which sits opposite the West Bank city of Tulkarm IDF forces arrived at the scene to carry out searches and secure the area https://x.com/i/web/status/1795720137317732571 This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated You can activate them by clicking manage preferences The video clip lasting less than a minute shows three terrorists with their faces covered and blurred wearing the trademark green bandana representing Hamas The recording shows them arriving at a spot overlooking Bat Hefer and firing toward it with machine guns before running away which lies on the Israeli side of the Green Line demarcating the West Bank border sits opposite to Tulkarm which is known as a hotbed of terrorist activity.  The IDF issued a statement confirming the incident adding no casualties or damage was found.  Transportation for school children was relocated to the opposite side of the community and accompanied by army patrols This is the second incident in the week in which the community came under threat with dozens of terrorists approaching the West Bank security barrier The head of the Hefer Valley regional council sent a letter to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following the incident calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the escalation on the West Bank border.  "We call on the army and the state to wake up and act with determination and zero tolerance in the face of the serious events It's impossible that Palestinians could cross the fence unhindered in daylight." Shaul warned that the recent threats were a dangerous reminder that the events of the October 7 massacre could be repeated along the West Bank border and said the state and army must do more to protect the residents of the area who are living in a state of increasing anxiety '#' : location.hash;window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUQuery = location.search === '' && location.href.slice(0 location.href.length - window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash.length).indexOf('?') !== -1 '?' : location.search;if (window.history && window.history.replaceState) {var ogU = location.pathname + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUQuery + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash;history.replaceState(null "\/liveblog_entry\/5-reservists-killed-during-fighting-with-hezbollah-in-lebanon-last-night-idf-announces\/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=t9Rx_KRPRTHPxH9NUqUeJ0JZoBlJ7ITcI7mYRkko1H4-1746529702-1.0.1.1-3envwyJCmKf9pXjDv12sf22TZOd1X3sFVK0B9hNGqsE" + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash);cpo.onload = function() {history.replaceState(null ogU);}}document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(cpo);}()); Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday in several cities demanding a hostage swap deal with Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and early parliamentary elections Thousands in Kaplan Square in central Tel Aviv demanded a hostage deal and that the government should not miss the opportunity again Protesters chanted: “Deal Now” and raised banners with the slogan Around 2,000 protested in Caesarea in northern Israel demanding a hostage deal and early elections The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that thousands demonstrated in several locations Demonstrators emphasized the need for a hostage deal "as soon as possible" and to not "miss the opportunity this time," it said The protesters also called for early parliamentary elections reported that a negotiating team "will leave next Monday to continue negotiations on the deal." traveled to Doha on Friday for meetings with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani regarding the hostage deal and cease-fire in Gaza.​​​​​​​ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that a negotiating team will depart for Qatar next week to continue discussions on the deal Israel estimates around 120 Israelis are held by the Palestinian resistance group flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct More than 38,000 Palestinians have since been killed vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice whose latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6 This map is updated daily alongside the static maps present in this report CTP-ISW defines the “Axis of Resistance” as the unconventional alliance that Iran has cultivated in the Middle East since the Islamic Republic came to power in 1979 This transnational coalition is comprised of state and non-state actors that cooperate to secure their collective interests Tehran considers itself to be both part of the alliance and its leader Iran furnishes these groups with varying levels of financial and political support in exchange for some degree of influence or control over their actions Some are traditional proxies that are highly responsive to Iranian direction while others are partners over which Iran exerts more limited influence Members of the Axis of Resistance are united by their grand strategic objectives which include eroding and eventually expelling American influence from the Middle East Pursuing these objectives and supporting the Axis of Resistance to those ends have become cornerstones of Iranian regional strategy We do not report in detail on war crimes because these activities are well-covered in Western media and do not directly affect the military operations we are assessing and forecasting We utterly condemn violations of the laws of armed conflict and the Geneva Conventions and crimes against humanity even though we do not describe them in these reports Israel withdrew some IDF units from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 30 further indicating that Israeli forces are still in the area.[5] The partial Israeli withdrawal from Jabalia follows some of the most intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters during the war IDF officers described the fighting there as some of the most intense of the war.[9] Hamas and other Palestinian militias will almost certainly resume their efforts to reconstitute in Jabalia as Israeli forces withdraw There are remaining pockets around Jabalia that Israeli forces have not cleared.[10] Hamas and other militias have probably moved into some of these areas to preserve their forces.[11] Hamas will capitalize on these remaining forces to rebuild their capabilities and networks in and around Jabalia as Israeli forces leave US and Israeli officials have expressed concerns that Hamas will survive in the Gaza Strip without a post-war plan that involves an alternative to Hamas rule.[12] The registration period for the Iranian presidential election began on May 30.[13] Only one prominent individual Presidential candidates have until June 3 to register after which the Guardian Council will vet and approve candidates The Guardian Council has historically disqualified moderate and reformist figures during this period in order to advantage hardliners in the race The following individuals have registered thus far: Syrian President Bashar al Assad traveled to Tehran to meet with senior Iranian officials on May 30 The visit may be part of recent efforts by Iran and its so-called “Axis of Resistance” to coordinate their actions vis-a-vis the Israel-Hamas war.[27] Assad met with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Roads and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash among other Iranian officials.