Weekly World News
West Asia/Middle East:
Israel’s bombardment and offensive have overtaken the entirety of the Gaza Strip, creating what is described as a nightmare humanitarian crisis. Aid groups warn that the Gaza population is facing mass starvation, as intensified Israeli actions in the south have prevented aid from entering through the Rafah Border Crossing. Particularly intense fighting has been reported in the southern city of Khan Younis, where Israeli tanks have rolled into the center of the city. The devastation forced many residents to move even farther south, to the border city of Rafah, where tens of thousands shelter in tents, and others out in the open. The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported 18,000 killed by Israel’s siege, but that figure does not take into account recent deaths in the north of the strip, where a collapse of the medical system prevents a count of the dead. The Euro-Mediterranean Rights Monitor puts the death toll at 23,000, including over 10,000 infants and children. The independent nonprofit organization also reports a series of crimes committed by the Israeli army in Gaza, including premeditated murders and executions, unlawful arrests, beatings, torture, and threats of rape.
The United States again vetoed a resolution in the UN Security Council calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Of the 15 council members, 13 voted in favor of the resolution, the United Kingdom abstained, and the United States stood as the only no-vote. As one of the five permanent members of the council, a no-vote from the United States vetoes the resolution. Criticism of the move quickly poured in from foreign leaders and representatives. Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador accused the United States of issuing “a death sentence to the thousands if not tens of thousands of civilians in Palestine and Israel.”
The Yemeni Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, announced their intention to seize any ships bound for Israel. The Houthis already took control of several cargo ships with ties to Israel in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Ansar Allah has long expressed their support for the Palestinian cause and carried out drone strikes against Israeli military targets.
North America:
Hunter Biden, son of United States President Joe Biden, was charged with nine criminal counts in an investigation into his taxes. The charges mark the second criminal case that the president’s son is facing, the first relating to gun charges. Prosecutors allege Mr. Biden evaded paying 1.4 million dollars in taxes while spending large amounts of money on his lavish lifestyle, consisting of “drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature." The three felonies and six misdemeanors listed in the indictment carry a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison if convicted.
Europe:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan traveled to Greece to pursue “a new era of relations” between the neighboring countries. The two nations hold deep-seated differences due to issues regarding borders, resources, control of the Aegean Sea, and the divided island of Cyprus. Erdogan met with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and the two signed a joint declaration pursuing good neighborly relations.
Sources:
Channel - https://t.me/SputnikInt_unc2
Channel - https://t.me/ukraine_watch
Channel - https://t.me/eyeonpal
Article - Palestinians report Israeli battles Khan Younis after US blocks Gaza ceasefire
Article - Displaced Gazans cram into Rafah despite fears of attack | Reuters
Article - AP News - Israel-Palestinians-UN-resolution-ceasefire-humanitarian
Article - Global condemnations pour in after US veto of Gaza ceasefire resolution
Article - Yemen's Houthis warn they will target all ships headed to Israel - News | Khaleej Times
Article - Hunter Biden hit with federal charges for evading tax | Reuters
Article - Hunter Biden Faces Nine Criminal Charges in Federal Tax Case | CNN Politics
Article - Erdogan Arrives in Greece with Hopes of a New Era in Relations
