09a9ba305283de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>More than 240. That’s how many hostages have been held by Hamas since Oct. 7. Over the last six weeks of fighting, Hamas has released just four hostages back to Israel—including a mother and daughter and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2023/10/23/two-more-hostages-released-by-hamas-reports-say/">two elderly</a>&nbsp;Israeli women—and Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2023/10/30/israel-says-forces-free-soldier-taken-hostage-by-hamas-as-gaza-ground-invasion-continues/?sh=6672480c4ddf">freed one hostage</a>&nbsp;during a ground operation. According to the Israeli Defence Forces, at least two hostages held by Hamas, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss and 19-year-old soldier&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67414353" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Noa Marciano</a>, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/11/16/idf-says-israeli-hostage-found-dead-outside-gazas-al-shifa-hospital/?sh=77921f022526">found dead</a>. Weiss was discovered last week near Al-Shifa hospital, which has been a major battleground over the last week. Hamas claimed Marciano died in an Israeli airstrike on Nov. 9,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67414353" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the BBC.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Getting hostages returned who were taken in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel has been a priority of Israel and the U.S. Of the approximately 240, it’s estimated that about 10 hostages are Americans, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/biden-believes-deal-close-free-hostages-gaza/story?id=105040105#:~:text=The%20administration%20said%20that%2010,to%20be%20among%20the%20hostages." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a> to ABC News, including a 3-year-old toddler who is believed to be the youngest American held. Over the weekend, U.S. officials said negotiations between Israel, Hamas and the U.S. were “closer than (they had) been perhaps at any point,” and leaders from <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/white-house-says-israel-hamas-hostage-deal-closer-than-before-2023-11-21/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamas</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/1726960818233765975" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qatar</a> both made similar claims Tuesday. Israel has also faced increasing calls from international leaders for a cease-fire as the death toll in Gaza has continued drastically rising. Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders had previously signified they were open to a multi-day pause, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/21/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-palestine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a> to the Washington Post, but continued to say they wouldn’t agree to a cease-fire unless all hostages were released. As of Tuesday, the Hamas-run Health Ministry <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna126110" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated</a> more than 13,000 people have died since the conflict began. In Israel, an <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/world/middleeast/israel-death-toll-hamas-attack.html#:~:text=Israel%20revised%20its%20official%20estimated,Ministry%20said%20on%20Friday%20night." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated</a> 1,200 have died—the majority of whom were killed in the initial Hamas attack last month.<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/"></a></p>


Israel Declares War Following Large-Scale Hamas Attacks

Israel And Hamas Reach Hostage Release Deal In Exchange For 4-Day Pause In Fighting


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>The war between Israel and Hamas has continued for more than a month, laying waste to the Gaza Strip, killing thousands and displacing many more in the region as the conflict appears likely to continue for some time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p><strong>1.5 million:&nbsp;</strong>That’s how many people in Gaza have been internally displaced, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/hostilities-gaza-strip-and-israel-flash-update-32#:~:text=Displacement%20(Gaza%20Strip),the%20remainder%20with%20host%20families." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a>, which reported 557,000 people are sheltering in facilities unable to bring in new arrivals, prompting concerns of overcrowding.</p>



<p><strong>More than 11,000:</strong>&nbsp;The number of people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-officials-say-hospitals-come-under-new-israeli-attacks-2023-11-10/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killed</a>&nbsp;in Gaza during the conflict, according to Reuters.</p>



<p><strong>Around 1,200:</strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-revises-death-toll-oct-7-hamas-attack-around-1200-2023-11-10/#:~:text=JERUSALEM%2C%20Nov%2010%20(Reuters),previous%20government%20estimate%20of%201%2C400." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revised death toll</a>&nbsp;of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel, Reuters reported, which cited a spokesperson for Israel&#8217;s foreign ministry.</p>



<p><strong>More than 400:</strong>&nbsp;The number of U.S. citizens and residents who have left the Gaza Strip, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/more-than-400-us-citizens-residents-have-left-gaza-spokesperson-2023-11-07/#:~:text=More%20than%20400%20US%20citizens,Reuters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reuters</a>, citing the State Department, which noted some U.S. citizens still remain in the war-torn region this week.</p>



<p><strong>About 240:&nbsp;</strong>That’s how many hostages Israeli officials believe Hamas and other groups are holding, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-hostages-hamas-explained.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Times</a>, a matter that has become the<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/israel-hamas-hostage-deal-critical-juncture-gaza/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;crux of negotiations</a>&nbsp;between Israel and Hamas.</p>



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<p><strong>756:&nbsp;</strong>The total count of humanitarian aid trucks that have crossed into Gaza from Egypt since such trucks were first allowed to do so on Oct. 21, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-2023-11-08/card/more-than-100-aid-trucks-reach-gaza-in-largest-single-day-convoy-YsfsqJaxyKLQifBui5sg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;reported, citing Egyptian officials and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, which said none of the trucks contained fuel.</p>