[28] The presence of Bazrpash who also heads the Iran-Syria Joint Economic Commission indicates that Assad discussed Iranian investment and reconstruction projects in Syria in at least some of the meetings.[29] Assad’s visit comes shortly after the Axis of Resistance held a meeting of its Joint Operations Room in Tehran on May 23.[30] The operations room is meant to align and coordinate Iranian and Iranian-backed campaigns against the United States and Israel The May 23 meeting included senior officials from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and several Iraqi and Palestinian militias The al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades claimed that its fighters entered Bat Hefer in Israel to kill an IDF officer there on May 29.[31] The militia said that its fighters entered the officer’s home and seized weapons but left once they realized that children were present.[32] CTP-ISW cannot verify this claim as Israel has not confirmed that there was any militia activity around Bat Hefer at the time of this writing The al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades also threatened to attack Israeli civilians in the same way that Hamas did in October 2023 The claimed infiltration into Bat Hefer comes amid an uptick in activity around Bat Hefer which is near the Israel-West Bank border and immediately adjacent to Tulkarm Hamas fighters fired small arms from the West Bank targeting Bat Hefer on May 27 and May 29.[33] Around 30 unarmed Palestinians separately tried to cross the border from the West Bank into Bat Hefer on May 27 The IDF said on May 30 that it is increasing operations in the area in response to attacks targeting Bat Hefer.[34] The IDF 99th Division continued operations along the Netzarim Corridor in the northern Gaza Strip on May 30.[35] Israeli forces located a Palestinian militia weapons depot in the area.[36] The al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades mortared an IDF site and fired rockets at Israeli forces along the corridor.[37] Israeli forces continued clearing operations in Rafah on May 30.[38] The IDF Givati Brigade directed an airstrike targeting three Palestinian fighters The IDF Nahal Brigade and 12th Brigade located Palestinian militia weapons depots in the area Palestinian militias claimed several attacks targeting Israeli forces in western and southern Rafah.[39] The IDF said on May 29 that it located and demolished a “significant” tunnel complex in Rafah.[40] The tunnel has a shaft located around 100 meters from the Rafah crossing around the Egypt-Gaza Strip border.[41] The tunnel does not cross into Egypt however.[42] The IDF said that Hamas used the tunnel to support attacks targeting Israeli forces Israeli forces located weapons inside the tunnel network which branched into several paths at different depths The Wall Street Journal published a map in October 2023 of the tunnel system that Hamas has created below the Gaza Strip based on data from 2014 which did not include any tunnels in Rafah.[43] Israel has idedantified nearly 700 tunnel shafts in Rafah and discovered about 20 that cross into Egypt since the IDF advanced into Rafah on May 7.[44] The IDF said on May 29 that Israel does not believe that Hamas moved Israeli hostages to Egypt via the tunnels.[45] The Israeli representative to the UN International Court of Justice said on May 17 that Hamas uses the tunnels connected to Egypt to smuggle weapons and that Hamas could use the tunnels to smuggle hostages or senior Hamas officials out of the Gaza Strip.[46] US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed Israeli military activity in Rafah in a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on May 30.[47] Gallant emphasized the importance of Israeli operations in Rafah noting that Israel has “concrete information” that Hamas is holding hostages there Austin and Gallant discussed the need to sustain the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and the importance of opening the Rafah border crossing for aid flow.[48] The United Nations said on May 29 that humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip has dropped 67 percent since Israeli forces advanced into Rafah on May 7.[49] Israeli forces took control of the Gazan side of the Rafah border crossing on May 7 Aid is currently entering the Gaza Strip from the Kerem Shalom crossing and a crossing west of Erez in the northern Gaza Strip.[50] Palestinian fighters conducted two indirect fire attacks into Israel on May 30.[51] Hamas fired rockets from Khan Younis targeting an Israeli town.[52] The IDF last detected rocket fire from Khan Younis on April 8.[53] Recorded reports of attacks; CTP-ISW cannot independently verify impact A Palestinian fighter killed two IDF soldiers in a car-ramming attack at a military checkpoint near Nablus on May 29.[54] The attacker later turned himself into the Palestinian Authority security forces.[55] The IDF reported that the Israeli soldiers belonged to the Kfir Brigade.[56] Hamas and the Mujahideen Movement praised the attack and called on Palestinian fighters and “youth” in the West Bank to escalate attacks targeting Israeli forces.[57] Israeli forces have engaged Palestinian fighters in at least nine locations in the West Bank since CTP-ISW's last data cut off on May 29.[58] The al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades fired small arms and detonated IEDs targeting Israeli forces in Nablus and Tulkarm.[59] Israeli forces engaged PIJ and the al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades in multiple locations in Jenin.[60] This map is not an exhaustive depiction of clashes and demonstrations in the West Bank Lebanese Hezbollah has conducted at least five attacks into northern Israel since CTP-ISW's last data cutoff on May 29.[61] The IDF intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon over Margaliot on May 30.[62] An Iranian-backed militia was likely responsible for a cruise missile launched from Iraq toward Israel on May 30.[63] The IDF intercepted the missile over the southern Golan Heights No militia has claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of this writing Unidentified individuals have attacked four US and UK businesses in Baghdad since May 26.[64] The individuals targeted Caterpillar Inc. and two Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) locations Local reports suggest that the individuals threw IEDs at the businesses in some of the attacks.[65] The head of the Iraqi State of Law Coalition suggested that the assailants attacked US and UK businesses due to the United States and United Kingdom supporting Israel.[66] Muttalabi suggested that the attacks are part of a larger boycott of companies that support Israel He also argued that Israeli activity in the Gaza Strip and West Bank is the main driver of the attacks Muttalabi added that the United States should not expect Iraqi security forces to protect every US business in Iraq US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski called on the Iraqi federal government to investigate the attacks on US and UK businesses in Baghdad.[67] Romanowski warned that the attacks threaten Iraqi lives and property and could discourage foreign investment in Iraq Israel was likely responsible for airstrikes targeting military transport vehicles in Homs The Syrian Defense Ministry reported that Israel conducted an airstrike targeting a site “in the central region” and a residential building in Baniyas city Tartous.