Palestinians reported some of the heaviest bombardments in weeks in areas east of Gaza City as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to speed up its plans for the new offensive.
Witnesses said that Israeli tanks and planes struck Sabra, Zeitoun and Shejaia, suburbs of eastern Gaza City on Monday, pushing families westwards from their homes, according to Reuters.
Netanyahu said on Sunday: “I want to end the war as quickly as possible, and that is why I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) to shorten the schedule for seizing control of Gaza City.”
He added the new offensive would focus on Gaza City, which he described as Hamas’ “capital of terrorism”, before indicating that the coastal area of central Gaza could be next.
It comes as fuenrals were held for six journalists killed while sheltering in a tent near Al Shifa hospital, including Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif.
Israeli military had accused Al-Sharif of being a “Hamas Terrorist”, which Al Jazeera has denied.
Al Jazeera Media Network said: “The order to assassinate Anas Al Sharif, one of Gaza's bravest journalists, and his colleagues, is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza.”
Key Points
- Israeli strike kills five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
- Rights group says 'no credible evidence' slain journalist was linked with Hamas
- UN rights office says Israel breached international humanitarian law
- Defiant Netanyahu vows to ‘finish the job’ in planned takeover of Gaza
- Al Jazeera journalist's final message: 'Israel has succeeded in killing me'
Killing of Gaza journalists 'silencing some of few journalistic voices left'
23:15 , Holly EvansIsrael's killing of journalists in Gaza was "silencing of some of the few journalistic voices left" in the region, Ireland's deputy premier has said.
The National Union of Journalists held protests at the Spire in Dublin and in Writer's Square in Belfast on Monday evening to condemn the killing of reporters and camera operators in Gaza by Israel.
Ireland's deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris said he is to engage with his EU counterparts in relation to Gaza on Monday.
"Can I say firstly, just to extend the sympathy and solidarity of the people of Ireland with Al Jazeera and the journalists - the five staff members of Al Jazeera and the one other reporter - who have been killed in a horrifying attack in Gaza," he said speaking outside Government Buildings on Monday.
"In many ways, it is the silencing of some of the few journalistic voices left in Gaza.
"Of course, any attack on any civilian - including, of course, any attack on any journalist - should always be absolutely condemned for what it is.
"At a time when the people of Gaza desperately need to see a ceasefire, an end to the violence, a surge in humanitarian aid, and of course, the release of the hostages, all of the indications from (Israeli President Benjamin) Netanyahu is of an Israeli government intended to go in the complete opposite direction to that.”
Bullets and dead bodies witnessed in central Gaza as Israeli bombardment continues
22:45 , Holly EvansThe Palestine Red Crescent Society said its Saraya Field Hospital received about 30 injured from the Zikim area after Israeli bombardment saw at least 34 people killed on Monday.
Al-Shifa hospital received five bodies and over 70 wounded, said Mohamed Abu Selmiya, the hospital's director.
Relatives said casualties included children and an infant. Witnesses to gunfire near the Morag corridor said they saw barrages of bullets and later dead bodies, describing the grim scene as a near-daily occurrence.
The AP spoke to five witnesses who were among the crowds in central Gaza, the Teina area and the Morag corridor. All said that Israeli forces had fired toward the crowds.
"The occupation (forces) targeted us, as they do every day," said Hussain Matter, a displaced father of two who was in the Morag corridor. "Out of nowhere, you find bullets from everywhere."
Ahmed Atta said he helped carry a wounded man from the Teina area who had been shot in his shoulder and was bleeding. "It's a pattern," Atta said of the Israeli gunfire toward aid seekers.
Aid seekers were killed from 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) to just hundreds of meters (yards) from sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to Nasser and Awda hospitals.
