PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 10:06 am - Jerusalem Time

The occupation is committing "systematic killings" in Gaza, and UNRWA warns of the dangers of repeated displacement.

The Nasser Medical Complex reported the martyrdom and injury of several Palestinians in an Israeli occupation bombing on the Khan Younis area in the south, noting that the body of a girl who was martyred in the bombing was retrieved.

Additionally, the occupation's aircraft bombed a residential building consisting of 4 floors in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, while the occupation's warboats opened fire on the Nuseirat beach.

Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that the occupation's artillery continues to shell the northern areas of Al-Thawra Street in western Gaza City.

In the northern Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera's correspondent stated that the occupation detonated explosive vehicles among the homes of citizens and shelled the northwestern areas of Gaza City amid the ongoing displacement of civilians from within the city's neighborhoods.

Major Mahmoud Bissal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip, told Al Jazeera that the occupation is targeting the essentials of life in Gaza City with all types of weapons.

In describing the current situation in the Strip, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated that tens of thousands of Palestinians are forced to repeatedly displace at great costs, and access to food and water remains limited.

It called for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip to allow humanitarian aid to reach safely.

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 9:50 am - Jerusalem Time

UN comments on the Israeli attack against the Global Freedom Flotilla.

Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq commented on the Israeli attack against the Global Solidarity Fleet, expressing hope that the participants in the fleet would not be harmed.

During a press conference, Haq called for respect for the laws in force in international waters in light of the Israeli attack against the Global Solidarity Fleet.

In response to a question about the Israeli occupation army's attack on the fleet and its detention of several ships and activists on board, Haq said: "We certainly believe in the necessity of respecting the laws in force in international waters. That is all I can say on this matter."

Regarding the position of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the civilian activists detained by Israel, Haq indicated that the organization's priority is to ensure that the individuals on board the ships are not harmed and that they are treated in a manner that respects their rights and dignity.

When asked why the Secretary-General hesitated to condemn the attack on the Global Solidarity Fleet, while he previously rushed to condemn attacks targeting ships in international waters in the Red Sea, Haq replied: "There is no other context I can share with you regarding the fleet."

As for whether Guterres discussed the issue of the fleet with any of the leaders, Haq confirmed that the Secretary-General had conversations with a large number of leaders during the 80th General Assembly meetings last month, addressing the situation in Gaza, including the issues raised by the activists on board the fleet.

On Wednesday evening, the "Solidarity Fleet" aiming to break the blockade on Gaza announced via the "X" platform that it was under attack from about 10 Israeli ships.

The fleet issued a distress call after the Israeli army intercepted its ships in international waters, considering this escalation a "war crime."

International organizations, including "Amnesty International," called for protection for the "Solidarity Fleet," while the United Nations confirmed that any attack on it is "unacceptable."

The Israeli attack sparked popular protests and official condemnations observed in several countries, amid calls for the release of the detained activists and accountability for Tel Aviv for its crimes and violations of international law.

Israel, the occupying power in Palestine, has previously engaged in acts of piracy against ships heading to Gaza, seizing them and deporting the activists on board.

This is the first time that dozens of ships are sailing together towards Gaza, which is home to about 2.4 million Palestinians, in a collective attempt to break the ongoing Israeli blockade on the territory for 18 years.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 66,225 martyrs and 168,938 injured, most of whom are children and women, and famine that has claimed the lives of 455 Palestinians, including 151 children.

OPINIONS

Fri 03 Oct 2025 9:27 am - Jerusalem Time

Trump's Plan and the Tough Decision!

Bakr Abu Baker

Bakr Abu Baker

Opinion Writer

For two years, the Palestinian Arab people have been suffering and oscillating between pain and sighs, between hunger, killing, and disease in the Gaza Strip, living alongside their brethren in the West Bank a life of misery and hardship, with a significant difference in the difficult suffering, severe harm, aggression, and catastrophe in Gaza, which surpasses in intensity and brutality more than 15 military campaigns (wars) that occurred during the twentieth century, as stated by one of the most important American historians.

As a result of the aggression, "Netanyahu," with his fascist regime and unlimited American support, occupies all of Greater Syria, with no one to oppose him—not the "resistance" axis nor the "moderation" axis—both of which, for their own reasons, have retreated into themselves, leaving Palestine (effectively) alone, preferring to retreat and fortify themselves under what they call "rationality" or "pragmatism," forgetting the many tools of power they possess to confront the mythical threats of "Netanyahu" and his Greater Israel spread throughout the entire nation.

The Palestinian state is the daily nightmare or the specter that Netanyahu dreams of killing every day since 1996, and he continues to strive tirelessly, terrifying the minds of the nation that he will be the master of the axis of grace and goodness in contrast to the axis of wrath and evil, while in reality, he is flipping the scales.

In light of understanding the limits of state dealings and interests, there was the Arab initiative, the Saudi-French initiative, and the New York declaration, followed by the recognition of Western countries this time, adding to the recognitions of Palestine since 1988, pushing the new recognizing countries with the status of observer member for the State of Palestine to the forefront, while "Netanyahu," his army, and his regime continue to avoid mentioning the name Palestine, even erasing it from the map as they erase its people from the ground with blood.

After the latest plan by Trump with Netanyahu's corrupt and deep amendments, the primary owner of the cause must pay close attention that the target is not this party or that organization, but the entirety of the cause. From here, as we say to the nation, we say to ourselves, the Palestinians, that the time has come to understand that fire burns the entire house, as the fascist Israeli says and does daily. There is no shield that protects the march except by extending the hand under one umbrella and making a decision, even if it is understood that this is a national concession here or there; it is a thousand times better than the current isolation leading to the destruction of the entire people and the cause.

