Omar Shakir Quits HRW After Leadership Halts 'Crimes Against Humanity' Report.

Source: iViews February 5, 2026

Israeli Attacks Kill 23 Palestinians Across Gaza Since Dawn

Israeli military attacks across the Gaza Strip killed at least 23 Palestinians since dawn, according to local health authorities, casting doubt on claims of a ceasefire or de-escalation. Strikes were reported in multiple areas, with residents describing continued bombardment despite international diplomatic efforts to halt the violence. The latest deaths come amid a prolonged assault that has devastated Gaza's civilian infrastructure and displaced much of its population.

Human Rights Watch Shelves Israel Right of Return Report, Forcing Senior Resignations

As violence continues in Gaza, turmoil has erupted inside one of the world's most prominent human rights organisations. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has shelved a report that concluded Israel's decades-long denial of Palestinian refugees' right of return amounts to a crime against humanity, prompting the resignation of senior staff.

The report, which underwent months of internal review and was approved by HRW's legal team, was halted shortly before its scheduled publication in December. According to staff involved in the process, the decision was made by senior leadership, bypassing established review mechanisms.

HRW Israel-Palestine Director Omar Shakir Resigns Over Blocked 'Crimes Against Humanity' Report

Omar Shakir, Human Rights Watch's Israel-Palestine director for over a decade, resigned in protest, saying he had lost faith in the organisation's commitment to principled human rights reporting. He said leadership warned the report could be seen as threatening Israel's demographic character - a claim he rejected.

Shakir said the findings aligned with international law and HRW's past work, warning that shelving the report sets a dangerous precedent for political interference. Another researcher resigned, as hundreds of staff reportedly raised internal concerns.

Canada Eliminates Islamophobia and Antisemitism Envoy Roles, Replacing Them With Advisory Council

In a separate move, Canada has scrapped its special envoy roles on Islamophobia and antisemitism, replacing them with a broader "Rights, Equality and Inclusion" advisory council. Muslim and Jewish groups warn the change could weaken targeted responses to hate crimes.

The decision comes amid rising reports of Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents following the war in Gaza, with critics questioning the timing and political sensitivity of the move.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Military Rapprochement Raises Security Concerns in India

Shifting alliances in South Asia are drawing close scrutiny in New Delhi. Since the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, Pakistan and Bangladesh have expanded military and intelligence cooperation. The rare visit of Pakistan's intelligence chief to Dhaka and growing defence exchanges have raised alarm among Indian security officials.

Analysts warn the ties could complicate India's eastern security posture and weaken its influence in Bangladesh, especially if they lead to a formal defence agreement.