Territories occupied since 1967: West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip
Over the past days, Israeli forces have intensified operations following a spate of attacks near West Bank settlements. An Israeli soldier has been critically wounded, and attackers have been killed in multiple incidents. Ambassadors and family members are expressing concern as the conflict escalates amid a festive period.
The Church of England’s General Synod has voted to hear Kairos Palestine II, a document describing Israel as a colonial power and Gaza’s war as genocide. The motion seeks to listen to Palestinian Christian voices and engage with the report, amid criticism from Jewish groups that the language could strain Christian‑Jewish relations.
EU foreign ministers are debating options to curb trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights amid growing pressure from member states. While some push for a full or partial ban, no decision has been made as Brussels weighs legal and political hurdles. Meanwhile, Israel expands settlements and a Gaza-related aid package is discussed.
Australia and other nations face shifting travel advice as Middle East conflict escalates. Governments warn of unpredictable security conditions, fuel shortages and flight disruptions, urging reconsideration of travel to several Gulf states and neighbouring countries.
The Gaza disarmament roadmap has been published and is prompting debate. Hamas is tying its weapons handover to Israel’s withdrawal and an end to attacks, while the Board of Peace oversees phased measures. Israel refuses to withdraw before Hamas is disarmed, asserting security concerns. The plan outlines timelines, verification and civilian governance mechanisms as it faces opposition from both sides.
Israeli special forces have conducted a raid in western Gaza City that has resulted in the capture of a senior Hamas security official and multiple strikes across the area. Palestinian authorities and hospitals have reported deaths and injuries, including children, while Israeli officials say the operation targeted a senior internal-security figure tied to past attacks.
The United States has launched a broad campaign to dismantle the ICC, arguing it threatens sovereignty and targets US officials. The push follows arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and other moves linked to Gaza. Governments abroad are defending international justice while warning that unchecked actions could erode due process and undermine global accountability.
UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese warns that removing rubble in Gaza risks destroying evidence of alleged international crimes, including genocide, and could trigger international criminal responsibility for those involved. She notes thousands remain buried and calls for independent oversight to preserve evidence and ensure proper documentation.
A six-storey building in Gaza City has collapsed, killing at least 12 people and injuring many more, with rescue teams racing to reach those trapped beneath the rubble as aid access remains constrained and winter risks loom.
The UK has announced an import ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and is pursuing broader sanctions. Lawmakers and legal experts urge actions that go beyond settlement goods, arguing the occupation itself should be targeted. The debate comes as Israel advances the E1 project and global reactions intensify.
NAZA has sparked global attention with Venice’s Special Jury Prize and a growing backlash from Israeli officials. The Guardian will stream the 80-minute documentary for free, widening access amid claims of state harassment against the filmmakers. The film uses anonymous Israeli military testimonies to allege AI-guided targeting in Gaza, a claim the IDF denies. Release expands to cinemas in over 50 countries before the Guardian online release in November.