[68] Syrian media reported that at least one of the airstrikes targeted transport vehicles in al Furqlus Homs Province.[69] Syrian media also reported that the strike killed three Syrian Arab Army soldiers.[70] The IDF Air Force has previously targeted vehicles suspected of transporting Lebanese Hezbollah military cargo in Homs Province.[71] CTP-ISW cannot verify the local reporting Syrian media reported that the other airstrike targeted a residential building in Baniyas city Tartous.[72] There was at least one civilian casualty according to local reports.[73] Israel last conducted an airstrike targeting an IRGC Navy officer in Baniyas in March 2024.[74] The IDF has conducted an air campaign into Syria since December 2023 to disrupt the Iranian and Iranian-backed efforts to transfer of military materiel to Lebanon and Syria.[75] Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al Shammari continued his official visit to Iran Shammari visited the Law Enforcement Command (LEC) Cyber Police Headquarters on May 30 and met with its chief Brigadier General Vahid Majid.[76] Shammari and Majid discussed the LEC Cyber Police’s techniques for detecting and combatting “cybercrimes,” such as cyber attacks.[77] Shammari also traveled to Qom on May 29 and met with Javad Shahrashtani who is the special representative of prominent Iraqi Shia cleric Ali al Sistani to Iran.[78] LEC Qom Province Chief Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Mir Heydari accompanied Shammari in Qom.[79] Iraqi Border Guard Commander Mohammad Abdul Wahab Sukkar separately met with LEC Border Guard Chief Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Goudarzi to discuss border security and Arbaeen pilgrimage preparations Sukkar is part of Shammari’s delegation.[80] Iranian Supreme Leader Adviser Ali Shamkhani is continuing to re-enter public Iranian discourse ahead of the Iranian presidential election in June 2024 and political independence in a post on X (Twitter) on May 30.[81] Shamkhani similarly posted on X on May 29 that the next Iranian president must prioritize improving Iran’s economic and security position in the Middle East.[82] Shamkhani’s campaign-like remarks follow reports by Iranian journalists on May 27 that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed Shamkhani to lead nuclear negotiations with the United States.[83] CTP-ISW previously hypothesized that Shamkhani is positioning himself to either run for president or receive a high-level appointment in the next administration.[84] Iranian border guards clashed with Pakistani individuals around the Iran-Pakistan border on May 28 killing four Pakistanis and wounding two others.[85] Pakistan is investigating the incident at the time of this writing [1] https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-05-30-24/h_2490b447a2f9a1442e1740e5ccafc7a0; https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-05-30-24/h_2db19f7d81bbcf15e301cfe3850a073a; https://x.com/2023gazawar/status/17960836665415353399; https://t.me/hamza20300/249514; https://t.me/hamza20300/249516; https://t.me/hamza20300/249495 [2] https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-05-30-24/h_2490b447a2f9a1442e1740e5ccafc7a0 [3] https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-05-30-24/h_2490b447a2f9a1442e1740e5ccafc7a0 [4] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796085942945489080 [5] https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6533; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6536; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6545; https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2348; https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2350; [6] https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1789620604343046217 [7] https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1719409750452871649; https://x.com/AvichayAdraee/status/1743710893194559729 [8] http://news.walla.co dot il/item/3666700 [9] https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-may-14-2024; https://x.com/Doron_Kadosh/status/1793644110034997516; https://x.com/manniefabian/status/1791409021343203502 [10] https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2e746151991643e39e64780f0674f7dd [11] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-9-2024; [12] https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-with-margaret-brennan-of-cbss-face-the-nation-4/; https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-05-13-24/h_2c9c04eb46094357d555118549e4a246 [13] https://www.tasnimnews dot com/fa/news/1403/03/10/3095604/ [14] https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405264620 [15] https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405264620 [16] https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/people/saeed-jalili [17] https://iranwire.com/en/politics/129720-exclusive-iranian-conservatives-rally-against-saeed-jalilis-potential-presidency/ [18] https://iranwire.com/en/politics/129720-exclusive-iranian-conservatives-rally-against-saeed-jalilis-potential-presidency/ [19] https://www.tasnimnews dot com/fa/news/1403/03/10/3095604/ ; https://www.iribnews dot ir/fa/news/4170604 [20] https://www.iribnews dot ir/fa/news/4170604 [21] https://www.tasnimnews dot com/fa/news/1403/03/10/3095604 ; [22] https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405309398 [23] https://www.tasnimnews dot com/fa/news/1403/03/10/3095604 [24] https://www.tasnimnews dot com/fa/news/1403/03/10/3095604 ; https://x.com/JasonMBrodsky/status/1796124481410253059 [25] https://www.tabnak dot ir/fa/tags/198900/1/%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C [26] https://www.tasnimnews dot com/fa/news/1403/03/10/3095604 [27] https://www.leader dot ir/fa/content/27327/ [28] https://www.khabaronline dot ir/news/1913622/ ; https://x.com/JasonMBrodsky/status/1796150196188872770 ; https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405266214 [29] https://www.irna dot ir/news/85100772/ [30] https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-23-2024 [33] https://t.me/hamaswestbank/51863; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1795712902747619402; https://t.me/moriahdoron/10591; https://t.me/hamza20300/247634 [34] https://www.idf dot il/205253; https://x.com/AvichayAdraee/status/1796223539176960480 [35] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796085942945489080 [36] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796085948439994524 https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6531; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6539 [38] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796085948439994524 [39] https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2347; https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2349; https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2351; https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2354; https://t.me/sarayaps/18006; https://t.me/sarayaps/18009; https://t.me/sarayaps/18011; https://t.me/sarayaps/18012; https://t.me/sarayaps/18013; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6529; https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2341; https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2342; https://t.me/kataeb_moqawma/4278; https://t.me/kataeb_moqawma/4278 [40] https://www.idf dot