Recap watch: Gaza from above: Chilling footage shows devastation of enclave
21:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: ‘Give us the flour – or we will kill you’: Gaza’s starving face impossible choices
21:00 , Bryony Gooch
‘Give us the flour – or we’ll kill you’: Gaza’s starving face impossible choices
‘A desperate attempt to silence voices’: Israel accused over the ever-growing death toll of journalists in Gaza
20:00 , Bryony Gooch
Israel accused of ‘attempt to silence’ as UN says 240 journalists killed in Gaza
Watch: Fury grows in Israel over Netanyahu’s defiant bid to ‘finish the job’ in Gaza
19:00 , Bryony GoochComment: The killing of Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif in Gaza is an attack on truth itself
18:00 , Bryony GoochAnas al-Sharif grew up in the same war-scarred streets of Gaza as I did – and his frontline reporting while under Israeli bombardment helped connect me to my people in their darkest hour, says exiled writer Ahmed Najar. Now, his silencing feels like a crime against history.
Read more here:
The killing of Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif in Gaza is an attack on truth itself
Israel offensive could take weeks to start, leaving door open for ceasefire says officials
17:00 , Bryony GoochIsrael's new offensive in Gaza City could take weeks to start, leaving the door open for a ceasefire, officials say.
This comes as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the occupation plan would get underway “fairly quickly and end the war with Hamas’ defeat.
Two officials who were at a security cabinet meeting on Thursday to approve the plan told Reuters that the evacuation of civilians from affected areas may only be completed by the start of October, giving time for a deal to be pursued.
The plan raised international alarm over the harm it could bring to the shattered enclave, where a hunger crisis has worsened.
On Sunday, Netanyahu summoned foreign journalists to explain the blueprint, which includes what he described as a surge of humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu said that Israel will first allow civilians to leave the battle zones before forces move in on Gaza City, which he described as one of Hamas' last two remaining strongholds, whose defeat will bring an end to the war.
Watch: Australia to recognise Palestinian state at United Nations in September
16:30 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Aftermath of Al-Shifa hospital bombing where six journalists died
16:00 , Bryony Gooch
Israel says 280 aid trucks entered Gaza on Saturday
15:30 , Bryony GoochIsraeli military body Cogat, which co-ordinates the entry of aid into Gaza, has shared its latest figures of aid entering the war-torn strip.
This includes:
- Over 280 trucks entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.
- 300 trucks were collected and distributed by the UN and international organizations.
- Tankers of @UN fuel entered for the operation of essential humanitarian systems.
- 131 pallets of aid were airdropped in cooperation with the UAE, Jordan, Germany, Belguim, Italy, The Netherlands and France.
Humanitarian summary Aug. 10:
— COGAT (@cogatonline) August 11, 2025
🚛📦Aid entry: Over 280 trucks entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.
🛻📦Aid collection: 300 trucks were collected and distributed by the UN and international organizations.
⛽️Fuel: Tankers of @UN fuel entered for the… pic.twitter.com/EnKEB6SwGO
Watch: Moment Netanyahu claims government's plan to take over Gaza City is 'best way' to end war
15:00 , Bryony GoochFive people have died of malnutrition in past 24 hours, says Gaza health ministry
14:45 , Bryony GoochOn Monday, Gaza’s health ministry said five more people had died of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza in the past 24 hours. That raised the number of deaths from such causes to 222, including 101 children, since the war began, the ministry said.
Israel says it has scaled up the entry of aid and commercial goods into Gaza in past weeks. Palestinian and U.N. officials say the aid is a fraction of what Gaza needs.
Pictured: The six journalists killed in an airstrike near Al-Shifa hospital
14:30 , Bryony Gooch
Netanyahu instructs military to speed up latest offensive plans
14:15 , Bryony GoochIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he had instructed the Israeli military to speed up its plans for the new offensive.
"I want to end the war as quickly as possible, and that is why I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) to shorten the schedule for seizing control of Gaza City," he said.
Netanyahu said the new offensive would focus on Gaza City, which he described as Hamas' "capital of terrorism". He also indicated that the coastal area of central Gaza may be next, saying Hamas militants have been pushed there too.
