JERUSALEM -- Israel launched a new offensive on Gaza City on Wednesday aimed at defeating Hamas, a move that has drawn international criticism over its impact on civilians in the devastated enclave.
The IDF has begun the next stage of the operation, in line with "the directive of the political echelon," military spokesman Effie Defrin said. He said ground assaults were already underway in Gaza City's Zaytun neighborhood and the nearby town of Jabalia, with more forces set to join the fighting. (Israel-Gaza-Offensive)
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JERUSALEM -- Israel on Tuesday gave final approval for a new settlement in E1, a highly contentious area of the occupied West Bank.
The Higher Planning Council authorized 3,753 housing units, including 3,401 for final approval in the E1 neighborhood of Maale Adumim. The project would link settlements to create a continuum separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem. (Israel-West Bank-Settlement)
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of State on Wednesday imposed sanctions on four individuals currently serving on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for having directly engaged in actions by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute U.S. and Israeli personnel with no consent from the two countries.
Two ICC judges were designated to authorize the ICC's investigation into U.S. personnel in Afghanistan, and to authorize the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Two ICC deputy prosecutors were designated to continue to support illegitimate ICC actions against Israel, including upholding the ICC's arrest warrants targeting Netanyahu and Gallant, according to the State Department. (US-Sanction-ICC)
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HOUSTON -- The Texas GOP-dominated House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a redistricting bill aimed at garnering five new congressional seats for Republicans in the midterm elections next year. (U.S.-Texas) ■
