The intensity of criticism within Israeli circles is escalating regarding the accumulated military failures in dealing with the threat of drones, especially with their increasing effectiveness on the Lebanese front. Writer Boaz Haetzni warned in 'Yedioth Ahronoth' newspaper that the army still suffers from serious technical and operational gaps despite years passing since the emergence of this threat in international and local battlefields.

The writer recalled the shocking scenes of October 7, when Hamas drones were able to neutralize advanced defensive and technical systems along the Gaza Strip border with extreme ease. He explained that these drones precisely targeted machine guns, surveillance cameras, and sensitive equipment rooms, paving the way for the crossing operation without significant technical obstacles, which reflected a dismal intelligence and military failure.

Haetzni criticized the military leadership's disregard for this method of warfare even after the outbreak of confrontations, pointing out that tanks and soldiers remained exposed without adequate protection for long periods. He affirmed that the protective nets placed on top of armored vehicles were initially the result of individual initiatives by volunteers and field units, and were not part of an organized plan from the General Staff.

Regarding the northern front, sources reported that Hezbollah has rapidly developed its aerial capabilities, using drones equipped with fiber optic technologies that make them immune to electronic warfare systems. Although these technologies appeared clearly in the Ukrainian-Russian war, the Israeli security establishment did not begin to take serious action to counter them until very late.

Reports indicate that the occupation forces in southern Lebanon suffered tangible losses in lives and equipment as a result of suicide drone attacks, as happened in the 'Shomra' incident where an artillery vehicle was damaged. Observers believe that these incidents would have been more catastrophic if the army had faced forces with technical skills comparable to those in the Ukrainian arena, which necessitates a comprehensive review of the defensive doctrine.

The writer drew attention to the fact that the Israeli Ministry of Defense only began requesting technical solutions to counter remote vision systems last month, a delay that reflects a state of 'arrogance and indifference'. He also criticized the failure to equip forces with 'shotgun' rifles effective against approaching drones until recently, despite their proven effectiveness in previous regional and international conflicts.

Haetzni believes that the gap between what the army declares and the reality on the ground remains enormous, with no real impact of lessons learned study committees on the ground. He affirmed that the National Security Council, established to avoid surprises similar to the 1973 war, completely failed to predict or prepare for drone attacks, which have become the most prominent threat to ground forces.

The analysis concluded that the Israeli security establishment refuses to abandon the traditions of 'underestimating the enemy', which always leads to paying heavy prices before starting to learn. The writer stressed that the continuation of this approach will inevitably lead to greater future catastrophes, especially in light of the rapid development shown by resistance factions in using cheap and effective technology to strike deep into Israeli military targets.

The Israeli security establishment acts like a driver who sees himself approaching a wall but does not believe in its existence until he crashes into it.

A state of widespread anger and severe dissatisfaction is sweeping through the citizens of the Gaza Strip, following the circulation of information and field testimonies indicating the entry of quantities of cigarettes within shipments that arrived through routes designated for humanitarian aid. This controversy comes at a time when the Strip is reeling under the weight of the worst living crisis in its history, with residents lacking the most basic necessities of life, including food, drink, and medicine.

Images and videos circulated by local activists caused widespread shock, as they showed commercial quantities of cigarettes said to have entered via trucks belonging to international organizations. Residents considered that the timing of introducing these secondary goods reflects a structural flaw in the management of relief operations, and a deliberate disregard for the urgent needs of thousands of families searching for a loaf of bread.

In conversations with local sources, citizens affirmed that the top priority should be the entry of flour, infant formula, and life-saving medical supplies that have run out in hospitals. They pointed out that replacing essential materials with dispensable goods exacerbates the state of public resentment towards the authorities supervising the management and distribution of international aid amidst the comprehensive health collapse.

For its part, the World Food Program quickly issued an official statement denying in full the allegations related to the smuggling of cigarettes through its trucks. The international organization affirmed its commitment to the highest standards of transparency and oversight, stressing that all shipments are subject to strict inspection in cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure that aid reaches those in need safely.

The organization considered these accusations to be part of smear campaigns aimed at obstructing its humanitarian efforts in the Strip, emphasizing that such rumors do not serve the interests of those affected. Despite this denial, popular demands and activists continue to insist on the necessity of independent oversight and more accurate clarifications about the nature of what enters through the crossings.

In the context of economic analysis, experts believed that the entry of these large quantities cannot be described as random smuggling, but rather a coordinated operation aimed at reviving the black market. Economic analyst Ahmed Abu Qamar explained that the arrival of shipments of this size requires prior coordination between multiple parties, including the Israeli side and influential local entities.

Abu Qamar pointed out that the black market has almost completely dominated the joints of the exhausted economy in Gaza, where crisis merchants exploit the severe shortage of goods to make exorbitant profits. He added that control over the movement of liquidity and goods has become concentrated in the hands of a limited group that benefits from the absence of effective government oversight and the exceptional circumstances the Strip is experiencing.

Shocking figures indicate that the price of a single pack of cigarettes in Gaza's markets has reached about 1000 shekels, an astronomical amount compared to its original price, which does not exceed 15 shekels. This insane rise reflects the extent of economic distortion, where some are forced to buy them at exorbitant prices, leading to the depletion of the remaining cash liquidity among the population.

Observers warned that the cigarette trade under these circumstances leads to the absorption of money from the hands of the poor for the benefit of a class of influential people who have gained influence exceeding that of regulatory bodies. This crisis goes beyond the financial dimension to reach serious social dimensions related to the absence of justice and the deepening of class disparities at a time when everyone faces the risk of starvation.

This is not the first incident of its kind, as reports have previously monitored the entry of prohibited or secondary materials such as solar panels and building materials at astronomical prices, while the occupation authorities prevent the entry of basic materials. This repetition confirms a deep flaw in the goods entry system and necessitates a comprehensive review of international and local coordination and oversight mechanisms.

UN estimates indicate that the majority of the population in the Gaza Strip now relies entirely on external aid to survive after the destruction of infrastructure and the cessation of income sources. In light of this complete reliance, any manipulation in the quality or quantity of incoming aid becomes a direct threat to food security and social peace within the besieged Strip.

In conclusion, the Palestinian street in Gaza demands an end to the encroachment of war profiteers and the activation of strict oversight mechanisms to ensure the unimpeded arrival of food and medical supplies. Activists stress that the dignity of the Palestinian human requires the provision of their basic needs first, away from black market deals that feed on the wounds and pain of the afflicted.

We want bread, not cigarettes... The introduction of these goods at a time when the population faces death and hunger represents a provocation to our feelings and an imbalance in international relief priorities.

For the two hundred and second day, Israeli occupation forces continue their systematic violations of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, launching airstrikes and artillery shelling on various areas. The past hours witnessed a significant escalation in targeting densely populated residential neighborhoods, undermining truce efforts and deepening the humanitarian tragedy experienced by the residents of the besieged Strip.

In details of the field developments, sources reported that occupation tanks carried out an intense fire attack targeting the eastern areas of Khan Yunis city in the southern Strip, coinciding with violent artillery shelling that hit various residential neighborhoods. The aggression was not limited to land, as warships participated in targeting the western areas of the city, while artillery shelling at dawn today hit the outskirts of Al-Bureij camp and east of Gaza City.

In Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City, occupation aircraft launched an airstrike targeting a house belonging to the 'Al-Adham' family in the vicinity of densely populated displacement areas, resulting in injuries to nine citizens. Civil defense teams confirmed that the explosion completely destroyed the targeted house and caused severe damage to dozens of surrounding buildings, leading to widespread fires and the forced displacement of dozens of families.

Regarding official statistics, Ministry of Health data revealed shocking figures reflecting the extent of violations since October 10th, with 846 martyrs and 2,418 injured during the supposed truce period. These figures show the occupation's insistence on continuing military operations despite announced understandings, placing the international community before its responsibilities to protect civilians.

Considering the total toll of the ongoing aggression since October 7, 2023, the number of martyrs has risen to approximately 72,628, while injuries reached 172,520 cases. Rescue teams still face extreme difficulties in recovering thousands of missing persons trapped under the rubble, amid a lack of resources and continuous shelling that hinders the access of medical teams.

Currently, the Gaza Strip faces an unprecedented humanitarian and geopolitical catastrophe, as the occupation continues its policy of starvation, forced displacement, and arbitrary arrests against the population. These practices come amid a complete disregard for all international appeals and orders from the International Court of Justice, leading to most areas of the Strip losing the basic necessities of human life.

The continuation of these field violations puts the ceasefire agreement at stake, amid warnings of a further escalation of the situation if international silence persists. Field sources confirm that indiscriminate shelling continues to target the remaining infrastructure, further complicating the delivery of scarce humanitarian aid to affected families in the north and south of the Strip.

The number of martyrs since the start of the ceasefire on October 10th has risen to 846 martyrs and more than two thousand injured.

Media reports, citing informed sources, revealed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to experience a state of anxiety regarding American military movements in the Strait of Hormuz region. Riyadh fears that these movements could place it in the line of Iranian fire, especially in light of the escalating tensions in the vital waterways of the region.

Sources reported that the American administration explicitly informed Gulf capitals that it would not take retaliatory measures in response to any Iranian attacks that might target the infrastructure of allied countries. This stance raised serious questions about the nature of mutual security commitments and the region's ability to confront threats without direct military cover.

In a related context, the sudden announcement of Washington's intention to begin directing ships through the Strait of Hormuz caused widespread dissatisfaction among Saudi officials. The Saudi side believes that this step could act as a catalyst for Tehran to launch more attacks, threatening to ignite a regional conflict that the parties had sought to avoid through diplomatic channels.

For his part, Ambassador Riyadh Qarmali, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister for Public Diplomacy, affirmed that the Kingdom's policy is based on supporting de-escalation efforts and avoiding tensions in all their forms. Qarmali indicated that Riyadh places negotiations and peaceful solutions as a top priority in dealing with current regional crises to ensure the stability of the region.

When Gulf officials inquired from their counterparts in the Trump administration and the US military about the nature of the expected response to any Iranian aggression, the American response was disappointing. Washington focused on its current priority being the achievement of a comprehensive peace agreement, indicating that it would not be drawn into military confrontations due to strikes targeting oil or vital facilities.

An official in the Middle East described 'Operation Freedom,' which Washington intended to implement, as 'fraught with risks' and potentially leading to catastrophic results for Gulf security. He explained that rushing to make field decisions and disseminating them through social media further complicated the situation and placed military movements under unwanted scrutiny.

In conclusion of the reports, American officials indicated that the proposed military operation would not be resumed in the near future due to continued Gulf reservations. Diplomatic focus remains the only available path currently, given the parties' desire to contain crises away from direct confrontation scenarios that could spiral out of control.

The American side clarified that the primary focus is on reaching a peace agreement, and that the United States will likely not respond to Iranian strikes that may target infrastructure in the region.

Diplomatic relations between the occupation state and Belgium have witnessed severe tension following the Belgian authorities' decision to file indictments against three traditional circumcisers from the Jewish community. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar sharply criticized Brussels, considering this step an infringement on the essence of Jewish faith and a stain on the history of contemporary Belgian society.

The judicial authorities in the city of Antwerp are prosecuting the three circumcisers based on charges related to performing illegal surgical procedures outside the licensed medical framework, which could endanger children's lives. In contrast, Jewish organizations believe that these measures aim to restrict the practice of religious rituals guaranteed by international laws, asserting that circumcision is not merely a medical procedure but a sacred religious obligation.

For its part, the Conference of European Rabbis issued a strongly worded statement calling on members of the Jewish community in Belgium to prepare to leave the country and seek alternatives for settlement. The President of the Conference, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, described the Belgian decision as crossing a red line, likening these pressures to what Jews faced in Europe before the outbreak of World War II.

Margolin accused the Belgian authorities of misusing constitutional texts to effectively ban circumcision, noting that the message currently being sent to Jews is that they are no longer welcome. The Conference announced its intention to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the future of the community in light of what it described as the transformation of Jews into second-class citizens as a result of these legal restrictions.

In a related context, the Chief Rabbi of the occupation state, Kalman Beer, entered the crisis with an official protest letter sent to the Belgian government. Beer described the prosecutions as a 'war on Judaism,' expressing the shock of the Israeli religious establishment at Belgium joining the list of countries fighting ancient Jewish religious practices.

The Chief Rabbi rejected claims that restrict circumcision procedures to doctors only, emphasizing that the 'mohel' or traditional circumciser possesses religious knowledge not available to general medical staff. He clarified in his letter that this profession predates population documentation in Europe by centuries and is an integral part of the cultural and religious identity of Jewish communities throughout history.

The Jewish community in the Belgian city of Antwerp is one of the most important and largest 'Haredi' gatherings on the European continent, giving this decision broad social implications. Sources within the community warned that preventing traditional circumcisers from performing their duties would make the continuation of religious life in the country almost impossible, potentially leading thousands to emigrate.

This crisis was not the first of its kind, as the US Ambassador to Brussels, Bill White, had previously accused the Belgian government of antisemitism last February over the same issue. The Belgian Foreign Ministry then responded by summoning the ambassador to protest, considering his statements an unacceptable interference in its internal affairs and the sovereignty of its national laws.

Rabbi Kalman Beer concluded his warnings by emphasizing that political promises to protect Jewish life in Europe remain worthless unless translated into actions that protect religious rituals. Diplomatic circles are awaiting the outcome of the coming days, amid the Belgian judiciary's insistence on completing the legal process against the three accused.

Circumcision is a cornerstone of the Jewish religion, and these prosecutions are a stain on the face of Belgian society.

Washington's Message

Intelligence

Washington – Said Arikat – 5/9/2026

News Analysis

Recent leaks reveal a growing gap between the political rhetoric presented by US President Donald Trump and the more cautious intelligence assessments within US state institutions regarding the open war with Iran. While Trump continues to portray the naval blockade on Iran as an "overwhelming success" leading Tehran towards collapse, secret assessments prepared by the US Central Intelligence Agency confirm that Iran is capable of economic and military resilience for several months, and perhaps for much longer than the White House declares.

According to what the American newspaper "Washington Post" attributed to four informed officials, the secret analysis presented to decision-makers this week concluded that Iran can withstand the American blockade for 90 to 120 days before facing more serious economic pressures. This conclusion not only undermines Trump's narrative of "rapid victory" but also re-raises an old question in American wars: Do American administrations deliberately exaggerate the outcomes of military force, while the realities on the ground are more complex and less decisive?

