Israel’s military chief has ordered an expansion of the Gaza ground offensive amid growing warnings of famine and international criticism over aid restrictions.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered the military to expand its ground offensive in Gaza to additional areas in both the north and south, as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave continues to worsen.
The Israeli military said Zamir issued the directive during a field visit and strategic assessment in southern Gaza. The expanded assault, according to the military, aims to create conditions for the return of Israeli hostages and achieve the decisive defeat of Hamas.
Zamir also ordered the establishment of more aid distribution centers.
The directive comes as the UN and humanitarian organizations accuse Israel of carrying out a campaign of “deliberate starvation,” with Gaza’s 2.4 million residents facing famine after more than 90 days of closed aid crossings.
Since May 27, Israel has been operating a humanitarian relief initiative through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a body backed by Israel and the United States but not recognized by the UN or major aid groups.
At least 31 people have died near a southern Gaza aid distribution site, with conflicting accounts from Palestinian officials, the Israeli military, and aid groups over what caused the bloodshed.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
Less than 24 hours after formally accepting a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, Hamas now says it is still “reviewing” the plan, raising uncertainty over the implementation of a truce aimed at halting months of devastating conflict.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate telephone discussions on Thursday with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and senior members of Hamas’ political bureau, focusing on escalating humanitarian and security crises in Gaza and Syria.
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a strong warning Friday that France could toughen its stance on Israel, including the possible imposition of sanctions against Israeli settlers, if humanitarian aid to Gaza continues to be obstructed.
Baku Energy Week 2025 has become a dynamic platform for major energy stakeholders, spotlighting strategic oil, gas, and renewable projects that reinforce Azerbaijan’s global energy role and green ambitions.
Portuguese police have reopened the search for Madeleine McCann in the Algarve, acting on a German request, as investigators continue to pursue links to suspect Christian Brueckner.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in Cairo has categorically dismissed the UN nuclear agency’s new report on Tehran’s nuclear program.
Türkiye and Finland have signed a Defence Industry Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening collaboration between the two NATO allies through joint production, technology exchange, and the development of defence capabilities.
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election, according to a joint exit poll by major broadcasters, as the country turns the page on a political crisis triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has issued a strong call for international efforts to combat ongoing forms of colonialism, stressing that colonial structures and ideologies persist in various political, economic, and institutional forms around the world.
French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday in a bid to ease tensions over Ukraine, U.S. ties, and EU trade strategies, amid growing disagreements between the two leaders.
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked Japan to partner in developing his proposed $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system. The move could influence ongoing tariff negotiations between the two nations.
Over 200 inmates escaped from a Karachi prison late Monday after earthquake tremors caused panic, prompting guards to unlock cells, according to Pakistani officials.
Energy giant bp is ramping up exploration and development efforts across the Caspian Basin, eyeing massive untapped oil and gas resources, according to Dan Sparkes, bp's Vice President for Exploration in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye.
Baku Energy Week 2025 has become a dynamic platform for major energy stakeholders, spotlighting strategic oil, gas, and renewable projects that reinforce Azerbaijan’s global energy role and green ambitions.
Portuguese police have reopened the search for Madeleine McCann in the Algarve, acting on a German request, as investigators continue to pursue links to suspect Christian Brueckner.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in Cairo has categorically dismissed the UN nuclear agency’s new report on Tehran’s nuclear program.
Türkiye and Finland have signed a Defence Industry Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening collaboration between the two NATO allies through joint production, technology exchange, and the development of defence capabilities.
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election, according to a joint exit poll by major broadcasters, as the country turns the page on a political crisis triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment