Weekly World News

Dec 18, 2023

West Asia/Middle East:

The Humanitarian situation in Gaza has steadily worsened as Israeli strikes and military operations relentlessly continue. Food and supplies remain scarce in the strip as the World Food Programme reports that half of Gaza’s population is starving. The Gaza Health Ministry puts the death toll at 18,800, 70% of which are women and children. 51,100 more are injured, and many more remain unaccounted for. Israel conducted a particularly gruesome and deadly attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital, where Israeli bulldozers reportedly flattened large areas of the hospital, burying dozens of injured and displaced people alive. Gaza also experienced the longest communication blackout since the beginning of the war, lasting four days.

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire in the hostilities in Gaza, as well as the unconditional release of all hostages and humanitarian access into the strip. The resolution passed with a large majority of 153 countries, with 20 abstentions and 10 countries voting against the resolution. The no-votes include the United States, which opposes demands for Israel to cease its military actions in the Gaza Strip. Resolutions passed by the United Nations are legally non-binding but are effective at applying international and political pressure.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) admitted to shooting and killing three Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. A senior Israeli military official reported that the three hostages were emerging from a building shirtless and waving a white flag. IDF soldiers then opened fire at point-blank range, immediately killing two of the hostages. The third ran back into the building, yelling in Hebrew, which prompted the soldiers’ commander to order the soldiers to stop firing. But one soldier continued to fire, killing the third hostage. Israeli officials called the incident “tragic,” saying that the soldiers’ actions violated the rules of engagement. Hundreds of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv to protest the Netanyahu government’s handling of the recovery and protection of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th.

United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan made a trip to Israel this week in an attempt to pressure Israel to do more to minimize civilian casualties and wrap up its military actions in the Gaza Strip. Sullivan came out of the visit promising a more targeted elimination of Hamas as Israeli operations continue. In a meeting between the two, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Sullivan that the war in Gaza would last “several more months.”

North America:

The United States House of Representatives voted to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden regarding alleged corruption and bribery in business conducted with foreign nations. The vote fell along party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor and all present Democrats voting against. While Republicans claim the Biden Administration is blocking key testimonies and the release of evidence, Democrats dismiss the inquiry as a political ploy.

Europe:

The European Union has agreed to open accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova in what Zelenskyy called a “victory” for Ukraine. However, French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine is still “very far off” from its membership goal. European support for Ukraine’s membership is not unanimous, as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains opposed to EU accession and military aid for Ukraine.

Sources:

Channel - https://t.me/SputnikInt_unc2