Weekly World News
West Asia/Middle East:
The confirmed death toll in Gaza has soared past 34,000 as Israel’s assault on the Strip continues. However, due to a collapse of the healthcare and humanitarian system, many estimates place the death toll much higher as deaths go unreported and an increasing number of Gazans starve to death. Israeli strikes on the refugee city of Rafah caused dozens of casualties this week, including overnight strikes that killed 22 people, 18 of whom were children. Approximately 1.4 million Gazans seek refuge in the border city of Rafah, as Israeli operations continue to demolish all other major cities. Following Israel’s withdrawal from the southern city of Khan Younis, a mass grave was discovered at the Nasser Medical Complex, containing the bodies of at least 180 Gazans. Israel has expressed intent to launch a ground operation in Gaza, which humanitarian experts warn will have severe humanitarian consequences.
Israel launched several strikes on Iranian territory following Iran’s large-scale drone and missile attack in retaliation for the destruction of the Iranian consulate in Syria by Israeli missiles. Israel’s most recent attack reportedly caused no casualties or damage. Iranian officials expressed no intent to retaliate, signaling a possible de-escalation of tensions.
A United Nations Security Council draft resolution seeking Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations was vetoed by the United States. 12 nations voted in favor of the resolution, with the United Kingdom and Switzerland abstaining. President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas criticized the move as a “blatant aggression” and “unfair, unethical, and unjustified.” A Hamas spokesperson accused the United States of standing “in the face of international will.” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz praised the United States veto and described the resolution as a “shameful proposal.” Currently, Palestine remains only a Permanent Observer in the United Nations.
Israeli forces killed over 14 Palestinians during a raid in the West Bank, including an ambulance driver who was transporting patients injured in a previous attack committed by Israeli settlers. The raid targeted the Nur Shams area, a refugee camp made up of the descendants of victims of the “Nakba,” the violent displacement of Palestinians during the creation of the Jewish State.
North America:
The United States House of Representatives approved a $95 billion foreign aid package that will distribute billions of dollars to Ukraine Israel, and others. The bill survived opposition from a number of Democrats and Republicans as continual military aid becomes increasingly unpopular in the halls of Congress. The approval of military assistance comes at a time when Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy is becoming increasingly transparent about Ukraine’s reliance on United States military support in maintaining their war against Russia.
Africa:
After a request from the Nigerian government, the United States has agreed to remove all its troops from the West African Nation. The United States has over 1,000 troops stationed in Niger, where it built a drone base. Following a military coup, the government of Niger expressed discontent with American military presence in the nation, instead turning to the leadership of Russian forces.
Sources:
Channel - https://t.me/geopolitics_live
Channel - https://t.me/ukraine_watch
Channel - https://t.me/eyeonpal
Channel - https://t.me/QudsNen
Article - ttps://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/4/18/photos-the-destruction-of-the-nuseirat-refugee-camp-in
Article - https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-04-21-2024-8c027f2587c2c433d0fde41b63a0e0c3