News Analysis India

Tag: Israel

  • Israel’s FM Calls UN Decision To ‘Blacklist’ Israel’s Military ‘Shameful’ |

    TEL AVIV: Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz slammed the UN Secretary General’s decision to include the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) in a blacklist of countries and entities that harm children during conflict, saying Israel rejects this move “with disgust” and calling it “shameful .” Katz pointed out that the decision to include the IDF on the list is entirely up to the UN Secretary General and is “further evidence of his hostility towards Israel and his deliberate disregard, and not for the first time, of the Hamas attack on October 7 and Israel’s right to self-defence. This is the same UN Secretary General who chose to ignore Hamas’ sex crimes, despite the report written on the subject by UN Special Representative Patten.”

    “The Secretary-General’s report regarding Israel and the Palestinians is based on unverified and distorted data, part of an industry of distorted and biased reports by organizations such as OCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), which just recently reduced the number of children and women killed in the war in Gaza by half in one day without any explanation and relies on data from the Ministry of Health of Hamas. Israel will expose these distortions of these reports to the world,” said Katz.

    “The IDF is the most moral army in the world – and no fictitious report will change that,” he declared, adding that the move will have “consequences” for Israel’s relations with the UN.

  • Why is ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ trending and why is the US refusing to criticize Israel’s action? ,

    Israel has been making advances in Palestine’s Rafah. The Rafah region shot into the news once again on Tuesday after dozens of people died in a fresh attack, allegedly carried out by Israel. This happened two days after 45 people died in another airstrike, that Palestine claimed to be carried out by Israel. Israeli tanks were deployed in the Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood, which was hit by the airstrike on Sunday.

    “Despite our efforts to minimize civilian casualties during the strike, the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended…Our investigation seeks to determine what may have caused such a large fire to ignite,” said IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari.

    “Despite our efforts to minimize civilian casualties during the strike, the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended…Our investigation seeks to determine what may have caused such a large fire to ignite.”

    Watch the full statement by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel… pic.twitter.com/fzaRSnpgbE — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 28, 2024

    The Israeli army had pushed into the heart of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip amid its military operations carried out in multiple places in the enclave. As per reports, the Israeli army had intensified its bombardment in Rafah on Tuesday morning, forcing a great number of Palestinians to flee to other places.

    However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed Monday’s strike as a tragic incident saying that the country will investigate it. Netanyahu, however, vowed to continue the war against Hamas despite international criticism.

    What Is All Eyes On Rafah?

    After 45 people died in civilian camps following airstrike by Israel, netizens and key personalities expressed their solidarity with Palestine by sharing a graphic image on which it was written ‘All Eyes On Rafah’. People prayed for the safety of civilians in Rafah through their social media posts and called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

    Why did the US not call for ceasefire?

    The White House said that its policy related to the Israel-Hamas war won’t change following Rafah’s ‘airstrike’ mistake. Though the US said that it would seek answers from Israel. The US administration hinted that the Isarel has not crossed the ‘red line’ yet. The United States’ firm stance with Israel suggests that the Biden administration wants Hamas to surrender and return those in its captivity.

    Israel’s Advances in Rafah

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Tuesday that they conducted military operations in various locations across Gaza. In Jabalia, northern Gaza, the Israeli army killed Palestinian militants who attempted to fire at Israeli forces and destroyed several military targets, including underground tunnels, observation posts, and weapon depots. In central Gaza, the IDF carried out airstrikes on multiple targets, resulting in the deaths of several Palestinian militants.

    Gaza’s health authorities have said that the Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip reached 36,096 and more than 81,000 people have been injured.

  • Israel’s War On Gaza: Indian Ex-Soldier Serving As UN Aid Worker Killed In Rafah | world news

    The UN aid worker who was killed while driving to a hospital in the Khan Younis area from Rafah has been identified as an Indian national. Waibhav Anil Kale, 46, was a former Indian Army soldier. Farhan Haq, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Deputy Spokesperson, confirmed the identity of the deceased aid worker in a statement issued Monday night.

    According to the UN official, Waibhav Anil Kale started working for the UN as a security service coordinator in Gaza a month ago. According to UN sources, Kale was traveling in a vehicle bearing the United Nations logo.

