PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 11:38 pm - Jerusalem Time

Collapse of a residential building in Jabalia after previous Israeli bombing

On Saturday evening, a dilapidated residential building collapsed in the Jabalia al-Nazla neighborhood north of the Gaza Strip, which had previously been bombed by Israel during the genocide war.

Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basil clarified that the building belonging to the "Al-Tayeb" family collapsed near the Al-Nazla intersection north of Gaza City, noting that no injuries were recorded.

According to eyewitnesses, the house was bombed by Israel during the genocide war that lasted two years, where the ceasefire came into effect on October 10 last year.

With the agreement taking effect, some Palestinians returned to live in their destroyed homes or on their ruins, amid the lack of alternatives, especially mobile homes.

Despite the great dangers, Palestinians prefer to live inside the bombed houses over staying in tents that cannot protect them from rain or cold.

A low-pressure system caused the collapse of at least 13 homes in the Gaza Strip, all of which had been previously bombed, according to the government media office.

During the genocide war, the northern Gaza governorate was subjected to a "city eradication" policy, leading to widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.

Palestinian officials warned of the dangers of living in dilapidated homes, where there are no alternatives due to Israeli restrictions on the entry of temporary homes.

Several bombed buildings collapsed in various areas of Gaza, resulting in the death and injury of many Palestinians.

Despite the end of the war, the living reality in Gaza has not improved due to Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid, which violates humanitarian protocols.

The Israeli genocide war that began on October 8, 2023, resulted in more than 70,000 killed and 171,000 injured, most of them children and women.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 11:28 pm - Jerusalem Time

Death of the Palestinian boy Muhammad Abbahra by the bullets of the occupation in Jenin

The Palestinian boy Muhammad Iyad Muhammad Abbahra, aged 16, was martyred by the bullets of the Israeli occupation forces in the evening of Saturday in the town of Silat al-Harithiya west of the city of Jenin.

According to security sources, the occupation forces fired live bullets at the boy Abbahra, leading to his martyrdom, then they detained his body.

Earlier today, the occupation forces raided the town of Silat al-Harithiya, where they stormed many houses and fired live bullets and sound bombs, leading to clashes with citizens, while snipers climbed the roofs of some buildings.

With the martyrdom of the boy Abbahra, the number of martyrs in Jenin governorate rises to 60 martyrs since the start of the aggression on the city and its camp on the 21st of January last.

The Israeli violations in the region continue, raising concern about the humanitarian and security situation in Jenin.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 11:08 pm - Jerusalem Time

Demonstration in Stockholm condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza

The Swedish capital Stockholm witnessed on Saturday a protest demonstration against the continuation of Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, which constitutes a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Hundreds gathered in Odenplan Square at the call of civil society organizations to condemn the air raids launched by the Israeli army on Gaza.

The participants expressed their condemnation of Israel's violation of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in Gaza on October 10 last year.

The protesters raised banners with phrases such as "Children are being killed in Gaza" and "Schools and hospitals are being bombed" and "Stop the genocide in Gaza".

They also demanded an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza and a halt to Swedish arms sales to Israel.

The Swedish activist Joachim Orthén pointed out that these demonstrations are held every Saturday in Stockholm to highlight the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

Orthén confirmed the continuation of the tragedy in the region, adding that the war has not ended despite the existence of a peace agreement.

On October 10 last year, the ceasefire agreement came into effect in Gaza after two years of war that left more than 70,000 Palestinian martyrs and 171,000 injured.

In addition to human losses, the war caused massive destruction affecting 90% of the civilian infrastructure, with initial losses estimated at around 70 billion dollars.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 10:54 pm - Jerusalem Time

Excluding Tony Blair from the Transitional Peace Council: A Step Towards Rebuilding Gaza

Many parties involved in the negotiations to end the Israeli war on Gaza breathed a sigh of relief upon the announcement of Tony Blair's exclusion from the proposed Transitional Peace Council.

This announcement came at a sensitive time, as the negotiations entered their second phase, focusing on the security and economic arrangements necessary for the stability of the sector.

Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted on November 17, 2025, stipulated the formation of a transitional peace council, the deployment of a stabilization force, and the establishment of a timeline extending until the end of 2027.

However, Blair's presence as an envoy raised significant concerns among many concerned parties, with many considering his appointment to this position a grave mistake.

Blair carries a heavy political legacy, with the 2003 invasion of Iraq considered one of the worst decisions in foreign policy, making him a symbol of catastrophic decisions.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 9:45 pm - Jerusalem Time

Massive Rallies Around the World Express Support for Gaza Amid Ongoing Annihilation

Solidarity events with Gaza continue in various parts of the world, with many major cities witnessing massive rallies expressing support for Palestinian civilians.

Demonstrators gathered in these marches to condemn the ongoing violations against the Palestinian people, emphasizing the need to end the occupation.

These events come at a sensitive time, as the residents of Gaza suffer from harsh humanitarian conditions as a result of the siege and repeated attacks.

Participants in these marches raised slogans calling for peace and justice, demanding that the international community assume its responsibilities towards the Palestinian cause.

These marches are considered an expression of global unity and solidarity with the Palestinian people, in light of the difficult circumstances they face.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 9:40 pm - Jerusalem Time

Film 'Gaza: Doctors Under Attack' Wins Foreign Press Award After BBC Refuses to Air It

The documentary film "Gaza: Doctors Under Attack" achieved great success by winning the Foreign Press Award at the British Awards Ceremony, despite the BBC's refusal to air it.

The film, which highlights the systematic Israeli targeting of doctors and the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip, was produced for the BBC, but the network canceled its broadcast in June last year, citing its lack of impartiality.

The film's producer, Ramita Navai, expressed her vindication after the film won, having been aired on British Channel 4 in July last year.

The judges of the British Press Awards described the film as "unforgettable," emphasizing its distinction and shock value to the audience, and considered it a strong testimony to the courage of the journalists and the producing party.

The BBC's decision to cancel the film's broadcast came after statements from the founder of "Basement Films," Ben De Pear, and Navai, who expressed their frustration with the delay in airing a story of urgent importance.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 9:21 pm - Jerusalem Time

The Palestinian Presidency Affirms the Illegality of Israeli Settlement and Demands Its Cessation

The Palestinian Presidency affirmed today, Saturday, that all forms of Israeli settlement are illegal and contradict international decisions.

This came in a statement by the official spokesperson for the Presidency, Nabil Abu Rudeina, in response to statements by the American ambassador in Tel Aviv, Mike Huckabee, regarding the approval of establishing 19 new settlements in the West Bank.

Huckabee said in a tweet on the X platform that there is no need for any reaction to this step, noting that it is not annexation or a declaration of sovereignty.

Huckabee pointed out that Israel has granted 35 permits for building settlements since US President Donald Trump took office, confirming that all these permits are located in Area C, which is under Israeli control.

Abu Rudeina responded to Huckabee's statements, stressing that settlement is a blatant violation of international law, calling on the American administration to commit to international laws to achieve fair peace.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 9:04 pm - Jerusalem Time

Barak's Visit to Israel: Preparations for the Second Phase of Trump's Plan to End the War in Gaza

An American source reported that Thomas Barak, the envoy of former President Trump, will visit Israel next Monday to conduct secret political and security talks.

Barak's visit comes at a time when discussions are increasing about the arrangements that will follow the end of the war in Gaza, amid differences between the United States and Israel regarding the implementation of the plan.

The term "the day after" refers to the political and security arrangements that will follow the end of the conflict, including the administration of the sector and reconstruction.

The visit coincides with tension in relations between the two sides, where Israel assassinated one of Hamas's leaders without informing the United States, which increased American pressure to accelerate the second phase of the plan.

The Israeli army announced the killing of Ra'id Saad, one of Hamas's leaders, in an air raid, noting that the American administration is working with regional parties on arrangements for the next phase.