Salvation can only be achieved through unity of program, weapon, authority, and a single leadership that comes from a joint decision, contrary to what has happened and resulted from gambling and dragging the region into ruin through Israeli provocations. It is time to take steps forward and not listen to the interlocutor, but to start listening to the unifying national voice, and the voice of the Palestinian and Arab masses, and non-Arabs who have chanted by the millions everywhere for Palestine and its people, not for faction S or P at all.

The writer and thinker Hani al-Masri states that we are between the scenario of comprehensive liquidation and the option (scenario) of the required national reconciliation, commenting on the necessity of catching our breath, drawing lessons, and moving towards a Palestinian struggle project that preserves the cause. The writer and thinker Ibrahim Abrash says: "Hamas must announce that it hands over all Gaza files to Egypt, the State of Palestine, and the United Nations, and that any negotiations be conducted with them. In this way, Hamas becomes a partner in the ongoing positive international movement for the benefit of Palestine." Analyst Amir Makhoul, after enumerating the numerous dangers to the people and the cause due to Trump's miserable and unjust plan, states that "the formula does not meet the minimum requirements for a just peaceful solution to the Palestinian cause," pointing to the unlikelihood of "Hamas" agreeing because "it would be unlikely not to prioritize the voices of starving, displaced, and marginalized Gazans." Meanwhile, Marwan Tobasi writes under the title: "Wrong calculations, welcoming a plan that excludes its owners." He calls for the announcement of a national salvation government, inviting Hamas to review its vision, stop the gambling, and move towards unifying the Palestinian position.

Let us say that in light of Trump's plan, today, the faction "Hamas" in Gaza has few options that are continuously diminishing with the bloodshed. No faction is more important than the homeland; let the faction go to hell or wait for a coming phase, or realize that revolution, struggle, and confrontation are different forms and methods, and do not stop at one limit or type that has proven through long, barren months its weakness and siege and

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 9:26 am - Jerusalem Time

UN calls on Israel to respect the rights of the activists of the Resilience Fleet.

The United Nations has called for respect for the laws in force in international waters following the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla, expressing hope that participants in the flotilla will not be harmed.

This was stated by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during the daily press conference on Thursday evening.

In response to a question about Israel's attack on the Freedom Flotilla and its detention of several ships and hundreds of activists on board, Haq said: "We certainly believe in the necessity of respecting the laws in force in international waters. That is all I can say on this matter."

Regarding the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' stance on the civilian activists detained by Israel, Haq pointed out that the organization's priority is "that the individuals on board the ships are not harmed and that they are treated in a manner that respects their rights and dignity."

When asked by an Anadolu reporter why the Secretary-General hesitated to condemn the attack on the Freedom Flotilla, while he previously rushed to condemn attacks targeting ships in international waters in the Red Sea, Haq replied: "There is no other context I can share with you regarding the flotilla."

As for whether Guterres discussed the issue of the flotilla with any leaders, Haq confirmed that the Secretary-General "had conversations with a number of leaders during the meetings of the 80th General Assembly last month, addressing the situation in Gaza, including the issues raised by the activists on board the flotilla."

On Wednesday evening, the Freedom Flotilla to break the siege on Gaza announced via X platform that it was attacked by about 10 Israeli warships.

The flotilla issued a distress call after the Israeli army intercepted its ships in international waters, considering this escalation a war crime.

International organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for protection for the "Freedom Flotilla," while the United Nations confirmed that any attack on it is unacceptable.

The Israeli attack has sparked popular protests and official condemnations observed in several countries, amid calls for the release of detained activists and accountability for Tel Aviv's crimes and violations of international law.

Israel has previously engaged in acts of piracy against ships heading to Gaza, seizing them and deporting the activists on board.

This is the first time that dozens of ships are collectively sailing towards Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians, in a collective attempt to break the ongoing Israeli siege on the territory for 18 years.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 66,225 martyrs and 168,938 injured, most of whom are children and women, and famine that has claimed the lives of 455 Palestinians, including 151 children.

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 9:10 am - Jerusalem Time

Gaza under siege for the 728th day.. The occupation expands its invasion and famine ravages civilians.

The occupying army began a series of wide-ranging attacks on the city of Gaza with the aim of occupying it on the 728th day of the war. With the United Nations officially announcing a famine in the Gaza Strip, the occupying army intensified its extensive military operation aimed at a "complete occupation of the Gaza Strip," coinciding with a decisive American warning to Hamas that its rejection of Trump's peace plan would represent a "red line."

This escalation comes after the resumption of the war and the breach of the ceasefire agreement 200 days ago, as the occupying forces impose a suffocating blockade and close all crossings, leading to the spread of famine.

The occupying government ignored international criticisms accusing it of committing "genocide," and the "cabinet" approved a plan to proceed with the complete occupation of the sector.

The occupying army began a series of wide-ranging attacks on the city of Gaza with the aim of occupying it, with intense aerial and artillery bombardment resulting in the deaths of dozens of martyrs. The bombardment included the neighborhoods of Tal al-Hawa, Sheikh Radwan, Al-Zeitoun, Al-Sabra, and Al-Shuja'iyya, using a new tactic of detonating "booby-trapped armored vehicles" to blow up residential blocks.

The total number of martyrs has risen to 66,225, the majority of whom are children and women. The World Health Organization revealed in a report on Thursday that 42,000 people in Gaza suffer from "life-altering injuries," a quarter of whom are children, including more than 5,000 individuals who have undergone amputations.

The organization confirmed that the health system has been destroyed and that there is an urgent need for medical evacuations for thousands of patients.

The White House spokesperson, Caroline Levitt, warned that President Trump "will draw a red line for Hamas" if it rejects the American plan. Trump had given the movement 3 to 4 days to respond, threatening to give the occupation a "green light" if it rejected the agreement.