The irony is that the intelligence assessment is not limited to the economic aspect; it also indicates that Iran still retains a large part of its missile capabilities despite intense American and Israeli bombing. According to a US official, Tehran still possesses about 70 percent of its missile inventory from before the war, in addition to 75 percent of its mobile launch platforms. It has also managed to reactivate most of its underground storage facilities, repair damaged missiles, and even complete the manufacturing of missiles that were under preparation before the outbreak of the war.

These assessments directly undermine Trump's statements, who asserted that Iranian missiles were "almost destroyed." The gap between political narrative and intelligence assessment is not just a technical difference; it reflects a deeper struggle within Washington between the logic of political showmanship and the logic of security institutions that deal with facts away from electoral slogans.

The current war with Iran reveals a deep-seated crisis in the American strategic mindset, based on the belief that military superiority alone can impose political surrender. This logic has previously failed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is being repeated today in a different form with Iran. Blockades, sanctions, and bombing may weaken the targeted state, but they do not guarantee its collapse. On the contrary, external pressures often push besieged regimes towards greater extremism and security cohesion. More dangerously, Washington seems to be betting on exhausting the Iranian people rather than changing the political calculations of the regime, an approach that carries enormous human and political costs.

On the other hand, the US administration seems to be betting that the naval blockade will quickly cripple the Iranian economy, especially with the targeting of oil exports. However, Tehran has shown a clear ability to adapt, whether by storing oil in tankers, reducing production flow to preserve wells, or even considering land and rail smuggling routes through Central Asia. This reflects accumulated experience Iran has gained during decades of Western sanctions.

Perhaps most importantly, economic wars are not measured solely by the scale of daily losses, but by the political system's ability to absorb shocks. One US official told the Washington Post that the Iranian leadership has become "more radical and determined" to resist, and even believes it can wear down American political will itself. This particular point raises concern within some American circles, because recent history proves that the American public often loses interest in long wars when the economic and military costs rise.

And the history of US sanctions reveals a truth rarely acknowledged publicly by Washington: comprehensive sanctions rarely bring down regimes, but they often destroy civil societies and reshape the economy in favor of networks linked to power. Iran today is not a completely isolated country; it possesses trade and smuggling networks and regional alliances that give it room for maneuver. Therefore, the American talk of a "complete strangulation" of the Iranian economy seems closer to political propaganda than to battlefield reality. Moreover, the continuation of the blockade may push Tehran towards further regional escalation, rather than pushing it towards retreat or surrender.

Despite significant Iranian losses, including the killing of prominent leaders and the destruction of parts of the military infrastructure, field data indicates that Tehran is still capable of inflicting tangible damage on US forces and their allies in the region. Visual investigations published by the Washington Post showed that Iranian strikes hit or destroyed at least 228 facilities or pieces of equipment at US military sites in the Middle East, a scale of destruction far exceeding what Washington officially admitted.

Here another dilemma emerges: the more the US administration exaggerates in portraying the war as a "complete victory," the more difficult it becomes to retreat or make political concessions later. This explains the current contradiction; Trump declares that Iran is "collapsing," while US intelligence confirms that Tehran still possesses the tools of resilience and deterrence.

And the deeper problem with Trump's rhetoric is not just exaggeration, but in turning the war into a permanent political spectacle. The US president speaks of an "iron wall" and "great progress" in negotiations in parallel with ongoing military operations, as if the war has become part of political image-making rather than a complex conflict with enormous regional risks. This approach may provide temporary media momentum, but it weakens trust in institutions when official statements contradict intelligence reports and realistic military assessments. Ultimately, wars are not won by slogans, but by the balance of endurance and long-term attrition.

And the American war against Iran does not seem to be heading towards a quick resolution as the White House promotes. On the contrary, leaked data indicates a long and open confrontation, in which the factor of resilience is more important than propaganda strikes. While Trump continues to talk about "victory," US intelligence agencies seem more aware of the fact that Iran, despite deep wounds, is still far from complete collapse.

Practicing journalism in the United States is no longer an easy or safe task as it once was, as the country that boasted of sanctifying freedom of expression has fallen to sixty-fourth place in the global ranking of press freedom. This remarkable deterioration has placed Washington behind politically emerging African nations, reflecting the magnitude of the crisis facing media amidst sharp political polarization.

President Trump made journalists permanent enemies, consistently attacking them in his daily speeches and describing most media outlets as 'fake'. This hatred for independent media has transformed into a systematic political doctrine, fueled by the resentment of his electoral base towards what he describes as 'elites' controlling the levers of the state.

Under these pressures, this year's prestigious 'Pulitzer' awards have acquired political dimensions beyond traditional professional recognition, as they were granted to a team of journalistic 'sources' who documented Trump's abuse of federal power. The 'Washington Post' and 'New York Times' were also honored for investigative reports that revealed arbitrary restructuring of government agencies and conflicts of interest violations.

Despite this professional excellence, mainstream American journalism remains captive to deep ideological biases when it comes to the Israeli occupation state. This is clearly evident in coverage that ignores facts on the ground in Gaza, focusing instead on protecting the Israeli narrative and pursuing critics of Zionist policies with ready-made accusations.

This contradiction emerged in an interview conducted by the 'New York Times' with broadcaster Tucker Carlson, who has become one of Israel's strongest critics in the American arena. Carlson did not hesitate to describe Trump as having become 'Netanyahu's servant,' criticizing the American administration's entanglement behind Israeli plans to wage wars in the region, particularly against Iran.

It is surprising that the journalistic questions directed at Carlson did not focus on the essence of his criticisms of the pro-Israel lobby's dominance, but rather on an attempt to brand him as 'anti-Semitic.' The interviewer completely ignored the tens of thousands of victims in Gaza and was only concerned with the extent to which 'Zionist feelings were hurt' when discussing the crime of genocide.

In a related context, the statements of the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stand out as a stark example of this bias, as he adopts rhetoric that legitimizes the expansion of the occupation and the annexation of neighboring countries' territories. Huckabee, described as the 'Ambassador of Zionism,' bases his positions on what he calls 'divine promise,' a logic rejected by sound political reason but accepted in decision-making circles.

Historically, Israel has not ceased to incite instability in the region, starting with the invasion of Iraq in 2003 up to the current threats to Turkey and Pakistan. With this approach continuing, American journalism seems to have abandoned its oversight role, often becoming a cover for expansionist projects that threaten regional and international security.

Trump made targeting journalism and attacking journalists a systematic practice manifested in threats and legal prosecutions.

Southern Lebanon has witnessed a dangerous military escalation over the past twenty-four hours, with the Israeli army issuing urgent warnings to residents of nine villages and towns to evacuate immediately. These warnings included the towns of Tyre Debba, Abbasiyeh, Burj Rahal, Maaroub, Barish, Arzoun, and Jannata in the Tyre district, in addition to Zrarieh and Ain Baal, with residents asked to stay at least one kilometer away from any Hezbollah facilities.

In the context of air operations, Israeli military sources announced the execution of more than 85 airstrikes targeting what they described as strategic targets in the southern and Bekaa regions. The statement claimed that the attacks hit ammunition depots and missile launch platforms, in addition to destroying an underground facility in the Bekaa region that was used for manufacturing and developing the party's combat means.

On the ground, local sources reported civilian casualties as a result of raids targeting Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kafrtibnit roundabout, while the towns of Majdal Zoun, Mansouri, and Bayout al-Siyad were subjected to intense and continuous artillery shelling. This shelling coincided with attempts at ground incursions that led to fierce armed clashes between occupation forces and resistance elements in the vicinity of the town of Bayada.

In the city of Bint Jbeil, reports from the region monitored the occupation forces carrying out widespread demolition operations of residential homes in the Al-Jabana neighborhood, which led to the complete destruction of residential blocks. Intermittent artillery shelling also affected the towns of Arnoun and Kafrtibnit, reaching the city of Nabatieh, while shells targeted the towns of Barashit, Safad al-Battikh, Toulin, Al-Ghandouriyeh, and Fron.

For its part, Hezbollah announced the implementation of a series of military operations in response to the Israeli escalation, confirming the targeting of a gathering of occupation vehicles and soldiers in the town of Bayada with a concentrated rocket barrage. Media sources indicated that rocket barrages launched from Lebanon also targeted border sites, where the interception of rockets over the Metula settlement in the Upper Galilee was monitored.

This escalation comes against a long history of conflict in the region, which recalls previous Israeli invasions of Lebanon, especially the 1982 invasion that reached the capital Beirut. These developments fall within a complex geopolitical context that the region has witnessed since the Nakba of 1948, and the subsequent major wars that changed the features of the Middle East and led to the occupation of vast Arab lands.

Field readings indicate that the occupation seeks, through intensifying raids and evacuation orders, to create a buffer zone and dismantle the resistance's infrastructure, an approach that has been repeated in previous wars. Amidst the continued artillery and aerial bombardment, fears of an exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis in the border villages, which are now suffering from massive destruction of property and basic infrastructure, are increasing.

Over the past twenty-four hours, the Israeli army carried out more than 85 raids on infrastructure, weapons depots, and launch platforms.

The internationally acclaimed novelist J.M. Coetzee, a Nobel laureate in Literature, has taken a striking ethical stance by announcing his withdrawal from the Jerusalem Book Festival, scheduled for later this month. The South African-born writer justified his decision by refusing to participate in any cultural event amidst what he described as a 'campaign of extermination' waged by Israel in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the current geopolitical situation prevents him from attending as a keynote speaker.

In a letter addressed to the organizers and published by press sources, Coetzee clarified that the ongoing Israeli military operations, which have lasted for months, appear utterly disproportionate and exceed any security justifications. The 86-year-old writer noted that this campaign enjoys widespread support within Israeli society, making intellectual and artistic elites complicit in the moral responsibility for these crimes.

Coetzee, considered one of the most prominent contemporary English-language writers, acknowledged in his letter a radical shift in his personal convictions regarding Israel. After having been a supporter in previous decades, and having visited Jerusalem in 1987 to receive a prestigious literary award, he affirmed today that the actions of the Israeli army in Gaza have caused many of its historical supporters to turn their backs in disgust.

The author of 'Disgrace' believes that Israel will need many years to restore its international reputation, which has been unprecedentedly damaged by current policies. He expressed his disappointment at the fading hopes he had for the Israeli people to change their stance towards Palestinians and provide some measure of justice for those whose lands were seized, stressing that the current reality necessitates a cultural isolation.

John Maxwell Coetzee was born in Cape Town in 1940 and grew up under the apartheid regime in South Africa, which profoundly influenced his concise and acerbic prose style. Coetzee was known for his mastery in depicting moral and political conflicts, making him the first writer in history to win the prestigious Booker Prize twice, before crowning his career with the Nobel Prize in 2003.

Coetzee's political stances were not born of the moment; their roots extend back to his youth when he participated in protests against the Vietnam War while in the United States. That participation led to his arrest in 1970 and denial of permanent residency there, prompting him to return to South Africa and work academically at the University of Cape Town before later moving to Australia.

Despite his historical reluctance to issue direct political judgments, his visit to Palestine in 2016 as part of a literature festival marked a turning point in his public discourse. He then stated from the West Bank that what he witnessed represented a system of forced apartheid based on race and religion, aimed at entrenching colonial invasion and control over natural resources.

Coetzee's novels, such as 'Life & Times of Michael K' and 'Waiting for the Barbarians,' are characterized by high linguistic precision and intellectual depth that transcends traditional narrative. His works often address themes of alienation and social injustice, with the Swedish Academy describing them as depicting 'the surprising involvement of the outsider' in morally and politically complex environments.

Coetzee's recent withdrawal comes amid a growing wave of cultural boycotts led by international artists and writers against Israeli institutions. Observers believe that the joining of a literary figure of Coetzee's stature to this campaign gives significant momentum to the international movement seeking to hold Israel accountable for its violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The writer's new stance also reflects an evolution in his vision of the intellectual's role in times of major crises, where he no longer contents himself with political allusions within his fictional texts. In his latest letter, he was direct in holding Israeli society as a whole responsible for the silence or support of the atrocities committed by the army in the besieged Gaza Strip.

It is worth noting that in recent years, Coetzee has moved away from realistic fiction, turning towards experimental forms that blend essays, memoirs, and intellectual debate. His recent works, such as the 'Jesus' trilogy, have reflected a deep preoccupation with issues of language and cultural hegemony, which aligns with his stance rejecting colonialism in all its forms.

The Israeli cultural community received the news of Coetzee's withdrawal with shock, given his global standing and his history, which had not previously been characterized by explicit hostility towards Israel. This withdrawal confirms that the circle of boycott is no longer limited to political activists but has extended to include the consciences of world literature who see Gaza as a moral test for humanity.

Academically, Coetzee has held high positions in international universities and is currently a research fellow at the University of Adelaide in Australia. His background in mathematics and English has contributed to shaping a unique literary style characterized by verbal austerity and philosophical clarity, making his influence transcend the boundaries of the English language to become global.

With this stance, Coetzee places himself at the forefront of intellectuals who refuse to separate art from harsh political reality, asserting that 'literary beauty' cannot flourish upon the ruins of genocide. His latest letter remains a historical document condemning international silence and calling for a comprehensive review of the relationship with the occupation system.

No respectable segment of Israeli society, including intellectual and artistic circles, can claim to be unconcerned with sharing responsibility for the atrocities committed in Gaza.

Western capitalist governments, dominant in technology sectors, no longer fear digital masses as they did at the beginning of the rise of social platforms. In that phase, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram were seen as open arenas for protest, exposing corruption, shaping public opinion, and bypassing traditional media. But what happened later is that these governments no longer needed to silence people directly; instead, they found their first line of defense in the algorithm.

Today, the algorithm is no longer an innocent technical tool that arranges content according to interest; rather, it has become a soft governance structure that controls what we see and what we don't see, what spreads and what disappears, what becomes a public issue and what is buried under the rubble of entertainment and noise. Modern power has understood that control is not always about preventing speech, but by allowing everyone to speak within a space capable of absorbing anger, fragmenting it, and transforming it into data, views, and fleeting interaction.

