Hasty Peace Summit in Egypt

Hasty Peace Summit in Egypt

    Monday, October 13, 2025   No comments

Diplomatic Showmanship, War Crimes, and the Unresolved Reckoning

In a hastily convened summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, world leaders gathered under the banner of peace, hoping to forge a ceasefire agreement that might end the devastating war in Gaza. But beneath the polished veneer of diplomacy, the gathering exposed deep fractures within the international order, and the growing demand for accountability—both legal and political—for the war crimes committed over the past year.

This unexpected summit, held amid growing international outrage over the Gaza conflict, saw major power players—including Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, and the United States—jockey for position, not just to broker a truce, but to shape the post-war reality in the region. Yet, one of the most dramatic developments occurred before the summit even began: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was barred from attending, following coordinated diplomatic pressure from Turkey and Iraq.

Netanyahu Blocked Amid Diplomatic Pushback

According to multiple diplomatic sources cited by Agence France-Presse, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan led efforts to block Netanyahu’s attendance, supported by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani. Erdoğan's plane reportedly circled over the Red Sea awaiting confirmation that Netanyahu would not be present, underscoring the intensity of regional resistance to legitimizing the Israeli leader’s role in any peace process.

The Iraqi delegation went as far as threatening to boycott the summit entirely if Netanyahu were allowed to attend. Cairo, under pressure, ultimately rescinded the invitation. Netanyahu later claimed that his absence was due to Jewish holidays—a statement seen widely as a face-saving maneuver.

This moment marks a significant political humiliation for Netanyahu, who had previously been confirmed by the Egyptian presidency to attend alongside Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. It also signals a shift in the diplomatic atmosphere: leaders once willing to engage Netanyahu now fear the political consequences of being seen as complicit in normalizing his actions during the Gaza campaign.

A Peace Built on Diplomatic Expediency

The Sharm El-Sheikh summit, rushed and reactive, symbolizes a broader crisis in international diplomacy. While it aims to cement a ceasefire, the terms remain vague, the enforcement mechanisms uncertain, and the actors around the table deeply divided on what post-war Gaza should look like.

Earlier this year, reports emerged that the U.S. had floated a controversial plan to install former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as head of an interim administration in Gaza. The plan, which included a multinational force to secure borders and facilitate reconstruction, was met with skepticism. Most recently, President Donald Trump expressed doubts about Blair’s appointment, questioning whether the former prime minister is “acceptable to everyone”—a subtle acknowledgment of Blair's legacy in the region and the broader crisis of legitimacy facing Western interventions.

The Shadow of War Crimes and Political Reckoning

Beneath the surface of diplomatic maneuvering lies the unresolved question of war crimes. The Gaza war, which has resulted in staggering civilian casualties and widespread destruction, has pushed far beyond the bounds of international law. Human rights organizations, UN experts, and even some Western legislators have begun calling for independent investigations into potential war crimes committed by all parties, but particularly by the Israeli military under Netanyahu’s leadership.

While legal accountability through institutions like the International Criminal Court remains politically fraught and unlikely in the short term, political accountability may arrive sooner. Netanyahu’s increasing isolation—evident in his exclusion from this summit—suggests that even long-standing allies are recalibrating their alliances. The symbolism of excluding a wartime leader from a peace summit is powerful: it sends a message that diplomatic immunity is not a given for those accused of gross violations of humanitarian norms.

Looking Ahead: Fragile Peace, Uncertain Justice

The summit in Egypt may temporarily halt the violence, but it does little to address the root causes of the conflict or to lay the groundwork for sustainable peace. With Netanyahu sidelined, the question becomes: who will shape Gaza’s future, and how will justice be served?

If anything, these developments show that multiple centers of power—regional and global—are now moving to reassert control over a crisis that spiraled far beyond its original boundaries. The speed and secrecy with which this summit was arranged are telling: peace is being pursued not through transparent negotiation, but through diplomatic backchannels shaped by geopolitical interests rather than legal principles or the voices of those most affected. 

Still, for those calling for justice and accountability, this moment may be a turning point. Netanyahu’s diplomatic snub could be the beginning of a broader reckoning—not just for him, but for all leaders who believe that military force can be deployed without consequence. The world may be witnessing the birth of a fragile peace—but it is a peace haunted by the specter of unresolved war crimes and the lingering demand for justice.

Israel Used Fabricated 3D Tunnel Visuals to Justify Gaza Bombardments, Investigation Finds

Israel Used Fabricated 3D Tunnel Visuals to Justify Gaza Bombardments, Investigation Finds

    Monday, October 13, 2025   No comments

A recent journalistic investigation has revealed that the Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presented misleading and fabricated 3D visualizations of Hamas tunnels as authentic intelligence to justify its military operations in Gaza. According to the report—published by Spanish news outlet laSexta—the Israeli military reused identical digital models to depict underground networks beneath multiple civilian sites, including hospitals and schools, despite claiming each represented unique, verified threats.

Fabricated Evidence Presented as Intelligence

The investigation found that some of the widely circulated animations were not produced by Israeli intelligence at all. Instead, they were sourced from publicly available online assets—including a 3D model originally created by a Scottish maritime museum to illustrate a ship repair workshop. These generic graphics were then repurposed and disseminated by Israeli military spokespeople as if they were classified intelligence products demonstrating Hamas’s use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

Notably, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson did acknowledge on several occasions that the visuals were “illustrations only,” stating: “This is just an illustration—I repeat, we will not share the real images we have in our possession.” However, such disclaimers were often absent or downplayed in initial media briefings, leading international audiences and news organizations to treat the visuals as credible evidence.

Broader Pattern of Misrepresentation

The report further alleges that Israel employed similar deceptive visual tactics beyond Gaza. Comparable 3D recreations were reportedly used to depict alleged underground facilities in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran—countries that subsequently experienced Israeli airstrikes. This suggests a broader strategic use of digital fabrication to shape public perception and legitimize military action.

Significance and Implications

The use of falsified or misleading visual evidence carries profound ethical, legal, and geopolitical consequences. By presenting generic or repurposed animations as verified intelligence, Israeli authorities may have influenced international opinion and policy decisions during a conflict that has resulted in massive civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.

Critics argue that such tactics undermine transparency in wartime communication and erode trust in official narratives. Moreover, if these visuals were used to justify strikes on protected civilian sites—such as hospitals and schools—they could raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on non-military targets unless there is clear, verified evidence of their military use.

The revelations also highlight the growing role of digital media in modern warfare—not only as a tool for documentation but also as a vector for propaganda and manipulation. In an era where visual content can rapidly shape global narratives, distinguishing between evidence and illustration becomes a critical safeguard against misinformation.