‘A desperate attempt to silence voices’: Israel accused over the ever-growing death toll of journalists in Gaza
14:00 , Bryony GoochHundreds of journalists have reportedly been killed in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023, making it one of the most deadly conflicts everfor the profession.
The latest figures from the UN say that at least 242 Palestinian journalists have died in the nearly two-year conflict. The death toll has continued to mount in recent months as Israel’s attacks in the war-torn enclave have escalated. On Sunday six journalists, including prominent Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif, were killed in an airstrike sparking widespread international condemnation.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says Gaza has the highest number of journalist deaths since the organisation started gathering data in 1992 and in April, Brown University’s Watson Institute declared the war was “quite simply, the worst ever conflict for reporters”.
Read more here:
Israel accused of ‘attempt to silence’ as UN says 240 journalists killed in Gaza
‘Give us the flour - or we will kill you’: Gaza’s starving face impossible choices
13:45 , Bryony GoochAs Palestinians in the north of the enclave face forced evacuation under the military escalation planned by Benjamin Netanyahu, locals tell Nedal Hamdouna in Gaza and Bel Trew of the brutal reality.
Read more here:
‘Give us the flour - or we’ll kill you’: Gaza’s starving face impossible choices
Israel's killing of six journalists 'a grave breach of international humanitarian law' says UN
13:30 , Bryony GoochThe UN Human Rights Office has condemned the killing of six journalists by the Israeli military.
They said in a statement on social media: “We condemn the killing by Israeli military of 6 Palestinian journalists by targeting their tent, in grave breach of international humanitarian law.
“#Israel must respect & protect all civilians, including journalists. At least 242 Palestinian journalists were killed in Gaza since 7 Oct 2023. We call for immediate, safe & unhindered access to Gaza for all journalists.”
The Committee to Project Journalists has reported over 186 journalists have died in Gaza since the war began.
#Gaza: We condemn the killing by Israeli military of 6 Palestinian journalists by targeting their tent, in grave breach of international humanitarian law. #Israel must respect & protect all civilians, including journalists. At least 242 Palestinian journalists were killed in Gaza… pic.twitter.com/Y6nTHcHQ2B
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) August 11, 2025
Macron says Israeli occupation in Gaza 'a disaster waiting to happen'
13:15 , Bryony GoochFrench president Emmanuel Macron is the latest world leader to condemn Israel’s plans in Gaza, calling it “a disaster waiting to happen.”
He added that Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza would be the first victims of this strategy, before proposing an international coalition under UN mandate to fight terrorism and stabilise Gaza.
Starmer: 'We are gravely concerned by the repeated targeting of journalists in Gaza'
13:11 , Bryony GoochBritish prime minister Keir Starmer is "gravely concerned" about the repeated targeting of journalists in Gaza, his spokesperson said on Monday, after five reporters were killed in an Israeli airstrike.
Israel's military said it targeted and killed prominent Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif, alleging he had headed a Hamas militant cell and was involved in rocket attacks on Israel.
Al Jazeera, which is funded by the Qatari government, rejected the assertion, and before his death, Al Sharif had also rejected such claims by Israel.
"We are gravely concerned by the repeated targeting of journalists in Gaza," Starmer's spokesperson told reporters.
"Reporters covering conflicts are afforded protection under international humanitarian law, and journalists must be able to report independently, without fear, and Israel must ensure journalists can carry out their work safely."
Asked about the claim that one of the journalists was linked to Hamas, Starmer's spokesperson said: "That should be investigated thoroughly and independently, but we are gravely concerned by the repeated targeting of journalists".
Qatar PM condemns Israel for targeting Palestinian journalists in Gaza
12:58 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFive Al Jazeera journalists and a freelance reporter were killed in an Israeli attack on Sunday night.
Israel's military said it targeted and killed Anas Al-Sharif, alleging he had headed a Hamas militant cell and was involved in rocket attacks on Israel.