Politically, the current strategy appears to be dual: on one hand, the occupation is escalating military actions unprecedentedly to impose a new reality on the ground and destroy any infrastructure for resistance, thereby strengthening its negotiating position. On the other hand, the American administration is using this escalation as a massive pressure tool to force Hamas to accept its plan on its terms.

Diplomatically, reports from the United Nations and the World Health Organization represent counter-pressure tools, providing legal and political ammunition for countries accusing the occupation of committing genocide, placing its allies in a difficult position.

In light of these tragic circumstances, the Gaza Strip stands on the brink of a new and decisive phase. Either the American diplomatic pressures will lead to Hamas accepting the plan, which could end the current war and begin a new path for managing the sector under international supervision, or its rejection will lead to the implementation of Trump's threats to give the "green light" to the occupation, warning of a greater escalation that could have catastrophic consequences for the entire region.

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 9:09 am - Jerusalem Time

Washington insists on Trump's peace plan as presented at the White House and rejects potential amendments.

An American official reported on Thursday that the administration of President Donald Trump is sticking to the plan presented by the president in his joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Monday, and it is almost certain that it will reject any conditions or amendments proposed by Hamas.


The official, who requested anonymity in response to a question from a Jerusalem correspondent, said: "There is a conviction among the president (Trump) that the plan he presented to the world from the White House (on 29/9/2025) is a fair plan that meets Israel's security needs, returns the hostages, both the living and the deceased, to their families, brings a clear end to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, and allows for the necessary humanitarian aid to enter in abundance."


Despite the radical amendments imposed by Netanyahu and the American-born Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, on Trump's original plan (which was presented to Arab leaders on 23/9 during the UN General Assembly), Washington emphasizes its adherence to the plan as announced, describing it as a "realistic and fair opportunity" to stop the bloodshed and pave the way for a long-term political settlement. A White House official stated that "any rejection of this plan, especially by Hamas, will be considered a rejection of a historic opportunity to end the suffering in Gaza," adding that Washington will fully support Israel if the peace efforts falter due to the obstinacy of any party.


Trump indicated in the press conference that his plan "does not aim to reward one party or punish another, but to protect lives, end suffering, and build a prosperous future for both Palestinians and Israelis." He also emphasized that implementation should begin with the handover of living and deceased hostages within 72 hours of a ceasefire, followed by a series of sequential steps carried out under neutral international supervision.


The plan announced by Trump, which consists of twenty points (instead of the 21 presented by the American president to Arab leaders), aims to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, followed by a series of humanitarian and political steps, the most prominent of which are the mutual release of hostages and detainees, the disarmament of Hamas, and the introduction of an international body for reconstruction and oversight of the transitional phase. The plan also stipulates the resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority after implementing political and security reforms within the Authority's institutions.


In clear terms, the plan commits to not imposing forced displacement on the residents of the Gaza Strip, not annexing the strip to Israel, ensuring freedom of movement for civilians, and reconstructing infrastructure with international funding and oversight, while at the same time allowing Israel to maintain absolute security control over the Gaza Strip.


Netanyahu announced his initial support for the plan, but his partners in the far-right coalition he leads expressed their opposition to any plan, demanding the elimination of Gaza. Despite some reservations from his coalition partners, official Israeli statements appeared open to negotiation within the framework outlined by the plan.


Hamas has not yet issued any official position of approval or rejection, while sources close to it have clearly expressed opposition to some points, especially those related to disarmament and recognition of Israeli security conditions. However, international reports suggested that the movement might show a willingness to negotiate if international guarantees were provided and some points of the plan were amended to preserve "Palestinian national rights."


Despite the media and diplomatic momentum accompanying the announcement of the plan, questions remain about its feasibility on the ground, given the Israeli maneuvering, the Palestinian political division, the security complexities in Gaza, and the trust challenges between the parties. Several Arab and international parties have also expressed reservations about some points of the plan, demanding amendments that preserve the minimum aspirations of Palestinians, foremost among them the establishment of a viable independent state.


While Washington sees the plan as "the last chance for peace," observers believe that its success depends on the United States' ability to convince all parties, especially through clear international guarantees and mutual concessions.


It was rumored in Washington on Thursday that Hamas would respond "positively" to the American president's proposal to end the war in Gaza, with a series of amendments, hinting that the response could come within hours.


Israeli sources claimed that Arab mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are conducting fruitful talks with Hamas leaders in Doha regarding Trump's plan, and that Hamas aims to alleviate some of the conditions of the proposal added by Netanyahu at the last moment regarding the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.


PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 6:12 am - Jerusalem Time

Despite the optimism.. Israeli concerns about Trump's plan regarding Gaza

While Israeli circles have shown enthusiasm for President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, there have been warnings against it, claiming that if implemented, it would effectively turn the current situation in Gaza into another 'military round' between the occupation and Hamas, as the movement will not be defeated.

Omer Dostry, a former spokesman for the Prime Minister and an expert in military strategy and national security, stated that 'Trump's 21-point plan contradicts almost entirely the principles of ending the war and its objectives set by the government, except for the return of hostages, which is a vital goal in itself, but it is only one of three goals of the war.'

He added in an article published by Maariv that 'if the plan is implemented, Israel will actually be prepared to end the campaign as another 'round', with Hamas remaining in Gaza, no guarantees for its disarmament, the army withdrawing from most of the sector, and agreeing to the possibility of the Palestinian Authority returning to manage it.'

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 2:18 am - Jerusalem Time

The White House: Hamas's rejection of the Gaza plan is a "red line" and Trump will draw it

The White House spokesperson, Caroline Levitt, stated that Washington expects Hamas to approve President Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, warning that any negative response from the movement would represent a 'red line' that the American president himself would set.

