As Israel marks a year since the Hamas attack, concerns grow over Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Security officials warn of rising Jewish terrorism, partly fueled by right-wing policies. However, these statements often overlook the role of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the violence. Since the 2000s, a policing force within the IDF, comprising border police and settler militias, has emerged, informally controlled by settler communities and their leaders, complicating the narrative of responsibility. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 4:30 pm
In Qarawat Bani Hassan, West Bank, 15-year-old Noor Assi works in a carpentry shop after his father, Ahmed, was fatally shot by Israeli settlers. The region is experiencing its most violent period in decades, with nearly 700 Palestinians killed in the past year. Noor, forced to mature quickly, took over his father’s profession to support his family. The Israeli military claims they responded to a confrontation with riot control and live fire, and Ahmed’s death is under review. Noor’s grandmother shows his bloodied clothes, while his young sister wears a necklace with his picture. Penelope Kingsley 08/10/2024 1:00 pm
Over the past year, Israel’s response to an attack by Hamas has resulted in a devastating impact on Gaza. Israeli bombings and a tightened siege have killed at least 41,615 Palestinians, including 16,756 children, and injured 97,303 people, with many suffering life-altering injuries. Despite global condemnations, the conflict has led to significant casualties, with over 10,000 feared buried under rubble. The ongoing siege has severely hampered rescue and medical efforts, leaving Gaza in a dire humanitarian crisis. Penelope Kingsley 08/10/2024 9:30 am
At 6:29 a.m., music abruptly stopped at the Nova Music Festival in the Negev Desert, followed by screams as terrorists attacked, marking the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks. Hamas militants stormed the festival, killing and kidnapping attendees. The site, now a memorial, features cenotaphs for victims like Amit Itzhak David, a 23-year-old killed after returning from South America. His family gathered at his memorial to commemorate his death. Penelope Kingsley 08/10/2024 9:30 am
CIA Director William Burns warned of potential regional escalation in the Middle East despite Iran and Israel not seeking “all-out conflict.” He highlighted the risk of misjudgments leading to unintended escalation. Burns noted robust U.S.-Israel intelligence-sharing and air defenses countered Iran’s missile attack, revealing Tehran’s military limitations. He stated there’s no evidence Iran’s Supreme Leader has resumed nuclear weaponization, though Iran is closer to producing weapons-grade material. Burns expressed hope for a diplomatic ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, a year after Hamas’s attack on Israel. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 9:30 am
One week after Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon, Israel reinforced its troops with the 91st Division, raising questions about the scope of its “limited” operations. Initially led by the 98th Division, including paratroopers and commandos, the IDF targeted Hezbollah strongholds. Despite a muted Hezbollah response, nine IDF soldiers were killed early on. Reinforcements from the 36th Division followed. Israel, advised against escalation by international allies, stated it would focus on securing border villages rather than advancing north toward Beirut. Penelope Kingsley 08/10/2024 9:30 am
Hundreds gathered at Pomona College in Claremont for a rally marking one year since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. Students walked out of classes, urging divestment from Israel. The mostly peaceful protest saw pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocking a street and later storming Carnegie Hall, blocking exits. No violence or arrests were reported. The college stated that Carnegie Hall was closed and warned that remaining inside constituted trespassing, disrupting academic activities. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 9:30 am
U.S. intelligence officials warn that foreign efforts to undermine American democracy will persist post-Election Day, focusing on questioning election results. Adversaries see opportunities in a potentially close presidential race and contested Congress. Concerns include foreign amplification of domestic voting irregularities and manufacturing allegations. Russia and Iran are involved, with Russia favoring Trump and Iran supporting Kamala Harris. Other countries, including China, Cuba, and Russia, are influencing congressional races, with China targeting candidates vocal about Taiwan without favoring a party. Ava Sinclair 08/10/2024 6:00 am
Monday marks one year since the Israel-Hamas war began, the deadliest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s war declaration, thousands have been killed or injured. Israel aims to destroy Hamas while minimizing civilian casualties. A humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to health care collapse, food, water, and medicine shortages, and spreading famine, per the UN. ABC News Live will cover the anniversary with special reports highlighting the impact on Israelis and Palestinians. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 6:00 am
Tunisians face a landslide victory for President Kais Saied amid low turnout and controversy. Preliminary results show Saied winning 90.7% of the vote, with only 28.8% turnout, reflecting a divided nation. Accusations of election rigging, repression, and silencing of opposition marred the election. Saied’s comments about “cleansing” the country raise concerns amid recent crackdowns. Critics argue democracy is backsliding, with many candidates barred from running and judicial oversight reduced. Rights groups condemn the electoral process as biased in favor of Saied. Ava Sinclair 08/10/2024 6:00 am
