The Israeli restaurant chain Boker Tov shut its final branch in Antwerp, Belgium, and declared bankruptcy following continuous boycott efforts linked to support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The chain faced criticism for profiting from cultural appropriation and defending Israeli policies, amid growing public pressure and protests.
A polar front has swept Gaza, exacerbating the suffering of two million displaced Palestinians amid warnings of possible child deaths from extreme cold. Makeshift tents were damaged by heavy rain and wind, while hospitals report a surge in respiratory illnesses. Humanitarian conditions worsen due to blocked reconstruction efforts and restrictions on aid and building materials.
Israeli forces stormed UNRWA’s headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, confiscated staff devices, expelled them, and began demolishing buildings. The UN agency’s chief called the raid a serious breach of international law. Israel’s foreign ministry said the demolition enforces a new law banning UNRWA. Since the start of Israel’s assault on Gaza, 382 UNRWA staff have been martyred, the highest UN death toll in history.
Raquel Pacheco, a former Miami Beach and Florida Senate candidate, was questioned by police over a Facebook post criticizing Mayor Steven Meiner’s support for Israel. Officers called the post concerning but left without incident. Pacheco voiced fears about free speech infringement, while police said the visit aimed to assess any potential threat without making accusations.
Canadian authorities briefly detained former Israeli soldier Guy Hochman at Toronto airport following a complaint by legal groups accusing him of war crimes and genocide incitement in Gaza. The complaint included images and videos showing his involvement in a mosque’s destruction and incitement against Palestinians. He was released after intervention by the Israeli consulate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by the ICC for Gaza war crimes, accepted Donald Trump’s invitation to join the “Board of Peace” under phase two of a 20-point ceasefire plan. The move sparked concerns over the board’s neutrality, especially amid the exclusion of Palestinians from top decision-making roles.
Three Palestinian journalists working with the Egyptian Committee for Gaza Relief were martyred on Wednesday in central Gaza when Israeli forces deliberately targeted their vehicle. Identified as Mohammed Qeshta, Abd al-Rauf Shaath, and Anas Gneim, one of them, Shaath, had recently married. Israel claimed they were gathering intelligence, though they were documenting the committee’s efforts using a drone.
The Israeli army launched airstrikes on southern Lebanese towns Wednesday night, announcing the death of a Hezbollah official. It issued evacuation orders to three southern villages, while a drone strike separately killed a Lebanese citizen. These events unfold amid continued violations of the ceasefire implemented in November 2024.
