Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City and the Bureij refugee camp claimed more than 40 lives, including 19 women and children, according to health officials on Sunday. Hospitals in Gaza reported that entire families, including a nurse from Shifa Hospital with his wife and three children, were among the victims. Another strike outside a clinic killed at least eight Palestinians, four of them children, while leaving more than 20 injured. 👍 Follow Republic Policy on YouTube
The escalation comes as Israel pushes forward with its military campaign, which it says is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and surrender. Yet, peace activists inside Israel are calling for an end to the war, with the “It’s Time Coalition” urging recognition of a Palestinian state. Tens of thousands of Israelis have joined anti-war demonstrations, demanding a ceasefire and hostage deal. Meanwhile, Gaza’s death toll has surpassed 65,000 over nearly two years of bombardment, and experts warn of famine across Gaza City. 👍 Follow Republic Policy on Facebook
Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom formally recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday, a move welcomed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as a step to “revive hope of peace.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu angrily rejected the initiative, vowing that “a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.” He accused foreign governments of rewarding Hamas and pledged to reveal Israel’s official response after meeting U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. France is also preparing to extend recognition. 👍 Follow Republic Policy on Twitter
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israel’s war strategy as a failure, noting that despite killing Hamas leaders, the group continues to recruit. Macron warned that indiscriminate civilian casualties undermine Israel’s credibility and destabilize the region further. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens as Israel orders mass evacuations from Gaza City to designated “humanitarian zones,” forcing displaced families into yet another cycle of uprooting and hardship. Aid groups are urging for an immediate ceasefire to allow relief access. 👍 Follow Republic Policy on Instagram
Adding to international pressure, Pope Leo XIV denounced what he called the “forced exile” of Palestinians and demanded a path toward peace for the “martyred” Gaza Strip. Families of hostages have also accused Netanyahu of prioritizing war over negotiations, endangering their loved ones’ lives. At the same time, Netanyahu revealed that Israel is in talks with Syria, hinting at possible security arrangements despite ongoing tensions since the fall of President Bashar Assad. Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa confirmed discussions, emphasizing the need to return to the 1974 disengagement framework. 👍 Follow Republic Policy on LinkedIn