This investigation underscores the urgent need for independent verification of wartime claims, especially when they rely heavily on digital reconstructions. While Israel maintains that Hamas embeds military infrastructure within civilian areas—a claim supported by some prior evidence—the deliberate use of fabricated or recycled visuals to bolster that argument risks discrediting legitimate concerns and deepening skepticism about official justifications for military force. As scrutiny over the conduct of the Gaza war intensifies, this report adds a troubling dimension to debates over accountability, truth, and the ethics of information in conflict.

Pope Leo XIV Backs Vatican’s Stark Condemnation of Gaza “Massacre” Igniting Diplomatic Tensions

Pope Leo XIV Backs Vatican’s Stark Condemnation of Gaza “Massacre” Igniting Diplomatic Tensions

    Tuesday, October 07, 2025   No comments

 Pope Leo XIV’s Strong Gaza Remarks Set Stage for Historic Middle East Pilgrimage

The Vatican’s sharp condemnation of the war in Gaza comes at a pivotal moment—just weeks before Pope Leo XIV embarks on his first international journey as pontiff to two Muslim-majority nations in the Middle East. On Tuesday, the Holy See announced that the Pope will visit Türkiye from November 27 to 30, followed by Lebanon from November 30 to December 2. The trip, described as an “apostolic visit” to Lebanon at the invitation of the country’s president and local Church leaders, marks a significant early diplomatic and spiritual initiative for the new Pope. Against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions and deepening humanitarian crises, his upcoming pilgrimage is widely seen as an effort to promote interfaith dialogue, Christian–Muslim coexistence, and peace in a region scarred by conflict—making his recent, unflinching remarks on Gaza not only a moral statement, but a prelude to a broader mission of reconciliation.

In a rare and forceful intervention, Pope Leo XIV has publicly endorsed one of the Vatican’s strongest condemnations yet of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza—describing it as a “massacre” and urging the world not to grow numb to the daily slaughter of civilians, especially children. The Pope’s remarks, made this week from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, mark a significant escalation in the Holy See’s stance on the Israel–Gaza war and have drawn sharp rebuke from Israel’s embassy to the Vatican.

Pope’s top diplomat blasts Israel’s Gaza offensive as ‘ongoing massacre’

The controversy stems from an interview given by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State and its top diplomat, on the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. While Parolin unequivocally denounced that assault—calling it “inhuman and indefensible” and expressing prayers for the remaining hostages—he reserved his harshest language for the consequences of Israel’s retaliatory campaign.

“The war between Hamas and Israel has had catastrophic and inhuman consequences,” Parolin told Vatican media. “I am shocked by the daily death of so many children, whose only sin seems to be that they were born there.” He warned against normalizing the violence: “We fear becoming accustomed to this massacre. It is unacceptable and unjustifiable to reduce human beings to mere ‘collateral damage.’”

Pope Leo XIV, who assumed the papacy in May following the death of Pope Francis, stood firmly behind Parolin’s words. When asked by reporters about Israel’s angry response, the Pope said simply: “The Cardinal expressed the position of the Holy See very well.”

That position, however, has ignited a diplomatic firestorm.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Israel’s embassy to the Vatican expressed “regret” that the interview “focused on criticizing Israel while ignoring Hamas’s continued refusal to release hostages or end its violence.” The embassy took particular offense at the use of the word “massacre,” arguing that it wrongly equates Israel’s actions with those of Hamas. “There is no moral equivalence between a democratic state defending its citizens and a terrorist organization seeking to kill them,” the statement read. “We hope future statements will reflect this crucial distinction.”

Yet the Pope’s message went further. Speaking with palpable sorrow, he acknowledged the trauma of October 7—“a terrorist attack that killed more than 1,200 people”—but immediately juxtaposed it with the staggering toll in Gaza. “Over two years… we speak of 67,000 Palestinians killed,” he said, citing figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. “This makes us reflect on the depth of violence and evil humanity is capable of.”

The numbers remain contested, but the human cost is undeniable. According to the AFP, 1,219 people—mostly civilians—died in Hamas’s initial assault. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has claimed at least 67,160 Palestinian lives, displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, and left much of the enclave in ruins.

Cardinal Parolin emphasized that while self-defense is a legitimate right, it must adhere to the principle of proportionality—a cornerstone of just war theory long upheld by Catholic teaching. “The war to eliminate Hamas militants cannot ignore that it is being waged against an exhausted, defenseless population living on land whose buildings have been reduced to rubble,” he said.

He also issued a pointed critique of global inaction: “The international community appears paralyzed. Nations with influence have done nothing to stop this ongoing massacre.” And in a veiled but unmistakable reference to arms suppliers, he added: “It is not enough to say what is happening is unacceptable and then allow it to continue. We must seriously question the legitimacy of continuing to supply weapons used against civilians.”

This shift in tone from the Vatican is notable. Historically, the Holy See has favored quiet diplomacy and measured language in Middle East conflicts. But under Pope Leo XIV—a pontiff already signaling a more outspoken moral leadership—the Church appears unwilling to remain silent in the face of what it sees as a humanitarian catastrophe compounded by global indifference.

The Pope’s call is clear: end the hatred, return to dialogue, and pursue peaceful solutions. But as bombs continue to fall and children keep dying, his words stand as both a spiritual plea and a stark indictment of a world that watches, yet fails to act.

In the eyes of the Vatican, silence is no longer neutrality—it is complicity.

 

"Two satellite images show how Israel 'wiped out' Gaza City"

Before

After

Quarter of a million flood Amsterdam streets in solidarity with Gaza

Quarter of a million flood Amsterdam streets in solidarity with Gaza

    Monday, October 06, 2025   No comments

 Nearly 30 percent of Amsterdam’s population—around 250,000 people—marched through the Dutch capital yesterday, demanding stronger action from their government against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Organizers described the rally as one of the largest in the city’s history. Participants, dressed in red to mark a symbolic ‘red line’ against Israel’s siege, filled Amsterdam’s streets for a six-kilometer march. Police confirmed the crowd size.

"We are here to condemn everything that is happening in Gaza," said 27-year-old Emilia Rivero, who traveled from Utrecht to join the march.

PAX Netherlands, which organized the demonstration, said the protest aimed to pressure the government to act decisively against Israeli crimes. 

Director Rolien Sasse told Reuters that demonstrators want an immediate ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s actions. "We hope there will be a real ceasefire very, very soon … but we are also worried about the long-term commitment of Israel to stop the genocide," she said.

The protest came just weeks before national elections, with activists accusing the Dutch government of failing to confront Israel’s war policy.

Trump Demands Israel "Immediately" Halt Bombing of Gaza, Hamas Agrees to Proposal

Trump Demands Israel "Immediately" Halt Bombing of Gaza, Hamas Agrees to Proposal

    Friday, October 03, 2025   No comments

In a significant and unexpected shift, former US President Donald Trump has publicly called on Israel to immediately cease its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, as the Palestinian group Hamas announced its acceptance of a comprehensive peace proposal he previously outlined.