In an interview with 'Fox News', Levitt responded to a question about the possibility of Hamas rejecting the plan: 'This is a red line that the President of the United States will have to set, and I am confident that he will.'

She added: 'We hope and expect that Hamas will accept it so we can move forward towards a more peaceful Middle East.' For its part, Hamas continues its internal consultations and discussions with other Palestinian factions to study the proposal.

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 1:44 am - Jerusalem Time

World Health Organization: 42,000 people in Gaza are suffering from disability-causing injuries.

The World Health Organization announced on Thursday that nearly 42,000 people in Gaza, a quarter of whom are children, are suffering from injuries that will cause them permanent disabilities, in a shocking report that revealed the collapse of the health sector.

Based on these catastrophic figures, the organization called for an 'immediate ceasefire' and the protection of health facilities.

This report comes after nearly two years of war waged by the occupation on the Gaza Strip, which has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

The UN organization's report revealed that among 167,376 injured since October 2023, a quarter of them, or about 42,000 people, are suffering from permanent injuries.

Severe injuries include the following: more than 5,000 cases of limb amputation, over 22,000 injuries to the limbs, and more than 2,000 spinal cord injuries.

The report indicated that the health system in Gaza has exhausted its capacities, with only 14 out of 36 hospitals operating partially, and rehabilitation services reduced to a third of what they were.

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 12:38 am - Jerusalem Time

Hamas comments on Trump's plan and sets a date to announce its response.

Mohammad Nazal, a member of the political bureau of Hamas, stated that the American plan has several observations, and the movement will announce its position on it soon, without much delay.

Nazal added in a television interview that Hamas received the plan attributed to Trump last Monday evening and began internal and external consultations the following day.

Nazal clarified that "it is our right as representatives of the resistance to express our observations on the American plan in a way that serves the interests of the Palestinian people," indicating that the movement decided to discuss it from the standpoint of stopping the war and massacres.

He continued, "It cannot be that the end is the forfeiture of our people's rights and the continuation of genocide," also noting that Hamas is in contact with mediators and Arab and Islamic parties, and everyone is serious about reaching understandings to stop the genocide.

He added that the movement does not operate under the logic that time is a sword hanging over its neck, affirming, "We are concerned with the interests of our people and stopping the massacre, and we will not allow it to continue."

Earlier, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty stated that President Donald Trump's plan regarding Gaza still needs to address many "gaps" before proceeding with its implementation, pointing out that Cairo sees the necessity of further discussions on the mechanisms of application, particularly regarding governance and security arrangements.

Abdel Aty explained in statements made during his participation in a seminar at the French Institute for International Relations that Egypt is handling the file "with great caution," and that it is making direct contacts with Hamas to understand its position on the American plan.

He added that Cairo is coordinating intensively with Qatar and Turkey to persuade the movement to accept Trump's plan to end the war in the sector, saying: "We meet with them and coordinate with our brothers in Qatar, as well as with our colleagues in Turkey, in an effort to convince Hamas to respond positively to the plan."

Despite acknowledging the existence of "gaps" in the plan, the Egyptian minister warned that Hamas's rejection of it could lead to "an extremely difficult situation and serious escalation," but he emphasized at the same time that his country would not allow the displacement of Gaza's residents under any circumstances, considering that "any displacement practically means the liquidation of the Palestinian cause," and affirming that Egypt "will not allow that."

Yesterday, the French news agency reported that a source close to Hamas stated that the movement is seeking to introduce amendments to some clauses of the plan, including the disarmament clause and obliging its cadres and fighters to leave the sector.

A Palestinian official confirmed that Hamas rejects these clauses and seeks to obtain international guarantees regarding the complete Israeli withdrawal and the non-violation of the ceasefire.

PALESTINE

Fri 03 Oct 2025 12:30 am - Jerusalem Time

A Hamas leader: We are studying Trump's plan and have comments on it, and we will announce our position soon.

Mohammed Nazal, a member of the political bureau of Hamas, announced that the movement is seriously studying the American plan attributed to President Trump, confirming that they have "observations" on it and that they will announce their official position "very soon."

Nazal pointed out that Hamas is discussing the plan from the standpoint of stopping the "genocide" in Gaza, but it will not accept any solution that undermines the rights of the Palestinian people.

Nazal clarified in his remarks that Hamas received the plan last Monday evening and immediately began "internal and external consultations" the following day.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 7:08 pm - Jerusalem Time

Saudi Arabia.. A dialogue session discusses peace pathways in the region and ending the suffering in Gaza.

The Saudi city of Al-Ula witnessed a dialogue session on Thursday to discuss peace pathways between Palestine and Israel and to halt the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip. This took place during the second and final day of the Munich Security Conference leaders' meeting in Al-Ula, according to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

The dialogue session was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, and via video conference, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.

The session addressed "the latest developments regarding the war on the Gaza Strip, efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and international initiatives in this regard. It also touched upon the announcement by several countries around the world recognizing the State of Palestine, which contributes to the implementation of the two-state solution and enhances stability in the region."

The session discussed "the importance of implementing all international resolutions, stopping humanitarian suffering, and supporting all efforts to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip."

This session comes days after 11 countries recognized the State of Palestine during the General Assembly meetings last September, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Luxembourg, Belgium, Andorra, France, Malta, Monaco, and San Marino, raising the total to 159 out of 193 UN member states.

Israel rejected the announcement of recognition of the State of Palestine, claiming that this step is "unilateral and undermines peace opportunities."

The dialogue session also addressed the two-state solution conference, chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, which resulted in an international consensus on the importance of implementing the conference's declaration aimed at peace, prosperity, and ending the long-standing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

From July 28 to 30, the "Two-State Solution Conference" was held in New York, chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, with high-level participation and the presence of Palestine, while the US was absent, to support the path of international recognition of the Palestinian state.

