Fifteen Arab and Islamic countries have expressed their categorical and unified rejection of the separatist 'Somaliland' region's intention to open a representative office, acting as an embassy, with the Israeli occupation authorities in the occupied city of Jerusalem. In a joint statement, these countries considered this move a blatant departure from international consensus and a challenge to United Nations resolutions concerning the legal status of the Holy City.

The list of countries that signed the statement included Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, in addition to Mauritania, which later joined the list. These countries affirmed that the move led by the separatist region lacks any legal or political legitimacy given its lack of international recognition.

Sources reported that the foreign ministers of the 15 countries condemned in the strongest terms this 'alleged' step, pointing out that it directly affects the historical rights of the Palestinian people. The statement emphasized that any attempts to grant legitimacy to unrecognized entities through the gateway of occupied Jerusalem are doomed to fail and will not change the reality of the city.

The ministers affirmed in their statement that East Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian territory according to the 1967 borders, and no entity has the right to change its character or legal status. They clarified that all unilateral measures taken by the occupation authorities or any other parties to establish a new reality in the city are null and void and have no binding legal effect.

The statement was not limited to the issue of Jerusalem; the 15 countries reiterated their full and absolute support for the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia over all its national territory. The signatories rejected any unilateral measures that would undermine Somalia's sovereignty or threaten its territorial integrity, in a clear reference to rejecting the region's separatist moves.

The 'Somaliland' region had announced on May 19 its intention to establish an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, a step that was immediately welcomed by the occupation government. Mohamed Haji, who presents himself as the region's ambassador to Israel, stated that this step comes within the framework of strengthening mutual strategic cooperation between the two parties, which sparked widespread anger in Arab and Islamic circles.

It is worth noting that the Israeli occupation authorities had announced their official recognition of the 'Somaliland' region as an independent state in December 2025, a move observers considered an attempt to destabilize the Horn of Africa region. This recognition was met with strong rejection at the time by the Somali government in Mogadishu, which considers the region an integral part of its territory.

The 'Somaliland' region has operated as an administratively and security-independent entity since its unilateral declaration of secession in 1991, but it has not received any official international recognition throughout the past decades. Its recent attempts to approach Israel and open an embassy in Jerusalem are part of its efforts to gain diplomatic recognition in exchange for compromising on the constants related to the Palestinian issue.

The Islamic and Arab countries warned of the repercussions of this step on security and stability in the region, stressing that adherence to international law is the only way to resolve disputes. The statement called on the international community to confront these transgressions aimed at undermining the two-state solution and circumventing international legitimacy resolutions that guarantee the rights of Palestinians in their capital, Jerusalem.

In conclusion, the signatory countries emphasized the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, considering that alliances built at the expense of peoples' rights and national sovereignty will only lead to further tension. Sources confirmed that coordination will continue between these countries to confront any similar moves that may aim to undermine the historical status of Jerusalem or the unity of Somali territories.

Opening an embassy for the internationally unrecognized region is an illegal step that represents a blatant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions.

Washington's Message

Washington – Said Arikat – 24/5/2026

News Analysis

Once again, Lebanon finds itself hostage to regional and international understandings crafted far from the will of its people, after President Trump announced that an agreement with Iran was on the horizon, potentially opening the door to de-escalation across several fronts in the Middle East, including Lebanon. However, Lebanon's long experience with foreign interventions makes many view these promises with suspicion, especially since the United States and Israel have historically not treated Lebanon as an independent, sovereign state, but rather as a pressure point and a field for settling scores that serves their strategic interests in the region.

The recent war clearly revealed the extent of this external exploitation of Lebanon. After Hezbollah fired towards Israel in solidarity with Tehran, the country turned into an open confrontation zone, with southern villages and Lebanese civilians paying the price, while international powers continued to manage the conflict according to their own calculations. The widespread Israeli shelling did not only target the party's military infrastructure but also civilian infrastructure and the livelihoods of residents, in a clear attempt to plunge Lebanon further into chaos and collapse, thereby preventing the establishment of a strong state capable of asserting its independent national decision.

Despite talks of a ceasefire brokered by Washington last April, Israel continued its attacks inside Lebanese territory on an almost daily basis, relying on full American political and military cover. This reality confirmed that Washington does not treat Lebanon as an independent partner, but rather as a security file exclusively linked to Israel's security. Therefore, the American administration did not exert any real pressure to compel Israel to respect the truce, but rather left the door open for continued strikes and military attrition.

According to what the New York Times reported from Iranian officials, the potential agreement between Washington and Tehran may include a cessation of fighting on various fronts, including Lebanon. But these leaks do not dispel fears, because previous experiences have proven that any American-Iranian understanding is often used to manage crises, not to resolve them, while Lebanon remains the weakest link left to its fate amidst international tug-of-war.

Israeli policy towards Lebanon has never been based on seeking genuine peace, but rather on keeping the country weak, divided, and incapable of building a strong, independent state. From repeated invasions to the ongoing occupation of parts of the South, Israel has treated Lebanon as an arena that should be politically and sectarianly dismantled so that it does not become a source of Arab strength on its northern border. The United States, instead of playing the role of an impartial mediator, provided full cover for this strategy through open military, political, and diplomatic support. Therefore, American talk of stability seems contradictory to the actual policies that have continuously and intentionally contributed over the years to deepening Lebanese division and weakening central state institutions.

In this context, recent statements by the Israeli government appear highly significant, as it stressed that it would not relinquish its "freedom of action" inside Lebanon even if a broader regional agreement were reached. This practically means that Israel wants to impose a permanent equation that allows it to intervene militarily whenever it wishes, without any actual respect for Lebanese sovereignty or international law.

Despite the losses suffered by Hezbollah, the party still represents a fundamental force in the Lebanese and regional equation, whether Lebanese agree or disagree with it politically. But the real danger lies in the continued internal division over how to confront the Israeli project, as Tel Aviv always benefits from Lebanese divisions to justify its interventions and expand its security and military influence.

The current Lebanese reality compels all political forces, including Hezbollah and its opponents, to realize that continued internal division serves Israel first and foremost. A divided state and warring factions give Tel Aviv a permanent opportunity to intervene and impose new realities on the ground, especially in the South and border areas. Therefore, any serious national project must start from dialogue among the Lebanese themselves, not from relying on foreign capitals. Moreover, confronting Israeli ambitions does not necessarily mean adopting a completely unified political vision, but rather agreeing on a national minimum that protects Lebanese sovereignty and prevents the country from becoming an open arena for future continuous and dangerous regional wars and international conflicts.

Lebanese fears are increasing with the continued Israeli occupation of a border strip inside Lebanese territory, where Israeli forces maintain positions extending several miles into the South. This military presence does not appear temporary in the eyes of many Lebanese, but rather part of a long-term strategy aimed at imposing new realities on the ground and linking any future withdrawal to political and security conditions that primarily serve Israeli interests.

Lebanon today stands at a fateful moment that transcends a mere temporary ceasefire or a fleeting regional understanding. The real battle concerns preserving the country's unity and preventing its transformation into conflicting spheres of influence that serve external projects. If Israel seeks to impose a new border and security reality by force, then the most effective Lebanese response must be to build a unified national stance that rejects both occupation and division. Moreover, Hezbollah's responsibility, as a major force, is not limited to military confrontation only, but also includes engaging in an inclusive national project that reassures the rest of the Lebanese and restores the state and its institutions as the ultimate authority for everyone without actual exception.

Amidst economic collapse, mass emigration, and declining Lebanese trust in their institutions, the need to redefine national priorities away from sharp alignments seems more urgent. Lebanon will not be able to confront Israeli and American pressures if it remains mired in internal divisions and narrow sectarian calculations. Furthermore, any real stability will not be achieved through international understandings alone, but through the consensus of the Lebanese on a project for a just and strong state capable of protecting its borders and its independent political decision. Without that, Lebanon will remain exposed to repeated cycles of wars and fragile truces, while external powers continue to use its crises to achieve their strategic interests at the expense of the Lebanese people and the future of the entire region.

