Israel Faces International Backlash Over Raids and Violence

The Israeli military is reviewing reports that its troops killed a three-year-old girl in Gaza on Sunday. The incident occurred in Mawasi, Rafah, southern Gaza, where Ahed Tareq al-Bayouk was playing near her family's tent when she was shot. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it was 'not aware of a strike' but would 'conduct an additional review' as more information was provided. The incident comes amid ongoing conflict in the region, with at least 370 people, including 140 children, killed in Gaza since a ceasefire came into effect in October. The US is pushing for a two-phase plan to end the fighting, with the first phase involving the return of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to the two-state solution, citing concerns that a Palestinian state would be 'committed to our destruction'.

Israeli police raided the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem, replacing the UN flag with the Israeli flag, sparking condemnation from the UN Secretary-General and accusations of violating international law. The raid was carried out as part of a debt-collection procedure, with Israeli authorities claiming UNRWA owed approximately $3.4 million in property taxes. UNRWA's head, Philippe Lazzarini, described the raid as 'forcible entry' and stated that furniture, IT equipment, and other property were seized. The incident is the latest in a longstanding dispute between Israel and UNRWA, with Israel accusing the agency of aiding Hamas and calling for its dismantlement.

The Israeli government has been accused of intimidation and harassment after raiding a UN building in Jerusalem, sparking widespread condemnation from the United Nations and its officials. The raid, which involved police officers and town council officials, resulted in the seizure of UNRWA property and the raising of the Israeli flag. The UN agency had been accused by Israel of being 'infested' with Hamas members, a claim vehemently denied by the UN. The incident has been described as a 'blatant disregard' of Israel's obligations as a UN member state and a challenge to international law.