il/205058; https://x.com/manniefabian/status/1795872070947008957 [41] https://x.com/AvichayAdraee/status/1795880325538541628 [42] https://x.com/AvichayAdraee/status/1795880325538541628 [43] https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-war-biden/card/map-shows-labyrinth-of-tunnels-made-by-hamas-under-gaza-identified-by-israel-IieNDixn5Bs78HeUi46v [44] https://www.ynetnews dot com/article/b12ct00v7c; https://x.com/GLZRadio/status/1795848366192005124 [46] https://www.ynetnews dot com/article/b12ct00v7c [47] https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-05-30-24/h_988f38f38af639b0bf336c1e48cfe6c9 [48] https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3790950/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-call-with-israeli-minister-of-defense/; https://t.me/moriahdoron/10621 [49] https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1150411; https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/30/middleeast/aid-gaza-down-two-thirds-israel-intl [50] https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/30/middleeast/aid-gaza-down-two-thirds-israel-intl [51] https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2344; https://t.me/darebmojahden/4783 [52] https://t.me/qassam1brigades/2344; https://t.me/moriahdoron/10618 [53] https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1777211928881848644 [54] https://www.timesofisrael dot com/two-seriously-wounded-in-car-ramming-attack-outside-west-bank-city-of-nablus/ [55] https://www.timesofisrael dot com/two-seriously-wounded-in-car-ramming-attack-outside-west-bank-city-of-nablus/; https://x.com/hod_barel/status/1795899811410972704 [56] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796050757608706274 [57] https://t.me/hamaswestbank/51875; https://t.me/darebmojahden/4782 [58] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1795887122940850367; https://t.me/kataebaqsapalestine/3157; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6530; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6532; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6534; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6535; https://t.me/AymanGouda/6160; https://t.me/sarayajneen/1304; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6542; https://t.me/sarayajneen/1305; https://t.me/sarayajneen/1306 [59] https://t.me/kataebaqsapalestine/3157; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6530; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6532 [60] https://t.me/AymanGouda/6160; https://t.me/sarayajneen/1304; https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/6542; https://t.me/sarayajneen/1305; https://t.me/sarayajneen/1306 [61] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796097500991877438; [62] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796097500991877438; https://t.me/moriahdoron/10620 [63] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1796097500991877438; https://t.me/moriahdoron/10620; https://x.com/GLZRadio/status/1796102436693672120 [64] https://www.shafaq dot com/ar/%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9/%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B7%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D8%BA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF [65] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhKWLPqfoxQ ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fLD8VR6Y5A [66] https://www.shafaq dot com/ar/%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9/%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B7%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D8%BA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF [67] https://x.com/USAmbIraq/status/1796133656399843654 [68] https://www.facebook.com/mod.gov.sy/posts/787499026860319 [69] https://x.com/QalaatM/status/1795904087298375842; https://x.com/OALD24/status/1795879385783787676; https://x.com/thiqanewsagency/status/1795872692773470600; https://npasyria dot com/186932; https://x.com/GLZRadio/status/1795875397701349615; https://x.com/Israel_Alma_org/status/1796051825180782904 [71] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-february-26-2024; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-february-29-2024; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-20-2024; [72] https://npasyria dot com/186932; https://t.me/damascusv011/22506 [74] https://www.iswresearch.org/2024/03/iran-update-march-1-2024.html [75] https://www.timesofisrael dot com/no-longer-afraid-of-sparking-war-israel-takes-gloves-off-against-irgc-in-syria ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-26-2023; https://www.iswresearch.org/2024/01/iran-update-january-20-2024.html; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-february-9-2024; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-february-21-2024; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-march-26-2024; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-april-1-2024 [76] https://defapress dot ir/fa/news/670445 [77] https://defapress dot ir/fa/news/670445 [78] https://www.mehrnews dot com/news/6123075 [79] https://www.mehrnews dot com/news/6123075 [80] https://defapress dot ir/fa/news/670444 [81] https://x.com/alishamkhani_ir/status/1796093500238303738 [82] https://x.com/alishamkhani_ir/status/1795803229688561961 [83] https://x.com/amirdaryoush/status/1794691702856491263%C2%A0; ; https://x.com/SaraMassoumi/status/1794767590700786039 [84] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-27-2024 [85] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/four-pakistanis-killed-2-injured-by-iranian-forces-southwestern-pakistan-2024-05-29/ ; https://www.iranintl.com/202405297063 Fearing breaches from the Palestinian Authority Israelis living beside the West Bank border fence urge the government to “promise we won’t be the next Be’eri or Nir Oz,” referring to two communities devastated in the Oct Some 200,000 Israelis were evacuated from their homes and internally displaced following the Hamas attacks of Oct not only from communities in southern Israel near the Gaza border where they were in reach of the rockets fired by Iran proxy Hizbullah from southern Lebanon But Israeli concerns are by no means limited to the southern and northern border communities the “Green Line” between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank many Israeli and Palestinian communities lie a literal stone’s throw from one another the presence of the Israeli army has only recently increased a small rural community in Israel next to the Green Line told The Media Line that he was greatly worried about what would happen after the war He said that he wants the government and the Israel Defense Forces to “promise we won’t be the next Be’eri or Nir Oz,” referring to two kibbutzim devastated in the Oct “We realized that what we think is a quiet border where the other side wants to live their lives that reality blew up in our faces,” Alon said “And now we know that the other side is just looking for ways and opportunities to come in and destroy our way of life.” geography makes the residents’ concerns particularly acute Kibbutz Be’eri lies 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Gaza border Bat Hefer lies just 200 meters (660 feet) from the border fence and the Palestinian towns of Shuweika and Tulkarm and Bat Hefer’s farmlands reach right to the fence The community is located in the narrowest part of Israel with the Mediterranean coast just 