The Government Communication Center issued a report highlighting the most important developmental and reform interventions implemented by the Palestinian government during the past week (2026/05/17 – 2026/05/23), which are as follows:⭕ Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, discussed in his office in Ramallah with the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union, the results of the updated damage and needs assessment report in the Gaza Strip, and ways to enhance humanitarian and developmental interventions, affirming the government's readiness to work with partners to ensure the implementation of recovery and reconstruction programs. He also discussed with the International Finance Corporation the expansion of support for the Palestinian private sector and renewable energy projects, and with another German official delegation the political, economic, and humanitarian developments, warning of the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip, and calling for intensified international efforts to relieve the Palestinian people.⭕ The Ministry of Public Works and Housing continued to implement its interventions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; a tender was issued for the construction of the Baqa Al-Sharqiya Basic Boys' School in Tulkarm Governorate, funded by the Arab Monetary Fund and the Islamic Development Bank, in addition to awarding a tender for the finishing of the Beit Dajan Secondary Girls' School building in Beit Dajan village, Nablus Governorate, funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, managed by the Islamic Development Bank as manager of the Al-Aqsa Fund, along with opening a tender for the rehabilitation of the arrivals hall at the Jericho rest stop, funded by the World Bank. In the Gaza Strip, the Abdul Aal Land Shelter Center was implemented, covering an area of 3800 square meters to shelter 41 families in the North and Gaza governorates, and the implementation of the Nasr Land Shelter Center in Jabalia began with a capacity of 135 shelter units over an area of approximately 11.5 dunams, with work underway to replace worn-out tents with "RHU" units in the Shaath Land Shelter Center as part of a plan to improve shelter conditions. Damage assessment work also continued, in addition to collecting, transporting, and processing more than 343 thousand tons of rubble within projects funded by the United Nations Development Programme, the Japanese Fund, and the Norwegian Fund, bringing the total processed rubble in partnership with various entities to more than 680 thousand tons.⭕ The Ministry of Education and Higher Education began expansion work at Deir Abu Da'if Secondary Girls' School in Jenin by adding 4 classrooms, administrative and service rooms worth $500,000, and began maintenance and rehabilitation work at two schools in Hebron (Al-Aqsa Basic Girls' and Abdul Hay Shahin Basic Boys') worth $300,000, in addition to awarding a tender for the finishing of Beit Dajan Secondary Girls' School in Nablus worth $800,000. Regarding educational programs, the Minister met with his British counterpart and organized a virtual visit to Yasser Amro Girls' School in Old Hebron. The Ministry also launched a number of initiatives including the "We Read and Liberate" competition, a training program for standard operating procedures in partnership with the National School of Administration, the "STEM" Palestine 2026 Olympiad, and a cybersecurity program for communication coordinators, in addition to signing the annual plan for the education sector with UNICEF 2026–2027, launching the "TIMSS 2027" application in 25 schools, and concluding the National Innovation and Robotics Competition at Palestine Polytechnic University. In the field of higher education, the Ministry announced scholarships in Italy, Malta, and Malaysia, nominated students for advanced medicine in Jordan 2026–2027, concluded the Minister's participation in the Global Education Forum in London, held workshops on the National Qualifications Framework to enhance the alignment of education with the labor market, implemented first aid and psychological support training in Nablus, and launched the "Human Rights and Gender" initiative in partnership with An-Najah University to promote a safe digital university environment.⭕ The Ministry of Social Development implemented a comprehensive package of field interventions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in partnership with local and international institutions, where 3,016 families in the West Bank benefited from food and non-food parcels and shopping vouchers worth 341,260 shekels, while the Jericho and Al-Aghwar Directorate distributed 178 food parcels worth 44,500 shekels to displaced and affected families. In Gaza, 15,693 beneficiaries received food aid including supplements, meals, parcels, 7,000 loaves of bread, and 100 cups of water, in addition to 2,960 beneficiaries of non-food aid including hygiene parcels, mattresses, school bags, and clothing vouchers. In the field of social protection, 148 interventions were implemented for women's protection in the West Bank, while 5,877 beneficiaries in Gaza benefited from psychological support services, consultations, and follow-up on violence cases. In child and juvenile protection, 215 interventions for children and 68 for juveniles were implemented in the West Bank, with awareness workshops held in Nablus on bullying and the dangers of drugs, in addition to 80 children in Gaza benefiting from protection interventions. In the orphan file, 1,505 orphans in the West Bank and 766 in Gaza benefited from food parcels, diapers, recreational activities, and data updates. Also, 70 interventions were implemented for people with disabilities in the West Bank and one intervention in Gaza, in addition to a meeting in Nablus to discuss the rights of children with "Down syndrome" and enhance the services provided to them. For the elderly, 78 interventions were implemented in the West Bank and two in Gaza, while 189 new and renewed health insurance services were provided. Also, 53 interventions were implemented in the nurseries file, including a workshop in Bethlehem in cooperation with the Civil Defense to enhance emergency preparedness, in addition to 27 interventions in the field of economic empowerment, along with community and supportive interventions for charities in the West Bank and Gaza to enhance social protection for vulnerable groups.⭕ The Ministry of Agriculture continues to implement a package of field and developmental interventions in partnership with local and international institutions, in parallel with efforts with the Civil Defense to enhance field readiness with a joint plan to protect agricultural lands and forests from fires during the summer. The Minister conducted a field tour in Bethlehem and Hebron governorates, which included a direct meeting with farmers affected by occupation attacks and the distribution of olive seedlings as part of the emergency response program. In northern Ramallah, the Ministry distributed 90 bales of straw (450 kg per bale) to affected livestock breeders, in addition to visiting the displaced community in Al-Ma'arajat "Arab Al-Malihat". The Ministry, in partnership with FAO and the European Union, implemented a training program for female livestock breeders that included 4 activities in Tulkarm, Hebron, Halhul, and Jinsafut with the participation of 73 women, in addition to training in Bazzariya with the participation of 15 female farmers. In Jerusalem, grape farms in Beit Anan, Biddu, Beit Ijza, and Beit Duqqu were rehabilitated as part of a project targeting 47 farmers over an area of 130 dunams, while in Salfit, training was conducted on the manufacture of oil ointments and soap with the participation of 15 female farmers, in addition to evaluating 27 olive presses, and similar training in Deir Jarir, Ramallah. The Ministry also supported "Montana" company in Deir Al-Ghusun with a molokhia production line worth 55 thousand shekels in partnership with Agricultural Relief and Oxfam and with support from (DGD), as part of a project to empower women and youth in the agricultural value chain. In Gaza, under the supervision of the Higher Agricultural Emergency Committee, Agricultural Relief implemented a project to rehabilitate and operate agricultural wells and install water lines in Sheikh Ajlin funded by Oxfam for 60 farmers.⭕ The Water Authority announced the completion of solving the sewage problem in the Hamad City area resulting from significant damage to the main water pipeline, funded by the German government and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. The Water Authority also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Arab American University to enhance innovation and scientific research in the water and sanitation sectors, by directing university studies to address national challenges, developing university laboratories to become specialized centers for water testing, in addition to implementing training and qualification programs for technical and research staff. In the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with Doctors Without Borders, 15 desalination plants with a total capacity of 2538 cubic meters per day were installed and operated, to serve displaced persons' camps and a number of health facilities, with continued coordination to establish additional stations in the most needy areas.⭕ The Minister of Interior chaired the meeting of the Supreme Council for Civil Defense to discuss national readiness to face summer challenges and enhance coordination among partner entities, emphasizing the importance of teamwork to protect citizens and their property in exceptional circumstances that include natural hazards and attacks on national assets, which requires a comprehensive vision based on readiness and effective response. In the context of field work, security and civil agencies carried out extensive tasks, including the police arresting 1149 wanted individuals, including 7 dangerous ones, executing 2598 judicial warrants, and 55 anti-drug missions, in addition to following up on 244 criminal incidents. The Civil Defense carried out 339 firefighting missions and 93 rescue missions, issued 512 permits for establishments, inspected and licensed 251 elevators, and carried out 870 public safety tours. The Customs Police initiated 58 cases of tax and customs evasion and market monitoring, and destroyed 19.47 tons of unfit and non-compliant goods.⭕ The Ministry of National Economy carried out 87 inspection tours, resulting in the seizure of half a ton and the destruction of 120 tons of damaged products, and the referral of an offender to the public prosecution for price manipulation, in addition to issuing 25 pledges and legal notices, handling 20 consumer protection complaints, and withdrawing 32 samples for laboratory testing. The steering committee for the "Turathi" center for empowering women and youth discussed the progress of project implementation and its operational and sustainability phases, while the Ministry and the Monetary Authority held a specialized course on e-commerce and electronic payment. The Ministry registered 75 companies and provided 886 services in the field of companies, in addition to registering 43 new traders and providing 44 services in the commercial register, issuing 281 import licenses and 15 foreign trade transaction cards, in addition to issuing 38 certificates of origin and completing 49 commercial transactions with Turkey, registering 13 trademarks, and providing 92 services in the field of intellectual property.⭕ The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates met with representatives of Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, Canada, Spain, and Germany accredited to the State of Palestine to discuss the results and implications of the "Defending Democracy" meeting. The Ministry condemned the interception and hijacking of the "Global Resilience Fleet" ships, considering it a war crime that warrants immediate legal sanctions and a unified international stance. It also condemned the occupation's approval of seizing UNRWA headquarters and Palestinian properties in Jerusalem and converting them into military installations, considering this a serious violation and a colonial escalation that threatens the international legal system and entrenches ethnic cleansing. The Ministry issued a press statement on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Nakba titled: "The Nakba is an ongoing tragedy, and genocide is one of its forms."⭕ The Minister of Jerusalem Affairs discussed with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo the latest developments in the city of Jerusalem and ways to enhance Arab action to confront the escalating and continuous Israeli measures. The Ministry also participated in a specialized workshop on the legal consequences of the (E1) plan and the targeting of Khan al-Ahmar and mechanisms to confront it, affirming its continued efforts to support Palestinian Bedouin communities and document Israeli violations. In this context, the Undersecretary of the Ministry participated in the handover ceremony for the new village council in Jaba' and the new municipal council in Al-Ram, emphasizing the Ministry's priority to support local authorities in Jerusalem Governorate.⭕ The Ministry of Labor launched modern vocational training programs in Aida Camp, Bethlehem, in the fields of renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and technologies, as part of an effort to link training with labor market needs. The Minister of Labor visited the "SOS" Children's Village in Bethlehem to learn about the services provided to children without care and discuss enhancing cooperation in the areas of protection, training, and employment. In support of employment, the Palestinian Employment Fund implemented 378 employment contracts under the "Path to Economic Resilience" project, conducted job interviews in various sectors, in addition to implementing temporary employment projects, solid waste management, and enhancing social cohesion programs, and completing training and initiatives to support graduates in education, health, industry, and entrepreneurship. Inspection teams also carried out 63 visits, benefiting 825 workers, handling 15 complaints, providing 20 legal consultations, and taking action against violating establishments, while occupational safety and health activities targeted 5 establishments and 40 workers, with high compliance with prevention standards and requirements, and achieving accreditation fees of 750 dinars.⭕ The Ministry of Transport and Communications launched the "Your Safety Matters to Us" initiative and the School Bus Safety Guide, and implemented awareness activities in partnership with the KOICA Alumni Association and with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aiming to enhance traffic safety culture and reduce accidents. The Ministry participated in meetings with transport companies and the private sector to develop public transport services and improve systems and procedures, in addition to supporting digital transformation by launching new electronic services in cooperation with the Palestinian Standards Institution, while continuing to implement specialized training programs in traffic safety management and qualifying driving instructors, and conducting field tours to learn about citizens' needs and enhance direct communication with them. The Ministry also handled 28 complaints submitted by citizens, while traffic departments recorded 594 initial vehicle registrations, 15 engineering equipment transactions, 1656 vehicle ownership transfers, 455 operating licenses, 33 transport company transactions, 665 new driver licenses, 26 special numbers, and 928 vehicle plates last week, in addition to 16541 vehicle movements, 10873 driver movements, 1366 practical tests, 1308 theoretical tests, and 1248 renewal or re-operation transactions for outstanding payments, and 1066 driver license renewals for outstanding payments.⭕ The Energy and Natural Resources Authority launched a joint national initiative to support farmers and enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector by providing them with mobile solar energy systems equipped with storage, and connecting agricultural directorates with integrated energy systems, contributing to reducing operating burdens, lowering electricity bills, integrating renewable energy into vital agricultural wells and facilities, and enhancing farmers' resilience and sustainable agricultural development. The Energy Authority also participated in the conclusion of environmental and health awareness programs with Ramallah Municipality for the year 2025–2026, which included activities and lectures on rationalizing energy consumption and renewable energy, enhancing environmental culture among students, and honoring schools and environmental activists, thus promoting concepts of sustainability and social responsibility. Solar energy projects with a capacity of approximately 500 kW peak were implemented in a number of government buildings, producing more than 196 thousand kWh annually and contributing to reducing electricity bills, in addition to preparing to install a 450 kW system at Jericho Government Hospital to enhance energy stability in the health sector, along with reviewing the "Revolving Fund" and "Shamsi" programs to expand solar energy and support the transition towards sustainable energy and energy independence.⭕ The General Authority for Civil Affairs coordinated the maintenance and repair of electricity and water networks in Salfit, Bethlehem, and Hebron governorates, and followed up on the extension of water lines to the villages west of Dura, in addition to coordinating the harvesting of agricultural lands adjacent to settlements. In Hebron Governorate, the Authority followed up on the detention of the director of Amnizal school and two teachers until their release, and also coordinated the entry of telecommunications company crews into the closed area of Hebron city to carry out service work. In Qalqilya Governorate, the Authority, after following up with the Israeli side, succeeded in reopening the Jayyus – Nabi Ilyas gate, which had been closed for a month, in addition to implementing a series of coordinations to support farmers behind the wall, including the entry of equipment, machinery, water lines, sheep, and workers for the maintenance of agricultural lands and greenhouses.⭕ The Minister of Health conducted field tours in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nablus governorates, which included meeting with governors and visiting government hospitals to follow up on the health situation and urgent needs and enhance the continuity of medical services. On the international level, the Minister warned during a seminar in Geneva on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly of the comprehensive collapse of the Palestinian health system due to the targeting of health facilities in the Gaza Strip and the challenges in the West Bank and Jerusalem, calling for urgent and sustainable support, strengthening UNRWA's role, and protecting medical teams. Support for Palestine also topped the resolutions of the Council of Arab Health Ministers in Geneva. The Ministry participated in the Cosmetic Dentistry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence conference, emphasizing the importance of employing modern technologies in diagnosis and treatment, and implemented advanced training for dealing with mass casualties in Hebron, Beit Jala, and Jericho hospitals with support from the World Health Organization, in addition to continuing its daily awareness campaigns to enhance health awareness and prevention among citizens.⭕ The Minister of Local Government, during his participation in the 13th World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan, affirmed Palestine's commitment to implementing the global urban agenda despite the occupation's violations and depriving Palestinians of the right to housing. He also discussed with the Minister of Urban Planning in Azerbaijan enhancing cooperation in urban planning and sustainable development. In the context of developing local services, the project to establish a public services center in the town of Kober in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate was completed at a cost of 44,000 euros, while the Ministry's teams and local government directorates continue to follow up on handover procedures in a number of local authorities in the northern governorates, according to legal procedures after approving the results of local elections, in preparation for completing the process in the remaining local authorities in the coming days.⭕ The Ministry of Women's Affairs completed the first phase of the Culture and Creative Industries project within the societal transformation axis, by implementing training workshops and capacity building targeting 36 government cadres from partner institutions to enhance gender concepts, societal change, and the employment of culture and creative industries in comprehensive development and supporting the Palestinian narrative. The Ministry also held meetings with the Palestinian NGO Network (NDC), Oxfam, and the Environmental Quality Authority to mobilize resources for implementing the cross-sectoral gender strategy and developing gender-sensitive environmental interventions, in addition to preparing economic empowerment interventions in cooperation with Spanish Development Cooperation. The Minister discussed with the Sawasiya program mechanisms to strengthen the women's protection system, develop national legislation and policies, and support the National Observatory for Monitoring Violence Against Women and responding to the needs of women and girls in light of the aggression.⭕ The Minister of Culture, along with the Minister of Tourism and Palestine's representative to UNESCO, visited the towns of Sebastia and Sinjil, emphasizing the importance of internationalizing the issue of Sebastia, preserving the Palestinian narrative, and supporting the residents in confronting settler attacks. The Minister of Culture also participated in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the late Khawla Amayreh, opened an art exhibition for artist Youssef Katlo in Dura, in addition to opening a conference on prisoner literature and launching a book by educational supervisor Mohammed Al-Sharawneh, discussed cultural media cooperation with the Palestinian Network for Media Development, and visited plastic artist Suleiman Mansour to check on his health. The Ministry organized various cultural and awareness activities, including workshops and activities on the Nakba and the Palestinian narrative in Salfit, events during Reading Week in Qalqilya, awareness activities on vocational training in Bethlehem, commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Nakba in Tubas and the Northern Jordan Valley, in addition to sponsoring the Palestinian Cultural Day in Al-Samou, participating in community and educational initiatives in Hebron, and launching the novel "Mined Paradises" as part of the "Culture for All" project.⭕ The Environmental Quality Authority teams carried out 24 inspection tours of industrial establishments, followed up on 5 environmental complaints, including one related to an illegal landfill, and granted 8 approvals for industrial and agricultural projects and one approval for a cellular broadcasting station, and issued 5 permits for importing chemical materials. In the framework of developing environmental work, the head of the Environmental Quality Authority, Eng. Zaghloul Samhan, discussed with general managers and branch offices the latest developments in digital transformation, international environmental cooperation, and enhancing work in the field of biodiversity. A specialized workshop was held within the European twinning program to develop mechanisms for granting environmental approvals, monitoring, and inspecting projects. The Authority also affirmed, in a statement on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, that protecting biodiversity and natural resources in Palestine represents a national priority in the face of systematic targeting of the Palestinian environment.⭕ The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities carried out more than 29 field tours targeting 41 heritage and tourist sites, monitored 10 attacks on cultural heritage sites, in addition to inspecting 40 confiscated archaeological pieces. It also received 163 building permit applications, of which 112 permits were completed, with a completion rate of nearly 90%. In the framework of protecting historical sites, the Minister affirmed during a visit to Sebastia the continuation of efforts to include it on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while the Ministry opened the "Journey in Memory" exhibition in Al-Bireh and carried out activities to restore and protect the Al-Burj Castle site in Hebron. It also organized programs and routes for domestic tourism in various governorates, and Hebron received more than 73 tourist buses from Palestinians from inside during one day, in parallel with intensifying supervisory tours of tourist facilities and archaeological sites.

The academic and cultural circles in Egypt and the Arab world lost the great linguist and thinker Dr. Khaled Fahmy, Professor of Linguistics at Menoufia University and an expert at the Academy of the Arabic Language in Cairo. The deceased is considered a model of the organic intellectual who never separated himself from the issues of his nation, but remained steadfast in the sanctuary of knowledge, defending the Arabic language.

Dr. Fahmy held prominent cultural positions, most notably his work as a cultural advisor to the National Library and Archives, through which he realized the value of manuscripts and documents in preserving collective memory. The deceased left a clear mark in every institution he worked for, transforming routine academic work into a renaissance project for building awareness.

His philosophy was embodied in considering the Arabic language a matter of national security par excellence, and not merely a tool for artistic or literary communication. He believed that cultural and linguistic defeat always precedes military and economic defeats, which led him to dedicate his research to linking linguistic structure with the value and social context of the nation.

Dr. Khaled Fahmy stood as an impenetrable barrier against attempts at cultural Westernization that aimed to marginalize the Arabic language in educational curricula and public life. He repeatedly warned that replacing the Arabic tongue with foreign languages in the early stages of upbringing leads to distorting the awareness of generations and separating them from their historical roots.

He believed that true renaissance cannot be achieved except by localizing knowledge, which made him one of the biggest supporters of the translation and Arabization movement. He stressed that a nation that does not produce its knowledge in its own language remains dependent on others, and loses its ability for independent creativity and civilizational competition.

Fahmy's passing caused a widespread shock in intellectual circles, as social media platforms and cultural magazines were filled with heartfelt eulogies from his colleagues and students. Many described him as a 'scholar of the frontiers' who did not retreat to ivory towers, but remained close to the pulse of the street and the concerns of young researchers.

The deceased was distinguished by an exceptional ability to simplify complex linguistic knowledge and make it accessible to new generations without compromising its depth. The Academy of the Arabic Language and intellectual institutions mourned him as a unique bridge connecting authentic Arab heritage with the requirements of modernity and modern methodologies.

Dr. Khaled Fahmy left a huge scientific legacy exceeding sixty books, addressing issues of investigation, linguistics, and the creation of civilizational awareness. He always emphasized that heritage investigation is not an intellectual luxury, but rather a summoning of the elements of strength and authenticity necessary to establish the renaissance of the present and the future.

On a human level, the deceased was known for his great humility and his profound appreciation for his students, whom he treated as friends and aspiring scholars. He never withheld his time or his personal library from any researcher, believing that the zakat of knowledge lies in giving and spreading it without bureaucratic restrictions.

Dr. Fahmy expressed his scientific and intellectual opinion with all politeness and courage, rising above trivialities and positions that might restrict his freedom. His career was characterized by ethical integrity and steadfastness to principles, which made him an ethical and scientific authority respected by various intellectual currents.

In one of his central statements, the deceased considered the creation of awareness to be the 'greatest jihad' in the modern era to confront attempts at falsification. He believed that a nation that squanders its book, language, and history, is voluntarily handing over the keys to its fortress to its enemies with little resistance.

His students, in their farewell, indicated that he lived a free and honorable life and died with dignity and respect, without selling his knowledge or chivalry for worldly gain. He instilled in an entire generation the spirit of pride and honor in belonging to the Islamic and Arab identity, fighting silently for the issues of his nation.

The absence of this encyclopedic scholar places a grave responsibility on researchers to continue his project of protecting cultural frontiers. The ideas he planted need continuous nurturing to grow and face the challenges of globalization and cultural erosion that threaten Arab societies.

In conclusion, Dr. Khaled Fahmy's project remains alive in his books and his students who learned from him that knowledge is a mission and a continuous struggle. Although his passing is a tremendous loss, the impact he left will remain a beacon guiding generations aspiring to restore civilizational and linguistic sovereignty.

Arabic is not merely a vessel for vocabulary; it is a system of thought, a worldview, and a protective wall that shields the nation from dissolution.

