Weekly World News
West Asia/Middle East:
After 6 months of violence and destruction, the Gaza Strip continues to struggle under Israeli bombardment, assault, and blockade. A conservative estimate from the Euromed Human Rights Monitor puts the death toll at around 38,000, including over 13,800 children. However, thousands of others are reported as missing, presumed to be buried under the rubble of homes, schools, places of worship, and more. Meanwhile, a growing number of Gazans are dying of starvation, particularly those with specialized health needs, such as children and infants, pregnant women, and those with cancer, illnesses, or autoimmune diseases. 563 Palestinians have been killed while waiting to receive aid, which is limited and unable to be distributed to areas of need, where famine has already set in. Particular international focus this week centered around the targeting of an aid truck of the World Central Kitchen, an American, non-profit organization that works to provide food relief. An Israeli strike on the aid vehicle killed all 7 aid workers inside, which consisted of 1 Palestinian, 3 Brits, 1 Australian, 1 Pole, and 1 dual US-Canadian national. The World Central Kitchen claimed it coordinated its movements and actions with the Israeli government, causing the head of the organization to label Israel’s strike as deliberate. However, Israel claimed the attack was a “grave mistake,” and opened an investigation into the matter. The World Central Kitchen announced it is pausing its operations in Gaza following the deaths of its workers.
The Israeli military conducted a strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, destroying the building and killing 13 people, including a commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp. The Syrian news agency SANA reported that Israel fired 6 missiles toward the consular building, some of which were shot down. Iranian Ambassador to Damascus Hossein Akbari fiercely condemned the attack, criticizing Israel for having “no respect for international laws” and promising a “decisive response.” US officials claim their intelligence suggests an Iranian retaliation is likely to occur soon, most probably of a similar magnitude or manner as the initial Israeli attack. Iranian presidential advisor Mohammad Jamshidi warned the United States of getting drawn into an escalation and claimed the United States asked Iran to avoid an attack on American assets. In preparation for a response, Israel suspended leave for its reservists.
South America:
Ecuadorian police stormed the Mexican embassy in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, prompting Mexico to completely sever diplomatic ties with the South American nation. Police broke into the embassy on Friday in search for former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who sought political asylum in the Mexican embassy as he is indicted for corruption charges. Police then arrested Glas, who reportedly resisted and was beaten, then transported to a maximum-security prison. Mexico vowed to challenge Ecuador’s actions in front of the World Court.
Asia-Pacific:
According to a report by the Guardian, India has carried out a number of extrajudicial killings on Pakistani soil targeting at least 20 individuals. While India’s government at first seemed to deny the claims, its defense minister later admitted to assassination operations targeting terrorists in neighboring Pakistan. The defense minister’s statements were backed up by Prime Minister Modi, who is seeking a third term in the upcoming elections.
Sources:
Channel - https://t.me/geopolitics_live
Channel - https://t.me/ukraine_watch
Channel - https://t.me/eyeonpal
Channel - https://t.me/QudsNen
Article - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2023/10/9/israel-hamas-war-in-maps-and-charts-live-tracker
Article - https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/04/01/722883/Iranian-Embassy-
Article - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-to-retaliate-israeli-bombing-syria-consulate-officials-believe/
Article - https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4576464-us-iran-israel-damascus-strike/
Article - https://londonpost.news/indias-defense-minister-admits-to-extrajudicial-killings-in-pakistan/
Article - https://www.rt.com/india/595511-india-denies-carrying-out-assassinations/