The Israeli Aggression Continues

On the 115th day of the Israeli war on Gaza, the Israeli army is still committing massacres against civilians. However, the resistance factions, led by the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, are fighting back on multiple fronts in the Strip.

Additionally, the occupation authorities are targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which provides vital support to over 5.5 million Palestinian refugees. Several donor countries have stopped funding this agency, putting the lives of many refugees at risk.

Gaza Massacres

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that within 24 hours, the Israeli occupation forces committed 14 massacres, resulting in the death of 215 people and injuring 300 others.

Since October 7, the number of victims of the Israeli aggression has risen to 26,637 martyrs and 65,387 injured.

Recently, the Israeli bombing of citizens' homes in the Nuseirat camp and a school belonging to UNRWA in the Al-Rimal neighborhood caused the deaths of 33 Palestinians.

The occupation army continues to besiege hospitals and bomb residential buildings in Khan Yunis.

Resistance Operations

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, fired missiles towards Tel Aviv and other cities in response to the Israeli massacres against civilians.

They also released footage showing battles between their fighters and the Israeli army, resulting in the destruction of Israeli tanks.

The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, announced the destruction of an Israeli tank and the bombardment of enemy soldiers and vehicles in Khan Yunis.

Gaza Bombs

The Israeli army has dropped more bombs on the Gaza Strip in four months than Russia used in its war on Ukraine over two years.

According to estimates, the quantity of bombs used by the Israeli army in Gaza exceeds those used by Adolf Hitler during World War II.

West Bank Casualties

In the West Bank, five Palestinians were killed by Israeli occupation army bullets in Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem. The occupation forces also continued their arrests, and armed clashes occurred in various cities and towns.

Among the victims was a 16-year-old child who died during clashes near Bethlehem.

Lebanon Front

Lebanese Hezbollah targeted Israeli barracks with missiles, causing injuries among Israeli soldiers. In response, Israel intensified its bombing in southern Lebanon.

Houthi Attack

In Yemen, the Houthi group targeted a US Navy logistical support ship with a naval missile in the Gulf of Aden.

A spokesperson for the groups involved in the Israeli war on Gaza stated that they launched a missile as a victory for the Palestinian people and in response to the American-British aggression against Yemen. They emphasized that the Yemeni armed forces are committed to preventing Israeli navigation towards the occupied ports of Palestine in the Red and Arab Bahrain.

Israeli Bombing in Syria

According to Syrian media, an Israeli bombing targeted a farm near the Sayyida Zeinab area in Damascus, resulting in the death of four people. The Syrian media reported that the Israeli attack involved three missiles and was met with a response from air defenses.

Conference on Annexing the West Bank and Gaza

The Hamas movement expressed concern over a conference held by the ruling coalition in Israel, where they discussed the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza. Hamas sees this as a plan to displace and ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people, disregarding recent decisions made by the International Court of Justice. Hamas called on the international community and the United Nations to condemn this conference and take necessary measures to protect the Palestinian people.

Potential Agreement Framework

John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, believes that there is a framework for a new agreement between Hamas and Israel. The security mini-ministerial council, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, will hold a meeting to discuss proposals for a possible deal. Kirby described the talks in Paris as constructive and stated that reaching an agreement could lead to the release of more hostages, increased aid delivery, and a reduction in violence.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani mentioned progress in laying the foundation for moving forward on the detainee issue. He stated that the talks are improving and may lead to a permanent ceasefire in the future. However, he warned that the current escalation in Gaza will not contribute to progress in the return of detainees. Qatar's role is to mediate and bridge the gap between the parties involved, without putting pressure on them.

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Agencies

Is America on the Brink of Civil War?

The British writer and historian Zoe Strimpel recently expressed her concerns about the state of America. She believes that the country has become divided, with some areas being so frightening that they could give you nightmares.

A Troubled Past

Strimpel recalls growing up in Massachusetts during the 1980s and 1990s, a state she considered to be relatively enlightened. However, even then, she witnessed disturbing instances of police brutality and racism. She saw how black individuals were harassed and mistreated by reckless and unprofessional police forces.

Escalating Horrors

Strimpel wonders why, despite progress in some areas, the horrors seem to have multiplied in America. She points to recent events, such as the execution of a man in Alabama using nitrogen gas, a method that hasn't been used in civilized countries for decades. She also mentions how some states have imposed severe penalties for crimes, including the complete ban and criminalization of aiding or inciting drug addiction.

A Deteriorating Situation

Strimpel argues that things have only gotten worse under President Joe Biden, who was expected to bring civility and experience to the country. Instead, she believes that internal problems have escalated, pushing the United States to the brink of collapse.

The Return of Trump

Strimpel predicts that Donald Trump will likely become the next president, whether Biden runs for re-election or not. In her opinion, this would lead to civil war and the end of the American republic as we know it.