The interruption or reduction of salaries does not only reveal a financial crisis, but also one of the most severe psychosocial crises in the Palestinian context, because it affects a segment that constitutes one of the pillars of stability within Palestinian society: the civil servant.Reduced and delayed salaries have become a chronic condition, not a temporary exception; employees have been receiving varying percentages of their salaries for years. In January 2026, the Ministry of Finance announced the disbursement of only 2000 shekels to each employee, indicating a escalating deterioration. The news of salary disbursement dates has turned into "breaking news" that society follows with daily anxiety, which in itself is a profound symbolic indication of the depth of the crisis.Bandura, in his theory of self-efficacy, believes that for a person to maintain balanced mental health, they need a deep sense that their efforts produce tangible results, and that the energy and time they expend have real value in the world around them. An employee who goes to work daily, then ultimately does not find enough to cover their family's needs, experiences a gradual breakdown of this efficacy.It is not merely a financial hardship; rather, it is a systematic dismantling of the "effort = result" equation that forms the backbone of human motivation. When this experience is repeated month after month and year after year, the employee moves from transient frustration to what is known as "learned professional helplessness," a state in which they stop emotional investment in their work and lose the essential motivation to perform their tasks, because the mind has built a firm conviction that effort will not be fruitful.On the family level, salary interruption constitutes an earthquake that threatens internal balance, as the impact of salary interruption extends beyond the individual to strike the family at its core. Salary is not just income; it is a daily guarantee of parents' sense of their ability to protect, provide for, and support. In Palestinian culture, it is also a symbol associated with social status and a regulating factor for the parental role in the family. Low income is not just an absence of income; it is a systematic dismantling of professional identity and the social role of a person. When a person stands unable to feed their children, a gradual erosion of their sense of competence, ability, and dignity occurs deep within them. What complicates matters further are the figures on informal employment, which is synonymous with fragility and fluctuation that deprives a person of a sense of stability and planning for the future. How can a person dream if they don't know if they will work tomorrow? How can they raise their children with optimism in a future besieged by occupation, fences, checkpoints, doubt, and uncertainty?When the father or mother returns from the ministry, school, or hospital with reduced or no salaries, a series of psychological transformations begin within the family space, where tensions escalate between spouses over the distribution of scarce resources, the margin of tolerance and understanding erodes, and the sense of threat magnifies. Research on economic pressures and their impact on family dynamics has shown that chronic financial stress doubles the rates of marital conflicts, lowers the quality of emotional communication, and weakens effective parental involvement in raising children.As for children, who are the most affected, they read the scene accurately, because they are not passive recipients; they observe anxiety, helplessness, and brokenness in their parents' faces. Studies indicate that children who witness severe financial stress in their families develop higher levels of anxiety, suffer from a decline in academic achievement, and develop a less confident and competent self-image. What increases the risks is that the child does not possess the cognitive tools to process what they see, and because what is formed in early childhood forms the basis for future personality, one of the deepest effects may be what is known as "attachment disorder"; when a parent is psychologically shattered before their child's eyes, the basic attachment system suffers a wound that may leave its marks throughout life. A child who does not find a safe haven, and whose role model collapses before them when they see them helpless, may develop disturbed attachment strategies that reflect on their social relationships, their trust in others, and their ability to build healthy bonds later. The family is the first circle of psychological protection for the individual in any society, and it is the first reservoir of belonging and security. In the current Palestinian context, the family structure is subjected to accumulating pressures that almost negate its primary function of protection.The impact does not stop at the individual and their family, but extends to the societal impact, where civil servants and their families constitute a broad social segment that connects vital sectors of society: the teacher, university professor, doctor, engineer, and security officer. When this segment is afflicted with chronic frustration and its motivation declines, the quality of public services declines with it in a cumulative manner that is difficult to measure in the short term but burdens society in the long term.Salary interruption also leads to the erosion of institutional trust, as a discourse of despair seeps from institutions and spreads throughout the social fabric, feeding what is known as "learned helplessness at the collective level." The feeling that the system cannot, and that individual effort will not make a difference, is one of the most dangerous collective psychological states and the most harmful to paths of recovery and change in societies.The current Palestinian context poses a deep psychological problem: how do we continue to adopt a cohesive identity in a reality that threatens the continuity of existence itself?Erikson refers to "identity diffusion" as a state that arises when a person fails to build consistent links between their past, present, and future. In the Palestinian context, and under an extended colonial reality, the citizen experiences a kind of this diffusion: their past is displaced, their present is restricted, and their future is suspended on checkpoints, promises, and settlements in which they have no will.However, the picture is not without another important dimension, which is Palestinian steadfastness, documented by studies as an exceptional psychosocial phenomenon formed in the face of a long reality of oppression and displacement. Research on collective identity has observed how Palestinians develop "social resilience" as a collective defense system, based on daily interaction and adherence to land and memory, to produce an identity resistant to erasure, removal, and displacement.Steadfastness does not mean the absence of pain; it is the ability to continue despite pain, and it does not mean absolute mental health; many who appear steadfast carry unhealed wounds deep within them. It is important for us to distinguish between positive steadfastness (based on meaning, connection, and belonging) and defensive steadfastness (based on emotional repression and denial). It is also necessary to point to "future alienation," which is formed when a person loses their ability to imagine their future, and when they lose one of the most important psychological pillars, which is hope.Steadfastness in the Palestinian context is the product of an integrated system, reflecting the depth of belonging to the land and place, the strength of family and community ties, faith in justice, religious faith that gives meaning to suffering, and collective memory that connects the present to a long history of challenges, struggle, and survival.The degree of steadfastness is formed based on factors that can be built and strengthened, the most important of which are: the ability to satisfy biological and psychological needs, the existence of a social support network, a sense of individual and collective efficacy, and the possession of narratives capable of absorbing and overcoming suffering. In the Palestinian case, these factors constitute real fuel that prevents complete collapse in the face of pressures described by international reports as "unprecedented."Trauma psychologists believe that recovery is possible, but it requires time, safety, and resources. A person does not recover in the midst of a fire; rather, when the fire is extinguished. What distinguishes the Palestinian wound is that its fires have not yet been extinguished, and what happens under it of steadfastness, cohesion, and continuity is, in itself, a testament to an unbreakable character.Steadfastness does not mean the absence of pain, nor does it mean the absence of the need for healing, but it is a description of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that requires serious and urgent responses, local, regional, and international, to save a people suffering under occupation and siege for decades, but its current siege may be the most dangerous and impactful on the individual, society, and the cause.

Less talk, without gradual ascent or sequence in tasks and responsibilities, Trump ascended to power, even settling on the throne of the great nation, unburdened by any historical legacy or institutional progression, while files, some apparent and others hidden, were closed, and obstacles were removed to pave the way for his ambiguous escalation, driven by a tendency to dismantle the international legal system, and replace laws, charters, and human rights that governed the world for decades with chaos.His actions contradict his words, and his deadlines reflect his hesitation. If he talks about diplomacy, know that stealth aircraft are flying over their targets, and aircraft carriers are plowing the sea, preparing to load their cannons for a new campaign of destruction in the vast Persian plateau.The coming hours are crucial, holding breaths in anticipation of where the fickle man will go in the skies of global crises. If mediators fail to avert the specter of war by reaching a declaration of intent that saves his face, he will be faced with a forced choice to direct limited strikes at selected Iranian sites, without anticipating the repercussions that may get out of control in a region suffering from excessive fluidity.

Field sources reported the arrival of a new Emirati humanitarian aid convoy in the Gaza Strip, consisting of 15 large trucks loaded with over 195 tons of essential food parcels. This step comes as part of Operation 'Gallant Knight 3,' which aims to enhance urgent humanitarian response, and as a continuation of the 'Hamid Air Bridge' initiative dedicated to supporting Palestinian families affected by the current situation.

These relief efforts were carried out in implementation of the directives of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, reflecting the UAE's continuous commitment to supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people. Humanitarian teams are working to ensure a regular flow of supplies through the crossings, as this support embodies the state's established humanitarian approach in providing aid and assistance during major crises and disasters facing the region.

Over the past two months, the campaign has successfully shipped over 600 tons of food and medical aid to the Egyptian city of Al-Arish, in preparation for its entry into the Strip. A specialized team of Emirati volunteers and officials in Al-Arish is responsible for receiving air and land shipments, then sorting and preparing them in advanced logistical centers to ensure they reach their beneficiaries in Gaza in the best possible condition to meet urgent needs.

The 'Hamid Air Bridge' operation witnessed integration between several Emirati charitable organizations, including the Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Charitable Foundation and the International Charity Organization, in addition to the UAE Red Crescent and the Al-Ihsan and Al-Ittihad associations. These institutional efforts have combined to mobilize resources and prepare relief convoys, enhancing the efficiency of comprehensive humanitarian operations that also include medical and developmental initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of the population in the Gaza Strip.

This campaign reaffirms the steadfast position of the United Arab Emirates in supporting the Palestinian people, and embodies its authentic humanitarian approach in aiding those affected.

Security authorities in the Spanish Basque Country announced the arrest of four people at Bilbao Airport, following clashes that erupted on Saturday in the arrivals hall. These confrontations coincided with the arrival of a group of activists participating in the 'Freedom Flotilla' which was heading to break the siege on the Gaza Strip.

Field sources reported that the incident began when a large crowd of supporters and families gathered to welcome six activists returning from Turkey, after a period of detention by Israeli forces. An atmosphere of tension prevailed at the airport immediately upon the arrival of the flight carrying the participants in the humanitarian initiative.

Events dramatically escalated when a relative of one of the returning activists tried to approach them for a hug, but a police officer intervened to prevent them, using physical force. This action led to a hand-to-hand fight and a widespread scuffle between security forces and the greeters, who condemned the security's handling of the situation.

Video clips broadcast through local media documented police officers using batons to strike protesters and violently pinning several of them to the ground. Cries of disapproval rose from passengers and passersby at the airport who were shocked by the scene of the assault on activists and their families in a public place.

For its part, the Basque Country police issued a statement confirming that the four detainees face charges related to serious disobedience, resisting authorities, and assaulting public officials. The police indicated that the Internal Affairs Department has launched an official investigation to ascertain the circumstances of the incident and ensure the officers' adherence to established protocols.

In an angry reaction, the leadership of the 'Freedom Flotilla' issued a statement expressing its strong indignation at what it described as a brutal assault by the 'Ertzaintza' police. The statement considered this behavior to represent the ugly face of systematic violence practiced against human rights activists with implicit support from major international powers.

These developments once again highlight the challenges faced by those in solidarity with the Palestinian cause in Europe, even after their return to their home countries. Human rights advocates demand accountability for those responsible for the unjustified violence used against the activists' families at Bilbao Airport to ensure that such violations are not repeated.

This is the true face of the spread of violence; it is the product of rampant aggression that has been given a green light by global powers.

Last week witnessed a new Israeli escalation at sea, as naval forces intercepted about fifty ships forming an international flotilla to break the siege on the Gaza Strip. The flotilla, carrying 430 activists from forty countries, was raided in international waters before reaching its humanitarian destination laden with aid.

The incident did not stop at military interception but turned into a major political scandal after the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, published a video documenting moments of humiliation of the activists in Ashdod port. The activists appeared in the clip blindfolded and handcuffed in humiliating positions, which sparked a widespread global outcry.

Cameras documented aggressive behavior by security personnel towards foreign female activists, where one of them was pushed for merely shouting for the freedom of Palestine. Meanwhile, Ben Gvir was raising the occupation flag and addressing his soldiers in an arrogant tone, demanding them not to be affected by the cries of the detainees, claiming ownership of the land.

This theatrical behavior put the Israeli government in an embarrassing position before the international community, prompting Benjamin Netanyahu to try to disavow his minister's actions. Netanyahu stated that what happened does not represent the values of the state, in a desperate attempt to contain the diplomatic anger that swept European capitals.

For his part, the Israeli Foreign Minister directed harsh criticism at Ben Gvir, considering that his actions caused deliberate strategic damage to Israel's foreign interests. This damage was evident in the summoning of ten European countries' ambassadors of the occupation to protest the humiliating treatment their citizens, the activists, were subjected to.

In an unprecedented escalation, both Spain and Italy demanded that the European Union impose official sanctions on Ben Gvir for violating international laws. Even traditional allies, such as US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, found no alternative but to condemn these actions, which they described as outside the diplomatic context.

Observers believe that Ben Gvir succeeded in squandering a huge budget allocated by the occupation authorities for propaganda and image improvement, estimated at about 730 million dollars. With a single post on social media platforms, the extremist minister revealed the true face of the occupation that the media machine tries to hide behind slogans of democracy.

Despite the flotilla's failure to physically reach the shores of Gaza, analysts confirm that it achieved a moral and political victory that exceeded expectations. News of the activists topped the front pages of international newspapers, and the issue of the Gaza siege became a rich topic for discussion in international decision-making circles.

This shift in official and popular attitudes in Europe indicates a crack in the wall of silence that had surrounded the occupation's practices for many years. Voices within the entity itself, including former intelligence officers, now acknowledge that the follies of the far-right serve the Palestinian cause more than they serve the goals of the occupation.

Ben Gvir has proven to be the true face of Israeli society, unconcerned with narratives or political calculations, exercising his rudeness without regard for allies.

The death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to ten citizens, including a child, as a result of a series of Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling that targeted various areas over the past twenty-four hours. Field sources reported that the attacks were accompanied by an escalation in the demolition of residential blocks and the expansion of the so-called 'Yellow Line' in the western part of the Strip, where military vehicles continue to raze vast areas of land.

In field details, three Palestinians were martyred in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Strip due to a direct targeting, while six others were killed in a raid that targeted a Palestinian police site. Among the victims of the police targeting was a child who happened to be passing near the location, which also resulted in injuries of varying severity among civilians present in the area.

Ambulance and civil defense crews were also able to recover the body of a martyr from the 'Netzarim' area in the central Gaza Strip, raising the total number of victims in less than one day. Reports from hospitals confirm that the number of victims has seen a significant escalation over the past two months, with the daily average of martyrs being no less than five individuals due to continuous targeting.

Sources indicate that the occupation army is pursuing a policy of 'western creep' by daily seizing new areas within the Strip and annexing them to military operation zones. These operations are carried out through the systematic demolition of residential homes and razing of agricultural lands, leading to a change in the features of border and internal areas and the displacement of more Palestinian families from their homes.

On the humanitarian front, the living crisis is acutely worsening due to the strict restrictions imposed by the occupation authorities on the flow of essential supplies through commercial crossings. Despite previous agreements stipulating the entry of at least 600 trucks daily, the reality indicates the entry of only about 200 trucks, which does not meet the minimum needs of the besieged population.

Regarding the health sector, thousands of injured and sick people still face a real threat to their lives due to the continued closure or restriction of travel through the Rafah land crossing. Medical data reveals that there are more than 20,000 registered cases on waiting lists in urgent need of treatment abroad, amidst the collapse of the local health system and the shortage of essential medicines and medical supplies.

These developments come at a time when Palestinian resistance and popular activities continue to warn against the consequences of this escalation, which is described as a reversal of humanitarian understandings. Sources confirm that targeting police elements and service leaders aims to spread chaos and deepen human suffering, amidst international silence regarding forced displacement operations and the destruction of infrastructure.

The occupation army continues its operations of demolishing homes and razing lands in areas within the Yellow Line, which is gradually creeping westward.