The developments, which unfolded on Thursday, have introduced a potential breakthrough in the long-running conflict, injecting a new dynamic into stalled diplomatic efforts.

Trump's Direct Appeal and Hamas's Acceptance

The momentum began when Hamas issued a formal statement expressing its "immediate" readiness to enter into negotiations through mediators to discuss all details related to implementing an agreement. The group confirmed its agreement to release all captives, both living and the remains of the deceased, in line with the framework of Trump's plan.

In a swift response on his Truth Social platform, Trump amplified the possibility of a deal. He stated that the Hamas statement was "an indicator that they are ready for a permanent peace" and made a direct demand: "The American President Donald Trump has demanded that Israel stop bombing the Gaza Strip 'immediately' to allow for the release of the detainees in the strip."

Trump further revealed that "discussions are currently underway regarding the details that need to be worked on" to implement the plan for ending the war. He framed the moment as a critical juncture, emphasizing that the issue "is not only about Gaza, but about the long-awaited peace in the Middle East."

A Comprehensive White House Plan

The proposal at the center of the flurry of statements originates from a detailed plan released by the White House on September 29, 2025. That plan called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to be followed by a comprehensive reconstruction program and a reorganization of the strip's political and security situation.

Hamas's statement aligned with several key aspects of this vision. The group renewed its prior agreement to hand over the administration of Gaza to a body of Palestinian independents, based on a national consensus and supported by broader Arab-Islamic backing.

Crucially, Hamas also signaled a significant political concession, stating that the provisions in Trump's proposal concerning the future of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people "are linked to a national position to be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will be included and will contribute to with all responsibility."

Unanswered Questions and the Path Ahead

While the statements from both Trump and Hamas mark the most positive diplomatic development in recent memory, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The most significant immediate question is Israel's official response. The Israeli government, which has long maintained that military pressure is essential for securing the release of captives and dismantling Hamas's capabilities, has not yet publicly commented on these latest developments.

Furthermore, the "details" Trump mentioned as being under discussion are likely to be highly complex, encompassing the sequencing of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange, the guarantees for security, and the composition and authority of the proposed Palestinian administrative body.

For now, the world watches to see if this unexpected convergence of statements—a US political figure's direct demand, a White House plan, and Hamas's strategic agreement—can create the necessary momentum to halt the fighting and open a new, albeit uncertain, chapter for Gaza and the region.

Trump signs order EO considering any attack on Qatar as security threat to US--Israel’s Strike on Qatar Shakes US Credibility in the Gulf

Trump signs order EO considering any attack on Qatar as security threat to US--Israel’s Strike on Qatar Shakes US Credibility in the Gulf

    Wednesday, October 01, 2025   No comments

The United States has long positioned itself as the primary security guarantor for Gulf states, but that image has been severely shaken following Israel’s unprecedented strike on Doha earlier this month. Despite Qatar’s role as host to the largest US military installation in the Middle East, and despite decades of close security cooperation, Israel—a close American ally—was able to carry out an attack on Qatari soil with no immediate US response.

The incident rattled regional leaders and raised difficult questions: if Washington cannot—or will not—restrain Israel from striking a partner it formally protects, how reliable can its security assurances really be?

In an effort to repair the damage, President Donald Trump this week signed an executive order declaring that “any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar” will be treated as a direct threat to the peace and security of the United States. The order commits Washington to take all “lawful and appropriate measures”—including diplomatic, economic, and if necessary, military action—to defend both American and Qatari interests.

The timing was no accident. The decree came just three weeks after Israel’s air strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, an operation that provoked outrage in Doha and embarrassment in Washington. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since issued a rare apology to Qatar, the episode left a lingering sense that US security guarantees may be more fragile than Gulf states had assumed.

At stake is not just the bilateral relationship with Qatar, but the broader credibility of the United States as the cornerstone of Gulf security. For years, Washington’s promise of protection has been central to its influence in the region, countering both Iranian power and the growing appeal of alternative security partners such as China and Russia. The failure to prevent or deter the Israeli strike cut to the heart of that credibility.

Complicating matters further is the ongoing war in Gaza. Qatar has played a key mediating role in negotiations, including talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis. If Washington, working through Doha, can help deliver a viable and lasting deal, it could partially repair the trust eroded by Israel’s attack. Such success would reaffirm the US as not only a military protector, but also as a diplomatic broker capable of shaping outcomes in the region.

But the risks are equally stark. If a Gaza deal collapses or fails to halt the bloodshed, the damage to Washington’s standing could be irreparable. Gulf leaders may conclude that the United States lacks both the will and the leverage to restrain its own allies, let alone manage conflicts across the Middle East.

The executive order signed by Trump is therefore more than a symbolic gesture toward Qatar. It is a test of whether American promises still carry weight in a region where credibility is everything—and where one misstep can reshape alliances for decades to come.

Media reaction and analysis:

Israeli Media noted the changed posture and connected it to the Gaza plan. Israel's Channel 12 correspondent and Axios reporter Barak Ravid says the US will 'dramatically upgrade' its commitment to Qatar's security:

• "As part of the initiative to end the war in Gaza and as compensation to Qatar for the Israeli strike in Doha, President Trump signed a presidential decree on Monday that dramatically upgrades the US commitment to Qatar’s security. This marks an unprecedented security agreement between the US and an Arab state."
•  "According to the presidential decree, published today, 'The United States will regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.'
•  "The decree further states: 'In the event of such an attack, the United States will take all lawful and appropriate measures, including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military, to protect the interests of the United States and the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability.'

Media Review: Erdogan says agreement reached with Trump on Gaza ceasefire and "lasting peace"

Media Review: Erdogan says agreement reached with Trump on Gaza ceasefire and "lasting peace"

    Friday, September 26, 2025   No comments

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had reached an understanding with US President Donald Trump on steps to secure a ceasefire and "lasting peace" in Gaza and Palestine following their talks at the White House on Thursday.

"Our meeting was very important in terms of putting forth the will to end the massacres in Gaza. Mr. Trump stated during the meeting the need to end fighting in Gaza and reach lasting peace," Erdogan told reporters, according to a transcript released by his office on Friday.

"We explained how a ceasefire can be achieved in Gaza and the whole of Palestine, and lasting peace afterwards. An understanding was reached there," he added. "We said that the two-state solution was the formula for lasting peace in the region, that the current situation cannot continue."

Trump: “I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank”

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.

Trump’s response came after he was asked whether he had promised Arab leaders during a meeting at the United Nations this week that he would prevent any annexation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed not to allow a Palestinian state, and far-right members of his cabinet have threatened to annex the West Bank in response to the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries. He was met by boos and walk out at the UN on Friday.