An Immigration Nightmare

According to Strimpel, the immigration situation in America has turned into a nightmare. While she acknowledges that the United States is a nation of immigrants, she believes that there should be a balanced approach to immigration. She argues against simply allowing millions of dreamers to enter the country without proper regulations.

A Bleak Future

Strimpel concludes by stating that as long as Biden remains in office, the world will be under the shadow of Trump's rule for at least four more years. She sees this as a tragic and frightening future for a country that was once loved by many.

Source: Telegraph

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Human Rights

Last Friday, the International Court of Justice made a decision that has serious implications for Israel. The court asked Israel to take action to prevent genocide in Gaza. This decision should not be ignored, and it is important for the Israeli government, parliament, president, army, and citizens to understand the severity of the situation and comply with the court's directives.

What the Court Ordered

As a signatory to the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide, Israel was ordered by the International Court of Justice to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. This includes easing the almost complete blockade of humanitarian aid to prevent irreparable harm to the population. However, the resolution did not call for a complete cessation of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The Consequences of Inflammatory Statements

The court case, filed by South Africa on behalf of the residents of Gaza, put the Israeli government to the test. The laxity of the government's judicial advisor and the attorney general in dealing with inflammatory statements made by senior officials has cost Israel dearly. The court cited these statements in its ruling, highlighting the need for action against the instigators.

Punishing the Instigators

It is crucial for Israel to take action and punish those who make inflammatory statements. The court's decision emphasized the seriousness of statements made by President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Foreign Minister Israel Katz. The court does not take these statements lightly, and Israel should not either. It is a disgrace to turn a blind eye to such statements, as they do not represent Israeli policy.

Changing the Way Israel Expresses Itself

The entire Israeli leadership needs to change the way they express themselves. If they fail to do so, the government's judicial advisor must take firm action. It is important to prioritize the well-being of civilians and provide them with conditions for a reasonable life in Gaza. This should not be done out of fear of the International Court of Justice, but rather to preserve our humanity.

The International Court of Justice's decision is a serious warning for Israel. It is crucial for Israel to comply with the court's directives and take action against those who make inflammatory statements. By doing so, we can work towards mitigating harm to civilians and preserving our humanity.

Source: Haaretz

Western Imperialism and Hypocrisy

Zweliflele Mandela, the grandson of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, believes that the war on the Gaza Strip is a clear example of Western imperialism and the hypocrisy of its countries. He points out that Western countries did not impose sanctions on Israel, the apartheid state, nor did they issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers for their war crimes, as they did with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Legal Pursuit

Mandela's grandson reveals that South Africa's legal team will continue to pursue the case he filed before the International Court of Justice. However, he is awaiting the report that Israel will submit in order to explore the available options.

Accountability for War Crimes

Zweliflele, wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, commends South Africa's legal team for their efforts to hold Israel accountable for its genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and throughout occupied Palestine.

Inspired by Mandela

The grandson recalls his grandfather's words, stating that Nelson Mandela was inspired by his experience in the struggle against occupation and apartheid when supporting the Palestinian cause. Mandela believed that the freedom of the Palestinian people is essential for the complete freedom of all.

Commitment to the Palestinian Cause

Zweliville, a representative of the African National Congress in the South African Parliament, emphasizes that this generation is committed to defending the Palestinian cause and fulfilling Mandela's commitment. However, he highlights the need for international pressure to hold those responsible for genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity accountable.

South Africa's Lawsuit

South Africa filed a lawsuit before the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The devastating war, lasting over three months, has resulted in numerous casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe.

Yesterday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip and rejected Israel's request to dismiss South Africa's lawsuit.

Source: Al Jazeera

What is UNRWA?

UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. It was created after a big event called the Nakba, and its main job is to help Palestinian refugees who had to leave their homes before 1967. There are more than 5.5 million Palestinian refugees that rely on UNRWA for support.

What Does UNRWA Do?

UNRWA focuses on five important things: education, health, support, relief, and infrastructure. They use their budget to provide schools, healthcare, and other essential services to Palestinian refugees in different parts of the world, like Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and more.

The Campaign Against UNRWA

 Israel has been accusing UNRWA of some serious things. They claim that some people working for UNRWA have joined groups that are against Israel, and they say that these groups are even using UNRWA's buildings and schools for their activities.

Because of these accusations, Israel started a campaign to stop funding UNRWA. Some other countries that used to fund UNRWA also decided to stop funding them. This means that UNRWA lost about 56% of its total budget, which is a lot of money!

Why Did Countries Stop Funding UNRWA?

It's important to note that these countries stopped funding UNRWA even before any official investigation took place. They made this decision right after the International Court of Justice told Israel to let relief materials enter the Gaza Strip. So, it seems like these countries were not happy with what was happening and decided to take action.

What Does This Mean for Palestinian Refugees?