Jerusalem - "Al-Quds" dot com - The Media Department of the National Popular Conference for Jerusalem issued a detailed report on the continuous Israeli violations in the city of Jerusalem and its surroundings, including demolition and settlement operations, incursions into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, Judaization in the Old City, seizure of UNRWA headquarters, Israelization of the Palestinian curriculum, and other unprecedented aggression against the eternal capital of the independent Palestinian state. The report stated that occupied Jerusalem has been witnessing an unprecedented escalation in Israeli policies and measures aimed at imposing a new demographic and geographical reality for years, through intensifying settlement, expanding Judaization operations, and restricting Palestinian residents in various aspects of life. These policies have escalated remarkably during the last two years, to include the Old City, various neighborhoods of Jerusalem, the vicinity of Qalandia and Airport Road, in addition to Bedouin communities in the eastern region of Jerusalem, in parallel with continuous attacks on the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, demolition and forced displacement operations, and violations at military checkpoints, as well as the serious economic deterioration resulting from the siege, closure, and decline in foreign religious tourism. In this context, field data confirm that the Israeli occupation authorities seek to impose final facts on the ground, by accelerating settlement projects and linking major settlements to West Jerusalem, which leads to isolating Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings, and undermining the possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Settlement and Judaization The report indicated that the occupation government continues to implement large-scale settlement plans in occupied Jerusalem, targeting the Old City and its surrounding Palestinian neighborhoods, as well as strategic areas such as Jabal Al-Mukaber, Silwan, Sheikh Jarrah, Issawiya, Umm Tuba, Beit Hanina, Qalandia, and Airport Road. Human rights reports indicate that the occupation authorities have recently approved thousands of new settlement units, as part of a plan aimed at strengthening the Jewish majority in occupied Jerusalem, and linking the settlements surrounding the city within an integrated settlement belt. Work also continues on the "E1" settlement project east of Jerusalem, which threatens to separate the northern West Bank from its south, and effectively eliminates the possibility of geographical contiguity for the future Palestinian state. In the Old City, the seizure of Palestinian properties by settlement associations is escalating, especially in the neighborhoods of Silwan, Batn al-Hawa, and Wadi Hilweh, where Israeli courts are used to displace Palestinian families in favor of settlers. Excavations also continue beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings, as part of attempts to change the historical and religious character of the city. As for the Qalandia area and Airport Road, the report stated that the occupation authorities are working to implement huge settlement projects aimed at establishing thousands of settlement units on the lands of the historic airport, which leads to separating Jerusalem from Ramallah, and closing any possibility of Palestinian urban expansion in the northern part of the city. The report of the National Popular Conference for Jerusalem added: In the Bedouin communities east of Jerusalem, especially the areas of Jahalin, Khan al-Ahmar, and the vicinity of "Ma'ale Adumim," residents face the constant threat of forced displacement. International reports indicate that about 80 Bedouin families are threatened with eviction in favor of settlement expansion, as part of a project aimed at linking the "Ma'ale Adumim" settlement to West Jerusalem. Incursions into the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque During the last year, Al-Aqsa Mosque witnessed a serious escalation in the number of extremist settlers who stormed it, under direct protection from the Israeli occupation forces. According to documented reports, more than 30,000 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque by the end of September 2025, amidst performing public religious rituals within its courtyards, raising provocative slogans, and repeated attempts to impose temporal and spatial division of the blessed mosque. In October alone, more than 10,822 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is one of the highest numbers recorded in recent years. In December 2025, 6,260 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in one month, including 2,805 during the "Hanukkah" holiday, where the mosque's courtyards witnessed public religious rituals and lighting of candles inside Al-Aqsa, in a blatant violation of the existing historical and legal status quo. The report of the National Popular Conference for Jerusalem indicated that these incursions are accompanied by repressive measures against worshipers and those stationed there, including expulsion from Al-Aqsa Mosque, arrests, physical assaults, and preventing thousands of Palestinians from accessing the mosque through military checkpoints. Arrests, Martyrs, and Injuries The occupation authorities continue to carry out daily arrest campaigns in occupied Jerusalem, targeting youth, children, women, and activists, in addition to imposing house arrest and expulsion from Al-Aqsa and the Old City. According to documented data, 434 arrests were recorded in Jerusalem by the end of September 2025, including 85 administrative arrests, in addition to 133 expulsion orders from Al-Aqsa Mosque. In October alone, the occupation forces arrested 87 Jerusalemites, and injured 40 others during daily incursions and confrontations. A number of Jerusalemite martyrs also fell during field killings and direct shooting, amidst an escalating policy of field executions against Palestinians, especially at military checkpoints and friction areas. Military Checkpoints and Abuse of Citizens Jerusalemites suffer daily from the policy of closure and restriction through military checkpoints spread around Jerusalem and its entrances, especially the Qalandia, Za'ayyem, Hizma, and Container checkpoints. The occupation forces deliberately obstruct the movement of citizens, and humiliate workers, students, and patients, through humiliating searches and detention for long hours, and sudden closure of checkpoints, which disrupts economic, social, and educational life. Physical and verbal assaults on citizens are also repeated, in light of tightening restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into Jerusalem, and preventing thousands of citizens from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during Ramadan and holidays. Demolition Policy and Self-Demolition The occupation authorities continue to use the policy of demolishing homes and facilities as a tool of pressure and forced displacement against Palestinians in Jerusalem. In recent months, demolition operations have escalated significantly, as reports documented dozens of demolition operations in various neighborhoods of Jerusalem, including forced self-demolition operations that forced Palestinian families to demolish their homes with their own hands to avoid exorbitant fines. In August 2025, 30 demolition operations were recorded, including 15 cases of forced self-demolition. December 2025 also recorded the demolition of 46 facilities in Jerusalem Governorate, including 6 self-demolition operations. According to monitoring reports, the number of property demolition operations reached about 116 by the end of September 2025, in addition to dozens of eviction orders and land seizures. This policy aims to force Palestinians to forcibly leave the city, as part of a plan to reduce the Palestinian presence and strengthen settlement expansion. Education in Jerusalem The education sector in Jerusalem faces serious challenges as a result of Israeli policies aimed at obliterating the Palestinian national identity and imposing the Israeli curriculum on Jerusalemite schools. The occupation authorities continue to restrict Palestinian schools by reducing budgets, preventing licenses, and imposing distorted curricula, in addition to storming schools and arresting students. Schools also suffer from a severe shortage of classrooms and infrastructure, in light of severe overcrowding and high dropout rates. In Christian schools, Jerusalemite educational institutions warned of a worsening crisis due to preventing the issuance of permits for teachers coming from the West Bank, which threatens the continuity of the educational process in a number of historical schools in the city. Economic Conditions and Decline in Tourism Occupied Jerusalem is witnessing a suffocating economic crisis as a result of the siege, closure, and strict Israeli restrictions, in addition to an unprecedented decline in commercial and tourist movement. The report indicated that Jerusalemite markets, especially in the Old City, were affected by the decline in the number of visitors and Christian and Muslim pilgrims coming from abroad, in light of the ongoing war and strict security measures. It added that the cessation of foreign religious tourism caused huge losses for merchants, hotel and restaurant owners, and artisans, as large sectors of the Jerusalemite economy depend on religious and tourist seasons. Jerusalemite workers also suffer from increasing difficulties in reaching their workplaces due to checkpoints and closures, in addition to rising unemployment and poverty rates, and a decline in the purchasing power of residents. Jerusalemite economists confirm that the occupation uses economic tools as a means of pressure to weaken the steadfastness of Jerusalemites and push them to emigrate outside the city. A Reading of the General Scene The report considered that all these policies reveal a comprehensive Israeli strategy aimed at changing the Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity of Jerusalem, and imposing new demographic and political realities through settlement, displacement, and repression. It added: Settlement is expanding at an accelerated pace, Al-Aqsa is subjected to unprecedented incursions, and the Jerusalemite economy is gradually collapsing, while Palestinians face daily arrests, demolitions, and restrictions at checkpoints. In contrast, Jerusalemites continue to adhere to their land and national identity, despite the harsh conditions and continuous violations. Targeting UNRWA and Palestinian Institutions in Jerusalem As part of a systematic policy aimed at undermining the official and national Palestinian presence in occupied Jerusalem, the Israeli occupation authorities have recently escalated their measures against the institutions of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in addition to continuing to close national and historical Palestinian institutions in the city. The occupation's decision to ban UNRWA's work in East Jerusalem came into effect at the beginning of 2025, after forcing the agency to evacuate its headquarters and facilities, and ending the work of its international staff within the city. The occupation authorities also closed a number of the agency's schools in Shuafat refugee camp and other areas of Jerusalem, in a move that threatens the right of thousands of Palestinian students to education and basic services. Data indicate that the occupation seeks to end UNRWA's historical, political, and humanitarian role in Jerusalem, as an international witness to the Palestinian refugee issue, and an attempt to erase the refugee issue and the right of return from any future settlement. The Israeli government has also begun allocating alternative budgets and programs to control the education, health, and service sectors that the agency used to provide in occupied East Jerusalem. In a related context, the policy of closing official and national Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem has continued for years, as the occupation authorities continue to extend closure decisions against prominent institutions such as "Orient House," the "Chamber of Commerce," the "Supreme Council for Tourism," the "Prisoner's Club," the "Palestinian Center for Studies," the Office of Social and Statistical Studies, and other institutions that have for decades been a symbol of the Palestinian national presence in the city. "Orient House" is considered one of the most prominent Palestinian institutions targeted by the occupation, due to its political and historical role as a Palestinian national headquarters in Jerusalem, while the closure of other institutions has weakened Palestinian social, cultural, human rights, and economic work within the occupied city. Observers believe that the occupation aims through these policies to empty Jerusalem of any Palestinian national authority, and impose full control over its political, cultural, and social life, in parallel with Judaization and settlement projects and restrictions on Palestinian residents. Major General Bilal Al-Natsha: An open war targeting humans, land, holy sites, and national identity In his comment on these violations, the Secretary-General of the National Popular Conference for Jerusalem, Bilal Al-Natsha, affirmed that what is happening in Jerusalem represents "an open war targeting humans, land, holy sites, and Palestinian national identity," stressing that the occupation seeks to impose a fait accompli by force through settlement, displacement, and economic restrictions. Al-Natsha added that "Jerusalem is facing the most dangerous stages of Judaization since its occupation in 1967, in light of the escalation of incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, the acceleration of settlement projects, and demolition and displacement operations affecting Palestinian neighborhoods and Bedouin communities." He pointed out that the continued international silence encourages the occupation to continue its violations, calling for urgent Arab, Islamic, and international action to protect Jerusalem and its holy sites, and support the steadfastness of its people economically, politically, and legally. Al-Natsha affirmed that the Palestinian people will continue to defend Jerusalem no matter the sacrifices, and that the city will remain the symbol of Palestinian national identity and the capital of the independent Palestinian state.

Abdullah Al-Zaghari: What the flotilla activists were subjected to is a limited part of the violations that Palestinian prisoners are subjected to daily inside Israeli prisons. Hilmi Al-Araj: This behavior expresses unprecedented public sadism that challenges humanity and public opinion and amounts to a war crime that calls for international prosecution and accountability. Dr. Hussein Al-Deek: The way the solidarity activists were dealt with and what accompanied it constitutes a blow to Israel's image and reveals an exclusionary tendency that does not distinguish between Palestinians and foreigners. Yasser Manna: These practices summarize the nature of what Israel is going through in the aftermath of its war on Gaza, revealing the image of a state that relies on the logic of force and violence. Nizar Nazzal: The media and psychological dimensions are present in the scene, as Israel realizes the importance of its image among global public opinion to market "strength and decisiveness." Dr. Tamara Haddad: What happened with the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists reveals Israel's endeavor to establish a new equation based on "psychological and media deterrence" for solidarity activists. Ramallah - Exclusive to "Al-Quds" - The repercussions of the abuse of the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists, who were in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, continue, after their ships were intercepted days ago in international waters and they were detained by Israeli occupation forces, in a scene documented in the presence of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, which brought renewed attention to the nature of Israeli policy towards international solidarity activists with the Gaza Strip, and to the underlying motives behind this behavior, which observers link to an attempt to impose a new deterrence equation that goes beyond the security dimension to the media and political dimensions. Officials, human rights activists, specialists, writers, political analysts, and university professors explain in separate interviews with "Al-Quds" that this Israeli behavior is based on multi-directional messages, most notably deterring any future attempts to break the siege imposed on Gaza, strengthening the internal Israeli discourse based on showing strength and rigidity, in addition to employing scenes of humiliation as a tool to influence public opinion, in the context of a escalating conflict over image and narrative before the international community. According to officials, human rights activists, specialists, writers, analysts, and university professors, these scenes, published by Ben Gvir on his "X" account, contributed to expanding the wave of official and popular criticism of Israel, and prompted a number of countries to take protest stances, including summoning ambassadors, in addition to increasing pressure within human rights and academic circles. They confirm that the continuation of these policies may lead to counterproductive results, represented by strengthening solidarity campaigns with Palestinians, expanding the scope of boycott and political pressure, as well as opening the door to potential legal avenues at the international level, which deepens Israel's isolation and increases the cost of its political and security practices. Challenging Human, Ethical, and Legal Values The head of the Prisoners' Club, Abdullah Al-Zaghari, explains that what the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists were subjected to, including arrest and control of their ships in international waters, and then their abuse in the presence and participation of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, reflects the nature of the policies pursued by the Israeli occupation system towards anyone who supports the Palestinian cause or seeks to break the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, considering that what happened represents a continuation of the occupation's challenge to all human, ethical, and legal values. Al-Zaghari believes that targeting international solidarity activists cannot be read as individual behavior or an isolated transgression, but rather comes within the framework of a political approach adopted by an extremist right-wing government that seeks to break the will of anyone who raises their voice in solidarity with Palestinians or demands an end to the war on Gaza. Al-Zaghari considers that Ben Gvir's presence and direct supervision of scenes of humiliation and abuse of solidarity activists carry clear political implications, and reflect the level of degradation that the Israeli system has reached in its dealings with voices supporting Palestinian rights. A Limited Part of What Palestinian Prisoners Are Subjected To Al-Zaghari confirms that what the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists were subjected to represents only a limited part of the violations that Palestinian prisoners are subjected to daily inside Israeli prisons, pointing out that detainees live tragic conditions, including physical assaults, severe beatings, electric shocks, starvation policies, and deprivation of treatment, in addition to solitary confinement, sexual violence, and continuous violations against prisoners. Al-Zaghari points out that these policies have resulted in the martyrdom of more than 100 Palestinian detainees over more than two and a half years, considering that the absence of effective international measures has encouraged the occupation to continue its policies against detainees, and given it wider scope to challenge international laws and the global human rights system without real accountability. Issuing Statements Is No Longer Enough Al-Zaghari believes that the wave of protests against Ben Gvir's actions expresses an important moral stance and a growing rejection of Israeli practices, but it does not rise to the level of the required political action. Al-Zaghari stresses that merely summoning Israeli ambassadors or issuing condemnation statements is no longer enough, calling on countries that believe in international law, justice, and human rights to take practical steps on the ground, including withdrawing ambassadors, halting trade and military relations, and imposing various forms of boycott and political pressure. Al-Zaghari confirms that continuing to rely on verbal rejection will keep international positions "ink on paper," and will give the occupation more ability to continue its policies towards Palestinians and those in solidarity with them, as well as prisoners who face some of the harshest forms of suffering inside Israeli detention centers, amid international silence that is still below the required level of responsibility. Violation of International Law and the Law of the Sea Hilmi Al-Araj, Director General of the Freedoms and Civil Rights Defense Center "Hurriyat," considers that what the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists, in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, were subjected to, including detention and abuse by Israeli occupation forces, and in the presence of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, constitutes a complex violation of international law, starting from a "piracy operation" in international waters, leading to arbitrary detention and cruel and degrading treatment that the solidarity activists were subjected to after their ships were seized. Al-Araj explains that intercepting ships in international waters and kidnapping activists who were on a solidarity mission to break the siege on the Gaza Strip represents, from a legal point of view, a blatant violation of international law and the law of the sea, pointing out that the Israeli occupation forces did not only detain them, but also subjected them to humiliating treatment characterized by cruelty and degradation, by painfully tying them up and publishing group photos of them handcuffed, their hands behind their backs and their heads bowed, in scenes that carry clear indications of intentional psychological and physical harm. Systematic Torture as a War Crime That Does Not Prescribe Al-Araj points out that this behavior, according to his legal interpretation, amounts to systematic torture classified as a war crime that does not prescribe, explaining that those who were subjected to these violations have the legal right to prosecute those responsible for them before international justice. Al-Araj stresses that this behavior expresses unprecedented public sadism that challenges humanity and public opinion, and elevates the act of torture to a war crime that calls for prosecution and accountability before international justice. Arrogance and Sadism within the Occupation System Al-Araj considers that what happened reflects "arrogance and sadism" within the occupation system, and a disregard for international humanitarian law, human rights, or even the positions of the countries whose nationalities the activists hold, especially European countries. Al-Araj points out that documenting scenes of abuse and publishing them publicly, including Ben Gvir appearing holding the Israeli flag during the "humiliation party" that took place to the tune of the official Israeli anthem, and then publishing video clips via the "X" platform accompanied by the phrase "Welcome to Israel," reflects a mentality based on challenging the international community and global public opinion, and sending a direct message to all those in solidarity with Palestinians that any attempt to break the siege will be met with humiliation and repression. Shedding Light on What Is Happening to Palestinian Prisoners Al-Araj believes that what foreign activists were subjected to sheds light on the extent of violations that Palestinian prisoners are subjected to daily inside Israeli prisons, asking: If this is the fate of solidarity activists who hold the nationalities of major countries capable of influencing, then what does the suffering of Palestinian prisoners inside detention centers look like? In his comment on international reactions, Al-Araj describes the condemnation statements and the summoning of Israeli ambassadors by some countries, as happened in a number of Western countries, as an important but insufficient step, warning that the absence of deterrent measures will encourage Israel to repeat these practices. Al-Araj calls for more decisive stances that include real pressure measures to ensure the protection of foreign citizens and human rights, and put an end to sadistic behavior and continuous encroachment on human dignity and international law. Accumulated Strategic Loss for Israel Dr. Hussein Al-Deek, Professor of Political Science and specialist in American affairs and international relations, explains that what happened to the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists constitutes, in its essence, an accumulated strategic loss for Israel at the near, medium, and long levels, pointing out that the scenes published through social media, especially those in which Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir appeared, reflect a fascist mind and sadistic behavior in dealing with unarmed civilian solidarity activists. Al-Deek points out that the way the activists were dealt with, and the accompanying publication and documentation of scenes of humiliation, do not limit their repercussions to the humanitarian or human rights dimension, but extend to constitute a blow to Israel's international image, and reveal an exclusionary tendency that does not distinguish between Palestinians and foreign solidarity activists, even if they are from allied Western countries. Triggering Angry International Reactions Al-Deek points out that the widespread global spread of these videos triggered popular and official reactions, represented by the summoning of Israeli ambassadors in a number of European countries, including Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, in addition to protest stances that also emerged in European political circles. Al-Deek believes that these developments reflect a diplomatic explosion in Israel's foreign relations, especially with Western Europe and Canada, which historically formed essential pillars of its political and diplomatic support since 1948. Al-Deek considers that what is happening today represents a gradual shift in the European political mood, placing Israel before a new stage of redefining its position in the international system, after it had presented itself as a "liberal democratic oasis" in the Middle East. Al-Deek explains that these practices reinforce the image of a state that practices violence and racial discrimination against unarmed civilian activists, some of whom hold European nationalities, which means that the attacks extend to their countries as well. Al-Deek believes that the attempts of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israeli political leaders to contain the repercussions of the crisis will not achieve tangible results, in light of the escalating international anger and the widening scope of criticism. The Crisis of Division within Israeli Society Al-Deek points out that what is happening reflects the depth of division within Israeli society about the nature and identity of the state, between a nationalist religious right-wing current that seeks to transform Israel into a theocratic state based on discrimination and separation, led by Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, and other currents that still adhere to the secular liberal model established by David Ben-Gurion. Al-Deek confirms that recent developments may push towards more escalating international positions than mere condemnation or summoning ambassadors, to include broader legal possibilities, such as international arrest warrants, and filing cases before the International Criminal Court and the European Court of Human Rights, based on the European nationalities of the affected parties, which may open the door to an unprecedented stage of international pressure on Israel, far exceeding the limits of traditional symbolic measures. Repression as a Public and Intentional Political Message Writer and researcher specializing in Israeli affairs, Yasser Manna, confirms that the scenes of abuse that the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists were subjected to in the presence of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reflect a rapid transformation within the Israeli establishment, represented by the transition from using repression as a security measure to employing it as a public and intentional political message, targeting both the Israeli interior and abroad. Manna explains that Ben Gvir's presence during the abuse operations was not a protocol detail or a fleeting measure, but rather carried clear political implications, as it gave the scene a "showy and vengeful" character aimed at addressing extremist right-wing circles within Israel, by conveying a message that any attempt to show solidarity with the Gaza Strip or break the siege will be met with humiliation and punishment, and not merely detention or traditional security measures. Israel's Reliance on the Logic of Force and Violence Manna points out that these practices summarize, in an intensive way, the nature of the stage Israel is going through in the aftermath of the war on Gaza, which has become more clearly revealing the image of a state that relies on the logic of force and violence in dealing with civilians and solidarity activists, and seeks to prosecute anyone who tries to expose violations or challenge the siege imposed on the Strip. Manna believes that the escalating global wave of protests against Israel expresses the widening gap between the official Israeli narrative and what the world sees directly through images and scenes coming from Gaza, stressing that dealing with the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists was not the only cause of global anger, but rather added a new link to an accumulated scene of killing, starvation, siege, and destruction. Manna points out that this is reflected in the erosion of Israel's moral and political image, the escalation of pressure on Western governments, and the expansion of boycott campaigns and protests within universities, unions, and the international community. Consolidating Internal and External Israeli Messages Nizar Nazzal, a researcher specializing in Israeli affairs and conflict issues, believes that the scenes of abuse that the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists were subjected to by Israeli occupation forces, in the presence of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, reflect multiple political and media dimensions, going beyond direct security dealings with civilian solidarity activists, to reveal internal and external messages that the current Israeli government seeks to consolidate, but which have clashed with counterproductive repercussions that may deepen Israel's isolation and increase international pressure on it. Nazzal points out that reading the scene begins with the internal Israeli dimension, where Ben Gvir seeks to establish his image before his extremist right-wing audience as the person most capable of imposing what he wants and showing firmness inside and outside Israeli prisons, in light of the ongoing competition within the right-wing camp. Ben Gvir Tries to Strengthen His Image on the Right Nazzal believes that Itamar Ben Gvir's public appearance and his support for such scenes are inseparable from attempts to strengthen his position as one of the symbols of the far-right, especially with the shifts that have occurred in the nature of Israeli discourse and policies towards Palestinians and prisoners. An Israeli Deterrent Message Not to Allow the Breaking of the Siege on Gaza At the Palestinian, Arab, and international levels, Nazzal points out that the violent treatment of activists who have a solidarity and humanitarian character aims to send a clear deterrent message that Israel will not allow any attempt to break the siege or challenge its policies, even if it is within a symbolic or media framework. Nazzal believes that these policies may have counterproductive results, as the activists, due to the scenes of abuse, have become a humanitarian and media issue that attracts increasing international sympathy, thus exacerbating criticism directed at Israel. The Image of "Strength and Decisiveness" Nazzal confirms that the media and psychological dimensions are strongly present in the scene, as Israel realizes the importance of its image in the battle for global public opinion, which explains Ben Gvir's presence in such contexts with the aim of marketing an image of "strength and decisiveness." However, the harsh scenes, according to Nazzal, especially those that include insults or violence, place Israel in the face of increasing accusations of violating human rights and democratic values, which accelerates the erosion of its image, especially among Western youth, union, and academic sectors. Nazzal points out that these developments may lead to the expansion of boycott campaigns and the escalation of European and Western popular pressure, as well as strengthening the global movement in support of Palestinians, and opening the door to more legal claims in international forums, including before the International Criminal Court. Despite this, Nazzal believes that the Israeli government is betting that waves of popular protest in countries around the world, despite their expansion, will not quickly turn into actual political sanctions from major powers, which drives it to continue its hardline approach. Clear Political Dimensions Political writer and researcher Dr. Tamara Haddad believes that the scenes of abuse that the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists were subjected to by Israeli occupation forces, and in the presence of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, not only caused a wave of international anger due to the nature of the violence used against civilian solidarity activists, but also revealed political and security messages that the current Israeli government seeks to convey in the context of its dealings with any international movement in solidarity with Palestinians or seeking to break the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. According to Haddad, Ben Gvir's presence in the scene of abuse was not a protocol measure or a fleeting presence, but rather carried clear political dimensions, as he sought to show rigidity and strengthen his image before his extremist right-wing base, especially in light of internal political calculations and preparations related to the upcoming electoral competition within Israel. Haddad confirms that this step came within Ben Gvir's attempts to consolidate his influence within the Israeli political scene, by openly boasting about policies of strength and rigidity, alongside other right-wing figures such as Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Equation of Psychological and Media Deterrence for Solidarity Activists Haddad explains that what happened with the "Fleet of Steadfastness" activists reveals an Israeli endeavor to establish a new equation based on "psychological and media deterrence" for solidarity activists, aimed at sending a direct message to international solidarity movements that any attempt to reach Gaza or break the siege will come at a high cost, whether through detention, abuse, or media defamation. The Stage of Boasting about Violations Haddad considers that this shift reflects the transition of official Israeli discourse from the stage of justifying violations to the stage of openly boasting about them. Haddad points out that these practices, in turn, express increasing Israeli concern about the growing global popular solidarity with Palestinians, especially in light of the escalation of boycott campaigns, protests in Western universities, and growing criticism of the Israeli government within European and American societies. Haddad points out that international reactions, whether through demonstrations or condemnations issued by human rights and political institutions, reflected a remarkable shift in the international mood, as the Israeli narrative no longer enjoys the same acceptance it previously enjoyed in a number of Western capitals. Israel Faces Increasing Moral and Political Pressure Haddad believes that these developments place Israel before increasing moral and political pressure, especially with the escalation of criticism of figures such as Ben Gvir, who have begun to be presented in international media as a symbol of extremism and racism within the Israeli government, which may negatively affect Israel's political and economic relations with some Western countries, and open the door to demands for reviewing cooperation with it or imposing sanctions on it. Haddad believes that the "Fleet of Steadfastness" incident went beyond being a limited field confrontation, and turned into a battle over Israel's image in the world, suggesting that these scenes may lead to counterproductive results for the Israeli government, by expanding the circle of sympathy with Palestinians, and giving solidarity movements greater momentum, especially among youth, universities, and human rights organizations, which may lead to the repetition of similar experiences to break the siege in the future, even from countries that were traditionally classified as friendly to Israel.

