Rebuilding Gaza was seen as a ‘Herculean’ task before Oct. 7; six months of bombing has led to crises that will long outlive the war

Rebuilding Gaza was seen as a ‘Herculean’ task before Oct. 7; six months of bombing has led to crises that will long outlive the war

Palestinians look for survivors after a Israeli strike in Gaza on Oct. 31, 2023. AP Photo/Doaa AlBaz Dima Nazzal, Georgia Institute of Technology Over a decade ago, a United Nations report described the Gaza Strip as virtually unlivable, adding that it would require “Herculean efforts” to change that. Today, after six months of bombardment, mass displacement and siege by Israel, the task of rebuilding Gaza seems practically unimaginable. I’m a […]

April 9, 2024 25

World

Australia suggests it could recognise Palestinian state

Australia on Tuesday became the latest country to advocate formal recognition of a further shattering a long-standing diplomatic taboo in the West. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that recognising a state of Palestine could restart the moribund Middle East peace process and undermine extremist forces in the Middle East. "Recognising a Palestinian state -- one that can only exist side by side with a secure Israel -- doesn't […]

April 9, 2024 27

World

A vote on Palestine’s admission to the UN could happen soon

A decision on whether to admit Palestine as a permanent member of the United Nations might be decided in the coming days. The UN Security Council referred the matter to its admissions committee for consideration. Once this process is complete, the committee could recommend immediate admission. Jody Jacobs reports on what will happen next.

April 9, 2024 11

World

US tension grows over arms sales to Israel

There's growing tension in the US amid the Biden administration's approval of the transfer of thousands of weapons to Israel without Congressional sign-off. It follows the accidental killing of seven aid workers in Gaza by the Israeli military. Nick Harper reports from Washington.

April 4, 2024 19

World

Three British aid workers killed in Gaza have been named

Three British aid workers killed in Gaza have been named - after Israel admitted the airstrike was a "grave mistake". John Chapman, James Kirby and James Henderson were among seven people who died as a convoy they were travelling in was hit. US President Joe Biden says he's 'outraged and heartbroken' by the incident and the UK government has demanded a full investigation. Former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert […]

April 3, 2024 39

World

Palestinian Authority requests full membership at the UN

The Palestinian Authority will be requesting full membership at the United Nations later this month. According to UN protocol the Security Council will have to put this request to a vote before the General Assembly can approve it. Palestine is currently recognised as a permanent observer at the world body. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York.

April 3, 2024 8

World

Starvation is a weapon of war: Gazans are paying the price

By Ateqah Khaki, The Conversation; Husein Haveliwala, The Conversation, and Vinita Srivastava, The Conversation On Monday, the European Union’s foreign policy chief accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war and provoking famine in Gaza. Israel denies the allegations, which are some of the strongest words we have heard from a western power about the situation in Gaza since October. The EU statement comes on the heels […]

April 2, 2024 29

World

Malta Urges the ICC to Hurry Up Its War Crimes Probes in Palestine

Ambassador Vanessa Frazier of Malta detailed to the press her country’s plans presiding over the Security Council in April 2024. Frazier is one of five women envoys in the Council, and she successfully led a resolution calling for a pause in fighting in Gaza in November by focusing on the plight of children. “Children are affected more in Gaza, and as women, it affects us too,” she said in […]

April 2, 2024 14

World

U.S and Israel talks over Gaza offensive

The United States and Israel held a virtual meeting to discuss the alternatives to a military invasion of the Gazan city of Rafah. Israeli forces have for weeks been planning to push into the southern tip of the besieged strip, where more than a million displaced Palestinians are gathered. Benji Hyer reports.

April 2, 2024 27