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Here’s where things stand on Wednesday 16 July 2025:
- Israel’s military killed more than 60 Palestinians in Gaza since dawn including starving people desperate for food aid at a US-Israel-run site.
- Israel launched air strikes on the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, killing at least 12 people, as well as attacking Syrian troops in the city of Suwayda.
- Settlers in the occupied West Bank set fire to Palestinian land and vehicles in the village of Burqa, hours after church leaders and diplomats from more than 20 countries gathered in the town of Taybeh to call for an end to the violence.
- Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 58,479 people and wounded 139,355, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks and more than 200 taken captive.
Photos: Palestinians desperately wait at charity kitchen during hunger crisis
US uses Canary Mission ‘hate’ site against Palestine advocates
Court testimony from the US has revealed the immigration agency ICE is using the controversial group Canary Mission to identify students and professors critical of Israel.
The US government has acknowledged its use of Canary Mission — a shadowy pro-Israel website — to identify pro-Palestine students for deportation, sparking anger and concern by rights advocates.
UN chief urges Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pressed Israel to stop violating Syria’s sovereignty following recent Israeli bombardment, warning of the risk of wider regional instability.
“The secretary-general is also concerned by Israel’s air strikes on Syrian territory, and calls on Israel to refrain from violations of Syria’s independence, its sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” Guterres’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
Guterres also voiced alarm over the ongoing violence in southern Syria’s Druze-majority Suwayda governorate, where recent clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin fighters killed more than 30 people dead and dozens more injured.
“He is disturbed by reports of arbitrary killings of civilians, sectarian incitement and the looting of private property,” Dujarric said, adding Guterres “condemns all violence against civilians, especially acts that risk inflaming sectarian tensions”.
In response to an Israeli minister calling for the “elimination” of Syria’s president, Dujarric said, “The last thing this region needs is more incitement to violence and more violent rhetoric.”
Netanyahu defends Israeli air strikes on Syria, warns against ‘second Lebanon’
Israel’s latest air strikes on southern Syria are part of a broader strategy to prevent a “second Lebanon” on its border, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.
“We are working in Syria today, since the morning,” Netanyahu said in recorded remarks aired by Army Radio during a visit to Israeli soldiers.
“We have an obligation to maintain the southwestern Syria area as a demilitarized zone on Israel’s borders.”
Netanyahu said Israel is acting “to protect the Druze population through strong operations” – a justification likely to draw scrutiny given the mounting civilian toll of Israeli attacks across the region.
“I hope we do not have to do more,” the Israeli PM said. “That depends a lot on what they understand and do or do not do in Damascus.”
![Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets soldiers at undisclosed location in the Gaza Strip.[Israeli Prime Minister Office/AFP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/34624P9-highres-1701018336.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C521&quality=80)
Israeli settlers attack home near Nablus
Israeli settlers have stormed a Palestinian resident’s home in the village of an-Nassariya, north of Nablus, in the occupied West Bank.
According to Wafa news agency, citing local sources, settlers from a nearby illegal outpost attacked the resident under the protection of the army. No injuries have been reported.
Settler attacks against Palestinians and their properties ramped up after Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023, with Israeli forces and settlers killing at least 964 Palestinians.
According to the United Nations’ human rights office, since January, 757 settler attacks on Palestinians have taken place, up 13 percent from 2024.
US envoy demands investigation after American killed by settlers
Mike Huckabee, US ambassador to Israel, has called on Israeli authorities to “aggressively” investigate the killing of an American citizen beaten to death in the occupied West Bank.
Saif Musallet was attacked on Friday. His family said Israeli settlers surrounded him for three hours and assaulted medics who tried to reach him.
“There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 years old,” Huckabee wrote in a post on X.
In a statement, the family described Saif as a “kind, hard-working, and deeply respected young man, working to build his dreams”.
Since 2022, Israeli forces have killed at least nine US citizens, including Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. None of those cases have resulted in criminal charges.
Israel moves to cut power and water to UNRWA offices
Israel plans to cut off electricity and water to offices of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in its latest step to shut down its operations.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen says the move is part of a new law designed to end UNRWA’s presence in Israel.
