Monday, 25 May 2026
Hamas calls for international probe into Israeli actions
The Palestinian group Hamas has called on Monday for an independent international investigation into what it describes as systematic Israeli crimes, urging the prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials.
Hamas also emphasized the necessity of allowing only United Nations agencies and other neutral bodies to oversee the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The group further appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the international community to take urgent action to halt what it describes as acts of genocide and to lift the blockade on Gaza.
Meanwhile, in Israel on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in a "cross-examination session" as part of his ongoing corruption trial. During the session, Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, requested a pause in proceedings for an urgent diplomatic call; however, the nature of the call was not disclosed. Israeli media reported that, under current court restrictions, defense lawyers cannot communicate with Netanyahu during this phase of the proceedings. The cross-examination allows the prosecution to probe inconsistencies and assess the credibility of Netanyahu’s testimony.
Netanyahu’s trial, which has been ongoing for over five years, involves allegations in three separate cases: accepting luxury gifts in exchange for policymaking favoring businessman Arnon Milchan, negotiating with Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper to undermine a rival publication, and granting regulatory benefits to telecom company Bezeq in a case involving media mogul Shaul Elovitch. The hearings are taking place amid a government crisis linked to ultra-Orthodox parties' objections over military service exemptions, according to Israeli media. Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu is required to answer all questions posed during cross-examination without consulting his lawyers.