Israel/Palästina

Arab states and the European Union agreed at a meeting in Spain on Monday that a two-state solution was the answer to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell saying the Palestinian Authority should rule Gaza.

The issue of who will govern Gaza if Israel succeeds in dethroning Hamas poses one of the most challenging questions facing the world’s diplomats, with Israel, the United States and the region’s Arab leaders offering seemingly contradictory solutions.

After 47 days of intensive bombardment, near-total siege, and street-by-street fighting in the Gaza Strip, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day pause in hostilities to allow for the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The grouping, which has previously focused on economic issues, called for an end to ‘war crimes’ in the Gaza conflict.

The UN chief said on Monday that in the current conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza, where thousands of children have been killed in the past few weeks, the world is witnessing a level of violence unprecedented during his time as Secretary-General. 

The UN Security Council succeeds in finding unity, adopting resolution 2712 on the Israel-Palestine crisis that began on 7 October, with 12 members voting in favour, none against and three abstentions (Russia, United Kingdom, United States), calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors” in Gaza for “a sufficient number of days” to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered access for UN agencies and partners. The Council “calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children.

United Nations workers observed a minute’s silence on Monday (13 November) to honour the more than 100 employees killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began last month, the largest toll of humanitarian workers in the organisation’s 78-year history.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza once the Israel-Hamas war is over, a position at odds with the Biden administration.

White House says Israel commits to announcing each window at least three hours in advance.

In a television interview, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested Israel would take "security responsibility" for Gaza once the fighting stops.