15 kilometers (9 miles) to the west A large attack from the Palestinians in this area could effectively cut Israel in half Bat Hefer residents have been increasingly concerned about cross-border gunfire and the vibrations and sounds of suspected tunneling beneath their feet to another place that has digging from maybe Hamas or some other militant group trying to invade Israel with their own tunnels,” said Bat Hefer resident Gad Ohayon Ohayon moved to Bat Hefer with his family six years ago from the northern city of Nahariya where their complaints about digging sounds were vindicated by the discovery of a terror tunnel network created by Hizbullah Iran’s proxy terrorist group in Lebanon Ohayon gave The Media Line his neighbors’ audio recordings of sounds that they believe prove the underground infiltrations The sounds are almost unmistakably those of jackhammers at least five different tests conducted in recent months by the Israel Defense Forces and the Homefront Command have failed to find traces of tunnels “We put some sensors in the ground to try to identify the noises but there’s nothing we can point to at the moment Alon said that several experts who looked at the geology of the area had concluded that the noise might be coming from construction on nearby main roads which was being carried through the rocky earth “I didn’t hear the actual digging,” Ohayon told The Media Line “But I have recordings from another resident in Bat Hefer who recorded these noises around 4 to 4:45 am I heard some assumptions that it could be someone building their own house or digging for whatever purpose But I don’t think someone is digging at 4 am to improve his house.” residents are concerned by gunfire that often makes its way into Bat Hefer from the surrounding villages Palestinians have allegedly fired at the border wall in what Alon called “TikTok shootings.” But they film it so that they can show it to the [PA] government and receive payments for attacking Israel,” he said celebratory gunfire aimed at the sky at weddings and other events has resulted in bullets falling back onto communities below both on the Israeli side and Palestinian side [but] those bullets that are shot to the sky fall down at some point,” Alon said “Even though they’re not directly shooting at us a bullet that falls from the sky from 300 to 400 meters is a direct danger to the human body and we need to have whatever measures need to be done here to ensure our security A bullet hole in the hood of a car in Bat Hefer A further concern is the lack of a buffer zone between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides Alon said that Hamas did not use tunnels to break into Israel on Oct 7; the terrorists simply breached the border fence and if a terrorist cell from the PA decided to do something similar even if Israeli forces responded immediately it would still take too long to prevent casualties Alon acknowledged that creating a buffer zone which would force some Palestinians to move homes and farms further from the border would undoubtedly be politically unpopular and would be viewed negatively internationally or some other agreement with the farmers could be negotiated a retired teacher and volunteer at the Bat Hefer spokesperson’s office told The Media Line that her biggest fear was that “there will be some nationally motivated mob assault by people who don’t believe in a path to peace and who would do the exact same things that were done in the Gaza periphery communities and in the north.” to make sure they keep their distance from us And then we can all continue to live here in peace and security,” she said Ronit Goldshtein speaks with The Media Line the Israeli army’s presence has been strong he is concerned about what will happen after the war He said that he and other residents suspect that the IDF will then pack up and leave the community exposed and he said he was calling for immediate intervention and a permanent military presence “We are the front line of Israel now,” Alon said “We need to know that the Israeli government will take all the needed actions to make sure that we are secure here for the future I’m talking about a no-man’s zone type of territory between us and the Palestinians I’m talking about electronic measurement equipment to give early warning of any attempt and to make sure that the IDF is here for the long run.” Terrorist filmed themselves shooting at civilian homes Several Hamas terrorists opened fire at the Israeli village of Bat Hefer from the West Bank The terror group later released footage of the attack on social media showing terrorists driving toward Bat Hefer from the nearby city of Tulkarm in Samaria while wearing Hamas’ trademark green headbands before the three started shooting toward Bat Hefer IDF troops later scanned the area and continued efforts to locate the terrorists התופעה הזו התחילה בשכם לעבר ישובי השומרון, נמשכה לג'נין מול ישובי הגלבוע ומתרחבת כעת לטול כרם מול ישובי השרון:חמאס משלם 500-1500 שקלים לכל מחבל שיצליח לצלם עצמו, ללא הפרעה, פותח באש לעבר ישוב ישראלי, בורח ודואג להפצת הסרטון pic.twitter.com/2cSCyQPlze suspicion arose that a similar attack had been carried out in the village of Gan Ner is also located near the separation barrier between Israel and the West Bank Residents alerted the IDF after hearing shots and troops later found bullets in the area Ynet News military correspondent Yoav Zitun warned that the video release was the latest iteration of a worrying trend of social media being used for terror “This phenomenon started in Nablus towards the Samaria settlements continued to Jenin opposite the Gilboa settlements and is now expanding to Tulkarm opposite the Sharon settlements: Hamas pays 500-1500 shekels to any terrorist who manages to film himself escapes and makes sure the video is distributed,” he wrote on 𝕏 “Life in the Tulkarm area has become scary after October 7,” a resident told N12 News but terrorism shows no signs that it cares standards were cut in the preparatory classes in settlements near the fence we did not receive satisfactory answers from the state,” he said Emek Hefer Regional Council head Galit Shaul warned Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a letter “We have been warning for weeks about the escalation in the seam line area and unfortunately the situation continues to deteriorate,” Shaul wrote “We call on the army and the state to wake up and act with determination and zero tolerance in the face of the serious events in the sector.” “It is not possible that in broad daylight Palestinians cross the fence unhindered,” he wrote referring to an incident days before when dozens of Palestinians were seen crossing the security barrier in the area most likely seeking illegal work in Israel “It is not possible that our settlements are being shot at again and again Necessary steps must be taken immediately before it is too late We need to add large security and military forces to the area on a regular basis add measures to the existing obstacle east of the wall and above all establish a buffer zone beyond the wall that will prevent approaching the seam line,” Shaul demanded thwarted hundreds of terrorists and terror squads who fired at Israeli settlements some of them also from the Tulkarm area,” a security source told Army Radio “Some of the countermeasures are carried out through ambushes deployed in the field some by the intense offensive activity we do We work 24/7 around the clock in defensive and offensive activity to thwart these events before they even happen “Today’s shooting by the terrorists was carried out from a distance and after many scans currently no injuries were found pursue and reach those terrorists sooner or later,” the source stated The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The IDF located 20 tunnels crossing into Egypt near the Philadelphi corridor which are under investigation by the Engineer Corps.  