Saudi Arabia hosted the "Munich Security Conference Leaders' Meeting" on Wednesday and Thursday, with the participation of about 100 prominent international officials to discuss regional and international issues, most notably developments in Gaza, food security, climate, and energy.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with US support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 66,225 deaths and 168,938 injuries, most of whom are children and women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 455 Palestinians, including 151 children.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 6:38 pm - Jerusalem Time

United Nations: Israel's attack on the Freedom Flotilla deepens the blockade on Gaza

The spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Thameen Al-Khaitan, stated that Israel's attack on the "Global Solidarity Fleet" deepens the "illegal blockade" imposed on the Gaza Strip.

In his written response to a question about the developments, Al-Khaitan said that "Israel's intervention against unarmed civilian ships heading to Gaza, in international waters, deepens the illegal blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip."

He emphasized that Israel, as an occupying power, is obligated to provide food and medical supplies to all residents of Gaza by all means.

Al-Khaitan pointed out that Israel must also comply with what the International Court of Justice ordered in January 2024, to accept and facilitate neutral humanitarian programs provided quickly and without obstacles.

He also called on the Israeli authorities, following their attack on the fleet, to "fully respect the rights of all detainees and ensure that the conditions of treatment and detention are fully compliant with international law, in addition to respecting all legal guarantees, including the right to immediately challenge the legality of detention."

On Wednesday evening, the Israeli Navy began an attack on the "Solidarity Fleet" heading towards the Gaza Strip, with soldiers boarding several ships to take control of them.

On Thursday, Israel announced that its army had taken control of all boats of the "Solidarity Fleet" and detained the activists on board, except for one boat which it said was "far away."

According to the latest announced figures, the "International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza" estimates that Israel seized 41 ships from the fleet.

Meanwhile, two support ships withdrew from among the 4 remaining ships, and the "Marinet" ship continues to sail towards Gaza but is still far away due to technical malfunctions.

The "Mikino" ship appeared on tracking sites within Palestinian territorial waters, 8 miles from Gaza, but its fate is still unclear.

This is the first time that nearly 50 ships have sailed together towards Gaza, carrying 532 civilian activists from more than 45 countries.

Israel has besieged the Gaza Strip for 18 years, leaving about 1.5 million Palestinians out of approximately 2.4 million in the strip homeless after the genocide destroyed their homes.

On March 2, the siege was tightened by closing all crossings leading to Gaza, preventing any food, medicine, or humanitarian aid, plunging the strip into famine despite relief trucks piling up at its borders.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 66,225 deaths and 168,938 injuries, most of whom are children and women, and famine has claimed the lives of 455 Palestinians, including 151 children.

ARAB AND WORLD

Thu 02 Oct 2025 6:26 pm - Jerusalem Time

US reduces its troop numbers in Iraq from 2,500 to less than 2,000.

  1. Washington - "Jerusalem" dot com - Said Arikat

The U.S. Department of Defense (formerly the Department of War) confirmed that American forces will remain in Iraq indefinitely under an agreement signed with the Iraqi government last year, which called for the end of the U.S.-led mission against ISIS in the country. According to the "Stars and Stripes" (the U.S. military's publication), a senior Pentagon official stated that the United States is slightly reducing its troop presence, raising the total number of American military personnel from 2,500 to less than 2,000. The majority of the remaining troops will be stationed in Erbil, in the northern Kurdistan region.


The official from the Department of Defense added that U.S. forces are in the process of leaving Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq. The United States will keep some military personnel in Baghdad, who will be tasked with "bilateral security cooperation."


While the United States maintains its forces in Iraq, the official claimed that this reduction ends the "endless war" in the country. The official stated, "First, we are ending the endless war in Iraq." He added, "Second, we are transferring the burden of responsibility for combating ISIS in Iraq from U.S. and coalition forces to our Iraqi partners. We have trained them for a decade, and they have the capability to confront ISIS and the will to do so. Third, we are giving the Iraqis themselves a great deal of credit."


The Pentagon is also bolstering its presence in neighboring Syria, where it plans to reduce the number of troops to less than 1,000. It has closed some bases in northeastern Syria and handed them over to the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The majority of U.S. troops in Syria are expected to be stationed at the Al-Tanf base in the south, located at the intersection of the borders of Syria, Iraq, and Jordan.


For years, the Pentagon claimed that only 900 American soldiers were occupying Syria, but the Biden administration revealed late last year that the actual number was 2,000. Media reports indicated that the United States may formalize its presence in Syria by signing an agreement with the new Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Shara, the former leader of al-Qaeda who came to power after his jihadist group ousted former President Bashar al-Assad.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 6:24 pm - Jerusalem Time

"The Resilience Fleet" announces the Israeli occupation's interception of its convoy and the abduction of 443 volunteers.

The "Global Resilience Fleet" announced in an official press release that Israeli naval occupation forces illegally intercepted its peaceful convoy heading to the Gaza Strip and kidnapped hundreds of international volunteers.

The statement clarified that the occupation forces intercepted the convoy, which included volunteers from 47 countries, using water cannons and spraying foul water to disrupt the ships' course, before armed soldiers systematically stormed it in international waters.

The fleet described this act as "an act of aggression" and "a continuing war crime."

The organizers confirmed that the occupation forces established a maritime blockade in international waters and forcibly took the ships to Ashdod port, where more than 443 kidnapped volunteers are expected to be "processed" for illegal trials.

The statement considered the interception of relief ships in international waters to be a flagrant violation of international law and fundamental human rights, amounting to a war crime.

