Latest News & Developments
israeli defence forces
Israel defies Lebanon withdrawal deadline, maintains five strategic positions
Tensions escalate as Israel maintains military presence at five strategic points in southern Lebanon, defying an agreed withdrawal deadline.
'Welcome back': Israelis cheer, cry as hostages freed from Gaza
Hundreds of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square" to celebrate the emotional release of three hostages from Gaza, shedding tears of joy as their loved ones returned home.
Israel orders army to plan to let Palestinians leave Gaza
Israel's defence minister has instructed the military to prepare plans for 'voluntary' Palestinian departures from Gaza, following controversial proposals by Donald Trump.
Gaza conflict: Hamas claims war won't resume after initial ceasefire phase
Hamas deputy leader Musa Abu Marzouk reveals why the presence of Israeli soldiers among the remaining hostages makes a return to conflict unlikely after the first ceasefire phase. With over 60 IDF personnel in captivity, the stakes for both sides have shifted dramatically in the quest for lasting peace.
Fifty shades of South Africa’s grey listing – contradictions in the application of the law
Delve into the implications of South Africa's FATF grey listing and the inconsistencies in global terrorism financing laws.
Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in deadly Jenin raid
In a night-time raid near Jenin, Israeli forces cornered and killed two Palestinian militants accused of a deadly January bus attack that killed three Israelis. The operation, part of an ongoing large-scale military campaign in the West Bank, resulted in one Israeli soldier being injured during the firefight.
Israeli security cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire deal
In a landmark decision, Israel's security cabinet has approved a comprehensive Gaza ceasefire agreement that includes a hostage release programme, marking a potential turning point in the conflict. The deal, set to commence this weekend, promises to halt the deadliest fighting in Gaza's history while facilitating the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners in a carefully orchestrated exchange.
Understanding the ceasefire negotiations: Palestinian rights and international perspectives
An expert discusses the significance of Palestinian self-determination in the context of ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the implications for peace and reconstruction in Gaza.
Gaza-Israel breakthrough: Cabinet to vote on landmark ceasefire deal
In a potential breakthrough for peace, Israel's cabinet prepares to vote on a comprehensive ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking a crucial turning point in the Gaza conflict.
Gaza rescuers say children among 12 killed in Israeli strikes
Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli forces pounded the Palestinian territory on Thursday, killing at least 12 people including three girls, 15 months into the war.
Israeli strikes hit Yemen as Netanyahu fires warning
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media he was at the airport during the strike, adding that "one of our plane's crew members was injured".
Netanyahu tells Israel parliament 'some progress' on Gaza hostage deal
In recent days, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States took place in Doha, rekindling hope of an agreement that has proven elusive.
2024: A Year of Conflict, Climate Catastrophes, and Political Upheaval
Explore the key events of 2024, from escalating conflicts in the Middle East to unprecedented climate disasters and significant political shifts worldwide.
US announces first Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon under ceasefire deal
Israeli forces conducted a first withdrawal from a town in south Lebanon and were replaced by the Lebanese military under a ceasefire deal.
91 journalists and media workers killed in 2024
The latest CPJ data shows that 91 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024, down from 98 the previous year, with the Israel-Gaza war responsible for more than half of fatalities.
The Privilege of Forgetting: Gaza and post-Apartheid South Africa
As South Africa navigates its divided stances on Palestine, it must also confront the lingering separations within itself—separations of identity, history, and morality that continue to shape its future.
Israel is turning up the smokescreen to obscure the ICC’s warrant for Netanyahu
Nelson Mandela’s example teaches us to resist fearmongering labels and to honour those who fight for justice, dignity, and the preservation of human life.
LETTER: Is the IDF the most moral army in the world?
‘Prime Minister Netanyahu often claims that the IDF is the most moral army in the world. This claim is evaluated using a list of 15 breaches of International Law by the IDF in Gaza since October 7, 2023. ’
‘Racism remains deeply rooted in the Western Cape,’ says ANC MPL Khalid Sayed after Bishops Diocesan College chairperson Crispin Sonn resigns
Crispin Sonn, chairperson of the Council of the Bishops Diocesan College, resigned with immediate effect last week.
French President Emmanuel Macron says 'We will not give in to anti-Semitism’
The match which is due to take place at Stade de France, which has a capacity of 80,000 but only 13,000 spectators are expected due to safety concerns.
Israel strikes Hezbollah's main bastion in Lebanon
Lebanese state media said an Israeli drone strike on November 7, targeted a car on a key road linking the capital Beirut with the Bekaa plain and eastern neighbour Syria.
We have a rudderless government
Explore the controversial decisions of ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and former Minister Naledi Pandor regarding Israel and the implications for South Africa’s future.
Israeli parliament votes to ban UN’s Palestine aid agency, UNRWA
The organisation protects Palestinian refugees’ right to return home, something Israel has long resisted for the six million refugees registered with UNRWA.
Durban rallies for Palestine as international legal battle intensifies
As protests escalate in South Africa against Israel's actions in Gaza, a landmark legal battle is unfolding at the ICJ, raising urgent questions about genocide and international accountability.
Yahya Sinwar’s Last Stand
Yahya Sinwar lived his life according to this teaching of Imam Ali, fearless of death, consciously aware that he will one day die but until that day he fearlessly fought against his oppressors, says the writer.