ARAB AND WORLD

Sat 13 Dec 2025 8:23 pm - Jerusalem Time

Pax Silica Alliance: American Strategy to Counter Chinese Dominance

The administration of US President Donald Trump announced the creation of a new international alliance named "Pax Silica", a strategic move aimed at reducing Chinese control over rare earth elements and enhancing Western superiority in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

This alliance comes as part of a broader vision adopted by the Trump administration under the title "Technological Peace", which aims to build a more independent global economic and technological system, less reliant on China, especially in sensitive sectors related to national security.

According to the US State Department, the "Pax Silica" alliance includes key countries that form the backbone of global AI supply chains, such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, the UAE, and Australia.

The US State Department confirmed that these countries include major companies and investors who lead global supply chains in advanced technology fields, giving the alliance significant economic and industrial weight.

Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, explained that the alliance paves the way for broad cooperation in research, development, and manufacturing, noting that the goal is to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative.

PALESTINE

Sat 13 Dec 2025 7:02 pm - Jerusalem Time

Racism in Israel: Targeting Mizrahi Jews, Ethiopian Jews, and Russian Immigrants

Racism in Israel goes beyond targeting the Palestinian Arab community, extending to include broad segments of the Jewish community, especially immigrants who came to historical Palestine since the beginning of the Zionist project.

Mizrahi Jews, who immigrated to Palestine in the late 1940s and 1950s, suffered from systematic discriminatory policies by the Israeli establishment.

Ethiopian Jews, known as 'Falasha Jews', also face racial discrimination, in addition to immigrants from the former Soviet Union countries who arrived in the early 1990s.

The Israeli Ministry of Religions presented a bill that grants Jewish religious courts broad powers to verify the 'Jewish validity' of individuals, allowing them to make binding decisions for all authorities.

This legislation may impose pressures on individuals and their families, enhancing exclusion and discrimination based on religious and sectarian grounds, and reflects the Israeli establishment's racist approach.

PALESTINE

Fri 12 Dec 2025 12:18 pm - Jerusalem Time

Byron Depression Exacerbates the Suffering of Displaced People in Gaza: 12 Victims, Collapsed Tents and Buildings

The government media office in Gaza reported that the polar depression "Byron", which has been hitting the sector for the third day in a row, has resulted in 12 victims between deaths and missing persons, in addition to damage to about 27,000 tents sheltering displaced people, and the collapse of 13 buildings that were already damaged as a result of previous Israeli bombing.

The government office confirmed in a statement that these developments come in light of the "greater humanitarian disaster" that the sector is experiencing as a result of the genocide committed by Israel over two years, and the "unjust" siege imposed on the sector.

The statement indicated that one and a half million displaced people are facing a direct threat due to floods and collapses, as a result of the harsh climatic conditions hitting the sector, which include torrential floods, floods, strong winds, high sea waves, and thunderstorms.

The government office announced the registration of "12 victims" between deaths and missing persons under the rubble of houses that collapsed due to the depression in various areas of the sector.

It also documented damage to 27,000 tents sheltering displaced people as a result of the depression, whether due to being submerged in rainwater, swept away by floods, or uprooted by strong winds.

The government office recorded the collapse of "at least 13 buildings", noting that civil defense crews are still dealing with hundreds of calls and distress calls.

PALESTINE

Fri 12 Dec 2025 11:58 am - Jerusalem Time

Widespread European Student Protests to Demand Israel's Exclusion from the "Horizon" Program

The Global Student Network for Palestine, a movement calling for the academic boycott of the Israeli occupation, has announced the organization of protests on Friday in 21 universities across the European continent. These protests aim to pressure for the exclusion of Israel from the European academic program "Horizon."

The network explained in a statement that students and faculty members from 21 universities in 19 European countries will participate in peaceful and coordinated demonstrations in front of the offices of the European Commission.

These demonstrations aim to achieve a comprehensive academic boycott of Israel and its exclusion from the "Horizon" programs for research and innovation sponsored by the European Union.

The organizers are demanding an immediate academic boycott of Israeli institutions involved in practices that conflict with international law and basic human rights standards.

The demands also include the removal of Israel from current and future "Horizon" programs, including the "Horizon Europe" program and other related research initiatives funded by the European Union.

Representatives of the participating universities confirmed that the main motivation behind these protests is concerns related to academic freedom, ethical standards of scientific research, and respect for human rights.

The statement stressed that the time has come to stop making excuses and postponing, as the whole world is watching Israel's practices, and any financial or academic support provided by the European Union is completely unacceptable. The statement questioned the justification for the European Union providing 300 million euros annually to Israeli companies and universities, and many other institutions linked to the military industries.

PALESTINE

Fri 12 Dec 2025 11:14 am - Jerusalem Time

Gaza storm death toll rises to 8, including children

Two Palestinian children died on Friday as a result of severe cold in their displacement locations in Gaza City, where they arrived at Al-Shifa Hospital after they had passed away, bringing the number of victims of the low air pressure that has been hitting the sector since Wednesday to eight.

For the third day in a row, the "Byron" storm has exacerbated the suffering of survivors of the Israeli war on Gaza.

A medical source reported that the child, Hadeel Hamdan, 9 years old, arrived at Al-Shifa Hospital dead, after she passed away as a result of the severe cold and bad weather.

According to the source and eyewitnesses, the child and her family were staying in a school that had been turned into a displacement center, amid harsh conditions and a lack of heating.

The same source also mentioned that the infant, Tim Al-Khawaja, who lives with his family in the remains of their home damaged by a previous Israeli bombing in the Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City, died as a result of the severe cold.

With these two deaths, the total number of child deaths due to the cold in Gaza since the beginning of the low air pressure on Wednesday rises to three, as the Director-General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Munir Al-Bursh, confirmed that one death was recorded for a child as a result of the repercussions of the low air pressure and cold during the past two days.

On Thursday, the infant Rahaf Abu Jazar died in Khan Yunis, south of the sector, due to the cold and the flooding of her tent with rainwater.

Al-Bursh confirmed that this polar depression is the "most severe on children and women who live in torn tents, and have become in the open, soaked in rainwater, after their tents collapsed."

He explained that there are 44,000 pregnant Palestinian women living inside displacement camps, where suffering is exacerbated with the continuation of the low air pressure and severe cold, and in light of their loss of primary care for the mother and child.

He added: "The scenes of torn tents flooded with rainwater and children with rain falling on their heads represent a stain on the entire world."

He pointed out that the cold and rain have turned into a new death factor that is claiming the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.

He also pointed out that "large numbers of children arrived at hospitals suffering from breathing disorders, a drop in temperature, and heart attacks" as a result of the cold and the repercussions of the low air pressure.

He reiterated the crisis of medicines and medical supplies that the Ministry of Health is suffering from, pointing out that a thousand items of basic medicines and medical supplies are not available in hospitals due to the Israeli siege.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza stated on Sunday that "52 percent of the list of essential medicines, 71 percent of the lists of medical consumables, and 70 percent of the laboratory consumables have a zero balance."

Israel prevents the entry of sufficient quantities of medicines, medical supplies, and food into Gaza, where about 2.4 million Palestinians are suffering tragic conditions, in violation of the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire agreement reached between Hamas and Israel on October 10, 2025.

Al-Bursh warned of an increase in the number of deaths due to the severe cold if the harsh conditions continue as they are.

For its part, the Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza announced the registration of "12 incidents of collapse of previously damaged buildings, as a result of heavy rains and strong winds, which led to the death of 8 citizens, including children, and the injury of others" since the beginning of the low air pressure.

The ministry reported the presence of a number of missing persons under the rubble of a house that Israel had previously bombed, and which collapsed on its residents on Friday due to heavy rains.

With the agreement entering into force, the Palestinians returned to live in their homes that Israel bombed during the war or on their ruins, in light of the lack of alternatives, especially mobile homes.

Despite the great risks, the Palestinians confirm that living inside the damaged homes remains less harsh than staying in tents made of worn fabrics, which do not protect from rainwater in the winter and do not protect from the cold.

