Escalating Israel-Gaza Conflict and International Reactions

The article discusses the shifting dynamics in the United States' support for Israel, highlighting a decline in public backing, particularly among Democrats and younger Americans. Historically, the US has been Israel's strongest ally since its inception in 1948, with President Harry S. Truman's immediate recognition of the new state setting a precedent. However, recent events, including the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military response, have intensified protests in the US, revealing deep divisions within American society. The Biden administration's support for Israel during this conflict was costly in terms of political capital, especially among traditionally Democratic voters. Opinion polls indicate a significant shift in public opinion, with support for Israel at a 25-year low and sympathy for Palestinians at an all-time high. The article suggests that while long-term US support for Israel is likely to continue, the changing public sentiment may eventually influence Washington's policy towards Israel.

The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, which includes capturing and holding Gaza territory, displacing its population, and delivering aid through private companies. The plan, proposed by the Israeli military's Chief of Staff, aims to defeat Hamas and rescue remaining hostages. The move has been met with criticism from the UN, EU, and aid agencies, who warn it breaches humanitarian principles and could lead to further suffering for Palestinians. The Israeli military has called up tens of thousands of reservists, and the plan is expected to be implemented after US President Donald Trump's visit to the region.

Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen's Hudaydah Port and a cement factory, in response to a Houthi missile attack on Israel's Ben Gurion airport the previous day. The IDF claimed the strikes targeted a 'central supply source for the Houthis' and sites used for transferring Iranian weapons. The Houthis reported 21 injuries and blamed the US and Israel for the attack, while the US denied involvement.

The Israeli government has approved a plan to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time, sparking international opposition and concerns over a potential humanitarian crisis. The plan involves calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers and expanding military operations, with the goal of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages. The move has been met with criticism from the European Union, aid agencies, and families of Israeli hostages, who fear it will put remaining hostages at risk and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shifted his priorities from freeing the 59 hostages still held in Gaza to continuing the war against Hamas, despite opposition from a majority of Israelis. Netanyahu's decision is driven by his desire to maintain his political survival and appease his right-wing coalition partners, who have threatened to topple his government if he agrees to a ceasefire. The expanded Israeli assault on Gaza is expected to lead to further humanitarian crisis, displacement of Palestinians, and risk to the hostages.

US President Donald Trump announced that the US will stop military strikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen after the Houthis stated they no longer wish to fight. The decision follows diplomatic efforts by Oman and is seen as a step towards nuclear deal talks with Iran. The Houthis have been attacking shipping lanes and Israel, prompting US and Israeli responses. While Trump framed the ceasefire as a victory, Houthi leaders conditioned their acceptance on Israel's actions in Gaza.

A Houthi missile struck near Tel Aviv's largest airport, injuring at least 8 people and prompting international airlines to cancel flights to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, while Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would strike back sevenfold. The attack comes after Israel's Air Force struck over 100 terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has indicated that US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to the Middle East is a 'window of opportunity' to secure a hostage deal with Hamas, failing which Israel will launch a new military operation in Gaza. Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to capture all of Gaza, calling up tens of thousands of reserve troops. The operation, dubbed 'Gideon Chariots,' aims to take control of the Gaza Strip and remain there, rather than withdrawing after the operation is complete.

The US has launched airstrikes in Yemen in response to a Houthi missile attack on Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport. The Houthis, backed by Iran, vowed to continue attacks on Israeli airports. The US military has been conducting daily airstrikes targeting the Houthis since March 15 to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence. The strikes have destroyed Houthi command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, and advanced weapons manufacturing facilities. Israel has also responded to the Houthi attack, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel would respond to the Houthis and their Iranian backers.

Oman announced a ceasefire agreement between the US and Yemen's Houthi rebels, mediated by Oman, to ensure safe passage in the Red Sea. The deal follows a seven-week US bombing campaign against the Houthis, which left hundreds dead. However, the Houthis indicated they would continue targeting Israel in support of Gaza.