“The law to disconnect electricity and water from UNRWA offices, which will lead to the cessation of the organisation’s activities in Israel, has been published,” Cohen wrote on X. “Turning off the lights at UNRWA!”
In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed laws revoking UNRWA’s privileges and banning official contact with the agency.
The ban was implemented in January, forcing the agency to vacate its East Jerusalem office and leading to the closure of six UNRWA-run schools in the city.
At least two Palestinians killed near aid centre in south Gaza
At least two people have been killed by Israeli gunfire near an aid centre northwest of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, medical sources tell Al Jazeera.
Since dawn, Israeli attacks have killed at least 54 people across Gaza.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that since October 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed at least 58,386 people and wounded 139,077 others.
Israeli forces detain 2 Palestinians in Hebron
Israeli forces detained two people and assaulted others in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron.
According to Wafa news agency, citing local sources, troops with automatic weapons stormed a factory belonging to the al-Jamal family.
Several workers were beaten inside the factory and suffered cuts and bruises, it reported. Four of the wounded were evacuated by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to a hospital.
Israeli forces raid Palestinian homes almost daily on the pretence of searching for “terrorists”.
‘Still slaughter going on’: Ireland calls out Israel over Gaza
Ireland has urged the European Union to take stronger action against Israel over its ongoing assault on Gaza, saying dialogue alone is no longer enough.
Speaking in Brussels, Irish Defence Minister Thomas Byrne said, “We need to see action and we need to use our leverage.”
EU Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas committed to provide updates every two weeks on humanitarian access to Gaza, but “so far we haven’t really seen the implementation of it – maybe some very small actions – but there’s still slaughter going on”.
In a post on X, Byrne added: “International law must be complied with. We simply cannot turn a blind eye to breaches of human rights obligations.”
Ireland has been among the most vocal EU members calling for accountability over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
US intervenes after latest Israeli strikes on Syrian army
The US special envoy to Syria says he’s working to prevent an escalation after Israeli air strikes targeted government forces in the south of the country.
“We are actively involved with all constituencies in Syria to navigate towards calm and continued productive integration discussions,” Tom Barrack said in a social media post.
“Misdirection, confusion and inefficient communication is the greatest challenge in assuring a peaceful and thoughtful integration of each party’s interests.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said they ordered the army to bomb a Syrian military convoy moving towards Suwayda – accusing it of targeting the Druze community.
EU attempts to sanction Israel ‘defeated’
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar highlighted “important diplomatic success” after fending off “obsessive attempts by several countries” to slap sanctions on Israel in the European Union.
“The very attempt to impose sanctions on a democratic country defending itself against attempts to destroy it is outrageous,” Saar wrote on X, thanking foreign ministers who prevented sanctions.
“The attempts to harm Israel’s image, diplomatically and legally, will continue. Our struggle is in full swing. We will continue to fight for the justice of Israel’s cause and to strengthen its diplomatic ties. We will open – already in the coming months – additional embassies.”
Saar’s comments come after an EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels to discuss possible punitive measures on Israel after it failed to increase aid to blockaded Gaza as agreed.
More than 30 wounded by Israeli gunfire at aid centre
At least 30 Palestinians have been injured by Israeli fire at an aid centre north of Rafah, in southern Gaza, in the latest attack on starving people desperate for food.
According to the UN, nearly 900 Palestinians have been killed since the US-Israel-backed GHF group took over food distribution from UN-led efforts in late May.
More than 5,600 people have been wounded by Israeli army and US contractor gunfire.
Hezbollah warns of ‘major escalation’ after deadly Israeli strikes
The Lebanese armed group issued the warning after Israeli air strikes killed 12 people, including seven Syrians and five Lebanese, in the deadliest attack since a November ceasefire took hold.
In a statement, Hezbollah said the attack marked “a major escalation in the context of the ongoing aggression against Lebanon and its people”. It called on the Lebanese government to “take serious, immediate and decisive action” to uphold the truce with Israel.
It also demanded that the United States live up to its responsibility as the sponsor of the ceasefire.
Israeli strikes hit the Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel governorates, injuring 12 others in addition to those killed. All the deaths were in Wadi Fara in the Baalbek district.
Since November, Israel has launched near-daily attacks across Lebanon in violation of the ceasefire between the two countries.