The ministry indicated that the operations rooms in the competent authorities received more than 4,300 distress calls from Palestinians in various governorates of Gaza since Wednesday.

It continued: "Civil defense crews, with the support of the police force, are working to rescue and assist them in cooperation with the municipality crews, despite the limited capabilities and dilapidated equipment."

The ministry appealed to the international community and relevant institutions to take urgent action to bring in relief and reconstruction materials in light of the urgent need of the residents of the sector as a result of the catastrophic conditions they are going through.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians lived through difficult times inside their modest tents in various areas of the sector on Thursday-Friday night, with the continued impact of the "Byron" storm.

About 250,000 families live in displacement camps in the Gaza Strip, where they face cold and floods inside dilapidated tents, according to previous statements by the Civil Defense.

Hundreds of tents were flooded on Thursday in various areas of the sector, with the continued impact of this storm.

Despite the end of the war, the living situation of the Palestinians in Gaza has not improved due to the strict restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of aid trucks, in violation of the humanitarian protocol of the agreement.

The Israeli war on Gaza, which began on October 8, 2023 with American support and lasted for two years, resulted in more than 70,000 deaths and more than 171,000 injuries, most of them children and women, in addition to the destruction of 90 percent of the civilian infrastructure.

ARAB AND WORLD

Fri 12 Dec 2025 10:35 am - Jerusalem Time

Poll: Political Stalemate Continues in Israel

A public opinion poll in Israel showed that the bloc supporting the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, would obtain 52 seats out of 120 seats in the Knesset, while the opposition would obtain 58 seats, if elections were held at the present time.

This distribution of seats indicates the difficulty of forming a government by either party, as obtaining the confidence of at least 61 deputies is required to form a ruling coalition, which may lead to a state of political stalemate, according to the newspaper "Maariv".

The newspaper reported that the poll was conducted by the private "Lazar" Institute, and included a random sample of 500 Israelis, with a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

The newspaper explained that if elections were held today, the bloc supporting Netanyahu would obtain 52 seats out of 120 seats in the Knesset, while the Jewish opposition parties would obtain 58 seats.

As for the Arab deputies, they are expected to obtain 10 seats in the Knesset.

It is worth noting that the Jewish opposition parties have announced that they will not ally with the Arab parties to form a government.

As a reminder, forming a government requires obtaining the confidence of at least 61 deputies.

If early elections are not held, general elections are scheduled for October 2026.

The newspaper stated that "for the first time since October 7, 2023, the (Likud) party, led by Netanyahu, has reached the number of seats it had obtained before the war, which is 28 seats".

In a related context, Israel, led by Netanyahu, has been waging an intensive military campaign on the Gaza Strip since October 8, 2023, which has resulted in the martyrdom and injury of tens of thousands of Palestinians, most of whom are children and women.

According to the poll results, the "Religious Zionism" party, headed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, may not be able to exceed the electoral threshold in the elections if they are held today.

On the other hand, the poll showed that 57 percent of the Israelis participating in it are optimistic about the future of the State of Israel, while 34 percent of them expressed pessimism, and 9 percent of them did not specify their position.

PALESTINE

Fri 12 Dec 2025 10:30 am - Jerusalem Time

Guterres discusses with Egypt and Qatar developments in Gaza and the West Bank

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Badr Abdel-Aaty, and the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, during separate phone calls.

This comes amid the continuation of Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement that began on October 10 in Gaza, and the continuation of military aggression against the occupied West Bank.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that Abdel-Aaty received a phone call from Guterres, during which developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and international efforts to support the path of de-escalation and consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza were discussed, in addition to achieving de-escalation in the West Bank.

The ceasefire agreement was supposed to end the war of extermination that Israel began in Gaza on October 8, 2023, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of tens of thousands of Palestinians, most of them children and women.

As a result of the continuous violations of the agreement by the Israeli side, hundreds of Palestinians have been martyred and thousands injured, according to the Ministry of Health in the sector.

Abdel-Aaty stressed the utmost importance of adhering to the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip without any restrictions.

It is noteworthy that the government media office in Gaza stated that Israel is deliberately obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid, and is working to economically suffocate the sector, which makes it on the verge of famine.

Last November, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, which relates to ending hostilities and managing the Gaza Strip after the end of the war.

Abdel-Aaty and Guterres also discussed the ongoing consultations to deploy an international stabilization force in Gaza, as part of the next second phase of the agreement.

He stressed the importance of moving forward with steps to form the Palestinian technocratic committee, with the aim of managing Gaza, in preparation for the return of the Palestinian Authority to the sector.

He also expressed his categorical rejection of any calls aimed at displacing Palestinians or changing the geographical and demographic situation of the sector.

The Egyptian minister pointed to the seriousness of the escalating situation in the West Bank, in light of the alarming escalation of violence committed by settlers and the continuation of land confiscation policies.

He warned that this approach threatens to expand the circle of tension, and imposes an urgent responsibility on the international community to intervene immediately to stop these violations and prevent the deterioration of the situation on the ground.

The Palestinians affirm that Israel is intensifying its crimes in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, through the army and settlers, through attacks, displacement, land confiscation and settlement expansion, with the aim of annexing the West Bank to it.

In parallel with the extermination of Gaza, thousands of Palestinians have been martyred and injured in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in addition to the arrest of thousands.

Abdel-Aaty also spoke about the important role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in supporting Palestinian refugees, stressing that it is an irreplaceable role that cannot be dispensed with.

In a related context, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs received a phone call from Guterres, during which they reviewed cooperation relations between the two sides and their strengthening, in addition to discussing developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, and a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

PALESTINE

Fri 12 Dec 2025 10:18 am - Jerusalem Time

Two Palestinian children die in Gaza due to severe cold and worsening humanitarian conditions

Two Palestinian children died on Friday as a result of the severe cold wave hitting the Gaza Strip, arriving at Al-Shifa Hospital already deceased.

For the third consecutive day, the polar air depression "Byron" is affecting the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the difficult humanitarian conditions experienced by survivors of the Israeli war.

A medical source reported that the 9-year-old girl, Hadeel Hamdan, arrived at Al-Shifa Hospital dead, having succumbed to the severe cold and bad weather conditions.

According to the source and eyewitnesses, the girl and her family were staying in a school that had been converted into a displacement center, amid difficult living conditions and a severe shortage of heating.

The infant, Tim Al-Khawaja, who was living with his family in the remains of their home damaged by a previous Israeli bombing in the Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City, also died as a result of the severe cold.

With these two deaths, the number of children who have died as a result of the cold in Gaza since the beginning of the air depression on Wednesday has risen to three, as the Director-General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Munir Al-Bursh, confirmed that one death of a child was recorded due to the repercussions of the air depression and cold during the past two days.

On Thursday, the infant Rahaf Abu Jazar died in the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Strip, as a result of the cold and her tent being flooded with rainwater.

PALESTINE

Fri 12 Dec 2025 10:14 am - Jerusalem Time

Israeli Cabinet approves the legalization of 19 settlements in the West Bank

The Israeli Ministerial Council for Political Affairs and Security Affairs, the "Cabinet," approved the request of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding regulating the status of 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to Hebrew media.

Israeli Channel 14, known for its extremist right-wing tendencies, stated that the Minister of Finance presented during the Cabinet meeting his plan to regulate 19 settlements in the West Bank, noting that some of these settlements are newly established, while existing settlements will be regulated.

The channel explained that among the most prominent existing settlements that will be included in the regulation are the settlements of "Ganim" and "Kadim," which were evacuated in 2005 in conjunction with the dismantling of settlements in the Gaza Strip.

The channel pointed out that this decision represents a "complete return to the settlements of northern Judea and Samaria (the West Bank)," describing the move as "nothing less than a revolution led by Smotrich, and a real earthquake in the world of settlement."