Here lies the paradox. The citizen thinks they are engaging in a free digital protest when they write an angry post, share a hashtag, or join a noisy online campaign, but the digital system is not overly bothered by this anger as long as it can be measured, directed, and extinguished. In fact, excessive anger may even serve the system itself, because it transforms protest from a conscious political act into rapid emotional consumption. People get angry for hours or days, then move on to another issue, another trend, and a new wave of digital shouting.

In the Palestinian context, this meaning appears with double clarity, because the digital public does not live the luxury of theoretical discussion, but rather interacts with decisions that directly affect the details of their daily lives; from inflation and rising prices of goods and fuel, to taxes and fees, to decisions that people sometimes feel are issued beyond their economic and psychological capacity. Every decision that does not receive popular acceptance quickly turns into a wave of anger on Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp; sarcastic posts, sharp comments, calls for protest, and widespread accusations against the government or responsible parties. But this anger, despite its sincerity and the validity of its reasons, often remains confined to the sphere of digital venting; it rises then dissolves in the face of new news, a new crisis, or a different trend. Here, the authority becomes less afraid of the digital public, because it knows that unorganized anger does not necessarily bring about a change in decision.

The problem is not with anger itself. Anger is sometimes a moral, political, and human necessity. The problem is in transforming it into an alternative to organization, analysis, alliance building, protecting publishers, and understanding platform rules and the consequences of publishing. The post may not be deleted, but its reach is reduced. The account may not be closed, but its trustworthiness is weakened. Punishment may not come immediately, but a long algorithmic record is built around the publisher, accompanying them in every future post. Thus, expressing anger becomes fraught with risks without necessarily being effective in influencing decision-making.

Governments are no longer very afraid of an angry public that can be fragmented and turned into data. They are more afraid of an organized public that knows what it wants, how to formulate its demands, when to escalate, when to calm down, and how to turn solidarity into political, media, legal, and economic pressure. They fear the precise document more than they fear insults, and the well-crafted narrative more than they fear shouting, and the public that does not just participate but asks: What after participation?

Therefore, the battle today is not only with governments, but with the attention engineering created by digital capitalism. This engineering does not prevent people from speaking, but it reshapes the meaning of speech, and turns major issues into products that compete for user time. Even human suffering enters the bid for visibility, and even tragedy needs a strong image, appropriate timing, and an attractive phrase to pass through the algorithm's gate.

In the end, modern digital authority no longer tells people: Be silent. It has found a more cunning formula. It tells them: Speak as you wish, but within a system that I know how to arrange, measure, profit from, and empty of its effect when necessary. Here, the challenge for journalists, activists, human rights defenders, and content creators is not just to raise their voices, but to reclaim meaning from the algorithm, and to transform expression from a fleeting emotion into an organized public act. Digital masses will not scare governments again until they stop being intermittent waves of anger and become a continuous force of awareness that knows that publishing is the beginning of the road, not its end.

*Researcher and consultant in media and digital marketing

Dr. Abdul Nasser Makki: The revival of evacuated settlements comes within a project based on expanding control over land and entrenching an ideological vision aimed at displacing Palestinians

Jamal Jumaa: The ongoing plan is based on creating a "settlement cut" that separates Jenin and isolates it from the northern West Bank governorates as part of the annexation plan

Mohammed Abu Allan Dragmeh: The establishment of new settlements leads to the seizure of vast areas of land, which negatively impacts agricultural and economic resources

Dr. Hassan Breijieh: The return of settlers to Sanur comes within what the settlers described as the "golden period" for expanding settlement influence and imposing new realities on the ground

Salah Al-Khawaja: What is happening in Sanur cannot be separated from a policy that considers settlement a tool to enhance security for settlers and impose new field realities on the ground

Yasser Manna: The return of the "Sanur" settlement constitutes a new link in the creeping annexation project and within the path of isolating and separating Palestinians in the West Bank

Ramallah - Exclusive to "Al-Quds"-

Fears are growing that the return of settlers to the "Sanur" settlement, built on lands south of Jenin, does not represent an isolated step, but rather comes within the framework of a broader shift in Israeli policy towards entrenching control and annexation of the West Bank, through the revival of evacuated settlements, the expansion of existing outposts, and the imposition of new realities on the ground that threaten to dismantle Palestinian geography and eliminate what remains of opportunities for a political solution.

Specialists and officials, in separate interviews with "Al-Quds", believe that this step reflects the Israeli government's transition from managing the conflict to reshaping Palestinian geography in a way that serves the long-term gradual annexation project.

They point out that recent developments in the northern West Bank reveal a plan that goes beyond the borders of "Sanur" itself, as efforts are underway to connect settlement blocs to each other, and isolate Palestinian cities and villages from their surroundings, especially in the northern West Bank, through a network of bypass roads, checkpoints, pastoral outposts, and military sites, stressing that this path aims to confine Palestinians within narrow population centers, and separate them from their agricultural lands and natural resources, thereby imposing a new demographic reality that will be difficult to change in the future.

In parallel, fears are growing that the new settlement expansion will lead to an escalation of field attacks against Palestinians, given the unprecedented political and security support given to settlers.

They believe that what is happening in "Sanur" constitutes a model for a new phase of settlement based on combining urban expansion with economic and security pressure, which threatens to undermine Palestinian geographical contiguity, weaken the ability of Palestinians to remain, and open the door to a more complex phase in the West Bank in the coming months.

An Open Arena for Imposing Realities

Dr. Abdul Nasser Makki, a researcher specializing in settlement affairs, confirms that the return of settlers to the "Sanur" settlement, built on the lands of Sanur village south of Jenin in the northern West Bank, along with the accelerating settlement expansion in various areas of the Palestinian territories, reflects a deeper shift in the directions of the extremist Israeli right-wing government, which has come to treat the West Bank as an open arena for imposing political and geographical realities on the ground, thereby undermining any future possibility of reviving the peace process.

Makki explains that the revival of settlements evacuated in 2005, foremost among them Sanur, cannot be read as an isolated field step, but rather comes within a comprehensive political project based on expanding Israeli control over Palestinian land, and entrenching an ideological vision based on the displacement of Palestinians and considering that they have no place in this land.

Makki points out that this path is not limited to expanding existing settlements, but also extends to regaining control over areas previously withdrawn from, in a clear indication of the decline in Israeli commitment to all previous understandings and agreements.

Serious Political Repercussions

Makki notes that the most dangerous aspect of these developments lies in their political repercussions, as the return and intensification of settlement practically means closing the door to any future political settlement, given the Israeli government's adoption of new programs based on canceling the foundations upon which agreements signed more than three decades ago were based.

Makki believes that the current scene confirms that talk of peace is no longer among the priorities of successive Israeli governments, but rather the prevailing trend has become towards imposing unilateral realities, and isolating Palestinians within fragmented areas through military checkpoints and new security points.

Makki explains that the northern Jordan Valley, Masafer Yatta, the southern Hebron Hills, and contact areas are likely to be at the heart of the next phase of settlement expansion, especially given the unprecedented facilities granted to settlers to purchase land directly, without going through any previously established regulatory channels.

Fears of Escalating Settler Attacks

Makki believes that these policies represent an official green light for settlers to expand their influence, establish more settlement outposts, and return to sites previously evacuated.

Makki confirms that the Israeli government has given settlers a free hand in the West Bank, which has been reflected in the escalation of attacks against Palestinians in several villages, through killings, burning of homes and vehicles, vandalism of property, and attacks on agricultural lands, as these practices come in the context of the government's attempt to appease the settlement movement for internal political and electoral purposes.

Unprecedented Escalation of Settlement

Makki explains that Israeli settlement has seen gradual expansion since 1968, but it reached an unprecedented stage after October 7, 2023, with a remarkable acceleration in the establishment of settlement and pastoral outposts.

Makki points out that the number of settlements in the West Bank has reached about 198 settlements, in addition to 452 settlement outposts, including 192 outposts established during the recent period, indicating that the West Bank will be the main focus of upcoming Israeli plans, threatening the Palestinian presence and placing the future of the Palestinian issue before a more complex and dangerous stage.

Extensive Settlement Project

Jamal Jumaa, coordinator of the Popular Campaign Against the Wall and Settlements and an expert in settlement affairs, warns that the return of settlement to the Sanur area south of Jenin does not merely represent a return to a settlement evacuated in 2005, but rather constitutes a central link in an extensive settlement project aimed at redrawing the geographical and political map in the northern West Bank, by connecting settlement blocs to each other, isolating Palestinian cities and villages, and preparing the ground for imposing a long-term gradual annexation reality.

Jumaa explains that Jenin Governorate was considered the least affected by settlement compared to other West Bank governorates, especially after the evacuation of five settlements from the area as part of the Israeli disengagement plan in 2005, which left it almost free of settlement presence. However, the arrival of the current Israeli government, which placed the issue of decisive control over land at the forefront of its priorities, led to an unprecedented acceleration in settlement expansion projects, including reversing the previous withdrawal decision and allowing a return to the evacuated settlements.

Jumaa points out that the return of settlement in Sanur is inseparable from a series of other dangerous Israeli decisions, including land registration procedures for settlers and imposing control over Palestinian archaeological sites, including areas classified (A), (B), and (C), in a step aimed at transferring these sites to direct Israeli control.

Jumaa notes that this trend is clearly reflected in the area between Sanur and Sebastia, where settlers have been trying for some time to impose effective control over the archaeological site in Sebastia and prevent Palestinians from accessing it, thereby transforming the area into a wide settlement belt that extends beyond the borders of the settlement itself.

Separating Jenin from West Bank Governorates

Jumaa explains that the ongoing plan in the northern West Bank is based on creating a new "settlement cut" that separates Jenin and isolates it from the northern West Bank governorates as part of the annexation plan, similar to the settlement corridors that connect central West Bank settlements to the Jordan Valley.

According to Jumaa, the new cut line will extend from the Umm al-Rihan area towards Sanur, then connect to the Homesh, Ganim, and Kadim settlements, before extending towards the Jordan Valley, thereby separating the northern West Bank from its center, fragmenting Palestinian governorates, and turning villages into isolated enclaves.

Jumaa stresses that the most dangerous aspect of this project is not limited to settlement construction alone, but also includes the spread of settlement and pastoral outposts around Palestinian villages, which are used as a tool to encircle population centers, prevent their natural expansion, and isolate them from their agricultural lands.

He points out that this pattern of settlement aims to confine Palestinians within urban areas only, and gradually push them to lose their connection to the land, in preparation for the implementation of the annexation plan, which is based on crowding Palestinians into the smallest possible area within the West Bank.

Jumaa confirms that what is happening on the ground is proceeding along two parallel tracks: the first is geographical engineering through the construction of settlements, the carving out of settlement roads, and the establishment of checkpoints and military infrastructure; the second is the creation of an environment that expels Palestinians through the escalation of settler terrorism.

Attacks Aimed at Displacement

Jumaa explains that the attacks carried out by settlers against Palestinians have become part of an organized displacement policy targeting Bedouin and rural communities from the south to the north of the West Bank, threatening vital economic sectors, foremost among them livestock and agriculture.

Jumaa points out that the control of agricultural lands and springs, the closure of agricultural roads, and the prevention of farmers from accessing their fields, especially olive trees, portends a gradual collapse of the Palestinian agricultural sector, in addition to deepening the economic crisis resulting from checkpoints and restrictions on movement. Jumaa stresses that what is happening in the West Bank is no longer just traditional settlement expansion, but has become an open war on the Palestinian presence, managed at an accelerated pace in the absence of real international protection, and within the framework of an Israeli political race to impose a new reality on the ground, warning that the coming months will witness a widespread escalation of settler attacks and settlement measures in the West Bank, creating an environment for the displacement of citizens.

Official Israeli Program for Settlement Expansion

Writer and specialist in Israeli affairs, Mohammed Abu Allan Dragmeh, confirms that the return of settlement activity to the "Sanur" settlement in the northern West Bank represents an extremely dangerous political and field development, falling within an accelerating path of settlement expansion since the formation of the current Benjamin Netanyahu government, which includes ministers from the extremist right-wing movement, foremost among them Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have made settlement expansion and the legitimization of settlement outposts an essential part of this government's program.

Dragmeh explains that the return of settlers to Sanur constitutes a clear reversal of the disengagement plan implemented by Israel in 2005, when a number of settlements in the northern West Bank were evacuated.

Direct Political Message

According to Dragmeh, this return inherently carries a direct political message that the Israeli government no longer sees any commitment to be respected in previous political agreements, but rather has come to treat the West Bank as an open arena for redrawing the political and demographic map.

Dragmeh refers to the declared goal by Israeli officials and ministers, who affirmed during their storming of the "Sanur" settlement site that settlement expansion aims directly to eliminate the possibility of an independent Palestinian state.

Dragmeh confirms that the ongoing settlement expansion in various areas of the West Bank, including the revival of previously evacuated settlements, comes within a gradual policy aimed at ending the two-state solution by imposing realities that will be difficult to reverse in the future.

Dangerous Field Measures

Dragmeh explains that the dangers are not limited to the political aspect, but extend to the daily reality of Palestinians, as the establishment of new settlements leads to the seizure of vast areas of Palestinian land, which negatively impacts the agricultural and economic resources of the residents.

This also contributes, according to Dragmeh, to the fragmentation of the West Bank, and the isolation of Palestinian cities and towns from each other, which exacerbates the suffering of residents and restricts their daily movement.

Dragmeh points out that settlement expansion also raises the level of friction between settlers and Palestinians, which increases the likelihood of violence, noting that recent months have witnessed an escalation in settler attacks that have resulted in the martyrdom of a number of Palestinians in the West Bank, as these attacks have become part of an environment created by the settlement itself.

Dragmeh confirms that settlement outposts, which often begin as random sites, later turn into recognized settlements by government decisions, receiving funding, services, and infrastructure, making settlement a political tool used by Israel to impose broader gradual control over West Bank lands, especially in areas classified (C), thereby deepening the risks to the future of the Palestinian presence in those areas.

Direct Translation of a Political Decision

Dr. Hassan Breijieh, a researcher specializing in settlement affairs, believes that the return of settlers to the Sanur area south of Jenin represents a direct translation of a political decision taken by the extremist Israeli right-wing government, within the framework of an accelerating policy aimed at expanding the settlement project and imposing more control over Palestinian lands throughout the West Bank.