At least 15 people were injured in airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, according to the Houthi rebel group, which blamed 'US-British aggression.' However, the UK Ministry of Defence denied UK involvement. The strikes come amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Houthis, following a Houthi missile attack on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against the Houthis and their Iranian 'masters.' Meanwhile, Israel is expanding its offensive in Gaza against Hamas, with plans to potentially seize the entire enclave and a new aid distribution plan.

Hundreds of Israeli pilots have signed an open letter calling for an end to the war in Gaza, sparking a deepening rift within the Israeli military and society. The pilots argue that the war serves 'political and personal interests' rather than security concerns, and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has abandoned a ceasefire deal with Hamas. The protest has spread to other parts of the military, with over 15,000 people signing open letters in support.

The article discusses Israel's decision to occupy all of Gaza and the potential consequences of this action. Israel's strategy has shifted from 'clear and leave' to 'clear and hold', a tactic used by Western forces in the past. The article questions whether Israel's goal is to permanently occupy Gaza, and notes that this could lead to many more years of fighting. The Israeli government has decided to increase military pressure to achieve its goals, but so far, it has not succeeded in forcing Hamas to surrender or releasing more hostages. The article also mentions that some Israeli officials are discussing rehousing Gazans in other countries, and that the Israeli government plans to push Gazans into the south of the strip. The overall outlook is bleak, with the possibility of a permanent ceasefire in the short term seeming unlikely.

The article provides a timeline of key events in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has risked escalation elsewhere in the Middle East, involving other actors such as Iran and Hezbollah. The article highlights significant moments in the conflict, including the Israeli ground offensive into Gaza, the al Ahli hospital explosion, the ceasefire and subsequent resumption of fighting, and the involvement of other countries such as the US and UK in airstrikes on Yemen. The conflict has also led to international concern and condemnation, including accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

The United States and Houthi militants in Yemen have reached a deal to halt American airstrikes against the group after the Houthis agreed to cease attacks on American vessels in the Red Sea. President Trump announced the truce during an Oval Office meeting, surprising Pentagon officials. The Houthis will continue to fight Israel, and it remains unclear whether they will stop attacking other vessels in the shipping lane. The deal was mediated by Oman and may play a role in broader discussions to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The article discusses how President Trump's hopes for a Gaza deal have faded as Israel plans a major escalation in its 18-month war with Hamas. Despite Trump's initial optimism, the situation has worsened, with Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu warning of an 'intensive' escalation. Analysts say a major Israeli escalation could kill any remaining hope for peace, and Trump's distraction from the conflict has given Netanyahu a 'free hand' to act. Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East may be affected by the escalating violence, and his reaction to the situation is uncertain.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has decided to shut down the direct communication channel between the Office of Palestinian Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Washington, effectively ending its special status. The office, which reports on Palestinian issues and maintains contact with senior Palestinian officials, will now have its responsibilities merged into the embassy under the ambassador's oversight. The decision has been criticized by former officials, who argue it will undermine the ability of diplomats to provide 'direct and unvarnished' reporting and diminish U.S. credibility among Palestinians.

US President Donald Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, marking a significant shift in tone from previous hostile rhetoric. Trump praised Carney's political comeback and expressed a desire for friendship between the two nations. Carney firmly rejected Trump's suggestion that Canada become the 51st US state, stating that Canada is 'not for sale.' The meeting touched on trade relations, with Trump expressing interest in renegotiating the USMCA free trade agreement and criticizing the previous Nafta deal. Despite some tense moments, both leaders described the meeting as 'constructive' and 'very well.'

The U.S. military's 2024 humanitarian mission to construct a pier in Gaza for aid delivery was marred by challenges, resulting in dozens of injuries to U.S. personnel and significant equipment damage, according to a watchdog report. The mission was initiated after the Biden administration failed to persuade Israel to open overland crossings for aid. The effort was plagued by rough seas, ships running aground, and the death of a U.S. soldier.