From the heart of suffering and destruction left by the war in the Gaza Strip, an inspiring success story emerged for sisters Tala and Farah Moussa, who managed to turn the rubble of their bombed home into an opportunity for creativity. Their team, named 'Building Hope', succeeded in winning first place in the 2026 Earth Prize at the Middle East level, a prestigious international competition concerned with sustainability and entrepreneurship for school students and youth.

This achievement is a historical precedent, as the team of the displaced sisters in Nuseirat camp became the first Palestinian team to reach this global level in the competition's history. This victory came after fierce competition with more than 6,000 teams from various countries around the world, reflecting the ability of the Palestinian mind to innovate even in the harshest living conditions and under the weight of the siege and continuous aggression.

The project idea relies on innovating a decentralized and simple system for recycling household waste and educational facilities destroyed by the occupation. Tala Moussa explained in statements to press sources that the primary goal is to benefit from the accumulated rubble in the reconstruction process of the Strip, especially in light of the severe shortage of basic construction materials and the prevention of their entry through closed crossings.

Regarding the technical mechanism of the innovation, Tala explains that the process begins with collecting rubble from destroyed sites, then finely grinding it, after which available local environmental components such as clay, glass, and straw are added. This innovative mixture is poured into special molds and left to dry for a full week, resulting in a building block ready for use in embankments and non-load-bearing walls.

For their part, the sisters emphasized that the motive behind this project was the enormous scale of destruction that affected about 90% of Gaza's facilities, leaving approximately 60 million tons of rubble according to UN estimates. Farah Moussa pointed out that this innovation represents a practical response to the occupation's policies that hinder the entry of cement and building materials, making the rubble itself a raw material for rebuilding.

The sisters expressed their pride in this global recognition, describing the moment the results were announced as a historic moment that will not be erased from their memory. They affirmed that their ambition will not stop at the prize, but they seek to transfer this experience to the rest of the youth in the Gaza Strip by organizing training workshops aimed at generalizing the idea and enabling citizens to self-repair their homes temporarily.

This innovation comes at a time when the Gaza Strip is suffering from successive humanitarian and environmental crises due to the ongoing war that has left tens of thousands of martyrs and wounded. The 'Building Hope' project represents a glimmer of hope for thousands of displaced families, as it offers sustainable environmental solutions that contribute to alleviating the housing crisis and recycling solid waste resulting from the systematic Israeli shelling of residential areas.

Our project has found a temporary alternative solution for reconstruction in light of the occupation's closure of crossings and its prevention of the entry of necessary building materials.

The diplomatic arena is witnessing accelerated Qatari moves aimed at strengthening the mediation efforts led by Pakistan between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. These efforts come within the framework of broad international coordination seeking to contain escalating tensions in the region and ensure they do not slide into a comprehensive confrontation that threatens international peace and security.

In this context, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, engaged in extensive telephone consultations that included US President Donald Trump and a group of Arab and regional leaders, among them the King of Bahrain, the King of Jordan, the President of the UAE, the Saudi Crown Prince, the Egyptian and Turkish Presidents, in addition to the Pakistani Army Chief.

The telephone discussions focused on reviewing current developments in thorny regional issues, where leaders exchanged views on mechanisms for de-escalation and preventing the expansion of conflicts. Participants expressed their appreciation for the continuous coordination with the American side, while also commending the pivotal role played by Pakistan in bringing together the viewpoints of Washington and Tehran.

During the call, the Emir of Qatar stressed the necessity of intensifying joint diplomatic work among active countries to confront security and political challenges. He affirmed that dialogue and negotiation remain the only path capable of sparing the region the repercussions of military escalation and its dangerous effects on the stability and resources of peoples.

In a related context, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a call with his Kuwaiti counterpart to discuss ways to support the ongoing mediation. The meeting addressed strengthening bilateral cooperation and coordinating Gulf positions aimed at finding common ground for a sustainable peace agreement that ends the state of permanent tension.

For his part, Dr. Khalid Al-Jaber, Director General of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, provided an analytical reading of the anticipated agreement, describing it as a 'temporary freeze' rather than a final settlement. He explained that the trust gap between the American and Iranian sides remains deep, especially concerning the nuclear program and roles of influence in the Middle East.

Al-Jaber indicated in his statements that what is currently happening is a process of reordering political priorities for each party; Washington seeks to avoid an uncalculated regional explosion, while Tehran is looking for a breather to alleviate suffocating economic pressures. The analyst believes that this de-escalation carries within it the seeds of future crises that may erupt when political circumstances change.

Analysis pointed out that the current truce might be linked to a specific timeline, such as the end of major international events like the World Cup, making it a 'situational truce'. He considered that American policy historically relies on the principle of managing escalation according to temporary interests, without reaching radical solutions that completely end the conflict with the Iranian regime.

Al-Jaber warned that American pressure tools, whether economic sanctions or political moves, might strongly return to the forefront once the current phase ends. In contrast, he believes that Iran will not easily give up the regional power cards it possesses, meaning that the possibilities of direct or indirect friction remain in the near future.

The political analyst praised the role played by Gulf countries, specifically Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in keeping communication channels open and preventing the collapse of the negotiation process. He affirmed that Gulf capitals fully realize that any military clash between Washington and Tehran would cost the region dearly on economic and security levels.

Despite the success in postponing the explosion, there is a Gulf understanding that the current agreement may not provide sufficient guarantees to prevent the return of tension. Therefore, Gulf countries are working to invest the current period of calm to strengthen their internal fronts and boost investment and economic sectors, while keeping all possibilities open to deal with any sudden escalation.

Al-Jaber described the next phase as a period of 'cautious calm' rather than permanent stability, as the region remains in anticipation of what the upcoming rounds will yield. The historical relationship between Washington and Tehran is characterized by recurring cycles that begin with de-escalation and end with a return to confrontation, leaving the region in a state of continuous waiting.

Sources reported that the recent Qatari moves come as a continuation of Doha's traditional role as a center for international mediation and resolving complex disputes. Through these efforts, Qatar seeks to create a balance that preserves the interests of all parties and prevents the region from sliding into security chaos that may not be controllable under current international circumstances.

In conclusion, the bet remains on the extent of the commitment of the concerned parties to the terms of the initial understandings and the ability of mediators to transform the 'temporary freeze' into a long-term political path. Nevertheless, the structural challenges in the American-Iranian relationship remain the biggest obstacle to achieving true and comprehensive peace that ends decades of mutual hostility.

The current agreement does not reflect a real end to the conflict as much as it reflects a temporary freeze of it, as the fundamental differences between Washington and Tehran still exist.

Just a few days before the blessed Eid al-Adha, an unprecedented state of stagnation hangs over the sheep market in Hebron, south of the West Bank. Commercial activity has significantly declined in one of the most important livestock markets, where traders spend long hours waiting for a few customers, a scene that reflects the depth of the economic crisis hitting the Palestinian territories.

Inside the market, hundreds of sheep stand in pens without buyers, while traders struggle to complete limited deals amidst complaints of insane price hikes. Observers believe that this season is one of the most difficult the sector has faced in many years, due to the intertwining political, field, and economic factors.

Traders' testimonies indicate that prices have doubled significantly, with the price of a kilogram of lamb jumping from five dinars in past years to more than ten and a half dinars currently. This increase has made the cost of a single sacrificial animal reach about 700 Jordanian dinars, an amount that exceeds the financial capacity of the majority of Palestinian families.

The financial crisis plaguing the Palestinian Authority has cast a heavy shadow over the market, especially with the irregular payment of government employees' salaries and accumulating debts. Sources reported that the decline in purchasing power has made citizens prioritize basic living necessities over the ritual of sacrifice, which has become very expensive under the current circumstances.

In addition to the financial crisis, settler attacks stand out as a major factor in destroying the livestock sector, especially in the Bedouin areas and Masafer Yatta. Sheep herders are subjected to almost daily attacks, including livestock theft and physical assault, leading to a severe shortage in supply and increased production and breeding costs.

In an incident that occurred on Thursday dawn, groups of settlers stole a flock of about 50 sheep after infiltrating a Palestinian residence in Masafer Yatta. These systematic thefts aim to pressure Palestinian herders and force them to leave their lands, which directly impacts the stability of meat prices in local markets.

Trader Mohammed Ahmed Al-Labib, who has been in this profession for five decades, described the current situation as "almost halted," noting a decline in his sales from 50 sheep in previous seasons to only 5 this year. Al-Labib sadly wondered how people could afford to buy sacrificial animals when they are struggling to secure daily sustenance amidst a lack of job opportunities.

Official data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicates an alarming rise in unemployment rates in the West Bank, reaching 28%. This economic deterioration resulted from the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and the tightening of Israeli military restrictions, which led to thousands of workers losing their jobs inside the Green Line and in local sectors.

Livestock breeders in Area C face double challenges, as they are prevented from accessing natural pastures under threat of arms from settlers and occupation forces. This field siege forces breeders to buy fodder at high prices, which raises the final cost for the Palestinian consumer who is already suffering from financial hardship.

In a related context, the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission documented more than 1600 attacks carried out by settlers in April alone, including property damage and livestock theft. These attacks are often carried out under the protection of the occupation army and directly target the backbone of the pastoral economy in rural Hebron and the West Bank.

Trader Riyad Al-Jabarin, who lives in Masafer Yatta, confirmed that purchasing demand does not exceed 20% compared to previous years, attributing this to the lack of cash liquidity among citizens. He explained that an employee who receives a small portion of his salary cannot allocate a large sum to buy a sacrificial animal given other living commitments.

