Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and rejected claims that Qatar funded Hamas's military operations. He also alleged that Israel has conducted a campaign to undermine Qatar's role as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has placed a hold on a proposed $2.8 billion sale of 40,000 one-ton bombs to Israel, citing concerns that the heavy weaponry may not be used in accordance with U.S. and international law.
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who sits on the security cabinet, advocated in a taped interview for killing dozens of Palestinians in Gaza each night and encouraging mass emigration from the territory. The comments come amid ongoing reports of Israeli troops forcing Palestinian families from homes in the West Bank.
Activists detained after Israel intercepted a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza have alleged widespread abuse including sexual assault and rape while in Israeli custody, with at least 15 reporting sexual violence and several requiring hospitalization. The incident sparked international condemnation after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted video of officers abusing the detained activists.