<p><strong>18:</strong>&nbsp;World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated in an emergency meeting that this was the share of Gaza’s 36 hospitals that were not operating in the region (home to about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unrwa.org/where-we-work/gaza-strip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2.1 million people</a>), according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna124563/rcrd25458?canonicalCard=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC News</a>, adding facilities are operating beyond capacities and that two-thirds of Gaza’s primary health care centers are not functioning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>Israel agreed Thursday to put four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in place for its military operations in Gaza each day, according to the White House. The pauses have helped hostage talks, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/israel-hamas-hostage-deal-critical-juncture-gaza/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Politico</a>, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/09/politics/israel-pauses-gaza-white-house/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insisted</a>&nbsp;that “no cease-fire” would be achieved without the release of Hamas-held hostages. Politico reported any hostage agreement is likely to be interim and limited in scope.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>The Israel-Hamas conflict has gone on for more than a month now, after Israel declared war following Hamas’ invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7. The U.S. has stood firm in its support of Israel, a longtime ally. President Joe Biden asked Netanyahu during a Monday call for a three-day pause to allow for hostage negotiations, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-humanitarian-pauses-b8fc613ffd8b9351c0dc37b90b6e10dd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Associated Press</a>&nbsp;reported, adding that the president said it took “a little longer” than he hoped for Israel to agree to the current hours-long humanitarian pauses. Despite pushing for humanitarian aid, the White House has been careful to not call for a definitive cease-fire, citing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-press-availability-41/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerns</a>&nbsp;it would allow Hamas to recover and re-tool. Biden has also publicly doubted the death toll coming out of Gaza, saying late last month he had &#8220;no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/despite-bidens-doubts-humanitarian-agencies-consider-gaza-toll-reliable-2023-10-27/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reuters</a>. Calls for a cease-fire have been supported by a majority of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/27/united-nations-votes-overwhelmingly-in-favour-of-humanitarian-truce-in-gaza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a>&nbsp;in addition to tens of thousands of Americans who have participated in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/11/04/thousands-descend-on-washington-for-gaza-cease-fire-rally-photos/?sh=6a381a4a1df7">cease-fire rallies</a>&nbsp;in recent weeks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/10/14/israel-hamas-conflict-the-grim-statistics-after-a-week-of-war/?sh=3d27aea84407">Israel-Hamas Conflict: The Grim Statistics After A Week Of War</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-revises-death-toll-oct-7-hamas-attack-around-1200-2023-11-10/#:~:text=JERUSALEM%2C%20Nov%2010%20(Reuters),previous%20government%20estimate%20of%201%2C400." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Israel revises Hamas attack death toll to &#8216;around 1,200&#8217;</a>&nbsp;(Reuters)</p>


Israel-Hamas Conflict: The Bleak Numbers After 36 Days Of Fighting


<p><strong>South Africa intensifies its critique of Israel, recalling diplomats and slamming actions in Gaza as war crimes. As international condemnation grows, the government contemplates further sanctions amid widespread protests and calls for a decisive international response.</strong></p>



<p>South Africa has recalled its diplomatic corps from Israel for consultation, with the country&#8217;s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, issuing a strong critique of Israel&#8217;s ground invasion of Gaza. Pandor stated that the killing of children in the Palestinian region is a &#8220;war crime&#8221;.</p>



<p>Pandor was responding to questions she received after the Cabinet announcement today, withdrawing South Africa&#8217;s diplomats from Tel Aviv.</p>



<p>The African National Congress (ANC)-led South African government has long shown solidarity with the Palestinian cause, with Palestinian resistance movements providing social and military aid in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.</p>



<p>Israel&#8217;s response to the attacks of Hamas on October 7, which, at the time of writing, have seen at least 10,000 casualties among Palestinians in Gaza, was strongly condemned by the South African government.</p>



<p>&#8220;We believe the nature of the response by Israel has become one of collective punishment,&#8221; continued Pandor, &#8220;which falls outside the practices of international humanitarian and international human rights law.&#8221;</p>



<p>South Africans themselves have demonstrated in vast numbers in the major cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with protests occurring almost weekly outside the United States Embassy and Consulate.</p>



<p>South Africa is not the only country to have instituted diplomatic responses to Israel in recent weeks, with Chad also recalling its ambassador earlier today. Several South American governments, such as Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia, had earlier done the same.</p>



<p>The South African branch of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement welcomed the decision by the government but also critiqued the time taken to make such an action.</p>



<p>&#8220;The SA BDS Coalition welcomes our government’s Cabinet statement condemning Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people,&#8221; said Roshan Dadoo, spokesperson for the BDS, to FORBES AFRICA. &#8220;However, it took more than 10,000 Palestinians to be killed by the apartheid Israeli state before our government recalled all South African diplomatic staff for consultations.&#8221;</p>



<p>South Africa might take even further action following the last three weeks of conflict, with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stating in today&#8217;s post-Cabinet briefing that Israeli Ambassador Eliav Belotsercovsky&#8217;s position was &#8220;very untenable&#8221;.</p>



<p>Belotsercovsky has been directly critiqued by both the Cabinet and Pandor for his remarks in South African media as of late, with Minister Ntshaveni also stating that President Cyril Ramaphosa had instructed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to chastise him for &#8220;disparaging remarks&#8230;about those who are opposing the atrocities and the genocide of the Israeli government.&#8221;</p>



<p>&#8220;A genocide under the watch of the international community cannot be tolerated,&#8221; said Ntshaveni, sparing no words. &#8220;Another holocaust in the history of humanity cannot be tolerated.&#8221;</p>



<p>The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) spokesperson Charisse Zeifert said in a statement to FORBES AFRICA that the organization is seeking an urgent meeting with President Ramaphosa regarding today&#8217;s Cabinet decision, stating, &#8220;Severing ties would be a decision contrary to everything that the government claims it stands for, that is, talking to both sides of the conflict. And the only people who will stand to lose are South African citizens.&#8221;</p>



<p>Both the South African Jewish community and the Palestinian diaspora have deep ties within the country, with tensions unlikely to abate without a greater resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine itself.</p>



<p>&#8220;The South African people demand our government act in multilateral fora towards an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance for people trapped in Gaza with UN protection, for the reinstatement of the UN anti-apartheid mechanisms towards international sanctions and an arms embargo, and a swift investigation and prosecutions by the International Criminal Court into war crimes, crimes against humanity including the crime of genocide and apartheid,&#8221; concluded the statement by BDS.</p>


Tag: Israel

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