Breijieh explains that the Israeli government has allocated settlement budgets that are about three times higher than what was allocated in previous years, noting that approximately 80 percent of these allocations go directly to supporting settlement, either through the expansion of existing settlements or through the legitimization of random settlement outposts and their transformation into officially recognized communities by the occupation authorities.

He confirms that the next phase is likely to see more field measures, including the approval of new settlement housing units, the issuance of additional military orders, as well as decisions to seize new areas of Palestinian land.

Breijieh considers that the return of settlers to Sanur, which was evacuated in 2005, comes within what the settlers described as the "golden period" for expanding settlement influence and imposing new realities on the ground.

Restricting Palestinians

Breijieh points out that the repercussions of these policies are not limited to Sanur alone, but extend to various areas of the West Bank, warning of serious implications for the lives of Palestinians, especially in the economic, agricultural, educational, and health sectors, as a result of escalating attacks on citizens, land confiscation, and tightening restrictions on movement and travel.

Breijieh believes that the ultimate goal of these policies is to restrict Palestinians and weaken their ability to remain on their lands, by creating harsh living conditions that pave the way for further settlement expansion in the next phase.

Imposing "Israeli Sovereignty" over the West Bank

Salah Al-Khawaja, director of the Central Office of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission and an expert in settlement affairs, believes that the decision by the occupation authorities to return settlers to the Sanur area south of Jenin, and the official announcement by the Israeli Planning and Building Council of the establishment of 126 caravans and housing units for settlers, represents a practical step aimed at extracting final and official recognition of the establishment of a new settlement in the area, as part of an escalating policy led by the current Israeli government headed by the extremist right-wing movement.

He explains that this step comes within the context of the project adopted by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to impose what is called "Israeli sovereignty" over the lands of the West Bank, in a clear challenge to international pressure and political positions in which more than 160 countries have recognized the Palestinian state, as well as a direct challenge to the Hague advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice which confirmed that the Palestinian territories occupied after 1967 are subject to Palestinian jurisdiction.

Al-Khawaja points out that what is happening in Sanur cannot be separated from a broader wave of settlement expansion, noting recent announcements regarding the establishment of 34 new settlements, including six settlements in Jenin Governorate alone, as part of a policy that considers settlement expansion, according to the official Israeli vision, a tool to enhance security for settlers and impose new field realities on the ground.

Al-Khawaja explains that settlement plans are not limited to the northern West Bank, but also extend to East Jerusalem, in the areas of Al-Eizariya, Abu Dis, and Al-Sawahreh, where efforts are underway to connect the "Mishor Adumim" and "Ma'ale Adumim" settlements, with the aim of forming a continuous settlement belt that prevents any future Palestinian urban expansion, and is used as a continuous pressure tool to push Palestinian residents towards forced displacement.

Isolating Palestinians from their Lands and Resources

Al-Khawaja explains that the most dangerous aspect of this policy is the isolation of Palestinians from their lands and natural resources, through the imposition of a network of settlements, outposts, and military roads that redraw Palestinian geography to serve the gradual annexation project, considering that the Israeli government is trying to transform the temporary military occupation into a permanent political reality.

Al-Khawaja confirms that the Israeli discourse has evolved from considering the West Bank as "disputed territory" to adopting a narrative that considers it "Judea and Samaria," in an attempt to add a religious and historical dimension to the control project, pointing out that Smotrich also seeks to impose control over more than 2,500 archaeological sites in areas (C), and consider them biblical sites as part of a systematic Judaization of the Palestinian historical narrative.

He points out that what is happening is part of an integrated security system, whether the apartheid wall, settlement, connection to settlements, military areas, or checkpoints, and its goal is to create a reality to perpetuate settlement, and transform West Bank areas into the worst apartheid system known to humanity.

Al-Khawaja warns that the continued international, Arab, and Islamic silence regarding settlement expansion gives the occupation government and settler associations more room to implement their projects, even though settlement is classified as a war crime under international law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Al-Khawaja stresses that all attempts to impose new realities on the ground will not change the Palestinian identity of the land, affirming that Palestine, with its history, heritage, and religious status, will remain Palestinian despite the accelerating settlement project and continuous annexation policies.

Al-Khawaja warns that the continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, especially in areas such as Sanur and Jenin, will lead to further isolation of Palestinian communities, restrict economic and agricultural development, and create a new geographical reality that serves the annexation project, in the absence of effective international deterrence to stop the occupation's policies and limit the escalation of field violations.

Gradual Annexation of the West Bank

Yasser Manna, a writer and researcher specializing in Israeli affairs, confirms that the return of settlers to the "Sanur" settlement, built on the lands of Sanur village south of Jenin in the northern West Bank, represents a new step in the context of Israeli policy aimed at gradually annexing the West Bank and separating Palestinian communities from each other, by reshaping the field reality to serve the long-term settlement project.

He explains that Israel is no longer content with expanding existing settlements, but has moved to reviving settlements that were evacuated as part of the disengagement plan in 2005, pointing out that "Sanur" was one of the settlements removed at that time in the northern West Bank, before the Israeli government reopened its file again, in a step with complex political and field dimensions.

Manna points out that the participation of Israeli ministers in the re-settlement ceremonies in April 2026, along with the proposal to build 126 new housing units at the site, reflects an official orientation to declare the end of the withdrawal phase, and replace it with a clearer settlement expansion policy, aimed at transforming areas of the northern West Bank, especially the vicinity of Jenin and Nablus, from areas with relative Palestinian contiguity to areas open to settlement presence, military protection, and settlement bypass road networks.

Dismantling Palestinian Geographical Contiguity

Manna notes that the most dangerous aspect of this step is the dismantling of Palestinian geographical contiguity, and the imposition of a new security reality through checkpoints, buffer zones, and military infrastructure surrounding the settlement, which leads to the expansion of Israeli control beyond the borders of the construction itself.

Manna confirms that the return of the "Sanur" settlement, built on the lands of Sanur village south of Jenin, does not represent merely limited settlement expansion, but rather constitutes a new link in the creeping annexation project, and within the path of isolating and separating Palestinians in the West Bank, and opens the door to more daily ongoing settler attacks.

Millions of Americans and Europeans believe that the book 'Prophecies' by the French astrologer Michel de Nostradamus contains references to political events that will be witnessed by countries around the world throughout centuries. In this context, Donald Trump emerges as fertile ground for readings that connect the past and the present, as some see in his political behavior an embodiment of deep crises that have crippled the international system.

Trump has consistently proven through his statements and actions that he represents an exceptional case in American political history, which has led many to invoke the legacy of ancient Arabic satire to describe his situation. From the poems of Al-Hutay'a to the satire of Al-Mutanabbi, the descriptions applied to controversial figures in Arab history find a wide echo when applied to Trump's political and personal characteristics.

The American president failed to fulfill most of the promises he made during his election campaigns, and instead of confronting failures, he habitually blamed his predecessors in power. It even reached the point of accusing Joe Biden of spending billions of dollars on strange experiments involving mice, in an attempt to divert attention from fundamental issues.

In the incident of an American passenger plane crash in early 2025, Trump did not hesitate to blame former President Barack Obama, even though the latter left office in 2017. This behavior reflects a constant desire to create imaginary adversaries to justify any malfunction that occurs during his term, which draws the ridicule of political observers.

Trump often exhibits a wide knowledge gap, where his political experience recedes in favor of statements lacking historical and geographical accuracy. One of the most prominent examples of this is his claim that Spain was one of the founding countries of the 'BRICS' economic group, which is completely contrary to reality.

The 'BRICS' group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as members, and other countries have recently joined, none of which are European. These cognitive blunders reinforce the impression that Trump's tongue is uncontrollable, constantly putting him in an embarrassing position before the international community.

Regarding domestic policies, Trump's promise to deport six million immigrants during the first three months of his rule was one of the most controversial and alarming promises. He unleashed Immigration and Customs Enforcement forces to carry out widespread raids in various American states, leading to cases of abduction and indiscriminate targeting.

Despite this strict policy towards immigrants, clear contradictions emerged in dealing with some public figures, such as British Prince Harry residing in the United States. Trump justified not forcibly deporting him by stating that he had enough personal problems with his wife Meghan, revealing a double standard in enforcement.

Trump finds no embarrassment in using vulgar and obscene language in public, and often targets journalists with harsh words when faced with questions he dislikes. This innate harshness towards the media reflects a desire to control the official narrative and marginalize any critical voice attempting to uncover the facts.

His critics believe that fabricating crises in international economic relations and attacking historical allies is a tactic used to divert attention from suspicious personal records. Among these records, his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein stands out, continuing to haunt him like a ghost in his conflict-ridden political career.

The situation represented by Trump has prompted contemporary and ancient poets, by invoking their texts, to express the narrowness of the earth with the existence of such policies that sow hatred. The hatred generated by some of his decisions was not an inherent trait in peoples, but rather a result of hostile policies that began with incitement.

Trump's personality remains rich material for psychological and political analysis, as he combines self-taught ignorance with the ability to rally masses through populist speeches. This mixture has made him a phenomenon worthy of study, not only in the corridors of politics, but also in the fields of literature and sarcastic social criticism.

Ultimately, it seems that history will record Trump's era as a period of cognitive and political turmoil, where facts intertwined with illusions. And satire, whether ancient or modern, will remain the mirror reflecting the ugliness of policies that disregard human dignity and rely on inciting discord.

Articles addressing this figure express the opinions of their authors, but at the same time reflect a general pulse that rejects the decline in the language of political dialogue. And hope remains that global politics will regain its balance away from the language of threats, warnings, and ignorance of the fundamental facts governing the world.

Trump proves through words and actions that he is a virus that has afflicted the entire world with damage and grave misfortunes.

US President Donald Trump issued a series of violent threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran, sparking a wide wave of international criticism and warnings. Observers considered these statements an implicit threat of an unprecedented nuclear attack, especially in light of the stalemate in diplomatic negotiations and the escalation of military tensions on the ground between Washington and Tehran.

During a press conference held in Washington, Trump sent a strongly worded message to the Iranian leadership, indicating that if the ceasefire understandings collapse, the world will witness what he described as a 'great glow' emanating from Iranian territory. The US President stressed the need for Tehran to quickly sign the proposed agreement, threatening them with severe levels of pain and suffering if they refuse.

These dramatic developments come after a direct military exchange of attacks between US and Iranian forces this week, which brought the region to the brink of explosion. Despite White House assurances that the ceasefire agreement is still theoretically in effect, recent presidential statements suggest escalating tendencies that could end this fragile diplomatic path.

The US administration had earlier announced a series of air strikes it described as 'defensive' against military targets inside Iran, claiming its involvement in attempts to target US ships and interests in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Tehran quickly condemned these operations, considering them a clear violation of the truce and an aggression that warrants a response, which further complicated the security situation in the vital waterways.

For their part, political and human rights circles warned of the danger of the term 'glow' used by Trump, confirming that it clearly refers to the use of nuclear weapons or the comprehensive targeting of vital facilities and energy. Media reports indicated that this rhetoric represents a dangerous shift in US foreign policy, where weapons of mass destruction are openly brandished as a tool for political pressure to achieve gains in negotiations.

In response, the National Iranian American Council issued a strongly worded statement, considering that the threat to make Iran 'glow' represents a premeditated intention to commit a collective war crime against more than 92 million people. The organization affirmed that such statements should not go unnoticed or become part of normal political discourse, given their catastrophic consequences for international peace and security and the lives of innocent civilians.

These threats also raised legal and constitutional questions within the United States about the President's eligibility to make fateful military decisions that could ignite a regional or global war. Human rights organizations called on the international community and the US Congress to deal with these statements with utmost seriousness, warning that silence towards them could be understood as a green light for carrying out devastating attacks that violate all international laws and norms.

It is worth noting that this is not the first such debate, as Trump had previously threatened last month to 'wipe Iranian civilization' from existence, which at the time sparked a storm of anger within the Democratic Party. That previous escalation prompted dozens of representatives to demand the activation of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution, which allows for the removal of the President if he is proven unfit to perform his official duties.

If the ceasefire with Iran collapses, everyone will see a great glow coming from it... They better sign the agreement quickly, or they will face a lot of pain.