The Palestinian Authority has been suffering from a suffocating financial crisis since 2019, which has sharply worsened this year due to Israel's withholding of clearance funds. Unpaid dues and the financial deficit reached about $4.26 billion, rendering the government unable to meet its obligations to employees, suppliers, and vital sectors.

Farmers complain about the lack of sufficient governmental and institutional support to cope with their losses resulting from settler attacks, as the breeder finds himself alone in facing systematic theft and killing of his livestock. This lack of support reinforces the state of frustration and pushes some to abandon the profession of livestock breeding they inherited from their fathers.

In conclusion, it seems that this year's Eid al-Adha will lack many of its usual manifestations in Hebron, as economic and security concerns overshadow the festive atmosphere. The Palestinian trader and citizen remain in a constant struggle between preserving religious rituals and a bitter living reality imposed by occupation policies and settler attacks.

People have no money, and some cannot find food and drink, so how will they buy sacrificial animals under these harsh conditions?

Groups of settlers, today, attacked the lands of Palestinian citizens in the Beit Einun area, located north of the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, in a new escalatory step targeting the properties of residents in the area.

Local sources and eyewitnesses reported that the assault took place under security cover directly provided by the occupation forces to the settlers, as they secured their presence in the area and facilitated acts of sabotage and violations that affected agricultural lands and private properties.

In the same context, the occupation forces imposed a security cordon, preventing landowners and citizens from approaching the area or attempting to repel settler attacks, which prevented them from being able to defend their properties that are under constant threat of seizure and destruction.

Occupation forces provided support to the settlers to carry out their violations against lands and properties, and prevented citizens from accessing them.

The Palestinian Prisoner's Club issued a warning cry about a new and dangerous wave of scabies (scabies) spreading among detainees in Israeli occupation prisons. The club confirmed that the pace of the disease's spread has escalated alarmingly recently, as a result of what it described as the deliberate collapse of the health system within detention and interrogation centers.

The club based its report, issued today, Sunday, on dozens of legal visits carried out by the lawyers' team during April and May of this year. Field testimonies revealed catastrophic humanitarian and health conditions, where prisoners are systematically deprived of basic medical treatment and care, which has led to sections becoming infested hotspots.

Legal testimonies indicate that severe overcrowding plays a major role in transmitting the infection, as each cell contains at least eight prisoners, with an average of three of them contracting the skin disease. These rooms lack the minimum conditions for hygiene and sterilization, which has made the disease a tool of physical and psychological torture used against detainees to break their will.

The human rights report monitored the occupation authorities' deliberate cancellation of a number of scheduled legal visits recently, citing that the prisoners targeted for the visit were infected. The Prisoner's Club considered this step an attempt to cover up the extent of the health catastrophe inside the prisons, and to prevent lawyers from documenting the serious medical violations to which the infected are exposed.

The highest rates of infection were concentrated in Ofer, Megiddo, and Naqab prisons, where detainees in Megiddo prison, in particular, suffer from severe symptoms beyond skin itching. These symptoms included severe abdominal and head pains and general body aches, raising real fears of the spread of other epidemics in the absence of effective medical supervision.

The statement clarified that many prisoners entered a cycle of recurrent infections, where the detainee partially recovers and then returns to square one due to the continued deteriorating environmental conditions. Continuous infection cases exceeding five months were recorded without receiving any effective therapeutic dose, which led to an unprecedented worsening of the health conditions of the infected.

Lawyers documented the appearance of serious complications including boils, deep skin ulcers, and acute infections that exhaust the bodies of prisoners. Severe itching and continuous pain caused a state of permanent sleep deprivation, and some cases even reached the point of losing the ability to move normally as a result of health deterioration and general weakness.

On the psychological level, prisoners live in a state of prolonged exhaustion, where their highest aspirations have become limited to obtaining a therapeutic ointment or an opportunity to shower. The club confirmed that the daily suffering with the disease overshadowed other political and human rights demands, which reflects the immense psychological pressure exerted by the occupation through the policy of medical negligence.

The club accused the prison administration of implementing policies aimed at accelerating the spread of infection, by confiscating personal cleaning materials and preventing prisoners from exposure to sunlight or ventilation of cells. Detainees are also forced to wear wet or dirty clothes for long periods due to the lack of clothes and blankets, in conditions lacking human dignity.

According to official statistics, 89 prisoners have been martyred inside prisons since the beginning of the last war, and medical negligence and the spread of diseases were among the main factors in these deaths. Currently, more than 9,400 Palestinians are held in occupation prisons, including hundreds of children and women, all facing the risk of slow death amid complete international silence.

Detention sections have turned into infested hotspots, where at least 8 prisoners are held in a single cell, and at least 3 of them are infected with scabies.

Israeli occupation forces escalated their military operations today, Sunday, in various governorates of the West Bank, carrying out a series of incursions, demolitions, and arrests. Local sources reported that occupation bulldozers demolished a house in the village of Shaqba, west of Ramallah, after storming it with intensive military reinforcements, displacing its residents.

In the Hebron governorate, the occupation authorities issued 21 new notices for the demolition of Palestinian structures and homes in various areas, in a move aimed at restricting the Palestinian presence. Israeli forces also stormed the Beit Awwa municipality headquarters south of the city, and surveillance cameras documented soldiers spreading inside the public building's corridors.

According to official data issued by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, last April witnessed 37 demolition operations targeting 78 Palestinian structures. These structures were distributed among 37 inhabited homes and 34 agricultural structures, with most of these operations concentrated in the governorates of Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Bethlehem.

In the northern Jordan Valley, occupation forces closed a dirt road and destroyed vital water networks in the Atouf plain, located east of Tammun. Moataz Bisharat, head of the settlement file in Tubas, explained that these measures come within a plan to construct a 22-kilometer settlement road at the expense of citizens' lands.

Regarding arrests, occupation forces launched a raid campaign in Jerusalem and Hebron, targeting a number of citizens, including children and the elderly. In the town of Beit Anan, northwest of Jerusalem, a child was arrested after his family's home was searched and its contents tampered with, amidst a state of tension that prevailed in the area.

In the town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, local sources reported that occupation forces arrested the elderly citizen Youssef Hassan Ikhlil, aged 72. The arrest operation also included four children aged between 15 and 16, after their homes in the town were stormed and they were taken to interrogation centers.

In the context of settler attacks, the town of Kifl Haris in the Salfit governorate witnessed a violent attack carried out by dozens of settlers under the protection of the occupation army. The attackers attempted to burn the town's mosque and throw stones at citizens' homes, resulting in extensive material damage to public and private property.

Munir Abu Yaqoub, head of the Kifl Haris Municipal Council, confirmed that about 30 settlers participated in the attack, which also targeted Palestinian vehicles, with six of them being smashed. He pointed out that the residents confronted the settlers and prevented them from reaching the mosque, stressing that the town suffers from almost daily attacks.

Settler attacks in Salfit were not limited to residential properties but also extended to the agricultural sector in the Wadi Al-Shaer area. Sources reported that a group of settlers uprooted and cut down a number of ancient olive trees, in an attempt to intimidate farmers and prevent them from accessing their lands.

These developments come amid a continuous escalation of the demolition and displacement policy pursued by the occupation authorities in the West Bank. These measures coincide with a significant increase in organized settler attacks targeting Palestinian villages and towns, exacerbating the humanitarian and security situation in the region.

Occupation forces closed the road with earth mounds and began destroying water networks, as part of bulldozing operations aimed at constructing a settlement road extending for about 22 kilometers.

Israeli occupation forces committed a new massacre early Sunday morning, resulting in the martyrdom of five Palestinian citizens, including three from one family, following airstrikes that targeted various areas in the Gaza Strip. Medical sources confirmed the arrival of the bodies of martyr Muhammad Ibrahim Abu Mallouh, his wife Alaa Majdi Zaqlan, and their infant child Osama, to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, after their home in Nuseirat camp was targeted.

Security sources explained that Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at a residential apartment that housed dozens of displaced people in a previously damaged building in the camp, leading to varying injuries among civilians. The sources stressed that all the victims who fell in this attack were unarmed civilians who were sheltering inside the targeted building.

In the city of Deir al-Balah, the Israeli air force carried out a violent raid that completely destroyed a residential building and caused severe damage to neighboring homes, without any human casualties reported in that area. These raids come in the context of a continuous escalation witnessed in the central sector since the early morning hours, exacerbating the suffering of residents and displaced people.

On the maritime front, Israeli warships continued their attacks by targeting fishermen's boats off the coast of Gaza City with heavy machine gun fire and shells, resulting in a fisherman sustaining moderate injuries. The Israeli navy deliberately pursues fishermen in their livelihood as part of a series of daily violations it commits against Palestinians in coastal areas.

On the ground, local sources reported hearing massive explosions in the northern and southern areas of the Strip resulting from systematic demolition operations carried out by the occupation army on buildings and facilities. These operations focused on the eastern areas of Beit Lahia town to the north, as well as around Bani Suheila roundabout east of Khan Yunis city, where entire residential blocks were destroyed.

For his part, Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi stated that the occupation is disregarding the ceasefire agreement by continuing to target civilians and expand the scope of military operations. Mardawi pointed out that the Israeli army now effectively controls about 64% of the Gaza Strip, which represents a serious violation of previously reached understandings.

Hamas called on international mediators to intervene immediately to compel the occupation authorities to implement the provisions of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement and stop the ground encroachment. The movement warned that the continuation of these violations threatens the stability of the fragile calm and pushes towards further escalation amid the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Strip.

In a related context, the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed a shocking toll of victims since the start of the ceasefire agreement, with 890 Palestinians martyred and more than 2,600 others injured. These figures reflect the extent of ongoing Israeli violations despite international efforts aimed at stabilizing the calm and ending the suffering of civilians.

It is worth noting that the Gaza Strip suffers from massive destruction affecting about 90% of its infrastructure as a result of the war of extermination that began in October 2023, which left more than 72,000 martyrs. UN reports estimate that the cost of rebuilding what the Israeli war machine destroyed could reach 70 billion dollars, amid a complete paralysis affecting all vital sectors.

The occupation continues to violate the ceasefire agreement through shelling, targeting civilians, and shooting, and has expanded its ground control to include about 64% of the Strip's area.

Iranian media sources have revealed the outlines of a proposed memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, aimed at ending military operations on all active fronts in the region. The draft includes provisions allowing Iran to resume exporting its oil and petrochemical products, in exchange for its commitment to de-escalate field tensions and ensure the security of international navigation.

The proposed memorandum indicates a specific timeline for implementing the first steps, with a 30-day period allocated to address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. This clause aims to restore navigation and ship traffic through the strait to their normal levels that prevailed before the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip and the expansion of the conflict.

The draft also included a 60-day period dedicated to in-depth discussions on the Iranian nuclear file, which remains a fundamental point of contention. Sources clarified that Tehran has not yet agreed to any restrictive measures concerning its nuclear program within this initial phase of understandings.

Under the proposal, the United States commits to fully lifting the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports within one month of signing the memorandum. This step is accompanied by the release of a portion of frozen Iranian funds abroad, providing the Iranian economy with a necessary financial breather in the first phase of the agreement.

Informed sources confirmed that the potential agreement seeks to end the war on all fronts, including the Lebanese front, which has witnessed significant escalation recently. The proposal also addresses the possibility of withdrawing US forces from some areas near the Iranian border as part of confidence-building measures between the two parties.

Regarding the nuclear file, a high-ranking Iranian source stressed that Tehran has not pledged to transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium out of the country. The source indicated that complex nuclear issues will be deferred to later stages of negotiations and will not be part of the preliminary agreement currently being worked on.

Reports indicate that Iran refuses to suspend its nuclear activities for a long period as a precondition, insisting that discussions of these details are linked to Washington fulfilling its economic commitments. There are still ongoing disagreements over two key clauses in the memorandum of understanding, requiring additional rounds of discussions through international mediators.

For its part, international sources reported that the United States and Iran are on the verge of signing an agreement to extend the ceasefire for an additional two months. During this period, the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be opened to global navigation without imposing any additional fees, with Tehran committing to remove the naval mines it has laid.

The American vision for the agreement includes the necessity for Washington to obtain Iranian guarantees not to seek to possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The US administration also demands a clear timeline for negotiating the suspension of the uranium enrichment program and the disposal of sensitive stockpiles accumulated by Tehran in recent years.

Reports spoke of Iran providing verbal commitments through mediators, expressing willingness to make certain concessions in the enrichment file in exchange for tangible economic incentives. Political circles are awaiting an official response from the White House regarding these details, amid official silence from the US administration regarding recent leaks.

The success of this memorandum largely depends on the ability of both parties to overcome mutual distrust and adhere to the proposed timelines. Observers believe that the lifting of oil sanctions represents the trump card Tehran seeks to obtain, while the security of navigation in Hormuz is an urgent demand of the international community.

The draft also includes provisions related to the suspension of sanctions on oil derivatives throughout the negotiation period, to ensure the continuity of the diplomatic process. This measure aims to prevent the collapse of understandings if nuclear talks falter in their early stages, providing economic cover for the Iranian side.

Despite cautious optimism, the issue of US military presence in the region remains a thorny point that could hinder the achievement of a final and comprehensive agreement. While Tehran demands a clear withdrawal, Washington believes its presence is necessary to ensure the implementation of the agreement's provisions and protect its allies in the region from any potential threats.

In conclusion, this proposed memorandum represents a serious attempt to de-escalate regional tensions that have reached unprecedented levels over the past year. The coming days will play a crucial role in determining whether these understandings will turn into a binding agreement that ends the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The Iranian nuclear file is not part of the preliminary agreement with the United States and will be addressed in the final agreement negotiations.

Israeli warplanes intensified their aerial raids today, Sunday, on wide areas in southern Lebanon, with shelling targeting towns in the districts of Tyre, Nabatieh, and Bint Jbeil. These attacks resulted in at least one martyr and several injured in the town of Al-Bazourieh, while a woman was martyred and two people were injured in a night raid that targeted the town of Toura, where funeral ceremonies for the victims took place amidst an atmosphere of sadness and tension.\n\nIn the Nabatieh district, Israeli fighter jets launched a morning raid on the town of Zawtar Al-Sharqiyah, coinciding with another aerial targeting of the town of Kafr in the Bint Jbeil district. No accurate final count of casualties in these areas has been reported yet, but material damage was extensive in the targeted residential neighborhoods, reflecting the occupation's insistence on expanding the scope of field targeting.\n\nOn the political front, MP Hussein Fadlallah, from the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, called on the Lebanese government to review the current negotiation process. Fadlallah called for suspending any negotiations with the Israeli side if they do not lead to a comprehensive agreement that guarantees an immediate cessation of aggression and ensures the return of displaced persons to their villages, stressing that a partial approach does not serve the Lebanese national interest.\n\nFadlallah pointed out in his statements to the regional dimension of the crisis, explaining that Tehran links any potential understandings with the United States to ending the war in Lebanon and the rest of the support fronts. These statements reflect the interconnectedness of field and political issues in the region, in the absence of any real signs of an imminent de-escalation that would end the suffering of civilians on both sides of the border.\n\nField sources in the South reported that Hezbollah carried out qualitative operations targeting Israeli army movements in the border areas. The party announced targeting a gathering of soldiers in the area between Al-Bayada and Naqoura, an area that witnesses repeated confrontations that previously forced the occupation to evacuate its operational centers under the pressure of strikes.\n\nAs part of the ongoing response, Hezbollah confirmed in military statements the targeting of a gathering of occupation vehicles in the vicinity of the Deir Sirian River for the fifth time using artillery shells and guided missiles. These strikes aim to disrupt Israeli attempts to establish positions in sensitive points near the riverbed, inflicting losses in equipment and lives on the attacking forces.\n\nResistance operations also included a direct targeting of occupation soldiers in the town of Rashaf with a concentrated rocket barrage that achieved direct hits, according to military reports. These reciprocal operations continue amidst an open escalation that observers fear could turn into a comprehensive confrontation, especially with the continuation of Israeli air raids that do not differentiate between military and civilian targets.\n\n"The Lebanese government must suspend negotiations with the occupation if a comprehensive agreement guaranteeing a ceasefire and the return of displaced persons is not reached.

International diplomatic efforts are accelerating to reach a final draft agreement between the United States and Iran, aimed at ending the state of military tension in the Middle East region. Official sources reported significant progress in the ongoing talks, amidst cautious optimism about the possibility of reaching understandings that would end the outstanding crises between the two parties.