The channel added that a rapid planning process will begin to implement the political level's decision to establish these settlements, according to the Cabinet's decision.

The Israeli left-wing "Peace Now" movement indicates that about half a million settlers reside in settlements in the West Bank, in addition to about 250,000 settlers residing in settlements established on the lands of East Jerusalem.

Observers believe that Israel's continued settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and its formal annexation will undermine the possibility of implementing the two-state solution principle, which stipulates the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, a principle approved by United Nations resolutions.

It is worth noting that Israel was established in 1948 on occupied Palestinian lands, then occupied the rest of the Palestinian territories, and refuses to withdraw from them and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

PALESTINE

Fri 12 Dec 2025 9:05 am - Jerusalem Time

Lebanese Parliament Speaker: No compromise on Lebanon's sovereignty

The Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, affirmed his categorical rejection of any form of infringement on Lebanese sovereignty, in a comment on statements made by the envoy of former US President Donald Trump.

Berri stressed that Lebanon's sovereignty represents a red line that is not subject to discussion or compromise, stressing the importance of preserving the country's independence and the integrity of its territory.

Berri's statements came in response to the former US envoy's views on the situation in Lebanon, which some considered interference in the country's internal affairs.

The Speaker of Parliament stressed the need to respect Lebanon's sovereignty by all parties, pointing out that maintaining national unity and internal stability is a top priority.

Berri also called for concerted efforts by all political forces in Lebanon to face the current challenges and confront any attempts to destabilize the country.

OPINIONS

Fri 12 Dec 2025 8:42 am - Jerusalem Time

The Occupation's Racism and Stages of Implementing the Ceasefire Agreement

Sari al-Qudwa

Sari al-Qudwa

Opinion Writer

The genocide in Gaza and the ongoing violations resulting from the Israeli occupation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, represent a serious test of the international community's commitment to the principles of international law and justice. There is no doubt that the international community's positions supporting Palestinian rights have been embodied in concrete steps, as most countries of the world have recognized the State of Palestine. The truth remains firmly established that true diplomacy is that which is biased towards human values and international law, not towards the balance of power.

The war of extermination in the Gaza Strip is still ongoing, and Palestinians are being killed daily despite the agreement on a ceasefire, in light of Israel's non-compliance with its terms. Work must be done on the importance of moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, and it has become important for European intervention and the importance of using the influence and power of European countries supporting Palestinian rights to pressure for the imposition of peace requirements and force Israel to grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights, foremost of which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The occupation government continues to implement escalating policies in the occupied city of Jerusalem, including the continued storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the intensification of settlement projects in East Jerusalem, and the escalation of demolition and displacement operations targeting Palestinian neighborhoods. These measures constitute part of a comprehensive plan to impose new realities on the ground and change the demographic character of the holy city.

What is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories is a systematic aggression that includes killing, destruction, and starvation, in addition to policies of settlement, annexation, and terrorism that violate international law and the Geneva Conventions. The racist hate speech issued by officials of the occupation government constitutes behavior that expresses their desire to continue their aggression against the Palestinian people, defying the international community.

It has become necessary to continue the Arab role in protecting the historical and legal status in Jerusalem and to enhance action in international institutions to stop Israeli violations. The priority now is to achieve a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and it is necessary to use centers of power and increase pressure on Israel to abide by international agreements and treaties, and to stop colonial expansion that violates international law. It is also important to work to ensure that Palestinian elections are held in all parts of the country, especially in East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, and that elections cannot be held without their participation, and that they will be illegitimate if any component of the Palestinian people is absent.

Peace cannot be achieved through subjugation or denial of rights, and it cannot coexist with apartheid or impunity. There must be continued and increased international efforts in support of Palestinian rights, especially the recognition of a number of countries of the State of Palestine, and the initiatives of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee headed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the European Union, which culminated in the convening of the International Conference for Peaceful Settlement and the adoption of the New York Declaration calling for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The European Union bears a special responsibility in defending the values of dignity, justice, and the rule of law, and silence cannot be overlooked in the face of Israeli crimes, as this has become a form of complicity. Work must be done to activate international accountability mechanisms in accordance with the decisions of the International Criminal Court. In this regard, principled diplomatic work must continue, and diplomacy is not merely crisis management, but a means to achieve justice and build a peace based on equality and mutual respect.

ARAB AND WORLD

Fri 12 Dec 2025 8:35 am - Jerusalem Time

Trump plans to appoint an American general to lead the "International Stabilization Force" in Gaza

Axios reported on Thursday that US President Donald Trump intends to appoint General Jasper Jeffers (with the rank of Major General) to lead the so-called "International Stabilization Force" in Gaza, as part of an American plan aimed at imposing a ceasefire and reorganizing control in the Palestinian sector. This step comes in the context of Trump's plan to establish an international force to replace Israeli forces in large areas of Gaza, where estimates indicate that the Israeli army occupies more than 50% of the sector and continues to carry out military operations that have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries.

It is noteworthy that the basic idea behind the "International Stabilization Force" is to transfer control from the Israeli occupation army to a multinational force led by the United States, with the aim of preventing continued killing and restoring security for Palestinian civilians. However, the report indicated that there are widespread doubts about the feasibility of implementing this plan, as countries that initially expressed their willingness to participate have expressed concerns about being drawn into a direct confrontation with Hamas, which may put their forces in a military confrontation on behalf of Israel.

In this context, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, affirmed during his visit to Israel on Wednesday that the main task of the international force will be to disarm Hamas. Waltz told the Israeli Channel 12: "The Security Council resolution authorizes the Stabilization Force to disarm Hamas, and we specifically included the phrase 'by all necessary means'." He added that the rules of engagement will be discussed with each country separately, stressing that US President Donald Trump insisted that Hamas will be disarmed "the easy way or the hard way."

Waltz also informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will take the lead of the international force, noting that General Jasper Jeffers will be appointed to lead the operations, considering him to be competent. Israeli officials explained that Waltz affirmed the General's seriousness and leadership personality. On the other hand, reports indicated that Azerbaijan initially expressed its willingness to participate, while it has not yet taken its official position, while Turkey announced its readiness to send forces, but Israel rejected any Turkish role in this force.

In addition, US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he intends to announce a "Peace Council" at the beginning of next year, which is an American body to oversee Gaza, after the American administration intended to launch the "second phase" of the ceasefire plan before Christmas. The latest resolution of the UN Security Council indicates placing Gaza under direct American supervision for at least two years, in a step that is considered a partial response to Trump's previous demands regarding American control over the sector. The United States has established a military base in southern Israel to monitor the ceasefire, despite the continuation of Israeli attacks and restrictions on humanitarian aid.

According to Axios, President Trump's plan for Gaza is heading to become the largest American political-civil-military project in the Middle East in more than two decades, complicated by its nature due to international interventions, regional tensions, and the hesitant Israeli position towards the participation of foreign forces.

According to experts, Trump's plan in Gaza represents a model for direct American military and political intervention in regional conflicts, but it carries great risks on the ground. Imposing the "International Stabilization Force" may lead to an escalation of the confrontation between Palestinians and Israelis, instead of achieving the desired peace. Also, the lack of clarity of tasks and the issue of rules of engagement increase the possibility of the participating countries being involved in an armed conflict with Hamas, which may weaken the credibility of the United States and provoke widespread popular and international rejection. At the same time, this step highlights the American ambition to dominate conflict zones, but it also reveals the limits of the ability to impose sustainable political solutions without real cooperation from local and regional parties.


PALESTINE

Thu 11 Dec 2025 3:25 pm - Jerusalem Time

Building collapses in Gaza due to heavy rains exacerbate the suffering of displaced people

Gaza City witnessed the collapse of three buildings in separate areas, as a result of the heavy rains that have fallen on the Strip since Wednesday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the collapses occurred in three buildings located in the western part of Gaza City, and these buildings were shelters for a number of Palestinians who were displaced to them due to the lack of available housing alternatives, and there were no reports of injuries.

