Israeli forces have concluded a two-day operation in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, in the occupied West Bank
Israel is carrying out its largest operation within the West Bank since the attacks on October 7th.
Israeli military claims it killed 10 "terrorists" at the Nur al-Shams refugee camp, while the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported 14 people killed, including at least one child, as well as mass arrests.
This happens as the US House of Representatives has approved $26.4 billion in aid to Israel, as part of a wider package on foreign aid which still needs to pass the Senate.
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Summary
- The Israeli military wrapped up one of its most extensive operations in the occupied West Bank since October 7 on Sunday, claiming to have eliminated "10 terrorists." However, the Palestinian health ministry and Wafa news agency reported that the raid resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, including a child, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
- In a separate incident in the West Bank, Israeli settlers fatally wounded an ambulance driver who was attempting to transport Palestinians subjected to attacks, as reported by the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Escalating violence by extremist settlers in the occupied territory has prompted increased sanctions from both the US and EU.
- An explosion at an Iran-allied Iraqi military base south of Baghdad is being investigated, even though the US claims no involvement. The incident has bee referred to as an 'attack' by the Iraqi military, even though no military drones or aircraft were seen before the explosion.
- The US has approved a $26.4 billion aid package to Israel, as part of a wider package on foreign aid which still needs to pass the Senate.
- Israel's foreign ministry will summon its ambassadors from various countries Sunday to express disappointment at their support for this week's Palestinian membership bid at the United Nations, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said.
- Israel is conducting its largest operation in the West Bank since the beginning of its war against Hamas.
Turkey's foreign minister urges international community to support Palestinian recognition
Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, has urged the international community to support Palestine's bid for recognition and to oppose the US veto at the United Nations.
Fidan emphasized the importance of recognizing the state of Palestine as a crucial step towards achieving peace and stability in the region.
Sister of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, indicted by Israel
Israel's state attorney has brought charges against the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, accusing Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh of incitement and expressing support for a terrorist organisation.
The indictment follows allegations that she praised Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh has been in custody since her arrest on April 1, according to Israel's justice ministry.
The 57-year-old resides in the southern Israeli town of Tel Sheva, and as of now, there has been no comment from her legal representative.
Hamas Condemns US Military Aid to Israel as Endorsement of Gaza 'Aggression'
Hamas accuses the US of endorsing Israeli military actions in Gaza with its approval of over $17 billion in military aid to Israel.
Hamas stated that this support, deemed illegal under international law, provides a "green light" for the Israeli government to continue its aggressive actions against the Palestinian people.
Israeli military concludes raid on Nur al-Shams refugee camp, in the occupied West Bank
Israeli forces have concluded a two-day operation in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, in the occupied West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN on Sunday.
Aid delivered to northern Gaza for first time since October
Food parcels and medical aid have been able to reach northern Gaza by British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.
This marks an important step for aid organisations in reaching vulnerable people in Gaza.
For the first time since October, and with thanks to your support, our #Gaza team has been able to deliver food parcels to people driven from their homes by the Israeli military in the north.
— Medical Aid for Palestinians (@MedicalAidPal) April 20, 2024
Please continue to support our emergency response: https://t.co/PmYvdeWYuV pic.twitter.com/XCgOjJdzwm
Israeli military strikes four locations in Lebanon overnight, Lebanese state-run news agency reports
Overnight, Lebanese state-owned National News Agency revealed that Israeli airstrikes targeted four locations in southern Lebanon amid escalating regional tensions due to Israel's military operations in Gaza.
The strikes struck villages including Khiam, Tayr Harfa, Kfarkella near Odaisseh, and an area between Ramieh and Beit Leif.
The Israeli military confirmed its bombardment on three of these sites, claiming to have targeted Hezbollah facilities. Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group supported by Iran, possesses one of the Middle East's most formidable paramilitary forces.
Leader of Israeli opposition calls US sanctions a mistake
The US is expected to issue sanctions on a Israeli military unit, the Netzah Yehuda battalion, stationed in the occupied West Bank.
But Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called the move a “mistake” on X (formerly Twitter). He added that problems were at the 'political level', not with the troops.
הסנקציות האמריקאיות על גדוד נצח יהודה הן שגיאה ועלינו לפעול כדי לבטלן.
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) April 21, 2024
מקור הבעיה אינו בדרג הצבאי אלא בדרג המדיני. העולם מבין ויודע שהשר בן גביר אינו מעוניין שהמשטרה תאכוף את החוק באיו״ש והשר סמוטריץ׳ לא מתנגד לטרור היהודי ולהתפרעויות המתנחלים הקיצונים.
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Israeli troops arrest 8 in the occupied West Bank
Israeli forces arrested at least eight people overnight in Ramallah and Hebron in the occupied West Bank according to Wafa news agency reporting..
The West Bank is gearing up for a labour strike in objection to the deaths of Palestinians
Palestinian political faction Fatah reported on Saturday that a West Bank-wide labor strike is scheduled for Sunday, a regular working day, in response to the fatalities in Tulkarem in the West Bank and Gaza, as stated by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The decision to initiate a general strike came after 14 Palestinians lost their lives during an Israeli military operation in Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem, located in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Footage of Iran-allied Iraq Military Base Explosion
Footage of the aftermath of the explosion that occurred in an Iraqi army base south of Baghdad.
The explosion is being investigated and referred to as an 'attack' by the Iraqi military despite no military drones or aircraft seen before the explosion took place.