Rising Tensions: Israel Prepares for Potential Operation in Iran

A Houthi ballistic missile launched from Yemen narrowly missed a civilian aircraft flying near Israel on June 11, 2025. The missile was intercepted by Israeli air defense systems just in time, preventing a potential mass casualty incident, according to the Israeli war room. A video shared on social media showed the civilian plane's proximity to the area before the interception occurred. The Israeli military confirmed the missile launch and reported that warning sirens were activated in various regions. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that two ballistic missiles were fired, targeting Israel's main airport. This missile attack follows an Israeli air strike on Hodeida, a key port city under Houthi control, aimed at disrupting potential weapon transfers. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has been involved in escalating tensions since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Following a brief ceasefire, they resumed attacks on Israel as Israeli military operations intensified.

An independent United Nations commission released a report accusing Israel of committing "extermination" crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza, a charge that can equate to genocide under international law. The report cites targeted bombings of civilian refuges, including schools and mosques, contributing to the deaths of over 55,000 residents since the escalation began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis. The UN's International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories found that more than 658,000 children in Gaza have been without education for 20 months due to the destruction of the educational system. According to the findings, 403 out of 564 school buildings sustained damage or direct attacks, with 85 completely destroyed. The report also highlighted that humanitarian shelters, primarily UN-operated schools, faced significant bombardment despite their recognized locations. "Evidence increasingly suggests that Israel is conducting a concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life in Gaza," stated Navi Pillay, the commission's chair. Findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on June 17, 2025.

Activist Greta Thunberg has reportedly been detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. In a statement released by the group, Thunberg was aboard a vessel part of a solidarity flotilla aiming to provide much-needed assistance to Gaza residents. The situation unfolded early on June 9, 2025, as the flotilla was navigating towards the region. Eyewitnesses claimed that Israeli naval forces intercepted the ship and forcibly removed Thunberg and other activists aboard. The Israeli government has yet to issue an official comment regarding the incident or the legal grounds for such an operation in international waters. Thunberg, known for her environmental activism and focus on climate change, has previously generated international headlines with her commitment to raising awareness about global crises. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has called for her immediate release and condemned the actions of the Israeli military, insisting that humanitarian efforts should not be met with violence.