Netanyahu at the UNGA: "We'll never accept a Palestinian state. I say to the European and Western leaders; you cannot shove this Palestinian state down our throats, just because you don't have the guts to stand up against the antisemitic media... Unfortunately, the Western media is pro-Khamas"

Humanitarian Flotilla attacked, Italy Spain Sent military ships to help

Video footage taken by journalists aboard the lead ship of the Global Sumud Flotilla shows an Italian navy ship near the fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday that a second naval frigate will be deployed to support the Flotilla after it came under at least 13 drone attacks since the late hours of Tuesday.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that Spain would also be sending a navy ship to assist the flotilla.

Arab and Muslim Leaders, who met with Trump, Call for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire as First Step Toward Lasting Peace

Arab and Muslim Leaders, who met with Trump, Call for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire as First Step Toward Lasting Peace

    Wednesday, September 24, 2025   No comments

 In a significant diplomatic move on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaders from eight Arab and Muslim-majority nations joined U.S. President Donald Trump in a high-level summit focused on ending the war in Gaza. Following the meeting on Tuesday, the group issued a joint statement on Wednesday emphasizing that an immediate cessation of hostilities is “the first step toward a just and lasting peace.”

The leaders described the situation in Gaza as “an unbearable and tragic humanitarian catastrophe,” citing massive civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and the dire consequences for regional stability and the broader Muslim world. They reaffirmed their collective rejection of forced displacement and stressed the necessity of allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.

Central to the joint declaration was a call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire that would facilitate the release of all hostages and guarantee the unimpeded delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza. “Ending the war and achieving an immediate ceasefire—ensuring the release of hostages and the entry of adequate humanitarian assistance—is the essential first step toward a just and lasting peace,” the statement read.

The leaders also underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, built upon proposals previously advanced by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This plan, they said, must include robust security arrangements and international support for Palestinian leadership to ensure long-term stability and recovery.

Trump’s 21-Point Peace Plan Unveiled

Adding further context to the summit, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff revealed on Wednesday that a detailed 21-point peace proposal crafted by the Trump administration had been presented to the assembled leaders. According to the American news outlet Axios, the plan outlines a phased approach to de-escalation and post-conflict governance.

Key elements of the proposal include:

The full release of all hostages and prisoners;

A permanent ceasefire;

A gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza;

A “day-after” governance framework that explicitly excludes Hamas from any role in administering the territory;

The deployment of an international security force in Gaza, including Arab troops, to maintain order and support reconstruction efforts.

Witkoff expressed optimism about the prospects for a breakthrough, stating, “I hope—or maybe I’m even confident—that we will soon announce some form of breakthrough regarding Gaza.” He described the plan as a realistic and actionable roadmap designed to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term political stability.

In a related development, Witkoff also signaled the administration’s openness to diplomacy with Iran. When asked about potential negotiations, he confirmed, “We are talking to them, and we have a desire to negotiate,” suggesting a broader regional strategy that could link Gaza’s stabilization to wider Middle East diplomacy.

Trump reportedly urged Arab and Muslim leaders to send troops to Gaza to ‘facilitate Israel's withdrawal’ and finance reconstruction.

A Unified Regional Stance

The summit marked a rare moment of alignment between the Trump administration and key Arab and Muslim leaders on the Gaza crisis. By jointly endorsing a ceasefire as the cornerstone of any peace process—and backing a reconstruction plan that sidelines Hamas while empowering Palestinian institutions—the group signaled a shared vision for Gaza’s future.

While challenges remain, particularly in securing buy-in from all conflict parties and ensuring the plan’s implementation, the New York summit has injected renewed momentum into efforts to end one of the region’s most devastating recent conflicts. As Witkoff put it, the goal is not just to stop the fighting, but to “rebuild Palestinian lives in Gaza” with dignity, security, and hope.

Politico: 'Trump promises Arab, Muslim leaders he won’t let Israel annex the West Bank'

At a closed-door meeting on 23 September at the United Nations, President Donald Trump assured Arab and Muslim leaders that he would not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the occupied West Bank, according to six sources familiar with the discussions, reports Axios.

Trump was described as “firm” on the issue, telling participants that Israel would not be permitted to absorb the territory, which is under Palestinian Authority governance. His administration also circulated a white paper detailing its postwar plan, including governance and security arrangements.

Despite Trump’s assurances, participants noted that a ceasefire to end Israel’s nearly two-year war on Gaza remains distant. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the meeting “fruitful,” while Arab leaders privately emphasized that West Bank annexation would collapse the Abraham Accords — Trump’s signature regional achievement — and halt Israel’s integration into the region. 

The White House has yet to release an official readout.

"Gates of hell opening in Gaza"

"Gates of hell opening in Gaza"

    Friday, September 05, 2025   No comments

 Israeli leaders repeat their threats saying that the "Gates of hell opening in Gaza". Defense Minister Israel Katz said on September 5, 2025, on the social platform X that the “gates of hell are opening now” in Gaza—and that they wouldn’t close until Hamas accepted Israel’s conditions for ending the war, particularly the release of hostages and disarmament. He was repeating an earlier statement that he said July 28, 2025, when he warned that if Hamas didn’t release hostages, the "gates of hell will open in Gaza."  The same rhetoric resurfaced in August 2025, when he again threatened that the gates of hell may open unless Hamas agreed to a cease-fire, release hostages, and disarm. 

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, too, used the same language on February 16, 2025, during remarks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu declared that the "gates of hell" would open in Gaza unless Hamas returned all the hostages. 

As of early September 2025, Israel is intensifying its military offensive to take full control of Gaza City, a campaign that began in August 2025. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that forces control 40% of the city. 

As the war intensifies, more voices of protest in the US are emerging. Reports of US military veterans being arrested or removed from Capitol Hill for protesting US policy related to the conflict in Gaza have appeared in news sources.  Here are some of the reported events:

US Veterans arrested for protesting Gaza war

Senate hearing disruption (September 4, 2025): Two US military veterans, retired Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Aguilar and former Army intelligence officer Josephine Guilbeau, were removed and handcuffed after interrupting a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. The two accused the lawmakers of complicity in genocide in Gaza.

FBI arrest of army veteran (September 3, 2025): The FBI arrested former US Army sergeant Bajun "Baji" Mavalwalla II for "conspiracy to impede or injure officers" after he was involved in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While not specifically a Gaza protest, some see the charges as a test case for prosecuting dissent under the Trump administration.

Capitol Hill sit-in (July 24, 2024): In a large protest organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, approximately 200 demonstrators were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building after a sit-in against the war in Gaza. It is not specified how many, if any, were veterans. 