The Civil Defense issued a statement warning of the danger of the collapse of damaged and dilapidated buildings to which displaced families have resorted, especially with the continued impact of the air depression that is hitting the Strip, accompanied by heavy rains that lead to soil erosion and exacerbate cracks in the walls and columns damaged by the bombing.

In the past twenty-four hours, the Civil Defense in Gaza received more than 2,500 distress calls from displaced people whose tents were flooded by rainwater as a result of the stormy air depression, according to what was stated by the spokesman for the agency, Mahmoud Basal.

With the increasing strength of the air depression since dawn on Wednesday, thousands of tents sheltering displaced people in various areas of the Strip were flooded, after heavy rains fell, with expectations that the stormy weather will continue until Friday evening.

This air depression comes at a time when displaced people are living in tragic humanitarian conditions as a result of a lack of basic necessities of life, difficulty in obtaining essential needs, and the deterioration of vital services due to the Israeli siege imposed on the Strip.

Despite the end of the war of genocide and the entry into force of the ceasefire on the tenth of last October, the living conditions of Palestinians in Gaza have not improved due to the strict restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of aid trucks, in a clear violation of the humanitarian protocol of the agreement.

PALESTINE

Thu 11 Dec 2025 3:01 pm - Jerusalem Time

Israel prevents European diplomats from entering US coordination center regarding Gaza

A Hebrew media report revealed that Israel is asking the United States to prevent senior European diplomats accredited to the Palestinian Authority from entering its coordination center in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel.

It is noteworthy that foreign diplomats in East Jerusalem and Ramallah present their credentials to the Palestinian Authority, and their diplomatic mandate is often separate from their countries' embassies in Tel Aviv, as the embassies are responsible for relations with Israel.

The newspaper "Haaretz" quoted Western diplomats as saying that the American civil-military coordination center was open to international representatives in the weeks following its opening last October, but in recent weeks, entry to it has been restricted.

The newspaper reported that the Netherlands was the first country whose head of mission to the Palestinian Authority was prevented from entering the coordination center in Kiryat Gat, after its representative to the Palestinian Authority visited the center twice. It added that the Belgian representative to the Palestinian Authority was also later prevented from entering the center, as well as the French Consul General in Jerusalem, who is also responsible for relations with the Palestinian Authority.

The newspaper pointed out that staff working in diplomatic missions that cooperate with the Palestinian Authority are allowed to enter the coordination center, and that the ban is limited to heads of missions, some of whom are ambassadors. It also quoted European diplomatic sources as saying that the Americans began a few weeks ago to demand that requests to visit the coordination center be submitted in writing to the American embassy in Jerusalem.

The sources added that one of the diplomatic representatives submitted such a request, but did not receive an official response, and American officials informed the country's representatives that it would not be possible for the head of their mission to the Palestinian Authority to access the center, at the request of Israel. Another European diplomat said that his country was verbally informed by an Israeli official of the decision to prevent senior diplomatic representatives to the Palestinian Authority from entering the center.

A third European diplomat reported that when his country's representatives complained to American diplomats about the decision, they were keen to distance themselves from it, explaining that this was a request from the Israeli side and that they were not satisfied with this policy. A European diplomat said: "In the first two weeks of the center's opening, we noticed an openness on the part of the Americans to receive information, because many of them did not have sufficient knowledge of Gaza or the Palestinians. Since then, we have seen that Israel's grip has strengthened there."

European diplomats believe that their representatives to the Palestinian Authority should be present at the coordination center in Kiryat Gat, given their experience in everything related to Palestinian society in general, and relations with the Palestinian Authority in particular. A European diplomat explained that there is no Palestinian representation in the center, and that they tried to fill this gap.

According to the newspaper, the Western countries represented in the coordination center seek to influence Israeli and American policy towards the Gaza Strip, and are pressing for the Palestinian Authority to be given a role in managing the neighborhoods that will be established east of the Yellow Line, in the territories currently under the control of the Israeli army. This initiative contradicts the declared policy of the Israeli government, which refuses to transfer control of the sector to the Palestinian Authority.

The de facto ban imposed on diplomats working with the Palestinian Authority from visiting the coordination center is in line with the long-standing policy of Netanyahu's governments aimed at thwarting any move aimed at uniting the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under one government. Haaretz quoted a Western diplomat as saying that this ban also reflects Israel's negative attitude towards the close relations between some countries and the Palestinian Authority, especially those that have recognized a Palestinian state.

Last September, several countries, including France, Britain, Canada and Australia, recognized the State of Palestine, causing a state of extreme anger in Israel. So far, no official Israeli or American response has been issued regarding what Haaretz reported.

The US Central Command had previously announced the establishment of the center in order to monitor the implementation of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war on Gaza. The US Central Command stated in a statement that the civil-military coordination center is expanding to include representatives from 50 partner countries and international organizations.

It is noteworthy that Israel, with American support, has been waging a war on Gaza since October 8, 2023, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian martyrs and wounded, most of them women and children. The war was supposed to end under a ceasefire agreement, but Israel violates it daily.

PALESTINE

Thu 11 Dec 2025 2:35 pm - Jerusalem Time

Turkish Foreign Minister: Necessary Steps for the Second Phase of the Ceasefire in Gaza

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that there are necessary measures that must be taken to move to the next phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, noting that the implementation of some of these measures falls on the United States and President Donald Trump.

In an interview that will be broadcast later, Fidan explained that Turkey is working with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates to implement the agreement.

He added that these countries are currently waiting for the implementation of some important steps, most notably the formation of a "Peace Council", handing over the administration of the sector to the Palestinians, and establishing a Palestinian police force.

Fidan pointed out that Palestinian forces will assume responsibility for maintaining security in Gaza at a later stage, stressing the need for the absence of any armed groups in the sector.

He also affirmed that the security problems in Gaza will end once the political guarantees are implemented, pointing out that the United States has begun to provide greater support and take more rational steps as a result of Turkish contacts with it.

He indicated that the main goal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to displace the residents of Gaza and the West Bank and annex them to Israel.

He affirmed that Turkey is ready to make every effort and bear all responsibilities in order to resolve the Palestinian issue peacefully, including sending forces if necessary, expressing his country's desire for the agreement to move forward and not stop.

He explained that if the agreement succeeds in bringing in aid and returning residents to their homes, the stabilization force will not face any difficulties in performing its tasks.

OPINIONS

Thu 11 Dec 2025 11:31 am - Jerusalem Time

Gaza ceasefire phase two will be first step of Trump_backed Palestinian state



Gaza ceasefire phase II will be first step of Trump-backed Palestinian state - opinion

Phase II of the Donald Trump-backed ceasefire will give the people of Gaza what Palestinians have demanded for decades – international protection against Israel.


ByGERSHON BASKIN

DECEMBER 9, 2025 18:20

In the coming weeks, we will witness the beginning of phase II of the “end of war/ceasefire” deal in Gaza. Only one deceased hostage remains in Gaza. This in itself is amazing. I claimed back in September 2024 that Hamas was prepared to release all of the hostages within days in exchange for a complete end of the war. Hamas gave that to me in writing – in Arabic and in English – when I negotiated with the Hamas leadership on behalf of some of the hostage families.

Retired general Amiram Levin worked with me to present the deal to the Israeli negotiators and the prime minister because he has more public credibility on security issues than I have. He was told the same thing that Israeli negotiators told me – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government were not prepared to end the war.

No one except me believed that Hamas would return all of the hostages – everyone said that Hamas will keep some hostages as an insurance policy. Think of all the lives that could have been saved if the war had ended in September 2024 instead of a whole year later. 

The war ended when US President Donald Trump decided that the time had come to end the war. From the time that Trump returned to the White House until September 9, 2025, when Israel failed to assassinate the Hamas leadership in Doha, Trump was willing to let Israel try to totally defeat Hamas.