On the road connecting the cities of Nablus and Jenin, specifically at the entrance to the town of Burqa, Israeli occupation forces carried out a widespread bulldozing operation that affected hundreds of fruitful and ancient trees surrounding citizens' homes. This operation was not merely a fleeting military measure; rather, it directly targeted cypress, fig, and Roman olive trees, which represent a historical and familial legacy for the residents of the area.\n\nCitizen Fadi Masoud recounts the harsh moments when military bulldozers of the 'D10' model turned the area around his home into rubble, uprooting about 500 trees in a single operation. After the destruction ended, an Israeli officer sent a direct message to the residents, stating that the targeting was intentional to strike at 'what they hold dearest,' a clear reference to the national and spiritual symbolism of the olive tree.\n\nThe Masoud family considers their loss invaluable, as the land, named 'Al-Jneina' (The Little Garden), contains Roman olive trees that predate the construction of their home in the 1950s by many centuries. These trees witnessed four generations of the family, where grandparents planted cypress and olive trees, while sons and grandchildren cared for fig and almond trees, which are now just shattered trunks.\n\nFor his part, agricultural engineer Salama Shbeeb confirmed that the trees bulldozed by the occupation on his adjacent land represent a living archive of the land's history, with some of them being over 300 years old. Shbeeb explained that the economic loss, despite its severity, is incomparable to the attempt to erase Palestinian identity, as these trees represent the 'silent witness' that proves the deep roots of Palestinians in their land for thousands of years.\n\nActivists in the town of Burqa believe that these attacks fall within a systematic plan to forcibly displace residents and expand the settlement project in the area. This assault is linked to the return of settlers to the previously evacuated 'Homesh' settlement and the attempt to seize thousands of additional dunams located between the towns of Bazzariya, Burqa, and Ramin in the northern West Bank.\n\nThe settlement encroachment did not stop at the land's borders but extended to include vital water resources, as settlers forcibly seized 'Ein al-Dilba'. This historical water source used to provide about 30% of Burqa town's needs, putting farmers and residents in direct confrontation with policies of thirst and livelihood restrictions.\n\nField reports indicate that the occupation deliberately destroys agricultural infrastructure, including 'sanasil' or ancient stone walls, and crushes broken branches to prevent their replanting. These practices aim to transform green 'gardens' into barren areas, making it easier for the occupation authorities to declare them 'state lands' and later annex them to nearby settlements.\n\nAccording to data from the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, the pace of targeting trees has seen a dangerous escalation since the beginning of 2024, with thousands of trees uprooted and destroyed in the governorates of Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. The figures reveal that April alone witnessed the destruction of over 4,400 trees, reflecting a policy of collective punishment targeting the agricultural sector.\n\nCumulative statistics show the extent of the environmental and economic catastrophe, as the occupation has uprooted or poisoned at least 120,000 trees in the West Bank since 2020. The year 2025 recorded the highest peak in these attacks, with Palestinians losing over 35,000 trees, including about 27,000 olive trees that were a primary source of livelihood for hundreds of families.\n\nObservers confirm that targeting the olive tree specifically is part of the 'narrative war' waged by Israel against the Palestinian presence, as the existence of a centuries-old tree refutes Zionist claims about the land's history. Therefore, settlers see this tree as an 'enemy' that must be removed to legitimize their temporary presence at the expense of the original landowners.\n\nIn the town of Burqa, the occupation did not stop at bulldozing open fields; the attacks also extended to trees inside private home fences and under threat of arms. This escalation aims to confine Palestinians within narrow concrete blocks and prevent them from visual or physical contact with their agricultural lands, which constitute their strategic depth.\n\nThis assault coincides with the establishment of new settlement outposts on strategic hills such as 'Baddas' Hill, which is located amidst several Palestinian villages and includes national projects and vital water reservoirs. Control over these hills practically means suffocating Palestinian villages and turning them into isolated enclaves, within a vision aimed at controlling all of Area C.\n\nDespite the widespread destruction, Palestinian farmers insist on remaining on the ruins of their trees, considering replanting as the only response to the policy of uprooting. Each time military machinery bulldozes a field, residents try to plant new saplings, affirming the continuity of the struggle between the 'will to survive' and policies of 'erasure and displacement'.\n\nIn conclusion, the story of the Masoud and Shbeeb families in Burqa remains a microcosm of what is happening throughout the West Bank, where the tree transforms from an economic resource into a symbol of steadfastness. It is a silent war waged with numbers and bulldozers, but it leaves deep wounds in the Palestinian psyche, which sees every uprooted tree as a part of its personal and national history.\n\n"We struck you where it hurts most, something very dear to you, we struck you in the olive tree.

The 'Peace Council' launched by US President Donald Trump earlier this year is facing sharp criticism from international observers, following its tangible failure to achieve any real breakthrough in the Gaza Strip issue. Since its official inauguration in January 2026, the Council has not succeeded in warding off the specter of famine or improving the deteriorating living conditions of the population, raising questions about the true objectives behind its establishment.

Trump had announced this Council at a grand ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, inviting world leaders to join it under strict financial conditions. These conditions include paying one billion dollars to a special fund under Trump's direct supervision to ensure permanent membership, and in case of non-payment, the participating country's membership lapses after only three years from the date of joining.

In the context of diplomatic moves, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and the Council's Executive Director, Nikolay Mladenov. The attendees discussed a comprehensive assessment of the Council's performance over the past months, agreeing on a work plan aimed at improving outcomes by next October, according to international press sources.

On the ground, the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza remains stagnant with the continued intransigence of the Israeli occupation in implementing the ceasefire provisions. Data indicates that the amount of aid entering the Strip does not exceed 200 trucks daily, a figure far less than the 600 trucks stipulated in the agreements, exacerbating the severity of health and food crises.

Political analysts believe that this Council has offered nothing but hollow promises, and in the view of some, has become a political cover that grants the occupation additional time to continue its military operations. It is believed that Netanyahu seeks to exploit Palestinian suffering as a tool in his election campaign, which weakens the chances of success for any genuine peace initiative in the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, academics criticized the absence of direct Palestinian representation in the Council's deliberations, where Gaza is treated as an investment project in international conferences such as Davos. Experts questioned why dialogue with Palestinian parties was excluded, contenting themselves with coordination between American and Israeli officials and the Council's executive management.

In contrast, researchers in strategic studies present a different vision, considering that the security environment in Gaza is still not conducive to attracting international investments. They link the success of the Council's missions to the necessity of changing the political reality in the Strip, pointing out that the continued presence of armed factions with their weapons represents an obstacle to the flow of capital for reconstruction.

Palestinian parties responded to these claims by emphasizing that the factions have shown high flexibility in the governance management file, and linked the issue of weapons to the existence of a just political path that guarantees national rights. Sources clarified that Hamas did not refuse to discuss security arrangements, but refuses disarmament to be a prerequisite without guarantees of an end to aggression.

Media reports revealed warning messages sent by the Council's administration to the Palestinian National Committee for Gaza Administration last April. The messages included clear threats that continued refusal to disarm could lead to the resumption of a comprehensive war, with hints that Israel would not commit to ensuring the entry of aid under the current circumstances.

The future of the 'Peace Council' remains dependent on its ability to transition from a formal and financial framework to real action on the ground. With increasing reports of Tel Aviv's intention to resume military operations, the region appears to be heading towards a new escalation that could completely end any remaining role for this controversial American initiative.

The Peace Council has not fulfilled any of its promises, and has become a formal framework and a cover for the continuation of Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.

Washington Message

Washington – Said Arikat - 9/5/2026

On May 1st, I sat down to watch Shireen Dabees's film "All That's Left of You" (2025), without imagining that I was about to be drawn into the heart of a story that pulsates with pain as much as it pulsates with life. They weren't just images passing across the screen, but breathing faces, awakening memories, and wounds that refused to be silenced. The film doesn't so much narrate the story as it awakens it, pulls it from the rubble, and places it before us naked, as a truth that cannot be embellished. Here, the Nakba does not appear as a distant memory from a bygone era, but as an unceasing pulse, an open wound, and a life fighting, with all that is left of it, not to be erased.

Dabees weaves her work with threads of fragmented memory, and says in a low but penetrating voice: what happened has not ended. The homes that were destroyed, the lands that were stolen, and the faces that were forced to leave, were not buried in the archives of history, but transformed into a daily reality inherited by children as they inherit their names. The Nakba here is not a past to be revisited, but a present to be lived, its form changing, but its essence never lost.

The film begins its journey in the occupied West Bank during the First Palestinian Intifada, where we meet Nour, a boy trying to grow up in a place that restricts every meaning of growth. Nour is not a hero in the traditional sense; he is just a boy who dreams of walking without fear, of laughing without a soldier watching him, of being normal in a world that deprives him even of his normalcy. Checkpoints pursue him, rifles watch him, and questions inappropriate for his age weigh down his steps.

The camera captures the details of life under occupation as if touching an open wound: the road to the market is an adventure, standing in the street is a risk, and shouting in a demonstration might be the last thing said. And when bullets are fired at demonstrators, the scene does not appear as a sudden shock, but as a cold continuation of a long logic of control, where humans are reduced to targets in the line of fire.

Then, as if memory refuses to be told from one side, the film returns to Jaffa in 1948, where the story that never ended begins. There, with Sharif and Munira, we lose not only a house or an orange grove, but we lose the very idea of "stability." The shadows of the Deir Yassin massacre creep into the viewer's mind, not as a separate event, but as a collective fear that inhabits the eyes and hastens departure. Every glance between a father and his child, every hand quickly clasped, carries one question: where do we go when our place is taken from us?

What gives the film that harsh delicacy is that it doesn't scream as much as it whispers, and it doesn't condemn as much as it reveals. It stands against decades of narratives that stripped Palestinians of their voice, turning them into a number or a fleeting news item. Here, the human being reclaims their name, their features, and their right to be told as they are, not as they are wanted to be.

Nevertheless, the film does not remain captive to the past. For today's viewer, it is impossible to separate its images from what is happening in the Gaza Strip, where the tragedy is repeated with more lethal tools, but with the same logic: neighborhoods erased, bodies burdened by wars, and memory pushed towards oblivion. It is as if time is moving in a closed loop, rewriting the same pain, with different names.

This echo extends beyond Palestine, to Lebanon, and to boundless spaces, where the same logic of power is repeated, and the narrative of impunity is replayed. In this expanse, the film is no longer just a story of a people, but a testament to a world that sometimes chooses to look away.

And with all this weight, the film leaves room for nostalgia, for the human warmth that refuses to break. We see weddings, hear laughter, and witness small moments of love, as if defying the devastation. The Palestinian here is not only one who suffers, but one who loves, who dreams, and who clings to life as if it were the last thing left to them.

Adam Bakri delivers a performance imbued with noble silence, where sorrows hide in his gaze more than they are spoken in words. As for Mohammed Abdel Rahman, he embodies the character of Nour with a fragile and unsettling honesty, as if we see in his eyes a childhood trying to survive the weight of the world. The cinematic image, with the light of the Mediterranean and the warmth of the house stones, gives the film a dual soul: intimate as a memory, and expansive as an epic.

Some moments of the film may seem direct in their discourse, but this directness, in a world accustomed to ignoring pain, becomes a necessity. For when the story is denied, speaking it clearly becomes a moral act in itself.

In conclusion, this film does not fade on a black screen, but remains glowing in memory like a wound that refuses to heal. It is not just a story told, but a testimony extracted from the heart of silence, and a final cry in the face of a world accustomed to looking away. Here the story reaches its climax not with an end, but with continuation: a memory resisting erasure, a voice refusing to disappear, and a life clinging to what is left of it, declaring with an insistence akin to eternity, that what is meant to be erased, remains alive in the conscience, resistant to oblivion.

Field sources reported that nine Palestinian citizens, including a child, were injured as a result of an airstrike carried out by Israeli occupation warplanes on Friday evening, targeting a residential home in Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City. The attack came shortly after threats were directed at residents, forcing them to evacuate the residential block surrounding the targeted home, a step that reflects the continuation of Israeli policy in terrorizing civilians and destroying their property.

The Civil Defense in Gaza confirmed that occupation aircraft launched at least one war missile towards a ground-floor house belonging to the 'Al-Adham' family. The statement clarified that the shelling resulted in the complete destruction of the home, in addition to severe damage to dozens of neighboring homes and buildings, and the outbreak of fires in several of them, exacerbating the suffering of families who are now homeless.

This raid comes in the context of a series of continuous Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10, 2025. Despite the declared calm, Israeli military operations have not stopped, as forces continue to systematically target residential neighborhoods and civilian facilities in various areas of the Strip.

In the southern part of the Strip, local sources stated that occupation tanks stationed in the border areas fired their heavy machine guns and shells intensively east of Khan Yunis city. This shelling coincided with artillery targeting other areas within the city, causing a state of panic among displaced persons trying to return to their normal lives under harsh humanitarian conditions.

The escalation was not limited to land but extended to the Palestinian coasts, where occupation warships heavily fired their heavy machine guns towards the beaches of Gaza City. This naval targeting aims to tighten the noose on fishermen and civilians in the western areas, which are crowded with hundreds of thousands of displaced persons fleeing military operations in the eastern part of the Strip.

In the central part of the Strip, occupation artillery shelled the vicinity of Wadi Gaza Bridge, an area located northeast of Nuseirat and Bureij camps. This repeated artillery shelling hinders movement between the governorates of the Strip and increases the danger of security conditions in areas considered vital passages for citizens and relief teams.

Gaza City witnessed another crime on Thursday, which resulted in the martyrdom of three Palestinian police officers and the injury of others. The incident occurred when occupation aircraft targeted a guard post belonging to a security headquarters in the western area of the city, as part of the occupation's continuous attempts to undermine the security and civilian system in Gaza.

Ministry of Health statistics indicate that the extent of Israeli violations since the signing of the ceasefire agreement has led to the martyrdom of 846 people and the injury of 2418 others. These figures reflect the occupation's non-compliance with international agreements and its continued use of excessive force against unarmed civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Civil Defense appealed to the international community, human rights organizations, and mediators for urgent and effective intervention to protect civilians. The statement stressed the importance of exerting real pressure on the occupation authorities to stop targeting residential neighborhoods and civilian facilities, which have become a constant target for the Israeli military machine despite existing understandings.

It is worth noting that the Gaza Strip has been experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe since the start of the genocide war in October 2023, which has left more than 72,000 martyrs and over 172,000 injured. This suffering continues under the Israeli army's control of large areas of the Strip, forcing residents to crowd into narrow areas lacking the most basic necessities of life.

The Israeli shelling led to the complete destruction of the home and damage to dozens of neighboring buildings, threatening to deprive many families of their shelter due to the extent of the destruction and the existing danger.

In an in-depth analysis, 'Foreign Policy' magazine affirmed that the Abraham Accords, which were promoted as an entry point to comprehensive regional peace, actually led to completely opposite results. The magazine explained that these agreements contributed to expanding military and security cooperation between the Israeli occupation and Gulf states, which ushered the region into a new phase of escalating conflicts and tensions.

Authors Matthew Duss and Zuri Linetsky pointed out that the vision presented by Donald Trump in 2020 of a 'new Middle East' did not materialize. Instead of stability, these agreements provided political cover for more hardline Israeli policies and contributed to an unprecedented marginalization of the Palestinian issue in regional and international agendas.

The analysis stated that the approach adopted by the agreements was based on the idea of 'peace from the outside in,' by pushing Arab countries to normalize first. However, events proved that this strategy encouraged the occupation to escalate its aggression in Gaza and expand settlements in the West Bank without real deterrence from its new partners.

On the military front, the magazine revealed that Israeli arms sales to the signatory countries of the agreements witnessed huge leaps, reaching two billion dollars by 2024. This cooperation included advanced air defense systems, cyber security technologies, and drones, transforming the alliance from a diplomatic framework into a clear military bloc.

The report noted that Israel's transfer to the area of responsibility of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) was a crucial strategic step to integrate it militarily with the countries of the region. This shift allowed for the creation of a unified missile defense and intelligence network, primarily aimed at confronting Iranian influence, but at the same time increased the possibilities of direct confrontation.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the magazine recorded a sharp deterioration in field conditions, as settler attacks increased by 123% within two years of the signing of the agreements. Sources confirmed that the occupation used normalization as a tool to isolate Palestinians and weaken the traditional Arab stance demanding a just and comprehensive solution before any rapprochement.