Conscientious objector applications (June 23, 2024): Two active members of the US Air Force, Larry Hebert and Juan Bettancourt, have sought to become conscientious objectors due to Washington's support for the Israeli military.

Active-duty hunger strike (January 16, 2025): Senior Airman Larry Hebert went on a hunger strike outside the White House during authorized leave to protest the starvation in Gaza. He was called back to base after nine days.

Aaron Bushnell (February 26, 2024): An active-duty airman, Aaron Bushnell, self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., in protest of the war in Gaza. 

Under military rules, active-duty service members can protest off-duty and out of uniform. However, there are limits on participating in political activities, especially in uniform or on base. 

US army veterans Anthony Aguilar and Josephine Guilbeau were forcibly removed and arrested for disrupting a Senate hearing after denouncing US complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Aguilar, a retired Green Beret and whistleblower who worked as a security guard at US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution sites in Gaza, has exposed Israeli abuses at the sites.

Media Review: "As Israel Starves and Kills Thousands in Gaza, It Destroys Itself", Haaretz

Media Review: "As Israel Starves and Kills Thousands in Gaza, It Destroys Itself", Haaretz

    Monday, August 04, 2025   No comments

In a powerful and scathing op-ed published by Haaretz, Israeli writer Iris Leal delivers a searing critique of her country’s actions in the Gaza Strip, warning that the atrocities being committed there are not only devastating to Palestinians but are also dragging Israel into a profound moral, political, and diplomatic abyss. Leal’s article, titled "As Israel Kills and Starves Thousands in Gaza, It Destroys Itself in the Process", lays bare the human cost of the war and the devastating implications for Israel’s future.

A Nation’s Self-Destruction

Leal argues that Israel is systematically isolating itself from the global community. The bridges that once connected it to the democratic world are being “torn down one by one.” She emphasizes that anyone associated with the decision-making apparatus of the war—be it political leaders, military commanders, or intelligence heads—is now becoming increasingly aware that international travel may pose legal and personal risks due to accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

At the center of her warning is the staggering humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. According to credible international reports cited by Leal, including data from UNICEF and The Washington Post, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, among them at least 18,500 children. Many of these children were killed in their sleep, while playing, or even before they learned to walk. The death toll reflects not incidental wartime casualties but a consistent pattern of destruction that Leal unequivocally describes as a "war of extermination."

Starvation as a Weapon

One of the most damning parts of Leal’s argument is Israel’s alleged use of starvation as a weapon of war. She writes that the Netanyahu government knowingly allowed infants to face starvation by failing to ensure the delivery of infant formula and basic humanitarian aid. Hospitals—already bombed or rendered dysfunctional—are unable to operate, and medical personnel themselves are suffering from hunger and exhaustion.

Even worse, Leal suggests that these outcomes were not unintended side effects, but foreseen and tolerated, under the assumption that the international community would remain silent or impotent in the face of such horrors. The Israeli leadership, in her view, has wagered that the deliberate starvation and killing of children would not result in meaningful diplomatic consequences—a gamble that, she implies, is both immoral and catastrophically shortsighted.

A Crisis of Legitimacy

Leal’s article ends by posing a deeply uncomfortable question to the Israeli public and the global community: Are the people leading Israel today—its ministers, generals, intelligence chiefs—morally and legally fit to make decisions on behalf of the nation? Given the scale of the violence and its apparent intentionality, she contends that these individuals are likely complicit in war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and potentially genocide.

The underlying message is clear: Israel is not just committing atrocities—it is losing its moral compass and destroying the very foundations of its legitimacy in the eyes of the world and its own citizens.

A Global Atrocity in Real Time

Leal’s voice is a rare and courageous one within a landscape that often suppresses internal dissent. Her article should serve as a wake-up call, not only to Israelis but to anyone who believes in the principles of human rights and international law. The reality in Gaza today—of mass death, child starvation, and humanitarian collapse—is not abstract. It is a documented and unfolding catastrophe that demands accountability.

What makes this atrocity even more chilling is the premeditation behind it. When a state with one of the most advanced militaries in the world deliberately withholds aid, targets civilian infrastructure, and tolerates the mass death of children, it cannot be brushed off as a tragic byproduct of war. This is systematic, intentional policy—and it represents the moral failure of a nation’s leadership. 

Meanwhile, the international community’s response remains fragmented, weak, and in some cases complicit. Leal rightly questions whether Israel’s leaders will face consequences, but the more urgent question is: Will the world act before even more lives are lost?

Silence, in this context, is not neutrality—it is complicity. As Leal poignantly concludes, Israel may believe it is winning a war, but in reality, it is tearing itself apart, sacrificing not just the lives of its enemies, but its own soul and standing in the world.

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Sources: Haaretz, UNICEF, The Washington Post.
Link to original article: Haaretz Opinion - Aug 4, 2025

Media Review: Shifting Public Opinion and Israel’s Media Suppression Amid Gaza’s Devastation

Media Review: Shifting Public Opinion and Israel’s Media Suppression Amid Gaza’s Devastation

    Wednesday, July 30, 2025   No comments

Global Solidarity March to Gaza: A Historic Civilian Mobilization to Break the Siege

Global Solidarity March to Gaza: A Historic Civilian Mobilization to Break the Siege

    Wednesday, June 11, 2025   No comments

June 2025 – In an unprecedented act of international solidarity, over 4,000 individuals from more than 80 countries have launched a global march to Gaza, aiming to reach the besieged Palestinian territory on foot via Egypt’s Rafah border crossing. The initiative, titled “The Global March to Gaza,” is being organized by a coalition of international trade unions, human rights groups, and solidarity movements in response to what they describe as a “man-made humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, under Israeli siege since October 2023.

About a year ago, Republican politicians suggested that American citizens who are protesting the genocide in Gaza be sent to Gaza; it would seem some are doing just that now.

A Humanitarian Crisis in Focus

Led by the International Coalition Against Israeli Occupation, the march is a civilian response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza, where over two million residents face famine, medical shortages, and a near-total blockade. The organizers cite starvation being used as a weapon and the systematic targeting of civilians, especially children, as central motivations for this extraordinary mobilization.

Thousands of aid trucks, loaded with food, medicine, and fuel, have been stalled at the Rafah border for months. The marchers aim to physically escort and pressure for their immediate entry.

International Participation and Civil Mobilization

The march is uniquely global and grassroots. Delegations include European parliamentarians and civil society representatives from across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The “March to Gaza” has drawn support not only from Arab and Muslim communities but also from diverse backgrounds—doctors, lawyers, students, and humanitarian activists, many of whom are personally financing their participation.

