August 1, 2024

*) Israel's war on Gaza reaches 300 days with about 39,500 Palestinians killed Israel's war on Gaza has reached 300 days, with over 39,445 Palestinians killed and 91,000 wounded. Gaza faces a severe blockade, leading to dire shortages of food, water, and medicine. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its military invasion in Rafah. Assassinations in Lebanon and Iran by Israel have heightened regional tensions, risking further escalation. *) UN says jailed Palestinians abused, blindfolded, fed alcohol by Israel The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has released a report detailing severe abuses faced by Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons since October 2023. The report highlights inhumane treatment, including extreme physical abuse, prolonged blindfolding, and deprivation of basic needs. Disturbing accounts also reveal the use of attack dogs, electric shocks, and sexual violence against detainees. OHCHR criticises the lack of legal justification for many detentions and the denial of access to legal representation for detainees. *) Netanyahu says ready for 'every scenario' after murdering Haniyeh in Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his country is ready for any scenario after assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. He stated that recent operations targeted Hamas' and Hezbollah's senior figures, emphasising Israel's readiness for future threats. *) Algeria, China, Russia blast Israel at UNSC over Haniyeh assassination The UN Security Council condemned the Israeli assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. China and Algeria denounced the attack, calling it a violation of international law. Russia warned the incident could provoke widespread conflict in the Middle East. Separately, Türkiye strongly condemned the assassination, with top Turkish diplomat Hakan Fidan saying that Israel has also killed peace. *) Boeing appoints veteran new CEO amid company turmoil Boeing appointed Robert "Kelly" Ortberg as its new CEO, following David Calhoun's retirement. Ortberg, former CEO of avionics and information technology company Rockwell Collins, aims to tackle Boeing's legal, regulatory, and production issues. Boeing also reported a $1.4 billion loss in Q2, with both its commercial and defence units underperforming. The company's reputation suffers amid ongoing safety investigations and production challenges.