With the loss of funding, UNRWA is facing some big challenges. They might not have enough money to provide the same level of support to Palestinian refugees as before. This could affect things like education, healthcare, and other important services that these refugees rely on.

What Are People Saying?

Some people are speaking up about this situation. The United Nations rapporteur on the right to housing said that stopping funding for UNRWA is like punishing all the people living in the Gaza Strip. He believes that it's not fair to punish everyone because of the actions of a few individuals in the agency.

On the other side, the Hamas movement, which is a Palestinian group, denounced the threats made by Israel against UNRWA and other international organizations. They are calling on the United Nations and other international institutions to not give in to Israel's threats and blackmail.

So, the campaign against UNRWA is causing some big changes and challenges for Palestinian refugees. 

Source: Al Jazeera

 A serious issue happening in Israel! The Israeli government is keeping the bodies of dead children who have passed away recently. Let's dive in and learn more!

The Story of Ruqaya Abu Dohuk

  Ruqaya Abu Dohuk, a 4-year-old girl who tragically lost her life. She was shot by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint near Jerusalem. Instead of returning her body to her family, the soldiers kept it and performed an autopsy without permission. They didn't even explain why they did it. After 10 days of waiting, Ruqaya's family finally received her body and laid her to rest.

Israel's Policy of Detaining Bodies

Unfortunately, Ruqaya is not the only child whose body has been held by Israel. In fact, there are 25 children in total who have been kept in refrigerators and cemeteries for many years. This policy of detaining bodies has been going on since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967.

The Story of Khaled Hamidat

Another heartbreaking story is that of Khaled Hamidat, a 16-year-old boy who was killed by Israeli bullets. His body was also detained, leaving his family in a difficult situation. The soldiers even prevented medical teams from helping Khaled when he was still alive. It's a truly tragic situation for his family.

Reasons for Detaining Bodies

You might be wondering why Israel is doing this. Well, there are a few reasons. One is to punish Palestinians and create fear among them. Israel also wants to hide any evidence that might raise questions about how these children were killed. Additionally, by detaining the bodies, Israel makes it harder for Palestinians to seek justice and demand investigations into these deaths.

The Year of Child Extermination

According to Defense for Children International, 2023 was a devastating year for Palestinian children. They called it the "year of genocide" because Israel killed thousands of children in Gaza and the West Bank. They also mentioned that many children were arrested and detained by Israel during that year.

It's truly heartbreaking to hear about these children who lost their lives and the pain their families have to endure. We hope that one day, all children will be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of where they come from. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Texas Unilateral Fortification

The Texas border, which stretches over 1,200 miles, has become a point of contention between the state and the federal government. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has made border security a top priority, expressing concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He has taken swift and uncompromising actions, such as empowering the Texas National Guard to apprehend migrants and allocating funds for border wall construction. While these actions have gained support from conservatives, they have also faced criticism for potentially violating the constitution and human rights.

Federal Pushback and Legal Battles

The federal government has challenged Texas's unilateral actions on multiple fronts. The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Governor Abbott's executive order, arguing that it infringes on federal authority. The Biden administration has emphasized de-escalation and humanitarian concerns, creating a divide between the two camps. These legal battles, currently in progress, have the potential to escalate tensions and hinder cooperative efforts.

Flashpoints of Friction

Specific points along the border have the potential for direct clashes between state and federal authorities. One flashpoint is the apprehension and detainment of migrants. Texas aims to return them to Mexico, while the federal government seeks to process them through the asylum system. This conflicting approach could lead to standoffs between state troopers and federal agents. Another point of friction is the construction of the border wall. Texas's efforts contradict the Biden administration's plan to dismantle previous wall projects, potentially resulting in physical confrontations between construction crews and federal officials.

The Escalation Ladder

Several factors could contribute to a wider escalation of the conflict. An influx of migrants, caused by natural disasters or political instability in Central America, could strain resources and lead to blame-shifting. Heated political rhetoric could further inflame tensions, making compromise more challenging. Unforeseen incidents, like altercations between state troopers and migrants, could escalate into larger confrontations, testing the commitment to non-violent resolutions.

Assessing the Odds of a Clash

While a direct clash between Texas and Washington is possible, several factors reduce the immediate risk. The legal system, although slow, could provide a cooling-off period and a framework for de-escalation. Public opinion, despite being divided, leans towards a moderate approach, potentially pressuring both sides to seek compromise. Additionally, the economic interdependence between Texas and the federal government gives both parties an incentive to avoid a complete breakdown in cooperation.

  A Precarious Balancing Act

The standoff between Texas and Washington over border protection is a delicate situation. While the possibility of a direct clash exists, the legal system, public opinion, and economic realities act as buffers against immediate escalation. However, the underlying ideological differences and the volatile nature of the border itself pose a constant risk of flare-ups. Moving forward requires both sides to prioritize reason, compromise, and a genuine commitment to finding practical and humane solutions for border security.

Sources: American Press