In statements made from the Indian capital, New Delhi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed the possibility of an official announcement regarding the agreement later today, Sunday. Rubio indicated that the next few hours might bring positive news to the world, especially concerning the safety of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that the negotiations, sponsored by Pakistan, primarily focus on technical issues related to Iran's nuclear file and securing waterways. The American side clarified that its objectives at this stage were clear, centered on ensuring global trade freedom and stopping maritime threats.

The US administration accused Tehran of hostile behavior in the region, including planting naval mines and detaining civilian ships as political hostages. Washington considered that any upcoming agreement must ensure a complete cessation of these practices to guarantee the stability of global energy markets.

In contrast, press sources quoted a high-ranking Iranian official confirming that Tehran has not yet agreed to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The source clarified that the nuclear file, with its complex details, is not part of the preliminary agreement currently being worked on, but will be deferred to later stages.

The Iranian side stressed that the issue of shipping the uranium stockpile out of the country has not yet been resolved, and that current negotiations are focused on de-escalation on the ground. Observers believe that this stance reflects Tehran's desire to retain strong leverage before entering into negotiations for a comprehensive final agreement.

Reports from Washington indicate that the proposed agreement will allow commercial vessels to pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz without paying any additional transit fees. The proposal also includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, giving the parties an opportunity to catch their breath and build mutual trust.

Under these understandings, Iran will be able to resume selling its oil in global markets more freely, in exchange for a gradual easing of economic sanctions imposed on it. This clause aims to alleviate living pressures within Iran and prevent an economic collapse that could lead to widespread social unrest.

US President Donald Trump had previously stated that a large part of a memorandum of understanding aimed at achieving peace with Iran had been negotiated. Trump affirmed that his administration seeks to avoid involvement in open military conflicts that do not achieve clear strategic objectives for the United States.

Political analysts believe that both parties, American and Iranian, are currently looking for political exits that save face and spare them the high cost of war. Washington does not wish to deplete its resources in a long-term military deployment, while Tehran seeks to lift the economic blockade that has stifled its budget.

Experts believe that the continuation of the conflict without a political horizon will lead to a decline in the image of the United States as a power capable of resolving disputes in the region. At the same time, Iran realizes that the devastation of war could cost it hundreds of billions of dollars for reconstruction, which it cannot afford given the freezing of its assets.

Analytical readings indicate that most of the provisions put forward in the current agreement are not entirely new, but rather a repetition of points discussed in the previous nuclear agreement. The main debate now revolves around the permissible enrichment ratios and the mechanisms of international oversight over sensitive Iranian nuclear facilities.

President Trump seeks to market this agreement as a major 'political victory' for his administration, even if the amendments to the old agreement are limited and not fundamental. Resuming navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and opening diplomatic channels serve the electoral and political agenda of the White House at this stage.

Despite optimism about the imminent signing, there are still fears of negotiations faltering at the last minute due to outstanding technical issues. The world remains in anticipation of the official announcement that could change the shape of political and economic balances throughout the Middle East region.

I believe there is a possibility that the world may receive good news in the next few hours regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

The final report prepared by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on the reasons for the 2024 presidential election loss has caused astonishment and anger within the party's ranks. This controversy arose after the 192-page document completely omitted any mention of the war in the Gaza Strip or its political repercussions. Observers considered this omission an attempt to ignore one of the most divisive issues in American public discourse over the past year.

Journalistic sources reported that the report, overseen by strategist Paul Rivera, did not include keywords such as 'Israel' or 'Palestine' or even a reference to 'Arab Americans.' This disregard comes despite repeated warnings from the party's progressive wing about declining public enthusiasm due to the previous administration's policies regarding the aggression on Gaza. Democratic circles described this approach as 'burying one's head in the sand' and an evasion of genuine review requirements.

Informed sources involved in preparing the report revealed that initial drafts and field interviews extensively discussed the impact of the Gaza issue on Kamala Harris's prospects. Quantitative data collected by the team confirmed that the stance on the war directly harmed the party's popularity among youth and Muslim voters. Nevertheless, participants were surprised by the complete disappearance of these findings from the final version presented to the party leadership.

In the context of reactions, David Hogg, a former DNC official, expressed his dismay at this deliberate concealment of electoral facts. Hogg explained that he had informed the report's compilers of the necessity to acknowledge the pivotal role Gaza played in the loss of youth votes. He pointed out that ignoring this variable weakens the party's ability to regain the trust of its grassroots in upcoming elections.

Anger was not limited to the progressive wing but extended to pro-Israel Democratic figures who expressed their bewilderment at the complete absence of the issue. Haley Soifer, Executive Director of the Jewish Democratic Council, said she searched the report's text for any reference to Jews or Israel and found nothing. She considered this omission a huge gap in the evaluation process, which was supposed to be comprehensive and transparent.

For their part, Arab American organizations confirmed that they had provided clear data to party officials showing the extent of the damage to the Democratic ticket resulting from unconditional support for the occupation. These organizations clarified that DNC officials admitted in closed meetings the impact of this issue, but preferred to exclude it from the official document. This contradiction reflects a deep crisis in how the party deals with human rights and foreign policy issues.

In an attempt to evade responsibility, Ken Martin, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, issued a controversial clarifying statement. Martin claimed that he published the report as he received it from the author without interference, but quickly emphasized that he did not necessarily endorse what was included or excluded from it. Martin described the document as 'not ready for presentation,' a clear indication of leadership dissatisfaction with the quality of the review provided.

Abdul El-Sayed, one of Michigan's most prominent progressive figures, criticized this approach, considering that the party refuses to learn from its catastrophic mistakes. El-Sayed affirmed that the 'uncommitted' movement, which garnered hundreds of thousands of protest votes, was a clear cry that Democratic decision-makers failed to grasp. He added that continued disregard for the grassroots' demands regarding Palestine would lead to further internal divisions.

In a related context, international reports indicated that this internal turmoil coincides with a severe deterioration in the United States' global image. Recent opinion polls showed that Arab public opinion now views Washington as completely biased against Palestinian rights. This bias has led to increasing accusations of hypocrisy directed at the US administration, especially when comparing its stance on Gaza with its stance on the Ukrainian crisis.

Results from the 'Arab Barometer' for 2025 showed that the United States has lost much of its moral influence in eight pivotal Arab countries. In contrast, international powers such as China and Russia have begun to gain new areas of trust among Arab peoples. Observers believe that this shift results from the peoples' awareness of American selectivity in applying the principles of international law and human rights.

Political analysts warned that the Democratic Party's continued disregard for the 'Gaza effect' would complicate Washington's efforts to build future regional alliances. Arab governments find themselves under increasing popular pressure that prevents them from aligning with biased American policies. This reality poses a significant challenge to any diplomatic attempts aimed at expanding normalization agreements or enhancing stability in the region.

Kamala Harris's campaign had faced widespread protests in swing states, especially Michigan and Pennsylvania, due to the Gaza issue. Despite repeated attempts by activists to make their voices heard within the party's national convention in Chicago, the leadership insisted on preventing any Palestinian speaker from taking the stage. It appears that the latest report has solidified this exclusionary approach that refuses to acknowledge the new political reality.

Gaza's absence from the Democratic review report is not merely an administrative oversight but reflects a deep ideological struggle within the party. While the traditional leadership insists on protecting the alliance with Israel from any criticism, the rising generation believes that this alliance has become a moral and electoral burden. This division threatens the party's unity and its ability to mobilize voters in upcoming election cycles.

In conclusion, the question remains about the Democratic Party's ability to correct its course amidst this ongoing denial. Field facts and electoral data clearly indicate that Gaza was not just a foreign issue but a primary driver of American voter behavior. Without a courageous confrontation of these facts, the party will continue to suffer from a bleeding of votes in its traditional and most vital bases.

Quantitative data review clearly showed that Gaza harmed Biden and Harris, but these conclusions disappeared from the final version of the report.

Displaced families in the Gaza Strip are living a tragic reality beyond endurance, as makeshift landfills have become forced neighbors to their dilapidated tents. Hajjah Ni'ma, one of the displaced, recounts her daily suffering in examining the bodies of her grandchildren, which have been ravaged by skin diseases due to insects and foul odors emanating from accumulated garbage, affirming that life under these conditions has become harder than death itself.

The crisis is exacerbated by the continued Israeli occupation preventing waste disposal trucks from reaching the main landfills located in border areas, such as the 'Sofa', 'Al-Fakhari', and 'Juhur al-Dik' landfills. This prohibition has crammed nearly two million people into very narrow spaces lacking the most basic public hygiene requirements, turning shelters into hotbeds of epidemics.

Local estimates indicate that the volume of accumulated waste in various governorates has reached approximately one million tons, distributed among more than 23 makeshift landfills amidst the displaced persons' tents. Mohammed Musleh, head of the Al-Maghazi municipality, confirmed that the occupation deliberately obstructs the transfer of these massive quantities, making environmental control almost impossible given the available resources.

On the medical front, field clinics are sounding the alarm with an unprecedented increase in the number of people infected with contagious skin diseases. Dr. Halima Abu Sharbin reported that she receives at least 150 cases daily suffering from skin inflammations and sores, noting that overcrowding and garbage accumulation are the main reasons behind this rapid outbreak.

The suffering is not limited to skin diseases but also extends to digestive system diseases and acute gastroenteritis due to widespread environmental pollution. Displaced persons complain of the spread of lice, scabies, and rashes, in the absence of clean water and necessary cleaning materials to limit the transmission of infection among family members and adjacent tents.

Local sources confirm that governmental and municipal services have been almost completely paralyzed since the beginning of the aggression, and despite attempts at a partial return to work, the extent of the destruction remains an obstacle to any comprehensive cleaning operation. The occupation strictly prohibits the entry of heavy equipment and spare parts needed to repair dilapidated waste collection trucks.

For its part, the Union of Municipalities of the Gaza Strip warned that the sector produces approximately 2,000 tons of solid waste daily that does not find a way for proper treatment. This daily accumulation complicates the environmental scene and turns makeshift landfills into ticking time bombs threatening the public health of the besieged population in confined spaces.

In a related context, Saeed Al-Aklouk, an official in the Ministry of Health, warned of the danger of these makeshift landfills becoming a permanent reality, due to the direct threat they pose to the groundwater reservoir. He explained that toxic leachate has already begun to seep into the ground, threatening to contaminate the only remaining water source for the sector's residents.

On the international level, Alessandro Marakic, an official with the United Nations Development Programme, described the waste problem in Gaza as 'enormous and beyond local capabilities.' He pointed out that the three main landfill sites are located in areas that the occupation prohibits access to, making dealing with two million tons of untreated waste an international challenge.

The United Nations is working to develop emergency plans to deal with this disaster, including proposals to establish advanced treatment plants that can convert waste into electrical energy. However, these plans remain contingent on Israeli approval for the entry of necessary machinery and equipment to begin work on the ground, which the occupation has so far refused.

The continued accumulation of garbage among the displaced persons' tents is not just a visual disaster, but an existential threat that directly affects the lives of children, women, and the elderly. Flies and insects now cover everything, and foul odors penetrate the tents amidst high temperatures that accelerate the organic decomposition of waste.

Observers believe that the occupation's intransigence in preventing the entry of sanitation and waste collection equipment comes within the framework of a systematic policy of restriction on the sector's residents. This policy has led to the complete collapse of the environmental system, making the most basic human right, which is living in a clean environment, an elusive matter for Palestinians in Gaza.

In light of this bitter reality, the residents of the sector and municipal authorities demand the necessity of real international pressure to open corridors for environmental and humanitarian equipment. Delaying the treatment of the waste crisis means a slow death sentence for thousands of families ravaged by epidemics away from direct war machines.

In conclusion, the scene of accumulated waste remains a testament to the magnitude of the tragedy experienced by the Gaza Strip, where political and military crises intertwine with environmental and health disasters. While the world awaits political solutions, the children of Gaza continue their daily struggle with diseases and insects in an environment no longer suitable for human life.

Death has become easier than this life where waste and insects besiege us from all sides inside the displacement tents.

Amidst the rubble of war and in the heart of displacement tents in the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Yunis city, the joyful ululations mixed with the pain of loss, as the sons of the Al-Najjar family held a mass wedding for 50 grooms and brides. This step comes amidst extremely complex humanitarian conditions experienced by the Gaza Strip, serving as a declaration of steadfastness and adherence to remaining on the land despite continuous bombing and siege.

Mohammed Al-Najjar, the patriarch of the family, which has lost nearly 200 of its members during the ongoing aggression, affirmed that holding this ceremony at this time is a clear message of defiance. He explained in statements to media sources that Palestinians prove day after day that they are committed to life and building new families, as an act of resistance aimed at preserving offspring and national identity on their soil.

Al-Najjar pointed out that the war and the widespread destruction it caused did not succeed in breaking the family's will, but rather pushed them towards greater social solidarity to bring joy to hearts exhausted by suffering. He stressed that this mass wedding will not be the last, expressing his hope that other Palestinian families will adopt such initiatives to enhance solidarity and alleviate the burdens on young people.

Regarding logistical challenges, the family patriarch explained that the marriages were completed thanks to the internal cooperation among family members who stood as one man to support the grooms. Despite the severe shortage of resources and the high cost of living, the family succeeded in providing the minimum requirements, including preparing special tents to serve as homes for the new couples, most of whom lost their homes in the airstrikes.

In the context of facilitating matters for young people, the family adopted a policy of reducing dowries and not exaggerating material requirements, based on a religious and social vision aimed at protecting young people amidst crises. Those in charge of the initiative considered facilitating marriage a national necessity to confront the occupation's attempts to disrupt the normal course of life in the besieged Strip.

Residents of the Gaza Strip face catastrophic living conditions, including a lack of fuel, a shortage of potable water, and a scarcity of medicines, yet these difficulties have not prevented the people of Khan Yunis from seeking spaces for joy. These social occasions turn into platforms for popular solidarity, where displaced people share simple moments of happiness with their neighbors in the tents, restoring hope to them.

Al-Najjar directed touching messages to Palestinian youth, calling on them to adhere to family values and mutual compassion, considering that a cohesive family is the last fortress in the face of calamities. The people of the Strip continue to innovate ways to survive, transforming displacement tents from symbols of suffering into wedding halls that confirm that the will to live is stronger than the machine of destruction.

This wedding is not just a social occasion, but a message to the world that we are a people who love life despite the killing, displacement, and attempts at uprooting.

By Said Arikat

May 23, 2026

News analysis

Washington, D.C- Every time Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, provokes outrage with his racism, cruelty, or open incitement against Palestinians, Israeli officials and their defenders abroad rush to reassure the world that he does not represent the “real Israel.” They describe him as an extremist, a fringe figure, an embarrassment to the country’s democratic image. But after decades of occupation, siege, mass killing, dispossession, and dehumanization of Palestinians, such claims no longer withstand scrutiny.

Ben-Gvir is not an aberration. He is not a distortion of Israeli politics. He is its clearest and most honest expression.

The recent scandal surrounding Ben-Gvir once again exposed this reality. A widely circulated video showed him mocking foreign activists detained after participating in a flotilla attempting to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza. The activists appeared kneeling on the ground with their hands bound while Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and shouted triumphantly, “We are the masters of this land.” Western governments expressed outrage. Commentators called the spectacle disgraceful and shocking.

But shocking to whom?

For Palestinians, there was nothing surprising about the scene. What the world witnessed in that brief video was merely a public glimpse into the mentality that has shaped Israeli policy toward Palestinians for generations: domination, humiliation, and the conviction that Palestinians exist outside the boundaries of equal humanity.

What makes Ben-Gvir disturbing is not that he says something radically different from earlier Israeli leaders. It is that he says openly what others often tried to disguise behind diplomatic language. From David Ben-Gurion to Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli leaders have repeatedly justified Palestinian dispossession and violence against Palestinians as necessary for the preservation of a Jewish state built on exclusive power and control.

Over the years, Palestinians have been described by Israeli politicians, military figures, and public personalities as “animals,” “cockroaches,” “human beasts,” and demographic threats. Such language is not accidental. History repeatedly shows that dehumanization is a prerequisite for systematic violence. When people are reduced to vermin or subhuman creatures, their suffering becomes easier to justify, their deaths easier to rationalize.

The tragedy is that this rhetoric no longer belongs solely to fringe extremists. It has become normalized across much of Israeli political and social life.

The evidence is overwhelming.