    However, UN sources said it was unclear who fired on the vehicle in which Waibhav Anil Kale was traveling with another UN aid worker. This is the first such UN death in the Gaza conflict.

    The IDF has already stated that it is investigating the firing and death of a UN aid worker. In a statement issued late Monday night, the IDF stated that the attack took place in an active combat zone and that it was investigating the attack and death of the UN aid worker.

  • Explained: All You Need To Know About Pro-Palestine Protests By Students At US Universities | world news

    In recent weeks, protests in support of Palestinians over the conflict in Gaza have rocked America, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators, resulting in the removal of protest camps multiple times. However, students are still continuing to protest at some places.

    What do Pro-Palestinian Protesters Want?

    At protest sites, students have demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the cessation of American military aid to Israel, divestment from arms suppliers to universities, and companies profiting from war. Demonstrating students have also demanded apologies for those students and faculty members expelled for participating in protests.

    Who are the Pro-Palestinian Protesters?

    Protests in support of Palestine have seen participation from students, faculty members, as well as external activists from Jewish and Muslim communities. Organizing groups include organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. Some Jewish students have expressed feeling unsafe on campus and intimidated by alleged ‘anti-Semitic’ chants.It’s interesting to note that in Texas University, Austin, among the 79 individuals arrested on April 29, 45 had no affiliation with the university.

    Who are the Anti-Protest demonstrators?

    In response to Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, Israeli-American and Zionist groups, along with members of the Jewish-American community, have been protesting. In Los Angeles, hundreds participated in a counter-rally organized by the Israeli Advocacy Group and the Israeli American Council. On May 1, a scuffle broke out between members of a Zionist group and Pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of California, Berkeley. At Mississippi University, hundreds of students protested against Pro-Palestinian demonstrators on May 2. Some displayed American flags and banners in support of former President Donald Trump.

    What has been the administration’s response?

    Some university administrations have relied on local police to arrest demonstrators and clear camps and protest sites. Others have allowed protests to continue or reached compromises. At Manhattan Campus, police were sent to disband a camp set up by students the day after it was established on April 18. On April 30, police again raided the camp and the occupied building, resulting in dozens of arrests. California University, Berkeley has permitted the Pro-Palestinian campus camp to remain as long as it does not disrupt campus operations or pose a threat of violence.

    Northwestern University, Brown University, and Rutgers University are among colleges that have agreed to dismantle camps. Brown is considering divestment from companies linked to Israel. Rutgers has agreed to establish an Arab cultural center and consider the creation of a Middle East studies department.

    What’s the impact on daily campus life?

    Columbia University has had to switch to virtual classes several times. Southern California University canceled its main stage graduation ceremony. This decision followed the cancellation of a Muslim student’s closing speech and the removal of the Pro-Palestinian camp by police, leading to dozens of arrests.

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, canceled personal classes after students locked themselves in an administrative building.

    Michigan University has said it will allow freedom of expression and peaceful protest at its May graduation ceremonies but will enforce ‘adequate disruptions’.

    Political Leaders’ Reactions

    Democratic President Joe Biden said on Thursday that Americans have the right to protest but not to spread violence. However, demonstrators have criticized his administration for funding Israel with money and weapons. Republican candidate Trump for the 2024 election termed the protests on campus as ‘forceful hatred.’ He did not comment on the police raid on Columbia on April 30, calling it a ‘beautiful thing to watch.’

  • Watch: Dramatic Footage Captures Moment Israel’s National Security Minister Ben Gvir’s Car Met With Accident

    Ben Gvir’s office has reported that the minister is in stable condition and conscious.

  • Israel Launches Retaliatory Missile Strike Against Iran, Tehran Activates Air Defence System

    Iran conducted a retaliatory strike and launched hundreds of drones and missiles in a retaliatory strike after a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria. 

  • Top Commanders Of Iran’s Quds Force Killed In Israeli Airstrike On Syria’s Damascus; Tehran Vows Revenge

    The air strike directly targeted Iran’s consulate building in Damascus at a time when Zahedi was meeting with leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

  • Yemeni Army Claims Of Targeting American Vessel 'Mado' In Red Sea

    Yemeni Armed Forces' spokesperson Yahya Saree said that the port of Eilat in the allegedly Israel-occupied territories with several cruise missiles.