Even though US special envoy Steve Witkoff was negotiating with Hamas through the mediators of Qatar and Egypt, and with my assistance, until the failed Israeli attack the US believed what Israel told them – that Hamas could be brought to its knees and surrender. This was the main difference of opinions that I had with Witkoff. I repeatedly claimed that Hamas would never surrender to Israel. I said that Hamas would be willing to fight to the very last Gazan. After the Israeli attack, the cost of the war to the United States and to Trump became unbearable, and that is when Trump decided that the war had to end. 

What is phase II?

Now, as we enter phase II of the deal, there are still many more questions than answers. We don’t know who will be the members of the Board of Peace headed by Trump. We have heard that the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be a member, but what about Netanyahu? I seriously doubt we will see Netanyahu on the Board of Peace.

We expect there to be an executive committee headed by people like Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, “and their friends,” as one of the top Americans working on phase II described it. This executive committee will supervise the work of the Palestinian Committee – a team of technocrats in Gaza that will govern its day-to-day life. This body will not have anyone connected to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad on it. Initially, it was said that no one who is connected to the Palestinian Authority will be a member of the governing committee, but that may not be true once it is announced. The Palestinian Committee head has not yet been decided; that person will be a liaison between it and the executive committee.

The Palestinian Committee will be deploying a new Palestinian police force, which have been vetted by the Americans and have been going through training in Jordan and Egypt. The new police force will be subordinate to the Palestinian Committee and will be charged with beginning the process of decommissioning weapons from Hamas.

My assessment is that some of the thousands of new Hamas recruits over the past months who are not really Hamas supporters will be incorporated into the new Palestinian police force. Many of them were given a couple of hundred dollars and a gun and became Hamas recruits. They would be very happy to take more money from the new government, wear a new uniform, and swear allegiance to the new Palestinian government that is not Hamas.

International protection for and from Gaza

The International Stability Force (ISF) will be deployed. The problem the United States is facing is that the mandate for the force is not very clear. None of the potential countries that will send forces to Gaza want to be in the position to disarm Hamas or to confront Israeli soldiers. The ISF’s mandate and rules of engagement need to be more detailed in order for the force to be deployed in Gaza.

It is safe to say that Turkey will participate in the ISF despite Israeli objections. I have proposed to the Americans that the price tag for Turkish participation should be the renewal of full diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel. I am not sure that the Americans have raised that with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They should. Turkish participation in the ISF could be very positive despite Israeli fears.

Egypt will also participate in the ISF, which is essential. The Turks and the Egyptians will keep each other in check, ensuring that Hamas will remain out of controlling Gaza and rearming and posing a threat to Israel or to the people of Gaza. There will be other Arab countries participating, and probably some other Muslim countries. Hopefully, some European representatives will also be on the ground in Gaza. 

The people of Gaza will be getting what Palestinians have demanded for decades – international protection against Israel. Israel will not be able to attack in Gaza when there are international troops there. The international presence should also ensure that no attacks will come against Israel from Gaza. But unlike before October 7, Israel must remain very vigilant and defend its border.

Israel will be forced by the United States to fully withdraw from Gaza once all of the elements of phase II are up and working efficiently. It is even very likely that the Rafah Crossing will become the official entry point for people and goods in and out of Gaza with EU inspection and supervision, and without it all coming through Israel. Whether Israel likes it or not, phase II of the ceasefire deal will be phase I of the establishment of the State of Palestine, with the full support of the United States of America and Israel’s best friend, Donald Trump. 

Dr. Gershon Baskin is the Middle East director of the International Communities Organization and the co-head of the Alliance for Two States.



PALESTINE

Thu 11 Dec 2025 10:57 am - Jerusalem Time

The death of a child from Jabalia under the tracks of an Israeli tank amid shock and anger

In a horrific crime reflecting the bitter reality in the Gaza Strip, the child Zaher Nasser Shamia, 16 years old, from the Jabalia camp in the northern Strip, was martyred after the Israeli occupation soldiers shot him and then an Israeli tank ran him over.

According to eyewitnesses, the occupation forces shot the child Zaher, causing him to fall to the ground bleeding, and no one was able to approach him to save him due to the continued shooting.

The witnesses confirmed that the occupation forces prevented ambulance crews from reaching the injured child, causing him to bleed to death, after which an Israeli tank advanced and deliberately ran him over, leading to his immediate martyrdom.

This crime comes amid continued violations of the ceasefire agreement that began implementation on October 10th.

This incident caused great shock among the residents of the Strip, amid the screams of women and the desperate attempts of young men to approach the place, in a scene that reflects the magnitude of the tragedy that the Palestinians are experiencing.

Pictures of the child Zaher spread widely across social media, sparking a wave of anger and condemnation, as activists questioned the motive behind this heinous crime.

This incident brought back to mind the fate of the children of Gaza who live in constant danger, amid increasing warnings of targeting them, and confirmation that there are no red lines in dealing with civilians.

Users circulated pictures of the child and his memories, and his friends published touching words to bid him farewell, confirming that he dreamed of becoming a football player, and was helping his family provide bread.

Activists described what happened as a fully integrated crime, starting with the shooting, then preventing access to the injured, and ending with being run over under the tank tracks.

Some saw that this crime opens a new chapter of suffering for the displaced people in Gaza, in light of the repeated violations of the ceasefire and the transformation of the border areas into dangerous areas for civilians.

Many tweeters considered that the child's martyrdom in this horrific way represents an unprecedented level of Israeli violence against children in Gaza, and confirms that civilians live under constant threat.

Bloggers pointed out that the killing of Zaher Shamia is not just an individual incident, but rather part of a long series of violations against childhood in Gaza, which calls for the establishment of international mechanisms to protect civilians.

Bloggers called on the international community to take immediate action to stop these crimes, and not to be satisfied with media condemnations, stressing that the incident is conclusive evidence of the brutality experienced by the residents of the Strip.

PALESTINE

Thu 11 Dec 2025 10:21 am - Jerusalem Time

Displaced Child Dies in Gaza Due to Severe Cold and Flooding of Tents

Medical sources announced today the death of a nine-month-old infant as a result of the severe cold that is hitting the tents of displaced people in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. The spokesman for the Civil Defense in Gaza reported that thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians were flooded and severely damaged or blown away due to the severe storm that the region witnessed last night.

Activists on social media circulated a moving image of the infant frozen from the cold, sparking a wave of urgent demands to save the residents of the Strip from the current cold and rain wave, which is increasing their suffering.

The Civil Defense stated that it received more than 2,500 distress calls in the past 24 hours due to the bad weather conditions, noting that the tents of the displaced are unable to withstand such harsh climatic conditions, and called on the international community to take immediate action to save the residents of the Strip.

For its part, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stressed the possibility of significantly alleviating the suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip if humanitarian aid is allowed to enter without any restrictions, allowing them to overcome the winter safely and with dignity.

This statement comes at a time when the Strip has been witnessing a severe atmospheric depression for several days, which further complicates the already deteriorating humanitarian conditions as a result of the widespread destruction caused by the Israeli war over the past two years.

UNRWA explained in a post on the "X" platform that winter rains are returning to Gaza again, bringing with them more difficulties and suffering for the besieged population.

The agency pointed out that the flooded streets and wet tents further exacerbate the already difficult living conditions and increase the health risks that threaten the lives of the displaced.

UNRWA warned that the severe cold, overcrowding, and lack of basic hygiene services increase the rates of disease and epidemics among the displaced.

UNRWA affirmed that the flow of humanitarian aid without restrictions, including medical supplies and appropriate shelter materials, can alleviate this suffering and help families face the winter with greater safety and dignity.

The Civil Defense reported that more than 250,000 families in displacement camps are facing severe cold and torrential rains in dilapidated tents that are unable to protect them.

The spokesman for the Civil Defense in Gaza, Mahmoud Bassal, explained in a press statement that more than 250,000 families in displacement camps in the Strip are suffering from severe cold and torrential rains in tents that are not fit for habitation.

