Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: June 10, 2025
Israel commits ‘extermination’ in Gaza by killing in schools, UN experts say
U.N. experts said in a report on Tuesday that Israel committed the crime against humanity of “extermination” by killing civilians sheltering in schools and religious sites in Gaza, part of a “concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life.” The commission said Israel had destroyed more than 90% of the school and university buildings and more than half of all religious and cultural sites in Gaza.
Insight
The UN commission’s use of the legal term “extermination” represents one of the most serious accusations leveled against Israel since the Gaza conflict began, potentially laying groundwork for future international legal proceedings and further isolating Israel diplomatically. The systematic destruction of educational and religious infrastructure goes beyond military objectives and suggests a deliberate strategy to undermine Palestinian society’s foundational institutions, which could constitute cultural genocide under international law. The timing of this report coincides with growing international pressure on Israel over humanitarian concerns, potentially influencing ongoing ICC investigations and strengthening calls for accountability measures. The commission’s findings that Israeli forces specifically targeted civilians sheltering in supposedly protected sites challenges Israel’s claims of conducting precision operations and adhering to international humanitarian law. The scope of destruction – 90% of educational buildings and half of religious sites – indicates a level of systematic targeting that goes far beyond collateral damage and suggests intentional efforts to destroy Palestinian cultural and social infrastructure for generations to come.
Macron calls Gaza humanitarian blockade a shameful ‘scandal’
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday condemned the humanitarian blockade imposed on Gaza by “Israel”, slamming it as a “scandal” and “shameful”, while urging the immediate reopening of humanitarian supply routes and a ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory. This followed Israel’s interception of the Madleen humanitarian boat carrying activists including Greta Thunberg.
Insight
Macron’s increasingly sharp criticism of Israel’s Gaza policies reflects both genuine humanitarian concerns and domestic political calculations as he faces pressure from France’s significant Muslim population and left-wing parties following electoral setbacks. The French president’s use of strong language like “scandal” and “shameful” marks a significant escalation in European criticism of Israeli policies, potentially signaling broader EU shifts away from unconditional support for Israeli actions. The timing of these statements, coinciding with Israel’s interception of a humanitarian boat carrying French nationals, provides Macron with a concrete incident to justify his hardening stance while appealing to French public opinion that increasingly opposes Israeli actions in Gaza. Macron’s threats of EU sanctions and review of cooperation agreements represent the most concrete European challenge to Israeli policy since October 7, potentially creating precedent for other European leaders to follow suit. The diplomatic clash also reflects Macron’s broader strategy of positioning France as an independent voice in international affairs, distinct from both American and Israeli interests, as he seeks to rebuild political credibility after domestic electoral defeats.
Israel warns Yemen’s Houthis of naval, air blockade if attacks continue
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said if the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen continue attacks on the Jewish state, they will respond with a naval and air blockade. The warning follows overnight strikes on Monday, which for the first time saw Israel’s navy target Yemen’s Hodeidah Port in retaliation for continued strikes against Israel.
Insight
Israel’s threat of comprehensive air and naval blockade against Yemen’s Houthis represents a significant escalation that could transform the Red Sea conflict from sporadic strikes into sustained siege warfare, with potentially devastating humanitarian consequences for Yemen’s already suffering population. The targeting of Hodeidah Port, a critical lifeline for food and fuel imports to a country where millions face starvation, demonstrates Israel’s willingness to expand the geographic scope of its military operations beyond Gaza and Lebanon to confront Iran’s regional proxy network. This escalation occurs as the Houthis have proven remarkably resilient against Saudi-led coalition bombardment for nearly a decade, suggesting that Israeli threats may be more rhetorical than practically achievable given the distances involved and Yemen’s demonstrated capacity to absorb punishment. The naval blockade threat also risks further disrupting global shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, potentially drawing in international maritime forces and complicating relations with countries dependent on these trade routes. Israel’s strategy appears designed to pressure Iran by demonstrating its ability to strike Iranian proxies across the region, but could backfire by providing the Houthis with additional justification for their attacks and potentially expanding the conflict beyond Israel’s ability to control.