Groups such as the Catalan alternative union (IAC), Irish human rights activists, and legal advocates like German lawyer Melanie Schweizer emphasize the peaceful and volunteer-based nature of the march. According to spokesperson Karen Moynihan of the Irish group, this is “a civilian cry against genocide,” calling for an end to complicity by silence.

Objectives of the March

The organizers have laid out five primary goals:

• Stop the Genocide: Pressure the international community to halt ongoing Israeli violations against Palestinians, particularly the deliberate starvation of civilians.
• Immediate Humanitarian Access: Demand the entry of urgent aid through Rafah without restrictions, emphasizing the thousands of trucks already waiting at the border.

• End the Siege: Advocate for the unconditional lifting of the Israeli blockade, enabling sustainable access to essentials like water, food, fuel, and medicine.
• International Accountability: Urge global institutions to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law, and condemn governments that remain passive or complicit.
• Empower Civil Society: Amplify the voices of global civil society as a force of peaceful resistance, drawing inspiration from historical solidarity movements and emphasizing non-violent civilian action.

Path to Gaza: A Difficult but Symbolic Route

Participants began arriving in Cairo in early June, ahead of a final push towards Gaza. The “Caravan of Steadfastness,” a land convoy from Algeria and Tunisia, is scheduled to merge with the larger group in Egypt’s northern Sinai region. From the city of Al-Arish, the coalition will begin its march on foot to the Rafah crossing, where they plan to stage a peaceful sit-in until aid is allowed in.

Organizers acknowledge the challenges of marching through desert terrain but insist it pales in comparison to the suffering endured by Gazans over the past 20 months.

A Message of Peace and Global Conscience

The march is deliberately unaffiliated with any government, military force, or political party. It is presented as a civilian-led, peaceful protest meant to convey the global demand for justice, humanity, and dignity for Palestinians.

“This is not just a march to Gaza,” said organizer Saif Abu Khashk. “It is a march for humanity itself.”

As international attention turns toward Rafah, the Global March to Gaza represents a striking moment in modern civil action—where borders, languages, and politics are set aside in the name of urgent humanitarian relief and moral accountability. Whether or not it succeeds in breaking the blockade, the march has already sent a clear message: the world is watching, and civil society is rising.

USA, again, alone, vetoes Gaza ceasefire resolution

USA, again, alone, vetoes Gaza ceasefire resolution

    Wednesday, June 04, 2025   No comments

A draft resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza failed to pass in the UN Security Council on Wednesday after the United States, again, cast its veto – blocking the initiative backed by all ten elected members of the Council.

The text, co-sponsored by Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia – collectively known as the E-10 – received 14 votes in favour, with the US casting the lone vote against.

As one of the council’s five permanent members, the US holds veto power – a negative vote that automatically blocks any resolution from going forward.

Had it been adopted, the draft would have demanded “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza” to be respected by all parties.US has opposed all UNSC resulutions that could have brought an end to the carnage in Gaza.

 Russia’s UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, made it clear during a Security Council session: the world can now see who genuinely wants peace, and who continues to exploit global crises for geopolitical games.

His statement came in response to the United States vetoing yet another resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

   

Media Review: Human Rights, Selective Outrage, and the Politics of Condemnation

Media Review: Human Rights, Selective Outrage, and the Politics of Condemnation

    Monday, May 26, 2025   No comments

In the realm of global politics, the language of morality is often wielded not as a principle, but as a weapon—selectively applied, conveniently ignored. Nowhere is this hypocrisy more glaring than in the recent reactions of Western leaders to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. When Russia retaliated against a Ukrainian drone assault by launching strikes that killed 12 people, leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump were quick to label Vladimir Putin as “absolutely crazy” and a “killer.” Yet, just days later, Israel launched a brutal airstrike on a school in Gaza sheltering displaced families, killing at least 54 Palestinians—mostly children—and silence or cautious equivocation followed. In fact, these same leaders continue to fund, arm, and diplomatically shield Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a man already indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes. This double standard reveals a painful truth: in the eyes of Western powers, not all human lives are equal, and not all victims are mourned.

The facts are indisputable. According to reports from Al Jazeera, the BBC, and eyewitness accounts, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Fahmi al-Jargawi school in Gaza City, killing dozens, many of whom were burnt beyond recognition. These were not militants or combatants; they were civilians—babies and children asleep in makeshift shelters after fleeing other bombardments. Just days earlier, another Israeli strike obliterated the home of Palestinian doctor Alaa Al-Najjar, killing all nine of her children. She was saving other lives in a hospital while her own were buried in rubble. The loss was not just personal—it was emblematic of a systemic campaign of destruction. As the Arabic-language article poignantly described, “this is not a story of one family, it is the recurring scene of Gaza.”

Meanwhile, when Russia responded to a coordinated assault involving 96 drones launched by Ukraine toward Moscow, killing 12 civilians in a retaliatory strike, the condemnation from Western capitals was swift and categorical. Putin was called irrational, genocidal, and in Trump’s words, “absolutely CRAZY.” While no act of violence against civilians can be morally justified, the disparity in the global reaction is stark. What makes the death of 12 Ukrainians worthy of universal outrage and sanctions, while the burning of 36 Palestinian children in their sleep barely moves the needle of Western conscience?

The answer lies not in law or logic, but in power and politics. Israel is a key ally of the United States and other Western nations. It receives billions in annual military aid, enjoys diplomatic protection at the United Nations, and is portrayed as a bastion of democracy in a volatile region. Russia, by contrast, is a geopolitical rival. Condemning its actions aligns with the strategic and ideological interests of the West. But in elevating political allegiance over human dignity, Western leaders have exposed the hollowness of their professed values.

The roots of this selective empathy is found in supremacism. As Israeli journalist Gideon Levy notes, the Israeli public is conditioned to view Palestinians not as humans, but as threats—mere shadows on a moral map that excludes them. This dehumanization enables the normalization of mass death, the obliteration of entire neighborhoods, and the bombing of hospitals and schools. Western complicity compounds this tragedy by offering political and military support without meaningful accountability. When the victims are viewed as less than human, their deaths demand no justice.

The implications are devastating—not just for Gaza, but for the moral credibility of the West itself. If the universal declaration of human rights only applies to those within a favored political camp, then it is not universal at all. If war crimes are condemned in Moscow but ignored in Tel Aviv, then the West is not defending international law—it is manipulating it. And if leaders like Netanyahu are embraced while others are vilified for similar or lesser acts, then the claim to moral leadership rings hollow.

In Gaza, as one article lamented, people no longer wait for justice from the world. “We write, we witness, we record,” it says, “so that if we die today, history will know who killed us—and why no one trembled.” It is a chilling testament to the abandonment of an entire people, not just by their occupiers, but by the global community that claims to uphold their rights.