Al Jazeera, which is funded by the Qatari government, rejected the assertion and before his death, Al-Sharif had also rejected such claims by Israel.
"The deliberate targeting of journalists by Israel in the Gaza Strip reveals how these crimes are beyond imagination, amid the inability of the int'l community & its laws to stop this tragedy," wrote Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Than on X.
"May God have mercy on journalists Anas Al-Sharif, Mohammed Qraiqea, & their colleagues."
In pics: Mourners sit around the grave of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al-Sharif
12:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Sixth journalist killed in Israeli strikes
12:12 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA sixth journalist, Mohammad Al-Khaldi, a local freelance reporter, was also killed in the airstrike, medics at Al Shifa Hospital said today.
It was earlier reported that Israeli airstrikes killed five other Al Jazeera journalists last night.
Anas Al-Sharif, 28, one of the TV news channel’s most prominent voices in Gaza, was killed along with reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa.
The Israeli strike targeted a tent where the journalists were sheltering at the Al Shifa medical complex in Gaza City, hospital director Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya told The Independent.
Israel's military said it targeted and killed Al-Sharif, alleging he had headed a Hamas militant cell and was involved in rocket attacks on Israel.
Mapped: Which countries recognise Palestine as a state?
12:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAustralia will recognise a Palestinian state at next month’s United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
It comes after the UK, France and Canada recently announced their plans to recognise Palestine, with Britain saying it would only refrain from doing so if Israel takes urgent steps to end the war.
Israel and the US have been critical of the decisions, similarly saying they are a “reward for Hamas”.
More here.
Map: The countries which recognise Palestine - as the UK plans to follow suit
UN rights office says Israel breached international humanitarian law
11:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe UN human rights office has condemned Israel's killing of six Palestinian journalists.
"We condemn the killing by the Israeli military of 6 Palestinian journalists by targeting their tent, in grave breach of international humanitarian law," it said on X.
"Israel must respect & protect all civilians, including journalists. At least 242 Palestinian journalists were killed in Gaza since 7 Oct 2023."
"We call for immediate, safe & unhindered access to Gaza for all journalists."
Funeral held for slain Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
11:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Rights group says 'no credible evidence' slain journalist was linked with Hamas
11:06 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarJodie Ginsberg, the chief executive of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said that the rights group was yet to see "any credible evidence" to back the Israeli allegations against Anas Al-Sharif.
Al-Sharif was killed in an Israeli airstrike along with reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa on Sunday.
Israel defended the killings, alleging that Al-Sharif was a “Hamas terrorist” who posed as a journalist."
They've been making this claim for many, many months, most recently in the last couple of weeks following a report that Anas did on starvation in Gaza, in which he cried on air," Ms Ginsberg told Sky News.
"We've asked for evidence repeatedly from Israel."
The Committee to Protect Journalists last month said it was alarmed by the "repeated threats" made by an Israeli army spokesperson against Al-Sharif and called on the international community to protect him.
How many weapons does the UK export to Israel?
11:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe British government faces fresh criticism over allowing weapons to be exported from the UK to Israel as the country’s security cabinet approves plans to ramp up its offensive on Gaza.
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) will take “full control” of Gaza City “while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones”.
The plan marks a new escalation in the nearly two-year offensive that has seen tens of thousands of Palestinians killed or displaced, as those who remain are pushed further into a worsening famine.
The latest export licensing figures released in May show that the UK approved £127m of military equipment to Israel in single issue licences between October and December 2024.
Albert Toth reports.
‘Give us the flour - or we will kill you’: Gaza’s starving face impossible choices
10:42 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAs Palestinians in the north of the enclave face forced evacuation under the military escalation planned by Benjamin Netanyahu, locals tell Nedal Hamdouna in Gaza and Bel Trew of the brutal reality
‘Give us the flour - or we’ll kill you’: Gaza’s starving face impossible choices
Jeremy Corbyn denounces Israel's killing of journalists
10:18 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarJeremy Corbyn in a social media post condemned Israel's killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza.