The fleet called on governments, world leaders, and international institutions for immediate intervention to ensure information about the missing participants, guarantee their safety, and demand their immediate release.

The statement emphasized that "every act of repression against our fleet, every escalation of violence in Gaza, and every attempt to suppress solidarity events will only increase our determination."

The statement confirmed the illegal interception of the following ships: Free Willy (Poland) Captain Nikos (Poland) Florida (Poland) All In (France) Karma Oxygono (Poland) Mohammad Bhar (Netherlands) Jeannot (Spain) Seulle (Poland) Hio (Poland) Morgana (Italy) Otaria (Italy) Grande Blu (Poland) Deir Yassine (Algeria) Huga (Poland) Aurora (Italy) Yulara (Spain) Spectre (Spain) Adara (Spain) Alma (United Kingdom) Sirius (United Kingdom).

The statement noted that the French-flagged ship Mikeno had entered Palestinian territorial waters but remains out of communication.

Meanwhile, the Polish-flagged ship Marinette continues its journey while connected via "Starlink," with 6 passengers on board.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 6:06 pm - Jerusalem Time

Palestinian Analysis on Trump's Plan: An Attempt to Liquidate the Cause and Resistance

The announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan and initiative to end the war in Gaza has sparked widespread reactions among Palestinians, with analysts and political writers agreeing that it is an attempt to legitimize the ongoing genocide for two years and impose a new reality targeting resistance and Palestinian rights.

Palestinian writer and political analyst Abdul Salam Hayek viewed this initiative as coming at a time that reveals the extent of the Israeli impasse, stating: “This war has lost its legitimacy and has turned into a documented genocide in front of the world. Even Israel has acknowledged its loss in the narrative battle; every additional day is a new loss that cannot be repaired.”

Hayek noted in a post on Facebook that the West has lost trust in the Israeli narrative, which has historically been based on the “Holocaust,” anti-Semitism, and combating terrorism, adding: “Israel is left with only a group of billionaires controlling global decision-making, while it has become a symbol of brutality in the eyes of Western peoples.”

He emphasized that Arabs also now view the Israeli occupation as a direct enemy, adding that the current circumstances are “crucial to ending the war on better terms,” warning that immediate acceptance of the plan equates to rejection in its outcomes because it achieves the goals of the occupation.

Regarding the content of the plan, Hayek clarified that Trump has given Netanyahu a mandate until October 7 to end the war without concrete Israeli commitments towards Gaza, in exchange for vague promises to the Arabs, stating: “In the end, the goal is to stop the war, the surrender of Hamas, the return of prisoners, and then leaving the population trapped in a narrow and devastated pocket, allowing for the continuation of displacement and genocide under the guise of calm and security needs.”

He stressed that what is required today is to transform these promises into commitments and specific timelines, asserting that “the negotiating party is not just Hamas, but also the Arab states, and if the Palestinians sign blankly, no one will move to defend them.”

Hayek also warned that any acceptance of the plan will not last long, predicting that the residents of the sector will later reject it violently if they are prevented from returning to their destroyed homes despite the cessation of fighting, which will bring things back to square one.

He added: “Dismantling Hamas will lead to the emergence of dozens of new Hamas-like groups; the bitterness of defeat does not yield calm, and those who survived death will not fear facing it again. This is what Trump overlooks when he thinks that the utmost people want is mere survival.”

For his part, Palestinian political analyst Faiz Abu Shamala presented three options for the resistance in dealing with the plan: - An absolute rejection of the plan and working to thwart it politically through dialogue with Arab and Islamic countries and Palestinian factions, and militarily by continuing guerrilla warfare and retaining prisoners, despite his awareness that this option carries significant risks and consequences for the people of Gaza.

- Conditional acceptance with an attempt to introduce amendments to the plan to reduce its harms, which Abu Shamala ruled out as successful based on previous experiences, considering that Gaza represents the major obstacle to a broader regional project related to “Greater Israel” and normalization programs and the Deal of the Century.

- A middle option consisting of accepting the part related to prisoner exchanges and aid, and referring other issues to a comprehensive national dialogue under the auspices of Egypt or other regional parties, which he sees as not devoid of obstacles but shifts responsibility to the general national framework.

Meanwhile, writer and political analyst Yasser Al-Zaatreh went further in his description of the plan, calling it “a plan crafted by a devilish mind, seeking to reclaim what the invaders lost during two years of genocide, and opening the door for Netanyahu's dreams of being Churchill, while Israelis see him as the worst leader in their history.”

Al-Zaatreh warned that the acceptance of some Arab and Islamic countries of the plan under pressure from threats or in exchange for “crumbs of promises” will make them bear the burden before their peoples, asserting that “Hamas is not obligated to accept a plan that only leads to its crushing, along with the crushing of the entire Palestinian cause.”

He pointed out that the essence of the plan does not only concern Hamas's weapons but aims to liquidate the entire Palestinian cause, reminding that Trump himself had previously recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the Israeli occupation and its sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan, which confirms that “the logic of the plan is far from the path of peace or the two-state solution.”

Al-Zaatreh noted that one of the provisions of the plan (provision 17) states that aid and reconstruction will

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 5:56 pm - Jerusalem Time

Qatar: We will continue efforts towards a settlement to end the Gaza war.

Qatar has confirmed that it will continue its efforts to reach a settlement that ends the ongoing Israeli war on the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which has lasted for two years.

This was stated in a speech delivered by Doha's representative to the United Nations, Aliya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, before the UN General Assembly in a general session.

The session was dedicated to agenda item 64 concerning the use of the veto power, and was held in accordance with resolution 76/262, following the United States' use of the veto against a draft resolution regarding the situation in Gaza.

Qatar pointed out that the session is being held in the aftermath of the veto used in the Security Council on September 18 (last month) against the draft resolution presented by the elected countries in the council regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip.

