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Israel Gaza aid ban

A group of UN human rights experts has sounded the alarm about Israel using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza by blocking humanitarian aid delivery to the besieged territory. The warning came from more than 30 UN experts, who said Israel’s blockade of aid deliveries to Gaza is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Stressing that Israel was once against weaponizing aid, they called the regime’s move a war crime and a crime against humanity under international law. The experts noted that as the occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the provision of sufficient food, medical supplies and other relief services. On Sunday, Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza, demanding Hamas accept its terms for extending the ceasefire agreement’s first phase. Hamas rejected the demand, saying that no more captives would be released until the second phase is negotiated.

Israel West Bank aggression

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has warned that Israel’s ongoing violent aggression against the West Bank appears to be part of the regime’s plan to annex the occupied territory. The regime’s weeks-long operation has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians and ravaged refugee camps.
UNRWA described the situation in the West Bank as unprecedented, both from a humanitarian and wider political perspective. It said the level of destruction of electricity, sewage, and water infrastructure, as well as Palestinians’ houses, is very concerning. UNRWA added that as Israel’s aggression drags on, there are increasing signs that it could turn into a permanent military presence in Palestinian cities. The agency cited Israeli officials’ remarks that Palestinians will not be allowed to return to their homes in the region. Israel’s military onslaught on the West Bank started shortly after the Gaza truce took effect in January. It initially focused on Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps, but has since expanded to more areas of the West Bank's north.

Syria protests

The Syrian regime has declared curfews in a number of the country’s regions after mass rallies were held in protest at the regime’s increasing violence against civilians. The northwestern port city of Tartus and the entire Homs province have been put under curfew until the morning hours. A curfew has also been announced in Latakia until 10 a.m. local time on Friday. The curfews followed mass protests by Alawites and Shia Muslims, who condemned the violent actions of the regime. They accused Syria’s interim government of prioritizing power over rebuilding the nation. The Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria released a statement, denouncing the regime’s increasing violence, including aerial bombardments of civilian homes and forced displacement of their residents. The statement called on Syrians to stage peaceful sit-ins while refraining from damaging property or engaging in sectarian strife.

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