"The deliberate and relentless killing of Palestinian journalists is sickening beyond words — and is a desperate attempt to silence the truth about Israel’s ongoing crimes against humanity," the MP for Islington North wrote on X.
Mr Corbyn added: "Shame on all those who empowered Israel to murder with impunity."
Netanyahu believes he must escalate the war to avoid his own cold reckoning
09:50 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Israeli PM knows a full military occupation of Gaza will further isolate his country internationally and deepen domestic criticism. But with an arrest warrant hanging over his head and a government in chaos, he has chosen to continue the bloodshed, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley
Netanyahu believes he must escalate the war in Gaza to avoid his own cold reckoning
Hundreds mourn death of Al Jazeera journalists
09:38 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarHundreds of people, including many journalists, gathered today to mourn the deaths of journalists Anas Al-Sharif, Mohamed Qureiq and their colleagues.
The bodies lay wrapped in white sheets at Gaza City's Shifa Hospital complex.
Ahed Ferwana of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said reporters were being deliberately targeted and urged the international community to act.
Israeli envoy says recognition of Palestine state 'weakens cause of peace'
08:33 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Israeli ambassador to Australia has claimed that Canberra’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state “undermines Israel’s security” and ultimately “weakens the cause” of peace.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese this morning said Australia will recognise a Palestinian state, joining the leaders of France, Britain and Canada in signaling they would do so.
Following the announcement, ambassador Amir Maimon said: “Peace is built by ending terror, not rewarding it."
"By recognising a Palestinian state while Hamas continues to kill, kidnap, and reject peace, Australia undermines Israel’s security, derails hostage negotiations, and hands a victory to those who oppose coexistence.”
He added: “By recognising a Palestinian state now, Australia elevates the position of Hamas, a group it acknowledges as a terrorist organisation, while weakening the cause of those working to end violence and achieve genuine, lasting peace.”
In pics: Site of an Israeli airstrike which killed five Al Jazeera journalists
08:19 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Al Jazeera journalist's final message: 'Israel has succeeded in killing me'
07:58 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA prominent Al Jazeera journalist who had previously been threatened by Israel was killed along with four colleagues in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday, in an attack condemned by journalists and rights groups.
Israel's military said it targeted and killed Anas Al-Sharif, alleging he had headed a Hamas cell and was involved in rocket attacks against Israel. Al Jazeera rejected the claim and before his death Al-Sharif had also rejected earlier claims by Israel that he was connected to Hamas.
Al-Sharif made a last post on X, where his account showed more than 500,000 followers.
The pre-written message was reportedly shared by Al-Sharif's friend after his death was confirmed. "This is my will and my final message," the post on X read.
"If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings."
This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
— أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) August 10, 2025
Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my…
Journalists' groups and Al Jazeera denounce the killings of journalists
07:56 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA press freedom group and a United Nations expert previously warned that Anas Al-Sharif's life was in danger due to his reporting from Gaza.
UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan said last month that Israel's claims against him were unsubstantiated.
Al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal were killed in an Israeli strike on a tent near Shifa Hospital in eastern Gaza City, Al Jazeera said.
The broadcaster said Al-Sharif had left a social media message to be posted in the event of his death that read, "...I never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or misrepresentation, hoping that God would witness those who remained silent.
"Calling Al-Sharif "one of Gaza's bravest journalists," Al Jazeera said the attack was a "desperate attempt to silence voices in anticipation of the occupation of Gaza".
Last October, Israel's military had named Al-Sharif as one of six Gaza journalists it alleged were members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, citing documents it said showed lists of people who completed training courses and salaries.
The Committee to Protect Journalists, which in July urged the international community to protect Al Sharif, said in a statement that Israel had failed to provide any evidence to back up its allegations against him.
