April 17 marks Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, highlighting thousands of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons amid concerns over a new death penalty law targeting Palestinians. Reports document increased arrests, widespread torture, and harsh detention conditions, alongside international campaigns demanding the release of Palestinian hostages.
France rejected a visa for Shahwan Jabarin, Director-General of Al-Haq, scheduled to address the European Parliament’s human rights committee, which Al-Haq described as undermining efforts for accountability and Palestinian rights advocacy.
The US Senate on Wednesday blocked two resolutions to stop $450 million in arms sales to Israel amid ongoing attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, led by Senator Bernie Sanders. The measures failed by majority votes, while Sanders criticized continued support for Israel and its military operations using the sold weapons.
Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland after being the first country to officially recognize the breakaway region from Somalia. This move was met with condemnation from Somalia’s government and several African and Muslim countries.
French lawmakers dismissed a public petition with over 700,000 signatures demanding withdrawal of a contentious antisemitism bill. The bill, expanding the definition of antisemitism, is set for debate in the National Assembly amid strong opposition criticism.
The Israeli embassy in Poland condemned Polish MP Konrad Berkowicz for displaying a modified Israeli flag with a swastika in parliament as a protest against Israel’s actions. Berkowicz responded accusing Israel of genocide and military aggression in the region.
Roman Gofman was approved as the new Mossad chief for a five-year term, succeeding David Barnea. With a military background, Gofman was involved in the use of an Israeli teenager in an intelligence operation, sparking broad controversy among security officials and within Israel.
Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has suffered three assaults over the past month in Israeli prisons, raising fears for his safety. His lawyer reported violence and medical neglect, while Barghouti remains imprisoned under harsh conditions despite calls for his release.