The analysis also touched upon the decline in Arab financial support for Palestinian institutions, as the UAE sharply reduced its contribution to UNRWA to only one million dollars in 2020. This trend reflected a desire to align regional policies with the vision of the Trump administration, which sought to dry up sources of support for Palestinian refugees.

The magazine explained that military cooperation reached unprecedented levels through joint naval and air maneuvers between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. Reports also indicated the operation of joint intelligence centers in strategic areas such as Yemen's Socotra Island, reflecting the depth of Israeli security penetration in the region.

According to 'Foreign Policy,' the October 7 attack and the subsequent war on Gaza revealed the fragility of the security promises of the agreements. Although the regional alliance helped intercept some Iranian attacks, this did not prevent the region from sliding towards the brink of a comprehensive regional war that threatens global stability.

The analysis revealed that Palestinian resistance leaders, led by Yahya Sinwar, considered the Abraham Accords an existential threat that threatened to liquidate the issue. The greatest fear was the possibility of other major Arab countries joining the normalization path, which could completely isolate Palestinians from their Arab depth.

The Biden administration, despite its initial caution, later adopted the agreements and considered them a logistical framework that facilitates military operations against common adversaries. Sources confirmed that Washington rewarded the involved countries with massive arms deals, such as the F-35 aircraft deal for the UAE, to enhance their involvement in the new security system.

The magazine opined that the past six years have proven that the Middle East has become less stable and more armed than it was before 2020. The continuous wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and the direct tension between Tehran and Tel Aviv, confirm that bypassing Palestinian rights cannot lead to sustainable peace.

The analysis concluded that Israel succeeded in establishing itself as a dominant regional power thanks to these agreements, but this came at the expense of the security of its neighbors. It added that relying on military alliances instead of radical political solutions has made any prospect for real peace elusive under current circumstances.

Finally, 'Foreign Policy' stressed that marketing the Abraham Accords as a tool for prosperity was merely a cover for offensive security arrangements. It affirmed that continued disregard for the roots of the political conflict in Palestine will make the region an open arena for long-term wars of attrition, far from the dreams of stability promised to the peoples.

The promises made by the Abraham Accords to make the lives of the region's peoples more peaceful and prosperous turned into mere fantasy on the ground.

Israeli occupation forces, on Friday evening, committed a new violation against Palestinians in the Jenin governorate, northern West Bank, by forcing a family to exhume the grave of their son, who had been buried earlier in the day. This arbitrary measure was taken under the pretext of the cemetery's proximity to an Israeli settlement built on citizens' land, sparking widespread anger and condemnation in local circles.

Local sources reported that a group of extremist settlers initially began digging the grave inside the cemetery of Al-Asa'sa village, in an attempt to forcibly remove the body. Following this, army forces intervened to provide protection for the settlers and directly ordered the family to move the body and bury it in an alternative location away from the borders of the 'Trasala/Sanur' settlement.

This incident comes amid an intense settlement escalation, as Israeli authorities returned settlers to the 'Sanur' settlement last April, nearly two decades after its evacuation as part of the 'disengagement plan' in 2005. Since their return, the pace of incursions and attacks on the towns of Jaba' and Silat ad-Dhahr has increased, turning the lives of residents into continuous daily suffering.

In a related context, violations did not stop at grave desecration but also included threatening Palestinian economic establishments. Occupation authorities notified several commercial shops on the Jenin-Nablus road of demolition. These shops are owned by residents of Jaba' town, and the occupation authorities claim they pose a security obstacle due to their proximity to the recently revived settlement.

Regarding settlement expansion, the Israeli government approved the construction of 126 new settlement units in the 'Sanur' settlement at the end of last April. This decision reflects the Israeli approach to entrenching the settlement presence deep in the West Bank, disregarding all international laws that consider settlements illegal.

In the southern West Bank, specifically in the Hebron governorate, citizen Murad Al-Batat and his child sustained moderate injuries after a brutal attack by settlers in the village of Shuwaika. The attackers used sharp instruments in an assault directly targeting the head, necessitating the immediate transfer of the injured to the hospital for necessary treatment.

Not content with physical assault, the settlers also smashed the windows of citizen Al-Batat's vehicle and caused severe damage to it before withdrawing from the area. These attacks are part of a policy of intimidating Palestinian farmers and preventing them from accessing their lands, a policy pursued by settler groups under the protection of the occupation army.

In the Nablus governorate, sources from the Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya village council reported that settlers set fire to the home of citizen Mohammed Al-Khalil, located on the road between Nablus and Ramallah. The deliberate attack caused extensive parts of the house to catch fire before civil defense teams were able to control the blaze and prevent a human catastrophe.

Official Palestinian statistics indicate that the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem have been in a state of turmoil since October 2023, with attacks by the army and settlers resulting in the martyrdom of 1155 Palestinians. Medical teams also recorded injuries to approximately 11,750 others, while the number of detainees has exceeded 22,000 citizens in relentless raid campaigns.

Observers believe that these systematic attacks aim to force Palestinians into forced displacement from their lands to facilitate the implementation of major settlement projects. These moves coincide with statements by Israeli officials promoting expansionist projects that exceed the historical borders of Palestine, threatening regional stability in the West Asia region in general.

Targeting graves and the sanctity of the dead represents the peak of moral degradation in dealing with indigenous populations, which places the international community before its legal responsibilities. Popular resistance in the West Bank continues to confront these schemes, despite the excessive use of military force and the repressive policies pursued by the right-wing occupation government.

The Israeli army arrived at the cemetery and forced the family to exhume the body and move it to be buried in another location, under the pretext of the cemetery's proximity to the settlement.

On May 8, 2026, the world celebrates the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, an occasion commemorating the founder of the international movement, Henry Dunant. This anniversary comes at a time when humanitarian work faces unprecedented challenges due to escalating armed conflicts and natural disasters around the world.

This year, the international movement chose the slogan 'United in Humanity,' in an attempt to strengthen the resilience of volunteers and field workers who represent an integral part of the fabric of their affected communities. The slogan aims to highlight the vital role these individuals play in transforming feelings of human empathy into tangible support that preserves the dignity of victims.

Despite the slogans raised, the reality on the ground is brutally harsh, as the paramedic is no longer just a neutral relief element who arrives after the area is secured, but has often become a direct target of fire. In raging conflict zones, first responders find themselves facing the risk of death while trying to save others.

Humanitarian work is essentially based on the principle of neutrality and providing assistance based on pure medical need, away from any political or ethnic considerations. However, this principle faces severe tests in the field, where military operations intertwine with the humanitarian routes of ambulances.

Field sources reported that paramedics are forced to move in very narrow margins between adhering to professional duty and the imminent dangers threatening their lives. The environments in which they work do not always recognize the rules of international humanitarian law, making every rescue mission an adventure with unsafe consequences.

Data indicates that the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, which are supposed to grant international immunity, no longer provide adequate protection in modern warfare. The dividing lines between combat fronts and densely populated civilian areas have blurred, making medical and service facilities vulnerable to direct targeting.

In recent reports issued in May 2026, the international movement warned that humanitarian work is turning into something akin to a 'death sentence' for those who carry it out. Statistics revealed that 13 volunteers and staff from national societies were killed during the first four months of this year alone while performing their duties.

In the Palestinian context, Red Crescent teams were subjected to direct and systematic shelling by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip, leading to many ambulances being put out of service. Sources also recorded the martyrdom of a paramedic in southern Lebanon due to airstrikes, reflecting the widening scope of targeting medical personnel.

Paramedics work in harsh logistical conditions characterized by communication outages, destruction of vital roads, and a severe shortage of fuel supplies needed to operate vehicles. These pressures force them to make fateful decisions in a matter of seconds, such as prioritizing the wounded and choosing the least dangerous routes to reach hospitals.

Targeting ambulance crews is not just an assault on individuals; it is a devastating blow to local communities that rely entirely on these services for survival. Disabling a single ambulance can mean losing the chance of survival for dozens of injured people at critical moments in the conflict.

Despite their field resilience, paramedics remain human beings affected by the harsh scenes they witness daily, which necessitates providing sustainable psychological and professional support for these heroes. The required protection is not only material but also includes recognizing the sanctity of their role and providing the necessary resources for the continuation of their humanitarian mission.

In conclusion, the core message on this International Day remains that neutrality is not a passive stance or an escape from reality, but rather the only remaining tool to reach humanity. Protecting paramedics is, in fact, protecting the right to life and a guarantee of maintaining a glimmer of hope in a world torn apart by wars.

Humanitarian work should not turn into a death sentence, and international protection for paramedics has become a real test of global conscience.

Since the end of World War II, the West Asian region has not known peace from the burden of armed conflicts in which Israel has been a constant party. Since the Nakba of 1948, wars have followed, shaping a tragic reality, where the common denominator in most of these confrontations is direct or indirect Israeli involvement to strengthen the occupation's influence in the region.

In 1956, this aggression manifested in the Tripartite Aggression on Egypt, where Israel allied with Britain and France in response to the nationalization of the Suez Canal. Although international intervention halted the campaign, Israeli intentions to change Arab regimes and weaken rising regional powers had revealed their early face.

1967 marked a strategic turning point when Israel invaded the remaining Palestinian territories and occupied vast areas of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. This war, which lasted only a few days, doubled the area of occupation and established a new colonial reality from which the region still suffers today.

Military ambitions did not stop there. In 1968, Israel launched an attack on Jordan in the Battle of Karameh with the aim of eliminating Palestinian resistance camps. Despite the military failure of the attack, it reflected Israeli determination to pursue the resisting Palestinian presence even outside the borders of the occupied land.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the occupation unleashed its wrath on Lebanon, culminating in the invasion of the capital Beirut in 1982. This invasion led to the establishment of a security belt in the south and the creation of a client authority under the name 'South Lebanon Army,' before the Lebanese resistance succeeded in liberating the land and repelling the occupation and its agents.

Historical readings indicate that Israel was the biggest beneficiary of the first Gulf War between Iraq and Iran in the 1980s. The war, which drained the resources of two powerful countries, contributed to neutralizing two potential threats to the Zionist entity and ignited sectarian tensions that continue to tear apart the fabric of the region.

In the 1990s, with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, a new chapter of interventions serving Israeli interests began to emerge. Decision-making circles in Tel Aviv considered that Iraq, despite its exhaustion, still posed an existential threat to their project, which led them to continuous incitement against Saddam Hussein's regime.

Israeli incitement reached its peak by pushing the neoconservative administration in the United States to invade Iraq in 2003. That war was based on flimsy pretexts about weapons of mass destruction, but the real goal was to dismantle Iraqi power and ensure Israel's qualitative superiority in the region.

In parallel with these regional wars, the systematic Israeli war against the Palestinian people continued through policies of displacement and arrest. Since the Nakba, land confiscation and settlement construction have not stopped, in an attempt to erase Palestinian identity and replace the original inhabitants with settlers.

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 represents the most prominent challenge to the Zionist project, as Tehran transformed from a strategic ally of the Shah to a key supporter of the resistance. This shift changed the balance of power, especially with Iran's support for resistance movements in Lebanon and Palestine, which disrupted Israeli and Western calculations.

After neutralizing most Arab countries through peace agreements or secret understandings, Iran remained the only steadfast regional adversary. With the failure of internal sabotage attempts, Israel began pushing for a direct military confrontation, exploiting the presence of American administrations that fully align with Zionist demands.

Sources reported that the Israeli Mossad played a pivotal role in convincing the White House of the feasibility of an attack on Iran, claiming that targeting the leadership would lead to a popular revolution. However, the reality after two months of the outbreak of the confrontation shows a complex global crisis with no end in sight.

Today, questions are increasing in Western societies about the nature of Zionism and the roles governments play in supporting Israel. Many have come to realize that the 'Palestinian problem' is merely a symptom of a larger disease, which is the settler-colonial project that seeks absolute hegemony.

Israeli vision does not stop at the borders of Palestine but extends to include the ambitions of 'Greater Israel' from the Nile to the Euphrates. The extremist statements of some Israeli politicians reveal expansionist intentions that may target countries such as Turkey and Pakistan, making Israel the central problem threatening global peace.

The real problem lies in the Zionist idea, which has been translated into a state with a racist colonial project whose goal is to dominate the entire region.

Hebrew press reports revealed exciting details about a secret joint plan between the Israeli Mossad and the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which aimed to undermine and overthrow the Iranian regime. Sources indicated that these moves came after the military escalation that began on February 28, where a comprehensive strategy for direct field intervention was developed.

According to "Israel Today" newspaper, the plan primarily relied on mobilizing thousands of Kurdish fighters from Iraqi territory towards the Iranian interior. Analysts described this operation as overly ambitious, as it sought to change the political map in the region through armed force and ethnic alliances.

The strategic goal of this move was to control the Kurdish areas within Iran, inhabited by about eight million people. The plan was to arm these groups and push them to advance eastward, coinciding with movements by armed militias belonging to other minorities from various border areas.

Sources indicated that the operations were designed to tighten the noose on the capital Tehran through a coordinated infiltration of opposing ethnic and political minorities. Reports considered that this operation aimed to create a state of comprehensive chaos that would allow for the rapid collapse of the Iranian regime's security structures.

In the context of comparison with previous intelligence operations, sources noted that the "Pager" operation, which was carried out previously, seemed fictional before it happened, which made the planners confident in the success of the invasion of Iran. Reports confirmed that the US Central Intelligence Agency was not just an observer, but a full partner in all stages of logistical and field planning.

The plan also included uniting all Kurdish parties under one political and military platform aimed exclusively at overthrowing the regime in Tehran. In parallel with these preparations, the Israeli army had already begun carrying out airstrikes targeting bases belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in border areas to facilitate the crossing operation.

Despite the precision with which the plan was described, it faced unexpected political obstacles at the last minute, leading to its freezing. While international news reports were broadcasting news of the start of the attack, high-level diplomatic contacts took place between Ankara and Washington to change the course of events.

Sources reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an angry phone call to US President Donald Trump, warning of the repercussions of this attack. Erdogan convinced the American side of the necessity of abandoning the idea of supporting the Kurdish attack, due to its catastrophic effects on regional stability and Turkish national security.

Turkish pressure was not the only factor, as Doha entered the crisis through a phone call from the Emir of Qatar to the US President. Qatari-American talks focused on the need to stop targeting Iranian energy facilities, which contributed to protecting the Revolutionary Guard's economy from imminent total destruction.