The IDF also announced that it has complete control of the corridor MK Yulia Malinovsky's bill to designate UNRWA a terrorist organization passed a preliminary reading with a 42-6 majority in the Knesset on Wednesday The bill will abolish UNRWA employees' immunities and privileges it will mean that the Anti-Terrorism Law will also apply to UNRWA Israel will subsequently cease all ties with the agency and the organization's assets in Israeli territory will be closed The IDF confirmed that Hamas-affiliated terrorists shot at the community in Bat Hefer making it the second shooting incident of its kind in the past few days A volunteer doctor reveals that not only does Hamas continue to exploit hospitals but it also has a “VIP” section in one hospital where it only allows certain patients Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel made a speech claiming that peace can't be achieved with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in office because he "doesn't want a peaceful solution," and called for him to resign The IDF intercepted a drone off the coast of Rosh Hanikra in northern Israel on Wednesday morning the IDF struck a military building where Hezbollah terrorists were present in the Naqoura area as well as terrorist infrastructure in Ramyah and At Tiri Israeli authorities "as the occupying power" will have to take responsibility for a lot of UNRWA's operations if the organization is no longer able to operate UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during Tuesday's news briefing a day ahead of the Knesset's preliminary vote on a bill designating UNRWA as a terrorist organization.  Secretary General Antonio Guterres' "unconditional unwavering" support for UNRWA should be clear to all "He's underscored over and over again the critical role that UNRWA plays You have some sort of contingency planning going on for this because there is no alternative to UNRWA," he said.  UNRWA Communications Director Juliette Touma also addressed reporters during the briefing virtually from Jordan.  The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) released a video of the Israeli-Russian hostage Alexander Sasha Trupanov, 28, amid attempts to revive the dormant deal for the release of the remaining 125 captives.KAN News reported that Israel had sent a new proposal to the mediators, Qatar and Egypt following Sunday night’s war cabinet meeting It showed more flexibility in regard to the number of hostages that would be freed in the first part of what has in the past been framed as a three-part deal and the elderly had always been expected to be released in the first part of the deal there had been a dispute regarding how many live captives would be part of the deal in that first phase Numbers that had been floated for live captives were as high as 33 and as low as 18 Sections of the Trident pier will take at least a week to be rebuilt after it sustained damage on Saturday during heavy sea states Four US Army vessels supporting the Gaza maritime aid mission were beached ashore after a power failure caused motorized sections of the pier used for stabilization to break free from their anchors spokesperson Sabrina Singh said during a news briefing Tuesday afternoon.  According to Singh, one of the Army vessels beached on Israel's coast near Ashkelon has been recovered and a second vessel will be recovered within the next 24 hours The remaining two vessels are expected to be recovered within the next 48 hours.  The Israeli Navy is assisting with the vessel recovery efforts.  Israel sought to block a potential United Nations Security Council resolution against its military operation to eliminate Hamas in Rafah as the international community continued to express its outrage over a Sunday night IDF strike in which 45 Palestinians were killed “The word tragic doesn’t even begin to describe it,” US Vice President Kamala Harris said US National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby called the images of Rafah “heartbreaking” and “horrific.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike and was “heartbroken by the images of the killed and injured including many small children,” his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the horror and suffering must stop immediately.” no chocolate’ to open at galerie56  urging visitors young and old to reconsider their relationship with the environment no chocolate’ will open at 240 Church Street on April 30th and run through to August 26th ‘The intention is for kids to get to know these animals, to understand them and their role in the universe,’ Porky Hefer explains in an interview with designboom ‘If they truly understand what an important role all animals and creatures actually play in the intricate system that maintains life on earth there is a chance they will care for and protect them.’ artist Porky Hefer | images © Hayden Phipps Drawing from his upbringing on South African farms, artist Porky Hefer infuses his work with a reverence for nature, emphasizing the importance of constructive coexistence with wildlife. These pieces, soon to be shown at Galerie56 with Southern Guild range from a walrus chaise to a bushbaby perch encouraging viewers to engage in imaginative exploration Collaborating with local artisans and prioritizing sustainable practices Hefer sets an example for a more conscientious approach to design and production As visitors immerse themselves in the whimsical world of ‘no bats no chocolate,’ they are invited to contemplate the urgent ecological issues facing our planet Hefer’s sculptures serve as catalysts for conversation and reflection sparking a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world Hefer invites us to embrace a more empathetic relationship with the creatures that share our planet Read the full interview with the artist below designboom (DB): What inspired you to create ‘no bats no chocolate,’ and what do you hope viewers will take away from it Porky Hefer (PH): According to some scientists Earth’s wildlife populations have dropped by an average of 70% in just under 50 years consume beyond the limits of the planet and pollute on an industrial scale in this day and age it’s difficult for children growing up in big cities to have a proper The exhibition is a colourful world inhabited by nine creatures that celebrate the importance It’s important not just to focus on Africa’s ‘big five’ (lion rhino and buffalo) as all animals including the small are important in the circle of life crocodile and a pair of beavers further evolve my concept of ‘Animal Architecture’ (PH continued): My intention is for kids to get to know these animals to understand them and their role in the universe If they truly understand what an important role all animals and creatures actually play in the intricate system that maintains life on Earth there is a chance they will care for and protect them Take bats for example: Bats play a very large role in the distribution and