For Some Autocrats, Even Rigged Elections Can Be Too Much of a Threat

First responders in Gaza report operations are nearly halted due to a severe lack of fuel amid a full Israeli blockade, with 75% of their vehicles inoperable. Despite claims by Israel denying a humanitarian crisis, UN agencies warn of dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, leading to a growing risk of starvation and illness among Gaza's 2.4 million residents. As military operations intensify following Hamas's October attack, the death toll in Gaza has...

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported the closure of three schools in annexed east Jerusalem by Israel, following a ban on its activities. UNRWA's West Bank director, Roland Friedrich, described the traumatic impact on the 550 students present during the enforcement, while a closure notice prohibited future educational operations. The Palestinian Authority condemned the closures as a violation of children's rights to education, amidst ongoing disputes over the status of Jerusalem, which Israel considers...

Amnesty International has condemned Israel for committing what it describes as genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting the severe and irreversible harm inflicted on the civilian population. The organization warns that Israel's efforts to displace Palestinians to the south of Gaza and confine them in "closed bubbles" could amount to war crimes, specifically unlawful transfer or deportation, and, if part of a systematic attack, could constitute crimes against humanity. Amnesty further asserted that Israel...

The Israeli embassy in London was reportedly the target of five Iranian men arrested on terrorism charges, according to BBC sources. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests took place across multiple locations, including London and Manchester, as part of a "fast-moving" investigation, though they have not officially confirmed the embassy as the target. Iranian officials have denied involvement, with the Iranian foreign minister offering to assist in the investigation, while four of the arrested men...

A senior Hamas official has expressed that the group is unwilling to engage in further negotiations for a ceasefire or hostage release while Israel's blockade continues, which they describe as a "starvation war." Israel has resumed military operations in Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas for the release of hostages and replace humanitarian aid distribution with a new system controlled by private companies, which the UN has criticized as a violation of humanitarian principles. Amidst escalating...

Libya's Health Minister Detained Over Corruption Allegations Libya’s Public Prosecutor has ordered the detention of the health minister and several senior officials from the Government of National Unity (GNU) for irregularities in importing cancer medications from Iraq. The officials, including the director of the Pharmacy Department and the head of the Public Tender Committee, are accused of breaching regulations by not coordinating with the General Authority for Combating Cancer. Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh previously suspended...