Palestinian militant group Hamas, which runs Gaza, said the killing may signal the start of an Israeli offensive.
"The assassination of journalists and the intimidation of those who remain paves the way for a major crime that the occupation is planning to commit in Gaza City," Hamas said in a statement.
Israel defends killing of Al Jazeera journalists
07:29 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsrael has defended the killing of Al Jazeera journalists in an airstrike in Gaza.
Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, three other journalists and a driver associated with the broadcaster were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the embattled Strip last night.
Israel's military in a statement claimed: "Hamas terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as an Al Jazeera journalist al Sharif was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and advanced rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF [Israel Defense Forces] troops."
"Intelligence and documents from Gaza, including rosters, terrorist training lists and salary records, prove he was a Hamas operative integrated into Al Jazeera. A press badge isn't a shield for terrorism."
Jeremy Corbyn and Gary Lineker join Mo Salah in condemnation of Uefa tribute to ‘Palestinian Pele’
07:18 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarGary Lineker and Jeremy Corbyn have joined footballer Mohamed Salah in condemning Uefa’s tribute to the late Suleiman Al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele”.
Al-Obeid, 41, was killed when Israeli forces targeted civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA).
In a post paying tribute to the footballer on social media platform X, Uefa said: “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times”.
More here.
Lineker and Corbyn join Mo Salah’s condemnation of Uefa tribute to ‘Palestinian Pele’
Watch: Australia to recognise Palestinian state
07:16 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarHamas delegation heading to Cairo for ceasefire talks - report
07:04 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA Hamas delegation is reportedly heading to Cairo, Egypt, to renew the talks on a possible ceasefire in Gaza.
A Hamas delegation, led by the group’s Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya, will arrive in the Egyptian capital in an effort to revive the negotiation channel to achieve a ceasefire, Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported.
A breakthrough on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has eluded the Donald Trump administration as humanitarian conditions worsen in Gaza. Israel has come under mounting pressure for the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reports of people dying from causes related to malnutrition.
The sides have held weeks of talks in Qatar, reporting small signs of progress but no major breakthroughs. Officials have said a main sticking point is the redeployment of Israeli troops after any ceasefire takes place.
‘Not in our name’: Fury grows in Israel over Netanyahu’s defiant bid to ‘finish the job’ in Gaza
07:00 , Shweta Sharma“Israelis want peace. Israelis want to get out of Gaza. This is not in our name – we are not our government. Israel must be stopped.”
These are the desperate pleas of Yotam Cohen, whose younger brother Nimrod, a then 19-year-old Israeli soldier serving mandatory service, was taken captive to Gaza by Hamas militants during their deadly 7 October attack on southern Israel nearly two years ago.
This weekend, Yotam joined tens of thousands of people who marched on Israel’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv. Wielding portraits of their loved ones and banners, they urged world leaders to intervene. They protested against Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plan to expand the devastating 22-month bombardment of Gaza, a plan he defended on Sunday, vowing in a press conference to “finish the job... finish Hamas”.
Read Bel Trew’s ground report.
Fury grows in Israel over Netanyahu’s defiant bid to ‘finish the job’ in Gaza
The killing of Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif in Gaza is an attack on truth itself
22:46 , Holly EvansThe news of Anas al-Sharif’s killing hit me like a physical blow. A journalist with Al Jazeera, Anas was not my friend in the everyday sense – we never shared coffee, never walked the streets of Gaza together. But he was my neighbour.
He was born in the same place I was born: Jabalia refugee camp. His family’s home stood in the same crowded lanes where I grew up, among the same walls scarred by decades of displacement and war.
Over the past 674 days, I saw him every single day – not in person, but through my screen. When the rest of the world looked away, Anas was still there, reporting from the very heart of my city, from the streets where my family still lives. At a time when no one else dared to enter northern Gaza, he walked through the rubble, speaking into his camera, delivering not just the news, but fragments of home.