“In absence of an official, strong and effective position, and the continuing negligence and inaction internationally, will only lead to more violations and aggression,” Hezbollah said.
Israel is trying to press on Lebanon’s “national will”, but the Lebanese people will “hold on to resistance as a choice to confront the enemy”.
Israeli ‘mini-cabinet’ meeting to discuss Gaza ‘humanitarian city’
News outlet Israel Hayom reports a “mini-cabinet” meeting will be held soon to discuss plans to create the highly controversial “humanitarian city” in “the ruins of Rafah”.
Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is expected to present a more cost-effective plan after his previous assessment estimated it would cost $4bn.
The officials are also expected to receive an update on progress in a ceasefire deal to secure the return of captives held in Gaza.
Some progress has been made towards reaching an agreement on maps showing exactly where Israeli forces to will withdraw to from Gaza, the news report said.
Syria condemns Israeli strikes, calls on UN to uphold international law
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has issued a statement criticising Israeli air strikes, calling the attacks a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and international law.
In a statement posted on X, Damascus said the “treacherous Israeli aggression” targeted government positions in Syrian territory. It accused Israel of trying to destabilise the country at a time when it’s seeking to “consolidate security and emerge from the aftermath of war”.
The strikes come after days of clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes in the southern city of Suwayda.
The ministry said Israel’s attack was “coordinated” and timed to “undermine national stability” and “strike at Syrian unity”.
It holds Israel “fully responsible” for the assault and its “consequences”, and urged the United Nations and international community to condemn what it called a “criminal act”.
Syria reaffirmed its right to defend “its land and its people by all means permitted under international law”.
More than 50 killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza
Since dawn, Israeli attacks throughout Gaza have killed at least 54 people including 42 in Gaza City, medical sources told Al Jazeera.
Among the dead, 12 were killed, including at least five children, and 35 others wounded after Israeli bombardment of the al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City.
At least nine Palestinians died with many wounded in an Israeli air strike on a residential block on al-Wahda Street, east of Gaza City.
‘Traditional methods’ with Israel no longer effective: Minister
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin has urged the EU to impose wider sanctions in response to repeated Israeli violations of international law.
Her comments came during a meeting in Brussels with European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas, as foreign ministers gather to review the bloc’s ties with Israel, including the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Shahin said no political or humanitarian progress is possible without “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza” and called for the EU to act decisively against settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
She also urged EU states to pressure Israel to release Palestinian clearance funds, which she described as being “withheld illegally”.
Kallas said the bloc is continuing efforts to press for a ceasefire and fair distribution of aid, noting the US holds “the greatest influence” over Israel.
Israeli attack on Shati refugee camps kills 9
At least nine people have been killed and 25 others wounded after an Israeli attack on the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City.
Among the dead were five children, a hospital official told Al Jazeera.
At least 48 people have died in Israeli strikes throughout Gaza since dawn, including 38 in besieged Gaza City, medical sources say.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed at least 58,386 people and wounded 139,077 others, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.
EU vows to ‘keep a close watch’ on Israel’s Gaza conduct
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says Israel needs to take more “concrete steps” to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza after making an agreement with the bloc last week.
“The European Union will keep a close watch,” Kallas told reporters after meeting EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
Last week, the bloc reached a deal with Israel to improve the desperate situation by increasing aid trucks and opening crossing points and a specific aid route into the besieged enclave.
While Israel has taken some positive steps to increase aid, it has not fully implemented the agreement, said EU aid chief Hadja Lahbib.
In Brussels, foreign ministers discussed potential punitive measures against Israel if the deal isn’t followed, which include curbing trade ties and imposing an arms embargo.
UN expert urges EU to suspend agreement with Israel
Francesca Albanese is pressing the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel, warning that continuing trade makes the bloc complicit in “genocide”.
In a series of posts on X, Albanese wrote the EU is “legally bound” to suspend the deal, adding defending Israel’s conduct in Gaza is “not only superfluous – it is grotesque”.
She demanded “justice and accountability” for Israeli war leaders.
Albanese said the EU is Israel’s top trading and investment partner, nearly double the size of the US, and “trade with an economy inextricably tied to occupation, apartheid and genocide is complicity”.
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss possible action against Israel.