The heavy rains that fell heavily in various areas of Gaza led to the flooding of thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians, due to the strong atmospheric depression affecting the Strip, which will continue until Friday evening.

The displaced in the Gaza Strip live in a tragic reality as a result of the lack of basic necessities of life, the difficulty of obtaining essential needs, and the lack of vital services due to the continuation of the Israeli siege imposed on the Strip.

Over two years of war and destruction, tens of thousands of tents were damaged by direct Israeli bombing or bombing that targeted the surrounding areas, while the condition of some tents deteriorated due to various weather factors, such as the high heat of the sun in the summer and strong winds in the winter.

The ceasefire agreement ended the genocide war that Israel began on October 8, 2023, and lasted for two years, resulting in the martyrdom of more than 70,000 Palestinians and the injury of more than 170,000, in addition to massive destruction that affected 90% of the civilian infrastructure, and initial losses estimated at about 70 billion dollars.

OPINIONS

Thu 11 Dec 2025 10:13 am - Jerusalem Time

Israel in American Public Opinion: Signs of Change

James Zogby

James Zogby

Opinion Writer

American voters' attitudes toward the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have changed, but media commentators and political consultants have not yet realized this. They are still stuck in the past, relying on old assumptions about voters, and continuing to operate according to outdated rules of the game.
A major article in The Washington Post last week entitled "Figures to Watch as the 2026 Midterm Races Kick Off" provides the best evidence of how far analysts are from reality. The article discussed six election races that the newspaper believes are worth following next year.
One of the most prominent races was the candidacy of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, an Arab American, for the "Democratic" Party's nomination for the Senate seat from Michigan. After launching the description of "bold progressivism" on policies adopted by Abdul El-Sayed - that is, his support for a comprehensive health care program and higher taxes on billionaires, and Senator Bernie Sanders supported him - the writer directs this blow: "Perhaps his views on foreign policy are the most controversial. He described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and supports cutting military aid to the Jewish state.
What proves that the writer is "disconnected" from the current political reality is his assertion that accusing Israel of committing mass killings or calling for cutting off military aid to it are controversial political proposals. This may have been true a few years ago, but Israel's war on the Palestinians has negatively affected Israel's popularity among American voters, and the policies that these voters want their government to follow to curb Israeli behavior. This applies especially to "Democrats" - the voters that Abdul El-Sayed will need to win in the primary elections next year.
A wide range of polls have proven the extent of the changes in attitudes. The Economist magazine conducted the latest and most comprehensive American public opinion polls in August 2025. Here are some of its findings: 43% of voters support reducing military aid to Israel, while only 13% want to increase this aid. The reduction/increase ratio among "Democrats" is 58% versus 4%. Among independents, the ratio is close.
Other polls show that voters confirm that they are more likely to support candidates who adopt such positions, and less likely to vote for those who defend Israeli policies and want to maintain current levels of military aid to Israel.
The clear conclusion is that candidates who adopt positions similar to Abdul El-Sayed's are not at all controversial. Rather, they are actually part of the new American mainstream.
As further evidence of this shift, and less than a year before the midterm elections, it is remarkable that more than twenty congressional candidates have already announced their intention to reject political action committee contributions from pro-Israel groups. This includes three current members of Congress, all of whom were previously staunch supporters of Israel, and in previous elections received millions of dollars from pro-Israel sources, including political action committees and independent undisclosed spending funds. One of these members recently gave a speech at the American Holocaust Museum, launching strong criticism against Israel's actions in Gaza, and announcing his support for cutting American military weapons to Israel.
It used to be said that criticizing Israel was like touching a "live wire" in American politics - either avoid it or get burned. But somehow, it is still the case, but in the opposite direction. Supporting Israel used to be essential for congressional candidates. Polls now show that voters are less likely to vote for candidates who refuse to criticize Israel or who receive funding from pro-Israel political action committees.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, we expect more candidates to publicly distance themselves from Israeli policies. We also expect pro-Israel groups to panic and escalate their pressure by pumping tens of millions to defeat candidates who criticize Israel. I believe that this may backfire, because what will be controversial in 2026 is Israeli policies and pro-Israel campaign contributions, not the opposite. The sooner analysts, consultants and the media realize this, the better our political performance will be.

OPINIONS

Thu 11 Dec 2025 10:10 am - Jerusalem Time

Storming of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem is an attack on the United Nations

Sari al-Qudwa

Sari al-Qudwa

Opinion Writer

The storming of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem by the Israeli occupation forces constitutes a serious assault on the United Nations and its organizations and a clear violation of its charter. The storming of the UNRWA headquarters by the occupation army, their inspection operations, the detention of security personnel, and the confiscation of their phones represent a dangerous precedent by a member state of the United Nations and a party to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which explicitly stipulates the inviolability of the headquarters of the international organization.
The occupation government continues to take rapid steps to undermine UNRWA's mandate and end its work, given its role in protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees and embodying the international commitment towards them until a just political solution is found to their issue in accordance with Resolution (194). The attack on UNRWA's headquarters is part of a series of Israeli measures that targeted the agency, including freezing its accounts in Israeli banks, preventing its Commissioner-General from entering the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem, in addition to the open war against its employees and headquarters in the Gaza Strip, which led to the martyrdom of 381 employees and the destruction of more than 270 facilities, both completely and partially destroyed. These targeting also come within the framework of the racist laws approved by the Knesset in 2024, which prohibit UNRWA activities in East Jerusalem and undermine its mandate in the West Bank and Gaza, before being amended later to include preventing the supply of water and electricity to the agency's facilities.
There is no doubt that the absence of international deterrence for Israel, and its continued impunity, have motivated it to disregard the international system and continue its violations and attacks on the UN agency "UNRWA." The storming and inspection operation is an illegal practice that flagrantly violates the General Assembly resolutions on the immunity of international organizations, including UNRWA's founding resolution (302) and Article (17), in addition to the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, and Security Council Resolution (2730) issued on May 24, 2024, which obliges states to respect and protect United Nations institutions and humanitarian workers. The storming also contradicts the opinion of the International Court of Justice issued in July 2024, which affirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and with the advisory opinion issued in November 2025, which obliges the occupying power to respect the immunity of UNRWA and cooperate with it as a UN agency.
What happened confirms that East Jerusalem is an occupied city under international law and international legitimacy resolutions, and that the presence of the occupation forces in it does not grant it any legitimacy nor does it authorize it to storm the headquarters of UN bodies or interfere in their work, which makes these practices gross violations that violate the legal status of the city and the rights of its Palestinian residents. This behavior reflects conduct outside the framework of international legitimacy, and requires immediate and effective international action to hold Israel accountable for its continued violations, and to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks that affect the Palestinian people and their national and international institutions.
The international community must work to protect UNRWA and support it financially and politically, enabling it to implement its mandate based on the resolutions of the General Assembly, foremost of which is Resolution (302), and ensure the continuation of its work until the rights of Palestinian refugees are realized and a just solution to their issue is achieved in accordance with international law and UN Resolution (194). The United Nations General Assembly must take practical and concrete measures to compel the occupation to stop its violations and attacks on UNRWA, respect UN resolutions and its charter, and repeal the laws that target the agency and its mandate.