These diplomatic interventions directly led to a slowdown in the pace of planned military operations and stopped the Kurdish advance that was supposed to start from the Iraqi border. According to analysts, these calls were crucial in saving the Iranian regime from a simultaneous internal and external military confrontation.

Despite the failure to implement the plan, Hebrew sources question the possibility of its revival in the near future. Senior military commanders in Tel Aviv indicate that coordination with Washington remains at its highest levels and has not been affected by the sudden retreat from carrying out the operation.

Officials denied any real tension in relations between the United States and Israel as a result of this setback, stressing that the strategic alliance is stronger than it was. However, experts acknowledge that Kurdish forces and allied militias will need additional time to reorganize their ranks and prepare for a potential round of confrontation.

Questions remain about the ability of regional parties to prevent such plans in the future amid continued intelligence incitement. Reports indicate that the current failure does not necessarily mean that the Mossad and CIA have abandoned their ultimate goal of changing the Iranian regime, but may be merely a tactical postponement.

In conclusion, this incident highlights the complexity of managing regional conflicts, where intelligence interests intertwine with the political calculations of major powers. The Kurdish front and the Iranian-Iraqi border remain a potential flashpoint that could erupt at any moment if the option of direct military escalation is decided upon again.

The plan was ambitious and excessive, involving a Kurdish invasion from Iraq into Iran with thousands of fighters to reach Tehran.

Hebrew press reports have revealed decisive directions within the US administration, led by Donald Trump, to end the state of war in the region, with an emphasis that Washington will not allow the Israeli government to interfere and thwart this diplomatic path. This vision is based on the noticeable acceleration in US moves, which have shifted from threatening to open the Strait of Hormuz by force to freezing military operations and returning to the negotiating table with Tehran.

Sources indicate that the American desire to contain the escalation is driven by complex economic calculations and pressures on global oil markets, in addition to strategic considerations that extend beyond the Middle East. Observers believe that the White House now views the continuation of the conflict without a prospect of decisive victory as a political and symbolic burden, especially amid escalating competition with other international powers such as China.

Within this trend, Trump seeks to formulate an initial agreement that ensures the resumption of safe navigation in the Arabian Gulf, paving the way for deeper negotiations on the Iranian nuclear file. This move aims to draft a common, concise statement of principles, followed by a month of intensive discussions to reach detailed understandings that end the current state of tension.

Analysts point out that the absence of Yemeni factions from the recent escalation scene was not a coincidence, but rather a result of broader regional understandings aimed at neutralizing parties to the conflict and preventing the expansion of the confrontation. This relative calm on the support fronts enhances the chances of success for the American endeavor to isolate regional issues and focus on a direct agreement with Tehran.

Despite this optimism, doubts arise about the nature of the potential agreement, as Israeli circles warn against overestimating expectations given the long history of Iranian negotiations characterized by procrastination. The essence of the current understandings revolves around the equation of easing economic sanctions in exchange for imposing strict restrictions on uranium enrichment operations and international monitoring mechanisms.

In a related context, the lack of coordination with Israel emerged as one of the most important features of the current phase, with military analyst Amos Harel pointing to Trump's disregard for Netanyahu in his recent statements. Despite the Israeli Prime Minister's attempts to suggest full coordination with the White House, field and political realities indicate a growing gap between the two sides.

Reports reveal that the US President's team categorically rejected a proposal submitted by Netanyahu during his last visit to Washington in February, which aimed to accelerate the overthrow of the Iranian regime. It appears that the idea of "regime change" promoted by the Israeli government has fallen off the American agenda in favor of de-escalation and containing Iranian influence through diplomatic channels.

Relations between Trump and Netanyahu are entering a sensitive phase, with Washington setting a clear ceiling for Israeli military actions in Lebanon to prevent a slide into a comprehensive regional war. Sources consider that the recent Israeli attacks on the southern Beirut suburb were merely calculated pressure messages, and do not reflect a strategic shift in the absence of an American green light for escalation.

Netanyahu, according to analyses, possesses tactical cards to destabilize, but lacks full strategic decision-making freedom given the White House's insistence on controlling the region's rhythm. This discrepancy is evident in statements from the Israeli army that hint at continued military operations despite implicit American directives for a ceasefire.

On the Gaza Strip front, observers believe that the Palestinian issue has receded in American priorities in favor of focusing on the Iranian file, creating a state of field and political stagnation. Reports claim that the Hamas movement is exploiting this international preoccupation to strengthen its field control and reorganize its ranks, despite the widespread destruction of its military capabilities during months of war.

Reconstruction plans in Gaza and the formation of an international force to manage the Strip face significant security and financial complexities, amid donor countries' hesitation and the lack of consensus on a political formula for the future. This ambiguity reinforces fears of a potential renewed explosion of the situation, especially with the approaching Israeli elections scheduled for next October, which could push towards a new round of escalation.

Sources confirm that Hamas still maintains a solid organizational capacity and field control, making any talk of its complete elimination an elusive matter in the foreseeable future. This reality poses a major challenge to the Israeli strategy that promised "complete victory," which now appears to be questioned even within security circles in Tel Aviv.

The increasing tension between Washington and Tel Aviv reflects a conflict of vital interests, as Trump sees ending foreign wars as a means to enhance his domestic standing and fulfill his election promises. In contrast, Netanyahu finds himself trapped between the pressures of the ruling right-wing coalition and the constraints of the US administration, which refuses to be drawn into military adventures with uncertain outcomes.

In conclusion, the region appears to be heading towards a phase of "forced calm" imposed by the US administration, awaiting the outcome of negotiations with Iran in the coming weeks. The question remains open as to Netanyahu's ability to adapt to these new realities, or whether he will resort to a sudden escalation to shuffle the cards and re-impose his agenda on the White House.

Trump seeks to cut his losses and end the war with Iran, at a time when Israel appears unable to stop him.

Southern Lebanon witnessed a dangerous field escalation today, Friday, as Israeli airstrikes resulted in a number of martyrs and wounded in various towns. The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced the martyrdom of four citizens, including two women, as a result of targeting the town of Toura in the Tyre district, in an initial toll that is likely to rise as rescue operations continue.

Medical sources explained that the raid on Toura also left eight wounded, some of whose conditions were described as moderate, while civil defense teams and the National News Agency continue to monitor rubble removal operations. Rescue teams are making strenuous efforts to search for a missing girl believed to still be under the rubble of a house destroyed by the intense shelling.

In a related context, an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle in the town of Houmine Al-Tahta, resulting in additional casualties and destruction at the site. These attacks come at a time when the occupation army has expanded its targeting to include populated areas deep in southern Lebanon.

For its part, the Israeli occupation army issued urgent warnings to the residents of seven southern villages and towns to evacuate immediately, which caused a state of displacement and anticipation among civilians. This coincided with the martyrdom of a Lebanese civil defense member after a raid targeted the area between the towns of Rashaya and Kfar Shuba.

On the opposing field, media sources reported the launch of a volley of rockets from Lebanese territory towards settlements and towns in northern Israel. Reports confirmed that air defense systems intercepted at least one out of three rockets that fell in open areas, which led to the activation of sirens.

Hezbollah announced in successive statements that it had carried out a series of qualitative military operations against gatherings and vehicles of the occupation army along the border. These operations included targeting a 'Merkava' tank with a guided missile on the outskirts of the town of Deir Seryan, where the party confirmed a direct hit that led to the destruction of parts of it.

Hezbollah also used suicide drones to target an Israeli military bulldozer in the town of Al-Bayada, in addition to shelling soldier gatherings with artillery shells. The party indicated that these operations come as a response to the continuous aggressions targeting southern villages and safe homes.

The Israeli army, for its part, admitted that two soldiers were injured during the field confrontations, indicating that the condition of one of them was serious as a result of a drone explosion in one of the border towns. The injured were transferred to hospitals for treatment, amid continued high security tension on the northern front.

Israeli warplanes launched a series of violent raids targeting the town of Mansouri, south of Tyre, followed by successive strikes on the town of Yahmar Al-Shaqif. The aerial bombardment was accompanied by intense artillery shelling that targeted the riverbed towards the town of Taybeh, causing extensive material damage to properties and agricultural lands.

In the Marjayoun district, Lebanese Red Cross teams were able to find the bodies of two young men who had been missing yesterday after raids targeted the town of Blat. Sources confirmed that the two young men were martyred as a result of direct shelling, thus raising the number of victims of the ongoing aggression during the past twenty-four hours.

Field reports indicate that the raids moved from the Nabatieh district to focus on the Tyre district and its surroundings, with the targeting of the towns of Jmaijmeh, Thaliqa, and Deir Antar. These Israeli military movements reflect an intention to expand the scope of operations despite talks of existing truce understandings, which places the region on the brink of a volcano.

The situation in southern Lebanon remains open to all possibilities, with a cautious calm punctuated by the sounds of explosions and intense overflights. The coming hours will determine the course of the field escalation amid the insistence of the parties to establish mutual deterrence equations on both sides of the border.

The Israeli enemy's raid on the town of Toura, Tyre district, resulted in an initial toll of 4 martyrs, including two women, and 8 wounded.

The humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip is escalating with the ongoing severe cooking gas crisis, as the shortage of aid entry has pushed thousands of displaced families towards primitive and dangerous options. Sources reported that the Israeli occupation continues to violate the provisions of the humanitarian protocol accompanying the ceasefire agreement, forcing residents to burn cloth, plastic, and waste inside camps to secure their daily meals.

In the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City, field sources confirmed that the occupation authorities are pursuing a policy of 'trickling' fuel and gas, ignoring the urgent need of millions of displaced people. This deliberate restriction has turned the food preparation process into an arduous journey fraught with health and environmental risks, in the absence of safe energy alternatives.

Residents tried to resort to using firewood as an alternative to cooking gas, but its prices witnessed a crazy increase, making it out of reach for the majority of families. The price of one kilogram of firewood exceeded $3, a huge amount for families who have completely lost their sources of income since the ongoing war on the Strip began.

The search for wood has turned into an adventure that could cost citizens their lives, as some are forced to head towards the eastern border areas near the Israeli army barracks. These attempts take place amid intense drone flights and direct threats of gunfire, making the acquisition of cooking fuel a price that may be paid with the blood of the displaced.

Field reports documented harsh scenes of families lighting fires using nylon and carpet pieces to prepare food, despite the thick smoke and toxic fumes emitted. These fumes cause severe health damage, especially to the elderly and children who already suffer from tragic living conditions inside dilapidated tents.

The displaced 'Abu Bilal' recounts part of this tragedy, noting that his family has not received its share of cooking gas for nearly two continuous months. He explained that he is forced to search daily for plastic and nylon remnants, confirming that the cost of preparing one meal using firewood can reach $13, which exceeds his non-existent financial capacity.

For her part, one of the displaced women mentioned that she spends long hours in front of fires burning plastic materials to provide food for her large family. She pointed out that families have started to differentiate between types of burnt waste based on the density of their smoke and its effect on the respiratory system, in a desperate attempt to reduce health damage to their children.

Medical sources warned of the catastrophic repercussions of inhaling these toxic fumes emitted from burning chemicals and cloth within population centers. This warning comes at a time when the health system is suffering from a near-complete collapse and a severe shortage of necessary medicines to treat chronic respiratory diseases that have begun to spread.

Despite more than six months passing since the announcement of the ceasefire, the reality on the ground indicates the continuation of the strict blockade and intermittent shelling. Israel continues to prevent the entry of sufficient quantities of basic materials and prefabricated homes, exacerbating the state of livelihood extermination that the residents of the Gaza Strip face daily.

We go around looking for a piece of wood or some nylon to get by, and preparing one meal costs us amounts beyond our means.

An extensive journalistic investigation broadcast by Hebrew media sources revealed grim scenarios awaiting Israel as it approaches its centenary, with estimates indicating fundamental shifts that could push the state to the brink of a 'theocracy'. The investigation predicts that the secular current will decline to become a minority, in contrast to a significant demographic rise of the Haredi community and Palestinian Arabs within the Green Line.

These predictions come at a time when fears are escalating within Israeli circles about what is known as the 'curse of the eighth decade', based on historical experiences of previous Jewish kingdoms that did not exceed this time period. Experts link these historical anxieties to the current political reality, which is witnessing sharp and unprecedented polarization threatening the internal cohesion of society.

The investigation, which came in two parts under the title 'When Israel Turns One Hundred', warned of an existential crisis that could hit the science and technology sectors if the emigration of elites continues. Analysts believe that the departure of tens of thousands of specialists due to the high cost of living and continuous security tensions will inevitably lead to the collapse of the economic pillars on which the state is built.

On the social front, the investigation observed the penetration of political division into Israeli families, where disagreements between the right and the left are now ravaging daily family relationships. Sources stated that some families have reached the stage of separation in following news or even in eating meals, as a result of the tension caused by the 'judicial coup' plan and the repercussions of the ongoing war.

In the city of 'Rehovot', the story of the Arieli-Melamed family stands out as a stark example of this fragmentation, where the right-wing supporting husband blames the protests for the dismantling of the army, while the left-wing wife believes that the current government is leading the country to the abyss. This division is no longer just a political debate, but has turned into a feeling of alienation that drives many to consider permanent emigration.

The education file represents one of the most serious challenges facing Israel's future, as the percentage of Haredi students has risen to more than a quarter of the total student population. The problem lies in the fact that most of these students do not study core subjects such as mathematics and science, and do not participate in the workforce or military service, making them an increasing economic burden on the state.

Professor Dan Ben-David, head of the 'Shoresh' Research Institute, warned that half of Israel's children are currently receiving an education similar to third-world countries. Ben-David stressed that this generation will not be able in the future to manage a developed economy, a technological army, or an efficient health system, which portends a decline in Israel's international standing.

Official data indicates a worrying increase in reverse migration, with more than 82,000 citizens leaving the country in 2024 alone. Most of these migrations are directed towards nearby countries such as Greece and Cyprus, in search of a more stable and less costly life, and escaping the 'widespread aggression and racism' in Israeli society.

In 2025, estimates indicate that the difference between those leaving and new arrivals will reach about 57,000 people in favor of those leaving. This demographic bleeding primarily affects the middle and productive class, which is the group that bears the largest tax burden and drives the vital economic engines in the country.

