An Iranian-backed group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacked Israel’s Eilat city. They are allies with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who also targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden. These actions disrupted major shipping routes crucial for trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, linked to ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Criticism against Israel has grown due to its military actions in Gaza, which worsened humanitarian crises like hunger and shortages of essential goods. The UN warned of possible genocide risks in Gaza, a claim denied by Israel. Turkish President Erdogan accused Israeli PM Netanyahu of trying to expand the Gaza conflict into Lebanon, predicting serious consequences for the region.
Israel suggested winding down its Gaza operations while preparing for potential clashes with Hezbollah in the north. The conflict started with Hamas attacking southern Israel in October, leading to many casualties and subsequent Israeli military responses resulting in thousands of deaths in Gaza.
A Palestinian faced mistreatment by Israeli forces, drawing international condemnation. The US tried to deliver aid in Gaza amid rising violence. Norway’s largest pension fund excluded Caterpillar Inc. from its investments due to allegations of human rights abuses in the West Bank and Gaza involving their equipment.
Elsewhere, suspected Houthi attacks targeted ships and aircraft, highlighting regional instability from proxy conflicts involving militant groups and global powers.
In summary, ongoing military actions, humanitarian crises, and international diplomacy are shaping the complex situation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and its broader regional impact.