Middle East

The ICJ is considering whether to approve provisional measures that would immediately order Israel to stop all military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals for international crimes, has been investigating potential crimes committed in the Palestinian territories since 2021, including those committed by Hamas militants and Israeli military members during the Israel-Hamas war.

The court could rule in a few weeks on whether to implement provisional measures that include ordering Israel to stop military actions in the Gaza Strip while the case is being determined.  

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on Dec. 12 that called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war by an overwhelming majority of the 193-member body, receiving 153 votes, compared with 120 votes for the Oct. 27 resolution calling for a "humanitarian truce." 

Since Oct. 7, people on college campuses across the United States have been struggling with what's happening in Israel and Gaza. Battles surrounding free speech are playing out at universities in Europe, as well. 

When Rabbi Hody Nemes heard about the murder of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, he was horrified. 

Acts of antisemitism and Islamophobia have increased on U.S. college campuses since Oct. 7.

“The war between Israel and Hamas was effectively started with a hostage crisis,” Dr. Danielle Gilbert told Blue Marble.

We compiled five expert lists of recommended reading from diverse authors, viewpoints, and backgrounds to help explain the history, context, and experiences shaping the war.

Despite its small size, Qatar has historically played an outsize role in negotiating with organizations or countries that the U.S. doesn’t have relations with. Most recently, Qatar is helping to negotiate the release of hostages taken on Oct. 7 from Israel by Hamas.