‘An Affront to Diplomatic Norms’: US Slams Houthis’ Arrests of US, UN Officials
2:06 am
The US State Department has “strongly condemned” the Houthis’ arrests of UN officials, diplomats, and aid personnel in Yemen. The rebels claim these arrests are part of an alleged crackdown on an Israeli-American spy cell. Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the unjust nature of the detentions and condemned the Houthis’ spread of disinformation through televised forced confessions. Miller stressed that such actions show a blatant disregard for diplomatic norms and called for the immediate release of those detained.
Hamas’ Extreme Demands for a Halt to War
1:26 am
Channel 13 reports that Hamas has demanded a complete halt to the war, regardless of whether an agreement is reached on the second phase of the proposed truce and hostage deal. Hamas also seeks to start reconstruction in Gaza during the first phase, prevent Israel from vetoing the release of any Palestinian security prisoner, and avoid the deportation of murder convicts. An Israeli official labeled Hamas’ response as “the most extreme.” Additionally, Hamas insists that the IDF begin its withdrawal from Gaza by the first day of the first phase, vacating key sites by the seventh day.
Hamas Pressures US, Questioning Israel’s Commitment to Truce Deal
1:03 am
Hamas has urged the US to pressure Israel into accepting a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. While US officials claim Israel agreed to a ceasefire proposal on May 31, Hamas argues there is no confirmation from Israeli officials. The group waited two weeks to submit amendments to the proposal, many of which Washington deemed “not workable.” The Biden administration continues to pressure Hamas, questioning their negotiation integrity.
Yemen’s Houthis Claim Attacks on Israel
12:33 am
The Houthis in Yemen have claimed responsibility for targeting the “Tutor ship” in the Red Sea and executing a joint military operation with Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeting sites in Israel’s Ashdod and Haifa. Houthis’ military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the ship faces the danger of sinking following the attack.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.