pollination of cacao seeds the more reasons there are to understand their awesomeness their necessity and the importance of protecting them brighter future is not just about conservation; it’s about changing production and consumption as we are already eroding the very foundations of life We’ve created a wonderful oasis for New Yorkers to come kick their shoes off take a break and reflect on our role in the universe Crocodylus Freddy (Previously Crocodylus Eugenie) DB: Could you walk us through your design process for each of the animal-inspired sculptures in the exhibition PH: It all starts with lots of very small sketches of lots of different animals I then draw them from different angles and in the process look for how one could interact with them Recently I started redrawing these on a 1:1 ratio on the wall Side front and back views and the top view on the floor These then provide the perfect guides for bending the steel to create the frames As we make up the frame I get more familiar with the form and surfaces I sketch the details I am imagining and decide what the best materials or techniques are to bring it to life These are obviously influenced by the artisans that I know and who have the skills and craftsmanship to pull it off (PH continued): Making the pieces by hand is an important part of the process It usually results in something a bit imperfect The left side of our face is different to our right side If I had made these pieces using computer programs to design them and machines to make them they would be perfectly symmetrical each edition would be exactly the same and in the end a bit sterile When we make by hand the eyes are different sizes and in slightly different places one ear is a bit bigger and perhaps the nose a little too much to the left The stomach could hang to the left or the one foot might be bigger than the others It’s closer to nature and these little oddities are what give individuals their character and personalities The only time I use a computer is to scan the sketches for presentation and of course for communication with my suppliers DB: You mentioned that each sculpture appeals directly to our imaginations How do you see imagination intersecting with design PH: I find traditional design to be very strict like this.’ Like chairs – they say like this.’ Children are always getting into trouble for not sitting properly I prefer to give users more freedom and decide for themselves Children’s toys have always been sparks for the imagination Toys come with a whole world to immerse one’s self in a whole realm of escape.  A simple soccer ball can turn a child into Lionel Messi a fluffy toy rabbit is a best friend and a companion on journeys through jungles and other exciting adventures.  but portals to other worlds — worlds which slowly disappear as we grow older and have to start being realistic and acting like an adult For us to think about their past and future lives And how we can build a world where we can all exist together (PH continued): I work with scale and create big pieces where they are smaller than the object and not in a position of dominance Adults still have imaginations and I think its important to stimulate those We are going to need our imaginations to rethink things and work out a solution for our planet and our relationship with it the screen has become the go-to distraction for parents of today I see children younger than a year old glued to the screen and oblivious of the world around them It’s desensitizing them – they no longer live in the real world It’s making them less proactive and present They are living in a world where actions don’t have a real consequence and you can just turn off and start again if you aren’t doing well.  I believe it’s dumbing them down and making them the same limiting original thought and free thinking The world we will have to inhabit after all our evil doings on earth DB: Your upbringing on farms in South Africa heavily influenced your perspective on interacting with animals How does this childhood experience manifest in your artwork I realized that coming from South Africa and growing up in that environment My father was involved in agriculture throughout Southern Africa so I spent a lot of time on farms of various types I was privileged to be constantly surrounded by animals I spent quality time with them and really got to know them well to understand them and notice the vast differences between them even amongst individuals of the same species Humankind tends to disappoint me more often than not Animals live in harmony and equilibrium with the universe The balance is maintained so as not to exhaust the Earth and its resources to ensure that life as we know it survives DB: The exhibition seems to advocate for greater tolerance and reverence towards wild species How do you balance the playful and whimsical aspects of your designs with the serious ecological message they convey PH: I think most children grow up with a fear of animals especially wild animals and insects – even pigeons I think this is caused by the media and society Getting rid of scary and dangerous animals is almost justified But animals and nature tend to live in harmony – it is said that no animal exists alone Humans were animals – we were part of the harmonious system But through philosophy we elevated ourselves above the herd and became its master giving ourselves the right to determine our future no matter the cost to the rest of the universe I don’t want to humanise animals but rather animalise humans Bring them back down to an equal level with nature and other beings DB: Can you discuss the role of humor and fantasy in your work especially in addressing complex environmental issues PH: My intention is to make creatures that are approachable Humour is definitely part of my opening salvo I like to produce work that elicits a smile I find scare tactics tend to repel people rather than attract them If you approach people with a positive state of mind you are more likely to get through to them and have the beginnings of a conversation To really listen and hopefully contemplate what personal shift or effort must happen to make a change DB: Collaboration seems to be a significant part of your process Could you speak to the importance of collaboration in bringing your visions to life PH: I think one of the key elements of my practice is looking for existing systems to work with To strengthen and evolve them rather than me setting up my own system and depleting or competing with them I do most of my woven pieces with the Cape Society for the Blind They have incredible skills and experience as well as the space and equipment for weaving my big pieces and they have been a big part of my success I prefer working with people rather than machines when you work with a machine you get out what you put in the end-product most often differs to what you started with Things change due to issues that may arise during the process but also due to the input from people who know their craft better than me but experts in their craft can come up with solutions based on their ability and experience I am open to advice and I think it helps not to be too precious and you need to respect collaborators’ opinions DB: ‘A new kind of animal architecture’ is how you refer to this collection and how does it differ from traditional notions of architecture They are all structures you need to learn how to live with You