Key facts
- Hamas welcomed Amnesty International's report accusing Israel of 'ethnic cleansing' in the West Bank.
- Amnesty International detailed a state-sponsored campaign of 'ethnic cleansing' in the West Bank.
- Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US forces and bases following US attacks.
- The Strait of Hormuz was completely closed to all vessels.
- Two Indian seafarers died in a US attack on an oil tanker off Oman.
- The Israeli cabinet plans to allocate over $350 million for new illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Hamas has welcomed a report by Amnesty International accusing Israel of a state-sponsored campaign of 'ethnic cleansing' in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian group stated the report confirms Israeli settler 'terrorism' is part of a systematic campaign and called for international legal proceedings against Israeli leaders.
Simultaneously, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced retaliatory strikes against US forces and bases in the region, including in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, following earlier US attacks. The United States military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) framed its strikes as being in 'self-defense' against targets posing a threat to US forces and commercial shipping.
Amidst these escalating tensions, Iran declared a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, leading to a surge in oil prices. Two Indian seafarers were reported killed and one missing after a US attack on the Settebello oil tanker off the coast of Oman, prompting India to lodge a strong protest with the US.
Separately, the Israeli cabinet is reportedly set to approve a plan to allocate over $350 million for the construction of 61 new illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Earlier developments in the story included Amnesty International's broader accusations, the departure of Palestinians from Gaza for medical care, and the court appearance of a detained Palestinian doctor.