Read the full article here:
The killing of Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif in Gaza is an attack on truth itself
New Zealand mulls recognition of Palestinian state
06:26 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe New Zealand government said it is considering recognition of a state of Palestine.
“New Zealand has been clear for some time that our recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if,” foreign minister Winston Peters said in a statement this morning.
The minister said the cabinet will take a formal decision in September over whether New Zealand should recognise a state of Palestine."The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is rightly at the forefront of the global agenda,” Mr Peters said.
“New Zealand, as a long-standing supporter of the two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination, is an active participant in discussions about how to broker a ceasefire and a political settlement to enable Israelis and Palestinians to live peacefully side-by-side.
"While we are a long way away from the Middle East, we will continue to ensure our voice is heard.”
Hunger death toll among children hits 100
06:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsrael's air and ground offensive has displaced most Palestinians and pushed the territory towards famine.
Two Palestinian children died of malnutrition-related causes over the weekend, bringing the toll among children to 100 since the war began.
At least 117 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since June, when the ministry started to count them.
The hunger toll is in addition to the Hamas-run Strip's health ministry's war toll of 61,400 Palestinians.
In pics: Pro-Palestinian protesters shout slogans in front of the Greek Parliament
06:02 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Netanyahu called Trump to discuss Israel's Gaza offensive plans
06:00 , Shweta SharmaBenjamin Netanyahu spoke with US president Donald Trump about Israel's new Gaza offensive plans, the Israeli prime minister's office said on Sunday.
"The two discussed Israel's plans to take control of the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza to bring an end to the war by securing the release of the hostages and defeating Hamas," Mr Netanyahu's office said.
“The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his steadfast support of Israel since the beginning of the war,” it continued.
The United States defended Israel’s controversial plan to forcibly take over Gaza.
Ambassador Dorothy Shea told the UN meeting that Washington had been working “tirelessly” to free hostages and end the war, and that the session risked undermining those efforts.
The ambassador accused members of the security council of “actively prolonging the war by spreading lies about Israel” and “handing propaganda victories to terrorists.”
“The simple truth is this war could end today if Hamas let the hostages and all of Gaza go free,” Ms Shea said.
She said that genocide accusations against Israel “are politically motivated and categorically false.”
At least 31 killed while seeking aid in Gaza as child hunger deaths hit 100
05:48 , Shweta SharmaAt least 31 Palestinians were killed while trying to collect aid in Gaza on Sunday, according to hospitals and witnesses.
Reports said there was gunfire in the Israeli-controlled Morag and Netzarim corridors and the Teina area in the south, with all witnesses accusing Israeli forces of firing at crowds heading for food distributions or waiting for convoys.
Fifteen people were killed near the Morag corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis, Nasser hospital said. “The situation is a death trap,” said Jamal al-Laweh, who claimed Israeli forces opened fire there. “But I have no other choice to feed the kids.”
Six were killed while waiting for aid near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and Shifa hospital.
In central Gaza, Awda hospital said four were killed after warning shots were followed by live fire toward crowds at a distribution site run by the Israeli-backed, US-funded Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Another six died while trying to reach GHF sites in Khan Younis and Rafah, Nasser hospital reported.
GHF, which began operations in May as an alternative to the UN-run aid system, said there were “no incidents” at or near its sites on Sunday. The Israeli military also denied any incidents involving its troops near central Gaza aid sites.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry said two Palestinian children died of malnutrition-related causes on Saturday, bringing the total number of child hunger deaths to 100 since the war began. At least 117 adults have died from malnutrition-related causes since June.
Al Jazeera condemns Israel's killing of its journalists in Gaza
05:24 , Shweta SharmaAl Jazeera Media Network condemned what it called the “targeted assassination” of its correspondents Anas Al Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea, and photographers Ibrahim Al Thaher and Mohamed Nofal, in Gaza.