With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 66,225 deaths and 168,938 injuries, most of whom are children and women.

Qatar expressed its regret over the Security Council's failure to adopt a draft resolution aimed at putting an end to the catastrophic humanitarian suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israeli aggression.

Qatar emphasized that it will continue its efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and maintain international peace and security, and to work towards a settlement that ends the war in the Gaza Strip.

It affirmed its readiness to continue effective engagement in efforts to bring an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, within the framework of the initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Trump plan also calls for the establishment of an international supervisory body headed by him, responsible for training a governance administration in Gaza, without the participation of "Hamas".

Nevertheless, the Israeli army continues its ground deployment in key areas of Gaza City, bombing civilians and demolishing buildings and residential facilities.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 5:50 pm - Jerusalem Time

Amnesty International: Israel's interception of the Freedom Flotilla is an indication of a systematic policy to starve Gaza.

Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing a serious violation of international law, following its naval forces' interception of at least 39 ships within the 'Global Solidarity' fleet and the detention of dozens of its crew members, who were on their way to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The organization's Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, described the incident as a 'blatant assault on a peaceful humanitarian mission,' emphasizing that Israel seeks through this action to continue its systematic policy of starvation against the Palestinians amid what she termed the ongoing 'genocide' in the region.

Callamard pointed out that the interception of the ships was preceded by weeks of Israeli incitement and threats, in addition to sabotage attempts against some of them, considering that these practices represent a clear contempt for the binding orders issued by the International Court of Justice to ensure the flow of aid to Gaza.

Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, holding Israel fully responsible for their safety.

It also stressed that preventing the fleet's arrival is not merely a ban on aid, but rather a 'calculated act of intimidation' aimed at punishing voices opposing the policies of occupation and siege.

It is noteworthy that the 'Global Solidarity' fleet included human rights activists, doctors, parliamentarians, and journalists from more than 40 countries, in a symbolic initiative aimed at breaking the blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007, which has tightened dramatically since October 2023.

Callamard affirmed that 'the time for empty condemnations has passed,' urging the international community to take practical measures to stop the policy of starvation and lift the blockade immediately, and to ensure the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 5:38 pm - Jerusalem Time

The White House: Trump's plan for Gaza is acceptable and we expect Hamas to agree.

The White House revealed, in a series of statements on Thursday evening, the outlines of the diplomatic moves led by President Donald Trump's administration on two main fronts: ending the war in the Gaza Strip and addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The White House spokesperson announced that President Trump and his team 'have worked tirelessly to put together a peace plan for Gaza,' describing the proposed plan as 'acceptable.'

The White House confirmed that it expects Hamas to accept this plan 'to move forward towards a more peaceful and stable Middle East,' clearly indicating that the U.S. administration believes the ball is now in the Palestinian movement's court to end the conflict.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, the White House emphasized that President Trump 'has put in tremendous effort and time' to end the conflict, affirming that he 'made clear to both parties in the dispute' his desire for the war to end.

All eyes are now on the Gaza Strip awaiting the official response from Hamas to the peace plan backed by Washington.

LATEST NEWS

Thu 02 Oct 2025 4:32 pm - Jerusalem Time

53 dead in the Gaza Strip since dawn today

Gaza 2-10-2025 - Medical sources reported that 53 dead have arrived at hospitals in the Gaza Strip since dawn today, Thursday, due to gunfire and shelling by the Israeli occupation army in various areas of the strip.

They added in a statement that 5 martyrs arrived at Al-Shifa Medical Hospital, 5 at the Baptist Al-Ahli Hospital, 1 at Al-Awda Hospital, 13 at Al-Aqsa Hospital, and 29 at Nasser Hospital.

Since October 7, 2023, the occupation forces have killed 66,225 citizens in the strip, the majority of whom are children and women, and injured 168,938 others, according to the latest toll issued by the hospitals in the strip.

LATEST NEWS

Thu 02 Oct 2025 4:14 pm - Jerusalem Time

Colonizers attack citizens between the towns of Hawara and Jama'in south of Nablus.

Today, Thursday, settlers attacked a number of citizens between the towns of Hawara and Jama'in south of Nablus.

Local sources reported that a group of armed settlers attacked the industrial area between Jama'in and Hawara.

The residents confronted them amidst gunfire and sound bombs from the occupation forces, who were providing protection for the settlers.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 3:34 pm - Jerusalem Time

Ignatius: Trump returns with the "Deal of the Century".. a plan that paves the way for normalization between the occupation and Saudi Arabia.

Donald Trump first spoke about Israeli-Palestinian peace as the "Deal of the Century" when he ran for president in 2016, and although this peace is still elusive, Trump has laid the groundwork, according to his new plan announced on Monday, to end the war in Gaza and move to a new phase in the region.

According to the Washington Post, writer David Ignatius claimed that Trump's announced "New Gaza" plan aims to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians who have been worn down by war and to end the damage inflicted on Israel since the attack on October 7, 2023.

The report notes that civilians in Gaza are living in tragic conditions, amidst destruction, hunger, and fear, while Israeli hostages await their fate, making the cessation of fighting an urgent necessity.

Ignatius believes that the "Peace Council" proposed by Trump to oversee the transitional phase in Gaza could represent a significant change, especially with Trump himself announcing his candidacy for the presidency.

The newspaper adds that the plan includes a ceasefire that effectively means a complete surrender of Hamas, with what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a "total victory."

The report continues that the plan grants Netanyahu significant political and security gains, as the Palestinian Authority will have no direct role in managing Gaza until it is reformed, while Israel will remain centered in a buffer zone.

As for Saudi Arabia, it appears – according to the Washington Post – ready to support the agreement despite the absence of a clear commitment to the option of a Palestinian state.