PALESTINE

Thu 11 Dec 2025 10:06 am - Jerusalem Time

U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mike Waltz, in an exclusive interview with "Al-Quds".. We are in contact with the Palestinian leadership and are seriously pursuing the path aimed at achieving peace

Washington will soon announce the formation of a "Gaza Peace Council"
The current phase focuses on ensuring the entry of urgent relief to save the residents of Gaza
The United States is pushing for the formation of a stabilization force to address the "Yellow Line problem"
Rebuilding Gaza will require billions of dollars, and the whole world will participate in paying for it



In the first statement to a Palestinian newspaper, U.S. Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz revealed, during an exclusive interview with the newspaper "Al-Quds" yesterday, that Washington has not yet officially announced the formation of a "Gaza Peace Council," despite estimates that a number of countries will soon join this new framework.
Waltz explained that the council to be formed comes with a mandate from the Security Council to oversee the process led by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at reconstruction through a Palestinian technocratic government, and working to rebuild infrastructure and basic services with the support of the World Bank and the international community.
Waltz told the newspaper "Al-Quds" yesterday, Wednesday, during his visit to occupied Jerusalem, that there is no official announcement yet about the formation of a "Gaza Peace Council," but it is expected that a number of countries will join it in the coming period. Waltz explained that the Security Council authorized this council to oversee the process led by President Trump, which is based on three main stages.
At the forefront of this stage is providing funding through the World Bank, allowing the international community to support reconstruction efforts and the various tasks assigned to the transitional authority, composed of a Palestinian technocratic government, starting with rebuilding basic infrastructure, passing through sanitation, water and electricity sectors, and reaching the re-establishment of vital government services.
He added: The Peace Council will oversee these tasks, and it will be officially announced soon.
He added to "Al-Quds": There will be a clear mechanism in this regard. I met with Mr. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian representative to the United Nations, and the Palestinian team working with him during the Security Council negotiations, to ensure that their voice is fully heard, and the last contact with them was immediately before this visit.
Waltz confirmed the existence of a high level of communication with the Palestinian side, explaining that the United States is in contact with the leadership in Ramallah, whether through the Palestinian Authority or through the transitional authority, in addition to its communication with the relevant government agencies.
Regarding humanitarian aid, Waltz explained that "the current phase focuses on ensuring the entry of urgent relief to save the residents of Gaza," welcoming the decision to reopen the King Hussein Bridge, which he described as the Jordanian humanitarian corridor.
He added that during his recent visit to Amman, he reviewed the United Nations and UNICEF warehouses stacked with medicines and relief materials, noting that the United States provided more than $100 million to build these warehouses, in addition to $50 million to purchase a new fleet of trucks.
He confirmed that all logistical arrangements are ready, and that Washington is demanding that the Israeli government remove bureaucratic obstacles and provide the necessary mechanisms to enable the trucks to leave.
He pointed out that aid convoys are already moving towards Gaza, with the application of the required security measures to ensure that they reach those who deserve them.
He added: "I would like to emphasize that the number of trucks heading to Gaza now exceeds what was required within the peace plan; in the past three weeks, the number has exceeded 4,200 trucks. We expect a further increase this month, and the numbers last week reached more than 100 trucks per day, compared to what the situation was a month ago, this is a significant increase, and we are making a great effort to deliver aid. During my visit to Jordan, I saw tents on trucks at the Allenby Bridge, and I look forward to seeing them reach Gaza."
He continued: "During my visit, I spoke with American experts and engineers who are working with the Egyptians, Jordanians and others to remove rubble in Gaza, remove unexploded ordnance, and prepare the necessary spaces for setting up tents and temporary houses."
Waltz pointed out that the United States is working to push for the formation of a stabilization force to address what is known as the "Yellow Line problem," noting that there are advanced talks with Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Italy and a number of other countries in this regard. According to the American plan, the deployment of the stabilization force is supposed to coincide with the withdrawal of Israeli army forces from the areas concerned.
In the next phase of the peace process, he explained that the United States knows that the "Hamas" movement knows the locations of the bodies of the dead, and they must be handed over, as this is a basic condition for moving to the second phase, but today we are working on the ground; the number of trucks has increased from zero to more than 600 trucks per day during the past three weeks, and rubble removal operations are taking place in Gaza.
Waltz says: "We are not waiting, but rather working to create the conditions for bringing in temporary shelters and securing food for the people, while ensuring that aid reaches those who deserve it, and is not used to make the "Hamas" movement wealthy, which is the most difficult aspect of the process but it is necessary, and we are determined to make it succeed."
He continued: Rebuilding Gaza will require billions of dollars, and the whole world will participate in paying for it. The United States will also contribute, as it is the largest humanitarian donor in the world, and the largest supporter of the United Nations. As a country that leads the free world, we see it as our duty to help the people here, and we are determined to do so.
Regarding the weapons of the "Hamas" movement, Waltz stressed that the movement is required to give up its weapons, stressing that President Trump clearly expressed this position, and that the disarmament process will take place "one way or another." He explained that the matter is not limited to the American position only, but also enjoys the support of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and the Palestinian Authority, noting that all these parties have announced their explicit support for the plan.
Waltz addressed a message to the Palestinian people, calling on them to hold on to hope, stressing that President Trump and his administration are seriously pursuing the path aimed at achieving peace, in what he described as the best opportunity in many years. He said: The whole world is looking forward to consolidating the ceasefire, noting that the demand to release the Israeli detainees has been fulfilled, and that the truce is still holding so far, while aid trucks continue to enter the sector.
He added: The plan presented by the United States received broad support in the Security Council with a vote of 13 countries without opposition, stressing Washington's determination to implement it.
He pointed to the existence of 21 countries within the International Coordination Center to follow up on the implementation of the plan, improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and put an end to the ongoing cycle of violence.



ARAB AND WORLD

Thu 11 Dec 2025 10:03 am - Jerusalem Time

New book reveals that "Palantir" technology helped Israel carry out the pager device attack in Lebanon

A new book has revealed that the Israeli occupation army used technology developed by the American company Palantir during the attacks it launched on Lebanon in 2024, including the large-scale attack that targeted the pagers (paging) and wireless communications of Hezbollah, which was known in Israel as "Operation Death Whistle." 

The book, a biography of the company's co-founder and CEO Alex Karp, is titled "The Philosopher in the Valley: Alex Karp, Palantir and the Rise of the Surveillance State," and was written by New York Times journalist Michael Steinberger. The author says that the company's technologies were "used by the Israelis during military operations in Lebanon that eliminated a large part of Hezbollah's senior leadership," and were also used in the attack in which Israel detonated thousands of pagers and wireless communication devices that the party relied on.

The account in the book indicates that the operation took place after years of planning, as Israel was able to deceive Hezbollah into buying booby-trapped devices from a fictitious company established for this purpose.

The initial attack occurred on September 17, 2024, when thousands of pagers exploded in Lebanon and Syria at once, followed the next day by the bombing of wireless communication devices, which led to additional injuries, some during the funerals of the victims of the first explosion.

According to official Lebanese figures, the attacks killed about 40 people, including 12 civilians, in addition to injuring and disfiguring dozens. Among the victims was a nine-year-old girl named Fatima, whose pager exploded while she was carrying it, killing her. 

Although Steinberger does not clearly explain the nature of Palantir's technical contribution to the bombings, previous sources within Israeli intelligence confirm that the operation required high-level digital equipment to manage the stages of booby-trapping, follow-up, and simultaneous detonation.

The book reveals that employees at Palantir denied their involvement in developing AI targeting systems used in Gaza, which 972 Magazine reports had previously revealed. But the author points out that the American company supported Israel in other ways during its war on the sector, as the Israeli occupation army used its programs in several hostage release operations, and also helped organize the handover of detainees released by Hamas. The book also states that "Palantir contributed to countering Iranian missile attacks within the US Department of Defense's "Maven" project.

In the context of the escalating controversy surrounding the company's role, the book recounts an incident in which Karp faced a protester who accused Palantir's technology of "killing Palestinians," which Karp did not explicitly deny, and only said: "Most of them are terrorists, that's right." 

These data reveal the extent of the entanglement between American technology companies and the Israeli military establishment, and the ethical questions that this raises about the private sector's involvement in bloody conflicts that transcend national borders. The book also highlights the way in which modern wars are being reshaped through digital tools that allow precise targeting and complex operations far from the battlefields. In the absence of sufficient transparency, there is growing concern that these companies are turning into geopolitical players with unaccountable influence.