Israel conducted limited airstrikes on Iran, targeting military sites near Tehran, in retaliation for Iran's missile attack on Israel. The strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian areas, following U.S. advice to prevent further escalation. Western nations, including the U.S., urged de-escalation to avoid a broader Middle East conflict. Iran downplayed the damage and emphasized its right to self-defense, while analysts noted Iran's reluctance to provoke a full-scale war. The situation remains volatile, with both nations in a reactive stance, and the potential for further conflict persists.

The term 'apartheid' has been used by pro-Palestinian activists to describe Israel's treatment of Palestinians, a comparison that has sparked debate among human rights experts. The concept of apartheid originated with South Africa's National Party in 1948, establishing a racial hierarchy to maintain white dominance. This system enforced strict racial segregation and discrimination, raising questions about its applicability to the Israeli-Palestinian context.

The Biden administration allowed the passage of a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. The decision to abstain from vetoing the resolution highlights growing impatience with Israel's conduct during the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by canceling a planned delegation visit to Washington. The resolution calls for a cease-fire during Ramadan and the release of hostages, though it remains uncertain how quickly it will be implemented. The U.S. faces both international and domestic pressure to distance itself from the ongoing violence in Gaza, with significant dissent within the Democratic Party and criticism from the political right. The resolution aims to ease humanitarian aid delivery and potentially lead to a permanent cease-fire.

The Biden administration abstained from vetoing a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, signaling frustration with Israel's actions during the five-month conflict. The resolution, which passed 14-0, calls for a two-week halt to fighting during Ramadan and the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled a planned delegation to Washington in response. The U.S. abstention reflects its isolation in supporting Israel unconditionally and domestic pressure from Democratic voters. The resolution aims to facilitate a permanent cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian aid, with Hamas expressing readiness for a hostage-prisoner exchange. Over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with warnings of imminent famine.

The Biden administration allowed the passage of a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. The U.S. abstained from vetoing the resolution, reflecting growing impatience with Israel's conduct during the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a planned delegation visit to Washington in response. The resolution calls for a cease-fire during Ramadan and the release of hostages, though it does not directly link the two demands. The U.S. decision comes amid increasing international and domestic pressure to distance itself from the ongoing violence in Gaza. The resolution aims to halt the fighting and facilitate humanitarian aid, but its implementation remains uncertain.

The term 'apartheid' has been increasingly used by pro-Palestinian activists to describe Israel's treatment of Palestinians, a debate among human rights experts. The United Nations broadened the definition of apartheid in 1973 to include systematic oppression by one racial group over another. Human Rights Watch concluded that in Gaza and the West Bank, Israeli policies amount to apartheid and persecution. In Israel proper, Palestinians face discrimination but have legal rights, unlike the codified system of apartheid. The West Bank situation differs, with Jewish settlers living under civilian law while Palestinians are subject to military law. Israel's blockade of Gaza is argued by some to be a form of apartheid. The debate over whether Israel is an apartheid state is intertwined with the ongoing conflict and the prospects for peace or a Palestinian state.

The term 'apartheid' has been increasingly used by pro-Palestinian activists to describe Israel's treatment of Palestinians, a debate that has been ongoing among human rights experts. The origin of 'apartheid' dates back to South Africa's racial hierarchy established in 1948. The United Nations broadened the definition to include inhuman acts for establishing domination by one racial group over another. Human Rights Watch concluded that in Gaza and the West Bank, Israeli policies amount to apartheid and persecution. In Israel proper, Palestinians face discrimination but have legal rights, unlike the codified system of apartheid. The West Bank situation differs, with Jewish settlers living under civilian law while Palestinians are subject to military law. Israel's blockade of Gaza is argued by some to be a form of apartheid. The debate over whether Israel is an apartheid state is intertwined with the conflict's history and the prospects for peace or a Palestinian state.

The article examines whether Israel's treatment of Palestinians can be classified as apartheid, drawing comparisons with South Africa's historical system. It discusses the definitions and conventions established by the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, and presents arguments from both sides, including perspectives from Human Rights Watch, Israeli leaders, and pro-Israel advocates. The article highlights the ongoing debate and the implications of labeling Israel's actions as apartheid, particularly in the context of the Gaza war and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict.

The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 20,000 amid an intensive bombing campaign by Israel, which launched the offensive following a deadly Hamas attack on October 7. Despite increasing international pressure and domestic frustration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all objectives are met. The U.S. has slightly softened its staunch support for Israel, abstaining from a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding more aid for Gaza but stopping short of calling for a cease-fire. Humanitarian organizations criticize the lack of a cease-fire, while families of hostages held by Hamas press for their release. The conflict has created political paradoxes in Israel, with public support for the war but distrust in Netanyahu's leadership.

The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate with a rising death toll and increasing international pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite calls for a cease-fire, Netanyahu remains steadfast in continuing the war against Hamas until all objectives are met. The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution for more humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it stopped short of demanding a cease-fire. The Biden administration's support for Israel has slightly softened amid growing domestic and international appeals for a cessation of hostilities. Humanitarian organizations criticize the lack of a cease-fire, highlighting the dire conditions for displaced Gazans. The hostage crisis remains unresolved, with families in Israel demanding action to free their loved ones. The conflict has also created political challenges for Netanyahu, with public support for the war but doubts about his leadership.