For his part, prominent Israeli historian Benny Morris reiterated his pessimistic predictions about the future of the Jewish state, noting that the demographic balance clearly favors Arabs. Morris believes that controlling an occupied people without rights cannot continue in the 21st century, and that the inevitable end is a state with an Arab majority.

Morris believes that Israel will witness its 'sunset' as a Jewish state to become a Middle Eastern state where the Jewish minority dissolves amidst a 'Palestinian sea'. He adds that Palestinians possess a long-term historical vision, and they realize that the numerical Arab superiority surrounding Israel will ultimately lead to their historical victory.

The investigation also highlights the decline in the quality of teachers and the low level of applicants for the teaching profession, which deepens social gaps between different groups. This educational deterioration coincides with the rise of religious forces seeking to impose their agenda on the public sphere, increasing the feeling among secularists that they are strangers in their own state.

Observers believe that the policies pursued by Netanyahu's and Ben-Gvir's far-right government have accelerated these disintegrative processes. The continuous wars and clashes with the judicial system have not only led to international isolation, but also to undermining confidence in the social contract upon which Israel was founded in 1948.

In conclusion, the investigation paints a picture of a state torn between two identities; one secular liberal that is fading and emigrating, and another religiously zealous that is growing and dominating. As Israel approaches its centenary, it appears that internal challenges and changing demographics pose a greater threat than the external military threats it faced in its early decades.

Israel will be embroiled in a real existential crisis if tens of thousands of secular technology workers despair and leave the country.

The past few hours have witnessed cautious optimism in international circles regarding the possibility of the United States and Iran reaching an agreement for a short period of intensive negotiations. These negotiations focus on fundamental points of contention, foremost among them the issue of opening the Strait of Hormuz, a development described by US President Donald Trump as surprising due to its direct impact on global trade and energy movement.

The ongoing war has exposed the fragility of the Arab system, which is already suffering from the repercussions of the Israeli war of extermination against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The severity of this exposure was exacerbated by the entry of supporting fronts from Lebanon and Yemen, placing Arab countries, especially Washington's allies outside NATO, in direct confrontation with severe economic and security damages that American guarantees failed to avert.

The most prominent surprise in this context is the announcement of the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ organizations, coinciding with the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Jeddah. This move, welcomed by Washington, revealed a deep rift between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, and showed an Emirati desire to disengage from the collective oil commitments led by Saudi Arabia.

The repercussions did not stop at the oil file but extended to reports of a possible UAE withdrawal from the Arab League after sharp criticism from Emirati officials regarding the League's slow response to Iranian threats. This tension prompted shuttle visits from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to try to contain the situation and prevent the collapse of joint Arab action.

On the military front, Western media sources revealed unprecedented security cooperation between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi, including the dispatch of the Iron Dome system and Israeli crews to operate it. Military aid also included providing the UAE with advanced weapons that had not yet entered active service in the Israeli army, making them a direct target for some Iranian attacks during the war.

These transformations prompted other Arab countries to reposition themselves strategically, with Egypt emerging as an active player in multiple regional files. Cairo announced its readiness to deploy military forces in Somalia, in a step aimed at confronting increasing Israeli movements in the strategic 'Somaliland' region, reflecting an intense struggle for influence in the Horn of Africa.

In Sudan, the government led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused both Ethiopia and the UAE of responsibility for attacks targeting Khartoum International Airport. These accusations come amid a state of severe regional polarization, where military and political interests intertwine between local powers and their supporting regional powers.

The diplomatic scene also witnessed remarkable movements, represented by an Egyptian-Syrian rapprochement embodied by the visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani to Cairo. This rapprochement coincides with the formation of a new axis comprising Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan, in an attempt to create a balance of power capable of dealing with the repercussions of the war on Iran and Israel's expansionist ambitions.

Benjamin Netanyahu seeks through this war to complete the liquidation of the Palestinian issue and draw new borders that include parts of Lebanon and Syria. The declared Israeli project aspires to transform Israel into a 'superpower' leading an economic and military alliance extending from East Africa through the Gulf to India, to be an alternative to traditional regional systems.

The failure of the idea of collective security, upon which the Gulf Cooperation Council was founded in 1981, has become a reality after the recent war. Events have proven that absolute reliance on the American security umbrella did not achieve the desired deterrence but rather depleted the region's resources and left it exposed to increasing regional threats.

In conclusion, observers believe that the Arab system is going through a new 'sick man' phase, where division and reshaping processes are accelerating. While some Arab powers try to regain the initiative, concerns remain that any settlement between Washington and Tehran could lead to a new 'Sykes-Picot' that entrenches foreign influence at the expense of supreme Arab interests.

The rising importance of geography over technological superiority was not the only surprise; the war accelerated the enrichment of explosive elements in the Arab system exposed to the horror of extermination in Gaza.

In a striking intellectual and historical shift, Israeli-American historian Omer Bartov, one of the leading experts on the Holocaust and genocide at Brown University, announced his conclusion that Israel has effectively committed the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip. This announcement came after two years of hesitation and research, during which Bartov documented his views in articles published by The New York Times, sparking widespread reactions in global academic and political circles.

In his new book, 'Israel: What Went Wrong?', Bartov argues that what is happening in Gaza is not merely an accidental malfunction or a temporary deviation from the state's path, but rather the product of an ideology that embraces racial and national superiority. He pointed out that Zionism, in its current form, has become an obstacle to Israel's transformation into a normal state, emphasizing that this ideology's capacity to produce genocide makes its continuation impossible and illegitimate.

Despite the sharpness of his criticisms, Bartov faces an internal struggle in defining his political identity, as he still refuses to describe himself as 'anti-Zionist,' even though his arguments directly lead to this conclusion. Observers attribute this hesitation to a deep Zionist upbringing that makes abandoning this label an act of betrayal or heresy in the Israeli consciousness, even for intellectuals living in exile.

Analytical readings of Bartov's positions indicate a gap between his belief in a 'pure Zionism' of the past and the current bloody reality. The historian assumes that a deviation has affected the path of a state once described as 'noble.' However, historical facts indicate that the roots of exclusion and dispossession began since the dawn of Zionism, and were not a product of the moment or solely linked to the rise of the far-right represented by Netanyahu and Ben Gvir.

The core of the crisis lies in the belief in the superiority of an ethnic or religious group between the river and the sea, which makes Zionism similar to previous totalitarian ideological systems that did not accept questioning their principles. Bartov asserts that Israel's continuation under this umbrella will prevent it from integrating into the context of normal states, especially since its practices in Gaza have shattered the moral barriers it had tried to hide behind for decades.

In conclusion, Bartov's stance represents a cry from within the academic establishment associated with Israeli identity, and a call to break the ban on criticizing Zionism as a political thought. The demand for the disappearance of this ideology is no longer an intellectual luxury, but a necessity imposed by human and legal reality after the atrocities witnessed in Gaza, which places the international and academic community before new challenges to confront definitions of racial superiority.

Zionism must disappear, and Israel under it will not be a normal state. If it is capable of causing genocide in Gaza, it will not be able to endure as an ideology.

The journey of displacement undertaken by Bedouin families from the Ras al-Auja area in the Palestinian Jordan Valley was nothing but a transition from one suffering to another, even harsher. After the residents thought that their refuge in the village of Al-Awja, north of Jericho, would provide them with safety, they found themselves face-to-face with the same settlers who had displaced them from their original homes, initiating new chapters of systematic pursuit and intimidation.

Citizen Suleiman Zayed, one of the displaced from the Al-Auja waterfall community, recounts that settler threats did not stop at physical assault but extended to explicit messages demanding their final departure to Jordan. Zayed confirmed that settlers storm their new homes after destroying the surrounding fences, using drones to violate the privacy of families and instill terror in the hearts of children and women.

Field testimonies indicate that the attacks suffered by residents in their current displacement location are carried out by the same settler groups that attacked them in Al-Auja waterfall. This persistence in pursuit reflects a systematic plan aimed at tightening the noose on the Palestinian presence in the Jordan Valley areas, pushing residents towards successive migrations that end with the complete evacuation of the area for the benefit of settlement expansion.

Suffering is not limited to security threats but extends to the destruction of the economic livelihoods of these families, who primarily depend on livestock farming. The region recorded the loss of approximately 1,500 sheep last year, 400 of which belonged to the Zayed family alone, without these families receiving any compensation to enable them to withstand the impoverishment policies practiced against them.

In light of this bitter reality, the village of Al-Awja and its surrounding areas lack the most basic essential services and infrastructure necessary for human life. Families suffer from the absence of health centers, water networks, and electricity, making life in these areas a daily challenge, especially in medical emergencies that may lead to death due to the distance from the nearest hospital.

Education represents an additional burden on displaced families, as children are forced to travel a distance of up to 12 kilometers round trip to reach their schools. During this arduous journey, students are subjected to repeated attacks by settlers who ambush them and throw stones at them, which has led many children to refuse to go to school for fear for their lives.

Local sources confirm that what is happening in the Jordan Valley is part of a broader policy led by extremist ministers in the occupation government, aimed at changing the demographic reality in the West Bank. Methods of violence vary between direct assault, property destruction, prevention of grazing, and the use of modern technology to monitor and intimidate isolated Bedouin communities.

According to official data issued by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, last April witnessed a dangerous escalation with 1637 attacks carried out by occupation forces and settlers. The commission clarified that settlers alone were responsible for 540 attacks directly targeting citizens and their property in various contact areas, with a special focus on Bedouin communities.

Since the beginning of the recent aggression in October 2023, forced displacement operations have accelerated to include more than 79 Palestinian Bedouin communities in the West Bank. These attacks have led to the displacement of more than 814 families, comprising over 4700 citizens, who found themselves homeless or without a source of livelihood after the destruction of their communities and the seizure of their grazing lands.

The steadfastness of Palestinians in the Jordan Valley remains dependent on the extent of support and assistance from official and human rights bodies to confront this fierce settlement offensive. Without strengthening the means of survival and providing international protection, these families will remain prey to displacement schemes that do not stop at geographical boundaries but pursue them in every inch they try to settle in.

If we had known that the forced displacement we were subjected to would be so humiliating, we would have died in our places instead of being displaced.

The city of Bethlehem, in the southern occupied West Bank, witnessed on Friday morning the launch of the tenth edition of the International Palestine Marathon, which this year carries the slogan 'We Run for Freedom'. This edition comes after a forced two-year hiatus due to the repercussions of the ongoing Israeli war, with the marathon returning as a message of defiance and Palestinian determination to practice life and sports despite the restrictions.

The official events began at 6:00 AM with the start of the full race, covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers, from in front of the historic Church of the Nativity in central Bethlehem. Thousands of Palestinian runners participated in this event, alongside foreign solidarity activists, in a sporting demonstration aimed at highlighting the restriction of freedom of movement imposed by the occupation on Palestinians.

This year's edition was characterized by a unifying national character, as organized sources reported that a similar race simultaneously kicked off in the Gaza Strip for a distance of 5 kilometers. The Gaza race route began from the Wadi Gaza Bridge area heading north, in a symbolic step that emphasizes the unity of Palestinian geography despite the siege and destruction left by the aggression.

In Bethlehem, runners followed a long route passing alongside landmarks that highlight the reality of Palestinian suffering, as the race passed next to the Bilal ibn Rabah Mosque and the apartheid wall north of the city. The route also included passing through Aida Refugee Camp, the Jerusalem-Hebron road, reaching Dheisheh Refugee Camp and the old town of Al-Khader, before concluding at the Solomon's Pools archaeological site.

The general coordinator of the marathon, I'tidal Abdul Ghani, stated that the total number of participants exceeded 13,000 runners, reflecting a widespread desire to participate in this national event. She explained that among the participants were 2,523 runners from the Gaza Strip, in addition to about a thousand foreign participants who came from 75 countries around the world to support the Palestinian cause.

In addition to the on-site races, the marathon witnessed extensive virtual organization in several countries around the world between April 17 and 21. More than 5,000 people from 88 countries participated in the virtual edition, giving the marathon an international dimension that transcends the geographical boundaries imposed on the ground.

The race categories varied to include different distances suitable for all levels, starting from the full marathon and half marathon of 21 kilometers, down to the 10-kilometer race. A special race for families was also allocated for a distance of 5 kilometers, to ensure wide community participation including children and the elderly in this event.

On the organizational front, the race was supervised by a judging team consisting of 12 specialized judges, supported by an electronic control room and 12 observers distributed along the route to ensure accuracy. More than 100 volunteers also contributed to logistical organization operations, with 11 stations provided for distributing water and offering first aid and nutrients to participants.

This event is organized through joint efforts between the Palestinian Higher Council for Youth and Sports, the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and the Bethlehem Municipality. Through this event, the organizers aim to break the isolation that the occupation tries to impose on Palestinian cities, and to promote the Palestinian narrative through international sports.

This year's return of the marathon is conclusive evidence of the Palestinian people's determination to survive and develop despite the massive destruction left by the war and severe restrictions. The marathon is not just a sports race, but a cry of protest against the separation wall and settlements that suffocate Palestinian cities and villages and hinder their sporting and social development.

This event comes at a time when the West Bank is witnessing an unprecedented escalation since the outbreak of the genocide war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Occupation forces continue systematic killings and arrests, in addition to settlement expansion that devours vast areas of land through which the marathon route passes.

Official statistics indicate that the escalation in the West Bank has resulted in the martyrdom of at least 1,155 Palestinians and the injury of about 11,750 others since the start of the war. Arrests have also reached record numbers, exceeding 22,000 cases, making the organization of an event of this magnitude a major national achievement under these circumstances.

As for the Gaza Strip, the symbolic marathon was held over the rubble of destruction left by the genocide, which led to the martyrdom of more than 72,000 Palestinians. Despite the presence of more than 172,000 injured, the participation of more than two thousand runners in Gaza sent a strong message to the world about the indomitable will to live.

At the conclusion of the event, the organizing bodies honored the winners in various categories, emphasizing that the real victory lies in reaching the finish line despite all obstacles. The International Palestine Marathon remains an annual platform that brings the world together in the heart of Bethlehem, to affirm the right of Palestinians to freedom, independence, and movement without restrictions.

This year's edition is distinguished by national unity, as a simultaneous marathon was held in the Gaza Strip despite all challenges.