Protests in Washington as Netanyahu prepares to address Congress as Gaza-Israel war continues.

A far-right Israeli minister has defied longstanding rules by praying at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is Islam’s third holiest site and a symbol of Palestinian national identity. While Jews are allowed to visit the mosque compound, they are not permitted to pray or display religious symbols. The minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, stated in the Israeli parliament that he prayed on the Temple Mount, known as the site of the ancient Jewish temple. 

This action has been increasingly shunned by hardline religious nationalists and has led to violent reactions from Palestinians. Amid the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in casualties and destruction, there have been protests in London and Washington DC. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in London blocked access to the Foreign Office and demanded the UK government change its policy towards Israel’s offensive.

In Washington DC, there were protests over the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with some calling for a ceasefire deal and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Elon Musk announced that his Star-link satellite internet service has been activated in a hospital in Gaza with the help of the United Arab Emirates and Israel. 

This comes at a critical time when medical facilities in Gaza have been destroyed, and there is a shortage of medicine and medical supplies. Meanwhile, doctors in Gaza’s largest hospital have pleaded for supplies as they are overwhelmed by the influx of wounded patients. In Germany, the government has banned an organization in Hamburg for promoting the Iranian leadership’s ideology and supporting the Hezbollah militant group. This ban followed police raids on 53 properties around the country. 

The Palestinian Authority’s budget deficit is projected to surge by 172% in 2024, with revenues expected to drop by 21% due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The authority has approved an emergency budget for 2024, which includes austerity measures such as reducing salaries and expenditures. Finally, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has landed in Washington DC to negotiate a prisoner exchange as part of a ceasefire deal with Hamas.