‘We climbed walls to get to Al-Aqsa,’ Palestinians speak of increasing restrictions – Middle East Monitor

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will lead an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to address the crisis in Gaza, as Türkiye currently holds the OIC presidency. The meeting aims to coordinate member states' responses to the ongoing Israeli military actions, which have resulted in over 62,600 Palestinian deaths since October 2023 and a humanitarian crisis in the region. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli far-right ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, advocated for extreme measures against Gaza’s population during a Cabinet meeting, leading to a confrontation with military chief Eyal Zamir over the war strategy. As the military campaign continues, over 62,600 Palestinians have been killed, and Israel faces international scrutiny for potential war crimes. Want More Context? 🔎

Despite extensive diplomatic efforts, the ongoing war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, remains unresolved, with Israel struggling to establish a viable post-war governance framework. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government aims for a complete military occupation of Gaza, driven by a far-right ideology that seeks to eliminate Hamas, but faces political repercussions and a strategic impasse as it fails to achieve its military objectives. Want More Context? 🔎

Thousands of Australians participated in pro-Palestinian rallies on Sunday, with organizers claiming around 350,000 attendees across more than 40 protests nationwide, amidst diplomatic tensions following the Australian government's recognition of a Palestinian state. The protests, spearheaded by groups demanding an end to violence in Gaza, drew criticism from Jewish leaders who argued they created an unsafe environment, coinciding with escalating rhetoric from Israeli leadership. Want More Context? 🔎

Irish rap group Kneecap, facing controversy over a member's British terror charge linked to Hezbollah, is set to perform at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris despite objections from Jewish groups and government officials, leading to the withdrawal of local subsidies. The group's politically charged performances, especially regarding the Palestinian cause, have raised concerns about antisemitism in France following recent violence. Want More Context? 🔎

Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed disappointment over the New Social Contract (NSC) party's decision to withdraw its ministers from the Cabinet, following the resignation of Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp amid disagreements on imposing sanctions against Israel. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with nearly 62,300 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023, as Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Want More Context? 🔎