  • Denmark Latest To Mandate Compulsory Military Service To Women: List Of Nations Where 'Armed Service' Is A Must For Females | world news

    COPENHAGEN: In a significant move towards gender equality and national security, Denmark has embarked on a journey to mandate military service for women, making it the latest nation to do so. This decision, announced by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, aims to bolster the country's defense capabilities and ensure parity between genders in the realm of armed forces participation. Frederiksen emphasized that the extension of conscription to women and the elongation of service duration from four to eleven months for both genders signify Denmark's commitment to peace and preparedness rather than an inclination toward conflict.

    Denmark's Strategic Move

    Denmark, as a member of the NATO alliance and a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, has underlined the importance of a robust defense posture in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. Despite Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen's assertion that Russia does not pose an immediate threat to Denmark, the government remains steadfast in its determination to fortify national security. With only 9,000 professional troops complemented by 4,700 conscripts currently undergoing basic training, Denmark seeks to augment its military strength by enlisting more individuals into its armed forces.

    Policy Reforms

    The proposed changes in Denmark's military conscription system entail a comprehensive restructuring of the recruitment and training process. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen outlined the legislative adjustments required to implement the new system, with the anticipated timeline set for enactment in 2026. Under the revised framework, conscripts will undergo five months of basic training, six months of operational service, and supplementary training. This revamped approach aims to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive defense mechanism that is adaptable to contemporary security threats.

    International Comparisons: Mandatory Military Service For Women

    Denmark's decision to mandate military service for women aligns with global trends toward gender mainstreaming in defense policies. Countries such as Sweden and Norway have already embraced the concept of compulsory military service for both men and women, reflecting a broader shift towards gender parity in armed forces recruitment. Israel, despite its longstanding conscription policy, exempts certain segments of the population, highlighting the complexities inherent in balancing national security imperatives with individual rights and religious considerations. Eritrea's contentious conscription practices, characterized by forced military training for both genders, underscore the challenges associated with coercive recruitment strategies and their implications for human rights.

    Beyond Denmark, several other nations have either active or inactive policies regarding military service for women:

    Sweden: In 2017, Sweden reinstated conscription for both men and women amid concerns over regional security threats. This decision reflects Sweden's proactive approach to strengthening its defense capabilities.

    Norway: Since 2015, Norway has mandated national service for both men and women, making it a trailblazer in gender-inclusive military policies among NATO members.

    Israel: Military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens, with exceptions for certain groups, including ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis. While women are not obliged to serve, many choose to do so voluntarily.

    Eritrea: Eritrea has drawn international attention for its controversial conscription practices, which require both boys and girls to undergo military training. Despite legal limitations on service duration, many Eritrean youth face prolonged conscription periods.

    South Korea and North Korea: Both Koreas have longstanding traditions of compulsory military service, with recent adjustments to include women in mandatory conscription. In South Korea, women can now fulfill their military obligations alongside men, reflecting evolving societal norms.

    Switzerland: While military service is compulsory for men in Switzerland, women have the option to serve voluntarily. However, discussions are underway to potentially revise this policy and introduce mandatory conscription for women.

    Poland: Poland allows women to volunteer for military service, with certain professions requiring compulsory service. This approach reflects Poland's recognition of the valuable contributions women can make to national defense.

    Cuba: In Cuba, military service is mandatory for men, while women can choose to serve voluntarily. This distinction underscores Cuba's approach to gender roles within its armed forces.

    These diverse examples illustrate the varying approaches to female conscription worldwide, reflecting each nation's unique security challenges, cultural norms, and historical contexts. While some countries have embraced gender-inclusive military policies, others continue to grapple with questions of equality and national defense.

  • Who Was Aaron Bushnell? US Air Force Personnel Who Set Himself Ablaze For ‘Free Palestine’

    According to reports, Aaron Bushnell walked up to the Israel embassy around Sunday afternoon and live-streamed on the video streaming platform Twitch.