Throughout Israel’s assault on Gaza, Israeli soldiers themselves uploaded videos celebrating destruction, mocking Palestinian suffering, dancing in bombed homes, and boasting about devastation inflicted on civilian neighborhoods. The horrifying aspect was not only the violence itself, but the pride with which it was displayed. Soldiers filmed themselves destroying homes, humiliating detainees, and laughing amid ruins where entire Palestinian families had been buried under rubble.

These were not hidden crimes exposed by whistleblowers. Many were proudly posted online by the perpetrators themselves.

This behavior reflects a deeper transformation within Israeli society. Poll after poll now shows broad public support among Israeli Jews for extreme measures against Palestinians, including forced displacement and permanent domination. Surveys conducted since the Gaza war began indicate overwhelming opposition to Palestinian statehood and substantial support for policies amounting to annexation and ethnic cleansing.

That reality is precisely why Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are no longer marginal political figures. They are central figures because they articulate sentiments that increasingly resonate with large segments of Israeli society.

Israeli journalist Ben Reiff recently wrote that “No One Represents Israeli Politics Today Better Than Itamar Ben-Gvir.” He was correct. Ben-Gvir’s rise did not occur despite Israeli society. It occurred because Israeli society has steadily moved in his direction.

This transformation did not happen overnight. It is the culmination of decades of occupation and impunity. Successive Israeli governments expanded settlements, entrenched military rule over millions of Palestinians, imposed a suffocating blockade on Gaza, and normalized permanent inequality between Jews and Palestinians. Each step shifted the boundaries of what was considered acceptable.

Ideas once associated with extremist Kahanism — Jewish supremacy, expulsion of Palestinians, open calls for ethnic cleansing — gradually entered the political mainstream. Netanyahu himself played a decisive role in legitimizing these forces by bringing them into governing coalitions to preserve his hold on power.

Today, Ben-Gvir does not hide his beliefs because he no longer needs to. He understands that the political climate increasingly rewards brutality rather than punishes it.

That is why efforts by Israeli officials and Western apologists to distance Israel from Ben-Gvir ring so hollow. If Ben-Gvir truly represented an alien force rejected by Israeli society, he would not hold one of the most powerful positions in government. He would not command enormous influence over policing and internal security. He would not be embraced by coalition partners. Most importantly, his rhetoric would not resonate so deeply with broad sectors of the public.

The uncomfortable truth is that Ben-Gvir reflects not merely a government, but a broader political and moral collapse.

For decades, many in the West clung to the illusion that Israel remained fundamentally liberal and democratic, temporarily led astray by hardliners. That illusion is becoming increasingly impossible to sustain. The policies now condemned internationally — collective punishment, mass displacement, siege, annexationist ambitions, and open incitement against Palestinians — are no longer confined to fringe groups. They are embedded within the governing structure itself.

Ben-Gvir simply strips away the euphemisms.

He says publicly what others imply privately. He celebrates openly what others attempt to justify bureaucratically. He exposes, with disturbing clarity, the logic underlying decades of occupation and domination.

This is why so many Palestinians view international outrage over Ben-Gvir with deep skepticism. The world suddenly recoils when cruelty is displayed crudely on camera, yet remains largely silent when the same cruelty is institutionalized through checkpoints, bombings, siege, home demolitions, land confiscation, and military occupation.

Ben-Gvir did not invent this system. He inherited it, embraced it, and now embodies it.

To portray him as an unfortunate exception is therefore intellectually dishonest. He is not the disease; he is the symptom of a society and political order that has steadily normalized supremacy and dehumanization.

The world should stop pretending otherwise.

A report issued by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) sparked a wave of widespread controversy and sharp criticism after the report, dedicated to reviewing the reasons for losing the 2024 elections, omitted any mention of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. Observers and activists within the party considered this oversight a major flaw in understanding the real reasons that led to the decline in the party's popularity among vital segments of voters.

Journalistic sources reported that the report, prepared by Democratic activist Paul Rivera, faced accusations of attempting to gloss over the on-the-ground realities that affected Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. Progressive activists confirmed that they conveyed serious concerns to the report's preparers about the impact of the Biden administration's stance on the Middle East conflict on the enthusiasm of young and progressive voters, but these observations did not make their way into the final text.

For his part, David Hogg, who previously served as vice-chair of the DNC, revealed that he explicitly demanded recognition of the role the Gaza issue played in losing the votes of the youth generation. Hogg explained that he raised these concerns in lengthy meetings with party officials, emphasizing that ignoring this issue hinders the party's ability to regain the trust of its electoral base in upcoming elections.

The criticism was not limited to the progressive wing but extended to pro-Israel Democrats who were shocked by the complete absence of the issue. Hali Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, said she searched the report for words like 'Gaza,' 'Israel,' or even 'Jews' and found no trace of them, describing this omission as a 'gross oversight' that does not reflect the reality of political discussions within the United States.

In a related context, members of the Policy Project at the Institute for Middle East Understanding confirmed that they informed the report's authors that the absolute support provided by the Biden administration to Israel cost the party tangible electoral losses. They pointed out that the DNC's own data showed that this stance had a negative impact electorally, yet these findings were excluded from the final published report.

Margaret Deirios, the project's executive director, called on DNC Chair Ken Martin to disclose information and data confirming the party's negative impact due to the Gaza issue. Deirios believed that transparency on this issue is the first step towards reforming the party's political course, warning that continued denial will lead to further bleeding of electoral votes.

Ken Martin, the DNC Chair, responded to these criticisms by asserting that he published the report as he received it from the assigned committee without any intervention of deletion or addition. Martin clarified that he does not necessarily endorse all the conclusions contained in the report, nor does he bear responsibility for the issues that were ignored, in an attempt to distance himself from the storm stirred by the content.

Data indicates that divisions over Gaza shook the foundations of the 2024 election campaign, with the 'uncommitted' movement emerging as a pressure group during the primaries. This movement garnered hundreds of thousands of votes in protest against the White House's policy, and despite continuous pressure on Kamala Harris to change her approach, she remained committed to the general line set by Biden regarding the war.

Abdul El-Sayed, a former progressive candidate in Michigan, believes that the report's omission of the Gaza war's impact is a continuation of a pattern of political mistakes made by the party. El-Sayed affirmed that the failure to acknowledge the repercussions of the human rights issue in Gaza on election results reflects a state of unwillingness to confront reality and learn from the harsh lessons imposed by the ballot boxes.

In turn, James Zogby, a veteran DNC member and president of the Arab American Institute, noted that the party is beginning to face the actual consequences of voters' changing views towards Israel. Zogby cited a record number of Democratic senators voting against arms deals for Israel, considering that the party's grassroots are now ahead of its leadership in understanding the dimensions of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Sources concluded that the issuance of the report in this incomplete form increases financial and political pressure on the Democratic Party leadership, which faces a deep crisis of trust. With the 2026 elections approaching, the Gaza issue appears to remain a fundamental point of contention threatening party unity, especially with the growing influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups in the face of rising progressive movements.

Failure to acknowledge the impact of the party's failure on human rights issues on election results reflects an unwillingness to face the consequences and learn from mistakes.

US President Donald Trump made striking statements indicating the approaching end of the military and political confrontation with Iran, asserting that his administration succeeded in curbing Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Trump clarified to a crowd of his supporters in New York State that things would end very soon and in a way that would positively impact the American economy and cost of living.

The American President stressed that Iran would not be given any opportunity to possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances, noting that the pressures exerted by Washington had begun to bear fruit. Trump predicted that the world would witness unprecedented figures in terms of economic gains, pointing out that commodity and car prices would see a significant decrease once this issue is resolved.

Meanwhile, responsible sources in the White House confirmed that the President's general inclination is towards a diplomatic solution, but it remains conditional on the extent of Tehran's response to American demands. The sources added that Washington would not hesitate to take firm measures if the Iranian leadership refused to conclude an agreement that guarantees international security and stability.

The sources indicated that the success of the 'Epic Fury' operations, economic pressures, and the imposed blockade, gave the American administration the initiative in the ongoing negotiations. They affirmed that Trump has enough time to reach the 'best possible agreement', stressing that he will not be drawn into signing any 'bad' or hasty agreement that does not serve American interests.

On the ground and diplomatic front, press reports revealed that Trump held an emergency meeting with senior members of the national security team to discuss scenarios for dealing with the Iranian file. The President received a comprehensive briefing on the status of current negotiations and alternative plans in case the political path collapses, reflecting the seriousness of the American position.

In a move that fueled speculation about the criticality of the coming hours, Trump canceled his usual schedule and decided to stay in Washington over the weekend. The President announced his apology for not attending his son 'Donald Jr.'s' wedding, justifying it by the existence of urgent governmental circumstances requiring his direct presence at the decision-making center.

In parallel, media reports stated that the US military raised its readiness for the possibility of launching new airstrikes against Iranian targets. These preparations come as a final pressure message coinciding with the intense diplomatic efforts led by regional parties in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

For its part, Tehran received Pakistani Army Chief Marshal Asim Munir, in a visit described as 'the last chance' to bridge the views between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad seeks through this move to prevent the resumption of an all-out war and find a consensual formula that satisfies both parties and ends the escalating tension.

Mediation was not limited to the Pakistani side, as a high-level Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran to participate in overcoming obstacles to the anticipated agreement. Doha is working in coordination with international parties to ensure that the region does not slide into a widespread military confrontation that could get out of control.

In contrast, the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed cautious optimism, confirming that talks are still ongoing despite the existence of fundamental contentious issues that have not yet been resolved. Iranian sources indicated that talking about an imminent agreement might be premature unless comprehensive understandings are reached on all points.

Sources close to the Iranian negotiating team clarified that Tehran's primary focus is currently on 'ending the war' and fully lifting the restrictions imposed on it. The sources stressed that the Iranian side would not move to discuss any secondary issues before obtaining final guarantees of a cessation of hostilities.

Despite the complexities, Iranian sources acknowledged significant progress in some files compared to previous negotiation rounds, thanks to the efforts of mediators. However, reaching the final wording remains contingent on Washington's flexibility in dealing with Iranian demands related to sovereignty and security.

The intense diplomatic movements, including the presence of the Pakistani Interior Minister in Tehran for two days, indicate that negotiations have entered a 'bottleneck' phase. Mediators are currently trying to narrow the gaps in views on the mechanisms for implementing the agreement and guarantees of adherence to it by both parties.

Anticipation remains the master of the situation in world capitals, as eyes turn to Washington and Tehran to see whether the coming hours will bring a historic agreement or military escalation. Trump's statements about an 'imminent end' remain the most prominent indicator of the possibility of a dramatic breakthrough in this thorny issue.

We stopped them... They will never get a nuclear weapon, and we will end this very soon.

The mountainous areas in eastern Lebanon and the coastal city of Tyre in the south witnessed a series of violent aerial raids carried out by Israeli warplanes on Friday and Saturday nights. Field sources reported approximately seven raids targeting the eastern mountain range adjacent to the Syrian border, an area that had remained relatively outside the direct targeting circle since the recent ceasefire agreement came into effect.

In the city of Tyre, the shelling targeted two residential buildings in and around the city after immediate Israeli evacuation orders were issued to residents. The occupation authorities justified these attacks under the pretext of facilities being used by Hezbollah elements, which led to a new wave of displacement and panic among civilians in the targeted areas.

This field escalation comes after a bloody day that saw 11 martyrs, including six paramedics, as a result of more than sixty Israeli attacks targeting southern villages and towns. These aggressions varied between aerial raids and concentrated artillery shelling, in addition to sweeping and detonation operations in border areas, putting the fragile truce agreement to a real test.

Sources monitored direct targeting of rescue teams, where six people, including two paramedics, were martyred in a raid on the Burj Rahal - Deir Qanoun Al-Nahr triangle. The injuries occurred while paramedics were attempting to evacuate wounded individuals from a previous raid that targeted a motorcycle, indicating a pattern of double attacks targeting medical crews.

In the town of Hannawiyah, four other paramedics were martyred and two were injured to varying degrees as a result of two raids that directly targeted an ambulance center and a staging point belonging to the Islamic Health Authority. The raids also targeted the Al-Hafour area located between the towns of Siddiqin and Qana, resulting in additional casualties among civilians present in the area.

The city of Nabatieh was not spared from this escalation, as a drone targeted a small pickup truck in the heart of the crowded commercial market. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of one person and the injury of others, a step that reflects the occupation's determination to pursue civilian and commercial targets deep within major southern cities.

For its part, the Lebanese Ministry of Health revealed in its periodic report the registration of 22 martyrs and 39 injured in the past twenty-four hours alone. These figures reflect the scale of the ongoing Israeli military escalation despite international understandings that aimed to de-escalate tensions and cease hostilities.

With the continuation of this wave of violence, the total number of victims of the Israeli aggression since the beginning of last March has risen to 3111 martyrs and 9432 injured. These tragic statistics underscore the depth of the humanitarian crisis Lebanon is experiencing amidst repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and signed agreements.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced the registration of 22 martyrs and 39 injured in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of Israeli aggression since last March to over 3,000 martyrs.

An investigative report conducted by a specialized team in cooperation with media sources has revealed intriguing details concerning a mysterious military site in the Al-Nukhaib desert, western Iraq. The investigation relied on a precise analysis of satellite images and field data that monitored intense activity which appeared and disappeared suddenly in the Wadi Hamer area near Najaf last March.

Research efforts focused on an area estimated at about 150 square kilometers, where satellite images showed striking changes in the terrain located 180 kilometers west of the city of Najaf. The data indicated that the site is near a facility likely to be an old military base, which provided ideal cover for suspicious movements.

According to 'Sentinel-2' satellite images, ground leveling and preparation operations began in the bed of a dry wadi known as Wadi Hamer after February 24. By March 3, images showed the completion of a dirt track in the form of a temporary landing strip or airfield designated for receiving military aircraft.

'Planet Labs' images taken on March 2 showed the presence of temporary facilities and seven massive objects lined up in an organized manner, their dimensions consistent with combat helicopters or large logistical equipment. The investigation confirmed that these visual indicators strongly suggest the presence of a foreign force operating deep within Iraqi territory.

These technical data intersected with field reports of suspicious aerial activity, which led to the death of Iraqi shepherd Awad Al-Shammari after he approached the suspicious area. Sources quoted relatives of the victim as saying that an unknown helicopter directly targeted his truck to prevent him from revealing what was happening at the site.

Comparison between images taken at close intervals showed the disappearance of temporary facilities by March 6, with clear traces of heavy vehicle and aircraft movement remaining. Experts suggest that the site was evacuated very quickly upon completion of the mission assigned to the infiltrating force, before natural factors erased the remaining traces.

In a dangerous field development, an Iraqi army reconnaissance force was subjected to aerial bombardment while attempting to survey the area in early March, resulting in the death of an Iraqi soldier. Although accusations were directed at the US army at the time, the latter categorically denied carrying out any landings or strikes in the Najaf desert.

Iraqi Army Chief of Staff, Abdul Amir Yarallah, confirmed that a military unit was indeed bombed and arrived at the site the next day to find traces of an unknown force that had already withdrawn. Media sources obtained photos of ammunition remnants from the target site showing the use of advanced 'Hellfire' missiles.

Examination of the debris showed technical phrases referring to the American 'AGM-114' missile, a type that Israel acquired in large quantities last year. This physical evidence strengthens the hypothesis that the force present in Wadi Hamer was a special Israeli force that carried out a secret operation.

The investigation links these movements to previous statements by Israeli Air Force Commander, Tomer Bar, who referred to operations carried out by special units in distant areas he described as 'igniting the imagination'. It appears that the Iraqi desert was the scene of one of these operations that required the establishment of temporary infrastructure.

According to technical analysis, the length of the prepared track in the wadi reached about 1700 meters with a width of 50 meters, specifications that allow the operation of 'C-130 Hercules' tactical transport aircraft. Israel possesses this type of aircraft capable of landing and taking off from unpaved dirt runways in difficult geographical conditions.

The flat and isolated nature of Wadi Hamer provides an ideal environment for carrying out rapid operations away from radar and ground monitoring, especially with its relative proximity to the Iranian border. The report concludes that the accumulation of evidence from satellite images and ammunition remnants makes the hypothesis of an Israeli site an objective reality.

Despite the disappearance of most of the landing strip's features by April due to rain and weather factors, questions still remain about the nature of the mission that was carried out. The official Iraqi silence and the mystery surrounding the incident raise many speculations about the extent of the security breach in the western desert areas.

The nature of Wadi Hamer makes it a theoretically suitable location for establishing temporary dirt landing strips and carrying out rapid operations away from detection.