Regions Bank

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Israel to 'go to war' in the West Bank, saying the army should 'do there what we did in Gaza'. The remark drew widespread attention as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza and near- daily operations in the occupied West Bank. Critics condemned the statement as a call for the destruction seen in Gaza to be replicated in another Palestinian territory.

Israeli extremist groups are publicly calling for the reestablishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip, which were dismantled in 2005, and for an escalation of military confrontation in the West Bank. The appeals come amid heightened tensions in the region, with critics warning such demands would inflame the conflict further and complicate international efforts toward a lasting ceasefire and political settlement.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for military action in the occupied West Bank on the scale of the Gaza war, urging Israel to 'do what we did in Gaza' there. The remarks are drawing condemnation from Palestinian officials and rights advocates, who warn such an escalation would deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis in the territory.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for a war in the West Bank and for Israel to annex the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, according to reports from The New Arab. The remarks, made by a senior member of Israel's government, have drawn attention for their extremity, as they call for military escalation in the occupied West Bank and territorial expansion beyond Israel's borders. They come amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing debate over Israel's conduct in Gaza and its policies in the occupied territories.

A Guardian report describes Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in Ukraine's Kherson region, as 'hell on earth', saying the few remaining residents are reduced to eating weeds to survive. The account highlights severe food shortages, destroyed infrastructure and the dangers of life under occupation, drawing renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in the occupied east bank of the Dnipro river.

Asian equity markets fell as oil prices and bond yields continued climbing, raising concerns about inflation pressures and higher borrowing costs across the region. Investors weighed the impact of costlier energy on companies and consumers, while rising yields drew money away from stocks. Traders are watching whether central banks will respond with further policy tightening.

Ukraine has raised the alarm over conditions in Oleshky, a town in Kherson region occupied by Russian forces, saying trapped civilians are being deliberately starved and forced to eat grass to survive. Kyiv describes the situation as a war crime and is drawing international attention to the plight of residents unable to leave the occupied left bank of the Dnipro.