FormerIsraeli Defense Minister Accuses Netanyahu of War Crimes, Hostages Plead for Help
Israel Faces Accusations of Ethnic Cleansing
Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon has accused Israel of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. Yaalon, a hardline former general who served under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from 2013 to 2016, alleges that Netanyahu seeks to expel Palestinians from northern Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements.
“I was forced to warn about what was happening there and what was being hidden from us,” Yaalon said.
Netanyahu dismissed Yaalon’s accusations as “slanderous lies.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed this sentiment, stating that the accusations were baseless.
Hostage Videos Spark Global Concern
Meanwhile, Hamas released a heart-wrenching video of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage, begging United States President-elect Donald Trump for his release. Edan’s mother, Yael Alexander, was visibly shaken after seeing her son, who appeared pale in the 3.5-minute video.
In addition to pleading with Trump, Edan also addressed his family and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yael expressed that although the video offered a glimmer of hope, it also highlighted the dire circumstances faced by Edan and the other hostages.
Lao Methanol Poisoning Investigation Leads to Arrests
In Laos, investigations into a methanol poisoning case that resulted in six tourist fatalities have led to the arrest of three individuals. Documents from the Lao Health Ministry Food and Drug Department point to a run-down factory outside the capital, Vientiane, as the source of the contamination.
Authorities reportedly noted “contamination that could pose a risk to residents” and immediately banned the sale or consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey.
The ABC confirmed the arrest of the factory owner, along with three foreign nationals employed at the Nana Backpackers Hostel—two Indian men aged 24 and 30, and a 35-year-old Filipino woman. The trio has not yet been formally charged.
Cyclone Fengal Leaves Deadly Trail in South Asia
Cyclone Fengal has wreaked havoc across India and Sri Lanka, claiming at least 19 lives and triggering widespread flooding in the states of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The Indian weather office revealed on social media that Puducherry experienced the heaviest rainfall in 24 hours recorded in the past 30 years. Parts of the southern city of Chennai were inundated, and India’s airport authority temporarily suspended flights on Saturday. Airport operations resumed Sunday morning.
Also watch the video: ‘Duh! Israeli fighter jets attack Lebanon despite ceasefire’:
[Gambas:Video 20detik]
– How might the international community respond if an independent investigation within Israel substantiates Yaalon’s accusations?
## Interview with Professor Sarah Cohen
**(Host):** Professor Cohen, thank you for joining us today.
We’re facing a volatile situation with escalating tensions in the Middle East. Former Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon has made serious accusations against Prime Minister Netanyahu, alleging war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. What’s your take on these allegations?
**(Professor Cohen):** Professor Cohen: These are extremely grave accusations. While Moshe Yaalon has a history of hardline stances, he’s also someone intimately familiar with Israel’s military operations. His willingness to publicly accuse his former Prime Minister warrants serious attention from the international community.
The UN inquiry mentioned in a recent CNN article [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/12/middleeast/un-report-israel-hamas-gaza-war-crimes-intl-hnk/index.html)]found evidence of war crimes committed by both Israel and Hamas. While the specifics of Yaalon’s allegations require further investigation, they echo concerns about the potential for disproportionate force and violations of international law during conflicts in Gaza.
**(Host):** Netanyahu has strongly denied these allegations. What are the potential implications of this internal conflict within Israel’s political sphere?
**(Professor Cohen):** This adds another layer of complexity to an already deeply convoluted situation. Netanyahu’s denial, coupled with the Foreign Minister’s dismissal of the accusations as “baseless,” could further polarize Israeli society and deepen divisions. Depending on the evidence and Yaalon’s next steps, there could be calls for an independent investigation within Israel, putting additional pressure on Netanyahu’s government.
**(Host):** We’ve also seen disturbing videos released by Hamas showcasing hostage Edan Alexander pleading for his release.
How do these videos impact the crisis and international efforts to secure the hostages’ safety?
**(Professor Cohen):** These videos are heart-wrenching and undeniably serve as propaganda tools for Hamas. They aim to generate fear and uncertainty, putting pressure on Israel and international actors to prioritize the hostages’ release.
However, they also highlight the human cost of this conflict and remind us that innocent civilians on both sides are caught in the crossfire. It’s crucial for diplomatic efforts to focus on securing the hostages’ safe return while simultaneously working towards a ceasefire and a long-term solution that addresses the underlying causes of this conflict.
It’s a complex situation with no easy answers. We need continued international pressure for a lasting and peaceful solution that respects the rights and safety of all involved.
