1. Introduction / Background
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be a major point of concern. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with reports of newborn deaths due to cold and ongoing attacks on hospitals.
A group of Israeli protesters have started marching towards the United States consulate in Tel Aviv, according to Israeli media reports.
Footage shared by Israel Hayom shows dozens of demonstrators, many carrying photos of Israelis still in captivity in Gaza, taking part in the rally.
Israel’s government has faced criticism – including from relatives of captives – for failing to secure the release of all captives, as Israeli-American Edan Alexander is set to go free, with some questioning whether dual nationals are being given priority.
At least 29 Palestinians have been killed and 94 injured in Israeli attacks across Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.
2. Key Highlights - Israel Hamas War
- Killed - 52,862
- Injured - 119,648
- Home Destroyed
3. Governments’ Response
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on 11.05.2025 that he seeks to draft 10,500 haredim to the IDF in the next two years.
Representing Israeli government, Israeli Foreign Minister Mr. Gideon Saar said on 11.05.2025 that Israel fully endorses U.S. President Mr. Donald Trump's plan for Gaza aid.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement released on Monday that ceasefire negotiations “will continue under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting”. The Israeli leader insisted that military pressure had forced Hamas to make the release.
4. Military Developments
The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for three ports in Yemen on 11.05.2025 night after vowing to “defend itself by itself” following a ceasefire deal between the US and the Houthis that excluded Israel.
Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or prisoner swap with Hamas ahead of the expected release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, but is continuing to prepare to intensify its military operations in Gaza, its prime minister has stated.
Israel’s blockade threatens the entire population of the Gaza Strip with famine and faces 500,000 with starvation, a global hunger monitor has warned. (https://aje.io/s78vpu?update=3705019)
The soldier has been evacuated after his injury, which took place during a clash with fighters in northern Gaza, reports Israel’s Army Radio.
Since the Gaza war broke out on October 7, 2023, 854 Israeli soldiers have been killed and thousands more injured, according to Israel’s military.
5. Militants’ Activity
Hamas has announced it will release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old US-Israeli soldier held captive since the October 2023 attack that triggered the war. This release is part of direct talks between Hamas and the United States aimed at achieving a ceasefire and reopening humanitarian aid corridors. The US and mediators like Egypt and Qatar have welcomed this as a "gesture of goodwill" and a hopeful step toward ending the conflict.
Amid ferocious Israeli attacks on Yemen, ostensibly in response to Houthi attacks on Israel, surprising news from the United States seemed to shake matters briefly.
6. Impact On the Trade and Travel
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, has said it had sold all of its shares in Israel’s Paz Retail and Energy because the company owns and operates infrastructure supplying fuel to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. (https://aje.io/s78vpu?update=3704545)
7. International Response
International involvement could be seen, to initiate a ceasefire. Here Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander will soon be released in Gaza, a senior Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday, a move key Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt described as an encouraging step towards a return to ceasefire talks in the war-torn enclave.
Jordanian Prime Minister Mr. Jaafar Hassan reiterated here on 11.05.2025 that preventing the displacement of Palestinians from their land remains a top national priority for the Kingdom.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has appealed for an end to these attacks, and there have been recent evacuations and detentions of medical staff by Israeli forces at Gaza hospitals.
President Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East is focused on securing Gulf investment, advancing Gaza ceasefire efforts, and confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. (https://aje.io/s78vpu?update=3704922)
A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative, released on Monday, said the Gaza Strip “is still confronted with a critical risk of famine” after over a year and a half of devastating war, with the vast majority of its approximately 2.1 million people at severe risk.
The head of the UN’s World Food Programme has called for the international community to act to get aid into Gaza after today’s IPC report warning the entire Palestinian population in the enclave is at imminent risk of famine.
Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) staff have marched in the occupied West Bank city to protest against the killing of medical workers in Gaza over the past 19 months of Israel’s war.
Hundreds of medical personnel, support staff and volunteers gathered in Ramallah’s Clock Square, wearing white and orange vests and waving flags bearing the PRCS’s emblem.
8. Comment.
The Middle East is currently experiencing intensified military confrontations, especially in Gaza, compounded by severe humanitarian crises. Proxy conflicts continue through groups like the Houthis, while Syria and Lebanon remain fragile with ongoing violence.
Despite these diplomatic developments, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has maintained an ultimatum to Hamas, warning that military operations in Gaza will continue if ceasefire terms-including the release of hostages-are not met.
9. Latest News in two line
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.