Justice cannot be selective. Empathy cannot be conditional. If Western leaders are to retain even a shred of moral authority, they must confront their own hypocrisy. The lives of Palestinian children matter as much as those in Kyiv. War crimes are war crimes, whether committed by an adversary or an ally. And silence, when the bombs fall on schools and hospitals, is not neutrality—it is complicity.

media review: Israeli General Sparks Political Firestorm with Condemnation of Gaza War Tactics

media review: Israeli General Sparks Political Firestorm with Condemnation of Gaza War Tactics

    Tuesday, May 20, 2025   No comments

In a rare and explosive critique from within Israel’s military and political establishment, retired general and former deputy chief of staff Yair Golan has ignited controversy by denouncing the government’s conduct in its war on Gaza. In a radio interview Tuesday, Golan declared, “A sane state does not wage war on civilians, does not kill children as a hobby, and does not aim to displace populations.” His remarks, which questioned the strategic rationale and morality of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, provoked a fierce backlash across the Israeli political spectrum.

Golan, now head of the left-wing Democratic Party, is no stranger to criticism. But this time, even his military credentials were not enough to shield him from a torrent of attacks by leaders of right-wing, religious, and centrist parties alike. Critics portrayed him as a traitor, accusing him of undermining the army and aiding Israel’s enemies. Political rivals, including those opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared eager to exploit the controversy for political gain, leaving Golan largely isolated.

Despite the outcry, Golan stood firm. He reiterated that the war, now in its eighth month, has shifted from a military campaign to a political tool used to preserve the current government’s grip on power. Referring to the latest phase of the conflict as “Operation Chariots of Gideon,” Golan argued that the main military objectives had already been achieved by mid-2024 with the degradation of Hamas’s military capabilities. He accused the government of prolonging the conflict for political reasons rather than national security.

“Israel hasn’t eliminated Hamas, hasn’t militarily or politically defeated them, and hasn’t recovered the hostages,” Golan noted. “The war’s objectives have been confused and contradictory from the beginning. Our priority must be returning all hostages home. That’s the essence of our solidarity as a people.”

His comments gained further resonance as the international community, including the UK, France, and Canada, issued stern warnings about Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The U.S. has also signaled growing unease. Golan warned that Israel risks becoming a “pariah state” akin to apartheid-era South Africa if it continues down its current path. He invoked the Jewish historical experience, saying it is unacceptable for a people with a legacy of persecution and genocide to adopt “morally indefensible policies.”

Golan’s stand, while earning him few allies in the Knesset, has been lauded by some as an act of moral courage. Known for his principled stances, he refused to walk back his statements despite the political storm. “We already tried Gantz’s way—flattering Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, and Smotrich. It failed,” he said. He added, “This war is the embodiment of Ben Gvir and Smotrich’s delusions. If we allow them to realize their vision, Israel will be a fractured state.”

Calling for an end to the war, the return of hostages, and a restoration of democratic values, Golan concluded with a stark contrast between Israel’s military and its leadership: “The Israeli soldiers are heroes. The ministers are corrupt. The army is moral, the people are righteous, and the government is rotten.”

As the war grinds on and internal dissent grows louder, Golan’s words have injected a jolt of urgency into Israel’s political debate. Whether his challenge will influence policy or public opinion remains to be seen, but it has undeniably shattered taboos about criticizing the war from within the ranks of Israel’s own elite.

Joint Statement by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada on Israel's actions in Gaza

Joint Statement by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada on Israel's actions in Gaza

    Monday, May 19, 2025   No comments

 Joint Statement by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada on Israel's actions in Gaza

"We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response. We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions. "

A Turning Point in the Yemen Conflict: U.S. Airstrikes Halt, Regional Repercussions, and Yemen’s Continued Alignment with Gaza

A Turning Point in the Yemen Conflict: U.S. Airstrikes Halt, Regional Repercussions, and Yemen’s Continued Alignment with Gaza

    Tuesday, May 06, 2025   No comments

Media Review of Current Events:

In a surprising and consequential move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cessation of American airstrikes on Yemen. This development marks a significant shift in U.S. policy in the region and has prompted strong reactions from multiple stakeholders—particularly Israel, whose leadership was caught off guard. The halt comes amid Omani-brokered negotiations and is framed within a broader narrative of de-escalation, albeit with complex undercurrents of continued resistance from Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement against Israeli aggression in Gaza.

The U.S. Halt of Airstrikes and Omani Mediation

Trump’s announcement came during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where he claimed that Yemeni forces had made a verbal commitment to cease attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Despite the absence of a formal agreement, the Trump administration interpreted this as a positive development and ordered the U.S. military to stand down. Defense officials confirmed that the military had received instructions to halt operations the previous evening.

This breakthrough was facilitated by Oman, a regional actor known for its neutral diplomatic posture and history of mediating between the U.S. and Yemen. The Omani Foreign Ministry confirmed its successful efforts in brokering a ceasefire agreement that ensures the safety of maritime routes, particularly in the strategic Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea corridors. Oman praised both sides for their constructive approach and expressed hope that the de-escalation would pave the way for further regional stability.

 "Trump announces the end of the U.S. bombing campaign on Yemen, likely due to disappointing results and high costs" – Politico

The Yemeni Perspective: A Tactical Pause, Not a Strategic Retreat

Yemeni officials, including top political leaders such as Mohammed Ali al-Houthi and Mahdi al-Mashat, responded to Trump’s announcement with guarded optimism but clarified that their resistance remains rooted in principle. Al-Houthi underscored that Yemeni military operations were primarily acts of solidarity with Gaza, undertaken in response to American and Israeli aggression. He described the U.S. halt as a potential tactical victory that "disconnects American support from Israel" and called it a setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A senior member of Ansarullah movement Mohammed Abdul Salam: We did not submit any requests to the Americans, but rather we received messages via our brothers in the Sultanate of Oman.

Echoing this, al-Mashat issued a stern warning to Israel, asserting that Yemen’s support for Gaza would not waver and that retaliation for Israeli attacks on Yemeni infrastructure—including airports and power stations—would be “earth-shaking.” His remarks came after an Israeli airstrike on Sana’a and amid heightened tensions between Yemen and the Israeli military.

Member of the Supreme Political Council in Yemen, Mohammad al-Bukhaiti: "We tell the Americans, the British, and the Zionists that our military operations in support of Gaza will continue, no matter the sacrifices. The Zionists have crossed red lines and must await Yemen's response."

Israeli Shock and Strategic Isolation

The Israeli reaction to the U.S. decision was one of astonishment and concern. According to reports from Israeli media outlets such as Channel 14 and Channel 12, the political establishment in Tel Aviv was blindsided by Trump’s announcement. Analysts suggested that this shift could signify a broader American intention to disengage from direct involvement in regional conflicts, particularly those perceived as primarily serving Israeli strategic interests.