need to explore them to understand them And then work out a relationship with them to be able to live together in harmony I want to bring the animals into people’s homes and consider them beings Beings that have to be cared for and included It was millions of years before man was a cell but now its manufactured from stones that have been transported thousands of miles We should have found ways to live within the universe we were born to I feel most architecture cuts us off from nature Architecture is a symbol of man’s dominance over nature and the Earth rather than being harmonious and complementing what naturally exists The Nest at Sossus guesthouse in Namibia was an attempt at showing that working with nature and building a structure that respects its environment can result in a magnificent solution DB: The Radical Design movement of the past seems to have influenced your approach to design How do you see your work continuing or diverging from the principles of that movement the Radical Design movement stated that the household was a laboratory for new types of interactions between people and objects between people. They thought of the object not as a finished formal entity capable of creating change from within the traditional family system Objects were meant to reform the micropolitics of every household and induce its transition from a space of paternal authoritarianism and enforcement to a playful space of democratic consensus They were against the designer enforcing predetermined solutions and if we can make the energy and its effects positive If those objects can stimulate thought about caring for the environment and action to change our present habits A big difference between the Radical Design group and me is that they were using industrial manufacturing techniques and I work with the hand DB: Sustainability is a recurring theme in your work from the use of upcycled materials to the exploration of ecological issues How do you approach sustainability in your practice PH: Mankind has been hand-making things for centuries which feels more in tune with the universe Based on demand rather than creating new markets the system was more in balance with the Earth and its resources The extraction and burning of fossil fuels in the name of progress has caused the crisis we are now experiencing and profits and greed came ahead of caution.  Now our task ahead doesn’t only involve conservation of what we have left but changing our production methods and our consumption Making things by hand and sourcing ethical local materials upcycling where ever possible is a good start (PH continued): Making by hand is also a more appropriate way to cope with South Africa’s extraordinary situation of ‘load shedding.’ In order to preserve the fragile power grid very often in the middle of the working day They either rely on generators to continue or simply stop working I was getting work ready for an exhibition in a building surrounded by industrial producers We had a lot to do and the deadline was tight Any disruption of our schedule would put the exhibition in jeopardy There was no load shedding scheduled but as always things changed and after a week ‘stage-four’ loadshedding was announced which meant no electricity for 2 – 4 hours a day the road was filled with workers from the various businesses that relied on electricity to produce artist: Porky Hefer | @heferporky gallery: Galerie56 | @galerie56_official collaborator: Southern Guild | @southernguildgallery on view: April 30th — August 26th photography: © Hayden Phipps | @nothing_fits AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style Log in via email All your bookmarks will be available across all your devices Password must be 8 characters long including one capital letter Please confirm your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password Single account access for STIRworld.com,STIRpad.com and exclusive STIRfri content Verification link sent to check your inbox or spam folder to complete sign up process or opt for the best experience by closing this banner For more detailed information please read our Privacy Policy The South African artist’s exhibition at Galerie56 features nine pieces of animal-inspired sculptural furniture rooted in an ethos of 'constructive coexistence with nature.' by STIRpadPublished on : Jul 09 and features a whimsical collection of nine handcrafted seating environments designed to ignite a sense of play and wonder Hefer’s new collection is a ‘toy box’ of inhabitable animal-inspired sculptures that celebrate the intelligence and ingenuity of wild creatures encouraging us to see them as beings with distinct personalities and playing vital roles in their ecosystems For instance, wildebeests are known to collectively figure out ways to traverse their path by relying on the individuals’ environmental awareness. The product designer points to the swarm intelligence of migrating wildebeests with the Robert Nesta chair comprising two elongated spheres of different sizes Zebras have a symbiotic relationship with gut bacteria, which help digest their food and transform it into protein during scarcity. The South-African artist realises this relationship with the mischievous Victor a bacteria-like simple form dressed in zebra stripes with bright red wheels and a rope to drag it around like a toy Hefer shares how beavers (often seen as a nuisance) slowing water flow and contriving wetlands that provide habitats for diverse species and foster a rich ecological balance His designs for Maria and Kevin highlight their iron-rich orange teeth that stand firm against the stress of nibbling at trees Hefer’s work echoes the philosophies of Ettore Sottsass, Gae Aulenti and Gaetano Pesce, who believed that change begins at home. He takes this further by utilising local materials and craftsmanship highlighting the artisanal talents of his collaborators and longtime associates welder Wellington Moyo and leatherwork studio Leather walls The artist’s fascination for animal behaviour is not just scientific but deeply personal. Growing up on farmlands in South Africa he developed a close relationship and care towards them.“So many kids growing up in big cities don’t have positive relationships with wild animals Their default response is one of fear and hostility But you have to love animals to protect them and the less contact children have with animals the less desire they will have to safeguard them,” Hefer conveys He contrasts the adaptive nature of animals with humanity’s tendency to exploit nature for their best interests and urges people to recognise the individuality of these creatures “I learnt to understand animals and see the difference in their personalities while humans predominate over nature to suit our needs We’ve been taught we are higher up in the pecking order and that animals don’t have souls Hefer highlights the similarities between us and animals connected and humane relationship with our environment and each other where the artist speculates the emergence of mutated entities from the scrap-filled ocean The contemporary artist envisions a world where humanity is empathetic towards its fellow beings and lives in synergy with the animal kingdom no chocolate exhibition at Galerie 56 is an imaginative world where play and purpose converge offering a fresh perspective on the intricate web of life that surrounds us no chocolate' is on view from April 30 - August 26