The network said the journalists were killed when Israeli forces directed an attack on a tent where they were stationed opposite Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
“The order to assassinate Anas Al Sharif, one of Gaza's bravest journalists, and his colleagues, is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza,” the statement read.
It said Anas and his colleagues were among the last remaining voices from within Gaza providing the world with "unfiltered, on-the-ground coverage of the devastating realities endured by its people”.
Al Jazeera said that 10 of its journalists had been killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza in 2023.
Israel's military claimed late on Sunday that Al-Sharif had "posed as a journalist", confirming it had targeted and killed him.
UN warns Netanyahu's Gaza plans would trigger 'another calamity' in Gaza
05:13 , Shweta SharmaIsrael faced sharp condemnation at the UN on Sunday as the UK, Russia, China, France and other nations warned that prime minister Netanyahu’s military plan for Gaza would amount to “further violations of international law".
“If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction – compounding the unbearable suffering of the population,” said Miroslav Jenča, the UN assistant secretary-general for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas.
Ramesh Rajasingham, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva said what is happening in Gaza “is no longer a looming hunger crisis – this is starvation, pure and simple.”
Deaths related to hunger are climbing in Gaza, particularly among severely malnourished children, Mr Rajasingham told the UN Security Council.
According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 98 children have died from severe acute malnutrition, 37 of them since 1 July.
Israeli strike kills five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
04:53 , Shweta SharmaAn Israeli airstrike killed Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif and four other journalists in Gaza City, the broadcaster said.
Al-Sharif, 28, one of the news channel’s most prominent voices in Gaza, was killed alongside reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa.
The director of Shifa hospital, Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya, told The Independent that in total seven people were killed in the strike, which hit a tent where they were sheltering within the Shifa medical complex in Gaza City.
A lengthy heartbreaking statement posted to Al-Sharif’s X account after his death read: "This is my last will and testament. If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.”
The message concluded: “Do not forget Gaza… And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.” Shortly before his death, he posted that there was “non-stop bombing” in the area.
Read Bel Tew’s report from Jerusalem
Australia will recognise a Palestinian state, Albanese says
04:51 , Shweta SharmaAustralia will recognise a Palestinian state, prime minister Anthony Albanese said Monday, joining the leaders of France, Britain and Canada in the decision as concerns mount over Israel’s takeover of Gaza .
His remarks followed weeks of urging from within his Cabinet and from many in Australia to recognise a Palestinian state and amid growing criticism from officials in his government over suffering in Gaza.
Mr Albanese told reporters after a Cabinet meeting Monday that Australia's decision to recognise a Palestinian state will be formalised at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The acknowledgement was "predicated on commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority," Mr Albanese said.
Those commitments included no role for Hamas in a Palestinian government, demilitarisation of Gaza and the holding of elections, he said.
"A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," Mr Albanese said.
Mr Netanyahu had already criticised Australia and other European countries that have moved to recognise a Palestinian state.
"To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole ... this canard, is disappointing and I think it's actually shameful," the Israeli leader said.
Defiant Netanyahu vows to ‘finish the job’ in planned takeover of Gaza
04:25 , Shweta SharmaIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas”, as he addressed foreign media in Jerusalem.
Defending a planned military offensive, Mr Netanyahu asserted that “our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza”. He also pushed back against what he called a “global campaign of lies” amid growing condemnation of the plan both inside and outside Israel.
Mr Netanyahu remarked that chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, one of Israel’s strongest backers, had “buckled under” by announcing that Germany won’t authorise exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza until further notice.
The prime minister outlined a “fairly short timetable” for the next steps in Gaza.
He stated that Israel’s objectives include demilitarising the territory, ensuring the Israeli military has “overriding security control”, and establishing a non-Israeli civilian administration.
In a striking development, Mr Netanyahu revealed he had recently directed Israel’s military to “bring in more foreign journalists”.
This marks a significant shift, as foreign media have not typically been allowed into Gaza beyond military embeds.