Israeli commentators interpreted the decision as a symbolic abandonment. Channel 12’s Amichai Segal remarked that the move sent a clear message to the region: "Target Israel if you must, but leave us [the U.S.] out of it." This sentiment highlighted fears of growing Israeli isolation in the face of coordinated regional hostility, particularly as Yemen declared it would not relent in targeting Israeli assets.

Moreover, uncertainty lingers in Israel regarding whether the ceasefire includes an implicit U.S. endorsement—or at least tolerance—of Yemeni attacks on Israel, even if American assets are no longer directly involved. Analysts warned that such ambiguity could embolden Iran and its allies, including the Houthis, to escalate attacks against Israeli interests.

Israeli Media:  The United States started bombing Yemen in March, in order to force the Houthis to stop their attacks on Israel. Instead, they started attacking American ships too. Now, suddenly Trump has made peace with them, without involving Israel, throwing away the original intention of the campaign. 

A Conditional Truce and the Resilient Yemeni Stance

While the agreement is framed by the U.S. and Oman as a de-escalatory measure, Yemeni officials have insisted it does not alter their fundamental position. Yemeni Information Minister Dhaifallah al-Shami emphasized in a televised interview that the conflict with the U.S. was merely a consequence of American intervention on behalf of Israel. If the U.S. withdraws, he explained, Yemen would logically stop targeting American ships—but their conflict with Israel remains unchanged.

Al-Shami’s statements clarified that Yemeni attacks on maritime targets began as a response to U.S. airstrikes, not as an independent escalation. With the U.S. potentially stepping away, Yemeni focus may shift entirely back to Israeli targets. He characterized the U.S. decision as a retreat and reaffirmed that Yemeni resistance is fundamentally aimed at countering Israeli aggression and supporting Palestinians in Gaza.

A Shifting Regional Equation

These developments reflect a shifting balance in the Middle East. The U.S. decision to pause airstrikes in Yemen, facilitated by Omani diplomacy, is a notable step toward de-escalation in one arena of conflict. However, the underlying tensions remain, particularly due to Yemen’s unwavering support for Gaza and its framing of the conflict as a broader resistance against what they see as Zionist aggression.

For Israel, the move signifies a strategic recalibration by its closest ally—one that may force Tel Aviv to confront its adversaries with less external military backing than before. For Yemen, the truce with the U.S. is tactical, not strategic; the commitment to Gaza and opposition to what they see as Israeli aggression remain resolute. As the region braces for possible new escalations, the ramifications of this agreement could reverberate far beyond the Red Sea.

Qatari Emir, in Tehran, met Iranian officials: Importance of dialogue to resolve regional conflicts maintain regional stability

Qatari Emir, in Tehran, met Iranian officials: Importance of dialogue to resolve regional conflicts maintain regional stability

    Wednesday, February 19, 2025   No comments

Although the public statements seemed to emphasize the importance of the ceasefire in Gaza and need to rebuild Gaza and prevent its people from forced displacement, one must read between the lines to understand the role of Qatar in bridging the gap between Iranian leaders and the new leaders in Syria as being their top priority. The reason being Qatari deep connections to the armed group, HTS, which now control most of Syria. It is likely that Qatar will play a role in "normalizing the relationship to the extent that the Shia minority in Syria and the religious site revered by Shia Muslims are respected and protect. In return, Syrian leaders can expect Iran's help in helping speed up the rebuilding of state institutions that would be able to preserve Syria's territorial integrity. The coming days will determine how successful the Qataris in achieving this balancing act.

 

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, confirmed - in a press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian - that he is visiting Tehran at a time when the region is witnessing challenges that require consultation and coordination, stressing that the best way to resolve conflicts is through constructive dialogue.

The Emir of Qatar said that he held talks with the Iranian President that included many areas of cooperation, stressing the importance of exploring potential opportunities for cooperation.

He explained that the recent visit of the Iranian President to the State of Qatar contributed to developing relations between the two countries, adding that dialogues and understandings support stability in the region and enhance the prosperity of its countries and peoples.

The Emir of Qatar stressed - in the joint press conference - the need to adhere to the ceasefire in Gaza and continue the flow of aid, and he also spoke with President Pezeshkian about the importance of the success of the comprehensive political process in Syria.

Maintaining Stability

In turn, the Iranian president said that he held consultations with the Emir of Qatar on the current developments in the region.

Pezeshkian thanked Doha for its efforts in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners, stressing that during this meeting he emphasized the unity of Syrian territory and the right of the Syrian people to self-determination.

The Iranian president said that he believes that the countries of the region can work to achieve stability and security in the region, adding that strengthening and expanding relations in all fields with the countries of the region is one of Tehran's basic policies.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad arrived in the capital Tehran on Wednesday on a visit accompanied by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and an official delegation.

The Emir of Qatar met with President Pezeshkian and senior Iranian officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and ways to maintain the security and stability of the region, according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The Qatari agency stated that this visit "is of great interest in light of the current circumstances and developments in the region, and what they require in terms of intensifying consultations at the highest levels, and coordinating visions and positions towards various challenges."

Iran's President Pezeshkian in a press conference with the Emir of Qatar in Tehran: We respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity

There is a convergence of views between Iran and our friend Qatar on regional issues.. The Islamic Republic believes that the countries of the region are capable of achieving security and stability in the region.. We respect the sovereignty of Syria and stressed the necessity of the participation of all segments of the Syrian people in determining its fate.. We appreciate Qatar's efforts in mediating to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.. We believe that all governments and peoples must do their utmost to defend the rights of the Palestinian people

Macron criticizes Trump plan: 2 million Palestinians cannot be asked to leave Gaza

Macron criticizes Trump plan: 2 million Palestinians cannot be asked to leave Gaza

    Wednesday, February 12, 2025   No comments

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized his American counterpart, Donald Trump, for his plan to seize the Gaza Strip, noting that "Gaza is not an empty piece of land, but rather two million people live there."

Macron stressed, in an interview with the American network "CNN", that the solution to Gaza "cannot be through a real estate deal, but rather the best way is through a political process," so that "two million Palestinians cannot be asked to leave the Strip."

Macron stressed, in the interview conducted by "CNN" last Thursday (published on Tuesday), the need to maintain the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, expressing his "respect for the Palestinians' desire to have their own independent state."

Two days ago, the US president said he was "thinking of the Gaza Strip as a real estate deal," saying he would "own this land and keep the Strip for himself." Trump added on Monday that "the Palestinians will not have the right to return under the Gaza Strip control plan," claiming that they would "get much better housing."

It should be noted that French leaders, including former leaders, have expressed serious concerns about the way the war in Gaza was carried out, criticizing the deliberate killing of women and babies; a war they considered to impact the standing of their country and the West in general.