The writer noted that the announcement was accompanied by a framework prepared by Trump's team with Arab allies, which calls for the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian committee to manage services, supported by an international stabilization force and training for a new police force.

Several countries, such as Italy, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan, have volunteered to participate militarily, while the oversight committee includes Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Ignatius also clarifies that the plan relied on prominent roles for Jared Kushner and Tony Blair, alongside Qatari and Emirati support, while challenges remain regarding the fate of Hamas and the prospects for long-term stability in Gaza.

The report concludes by noting that Trump's plan, despite its potential shortcomings, represents a significant shift compared to his previous ideas about forced displacement, as it stipulates keeping the residents of Gaza and giving them a chance to rebuild.

However, there remain significant questions about its potential success in a complex reality that has witnessed recurring crises for decades.

LATEST NEWS

Thu 02 Oct 2025 2:28 pm - Jerusalem Time

A child injured by occupation bullets in Beit Furik.

A child was injured by the bullets of the Israeli occupation forces today, Thursday, during their incursion into the town of Beit Furik east of Nablus.

The director of the ambulance and emergency center at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Nablus, Amin Ahmad, reported that ambulance crews transported a 13-year-old boy to the hospital after he was shot in the thigh by live ammunition during the incursion into Beit Furik and the outbreak of clashes in the town.

LATEST NEWS

Thu 02 Oct 2025 12:40 pm - Jerusalem Time

The occupation arrests 6 citizens from Jenin Governorate.

The Israeli occupation forces arrested 6 citizens from Jenin Governorate today, Thursday.

The Palestinian Prisoners Club stated that the occupation forces arrested citizen Muhammad Khadr Abahra and his two sons, Muthana and Muadh, from the town of Yamoun west of Jenin after raiding their home and tampering with its contents.

In the village of Arqa, the occupation army arrested the brothers Alaa and Ali Nafeh Yahya and Wael Bassam Awkad.

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 12:12 pm - Jerusalem Time

Settlers storm Al-Aqsa, and the occupation turns homes in the West Bank into barracks.

Dozens of settlers stormed the courtyards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque today, Thursday, coinciding with the observance of the Jewish Yom Kippur, while Israeli occupation forces continued their incursions into several cities and towns in the occupied West Bank.

Sources reported that dozens of settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque from the direction of the Mughrabi Gate, under heavy protection from the Israeli occupation police, performing Talmudic rituals and prayers and organizing provocative tours.

Meanwhile, local sources indicated that the occupation forces tightened their military measures in the Old City and around the mosque, preventing Palestinians from entering the mosque during the morning incursions, while allowing settlers to enter and perform Talmudic religious rituals.

Groups known as 'The Temple Organizations Union' called for new mass incursions next Monday, coinciding with the Hebrew holiday of 'Sukkot.'

Yesterday, Wednesday, about 600 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque on the eve of the Jewish Yom Kippur, which is considered the holiest holiday for Jews and the only day on which the law mandates fasting.

In parallel, the Israeli occupation forces intensified their security measures in the occupied city of Jerusalem, where they deployed concrete blocks and iron barriers and closed dozens of main streets since Wednesday evening.

The occupation forces closed the roads leading to the neighborhoods of Silwan, Al-Issawiya, Al-Tur, Sheikh Jarrah, and Wadi Al-Joz, and increased their presence at the entrances to the Old City and the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In the occupied West Bank as well, the Israeli occupation forces continued their incursions into several cities and towns today, Thursday, which included assaults on citizens and turning homes into military barracks.

In Jenin Governorate, the occupation forces turned two homes belonging to the Abu Heija family in the town of Yamoun into military barracks after raiding them and establishing a presence inside.

The forces also raided the town of Ya'bad south of Jenin and turned a residential building belonging to Nayef Abu Bakr into a military barrack, while detaining a citizen inside his home.

In a related context, the Al-Quds Brigades – Jenin Battalion announced that its fighters managed at dawn today to detonate an explosive device against military reinforcements storming the town of Ya'bad, causing confirmed injuries.

In Nablus, occupation soldiers assaulted a citizen this morning with severe beating at the Mount Gerizim checkpoint, resulting in bruises to his chest.

Since the onset of the comprehensive Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, more than 1,048 Palestinians have been martyred in the occupied West Bank alone.

OPINIONS

Thu 02 Oct 2025 11:56 am - Jerusalem Time

Trump's Plan: An Opportunity to Stop the Genocide

Mustafa Ibrahim

Mustafa Ibrahim

Opinion Writer

There is a near consensus among Palestinians that the American-Israeli plan regarding the Gaza Strip and the cessation of war is extortion and a plan to liquidate the Palestinian cause. 


However, it is strange that the majority of voices calling for its rejection are from outside the Gaza Strip, which has paid and continues to pay the price in blood, loss of life, property, and the disappearance of families and children. They are the ones who have bled, and it is their right to make the decision. 


Despite the shock that accompanied the announcement of the American-Israeli plan, a realistic reading compels us to look not only at what has been said but also at what can be achieved on the ground and what can be built politically and nationally, without falling into the trap of surrender or denial.

After two years of genocidal war on Gaza, where tens of thousands of martyrs and wounded have fallen, entire cities have been wiped out, and the siege and starvation have tightened, Palestinians find themselves facing an international plan that promises—at least—to stop the war and return life, but at the same time carries many issues and pressures. 


However, amid all this, there is a positive point that should not be underestimated: the plan guarantees an immediate ceasefire, the entry of urgent humanitarian aid, the stabilization of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the prevention of the mass displacement scenario that the Israeli right has long promoted. This space granted for people to remain on their land is not a trivial detail but a real salvation for the identity of the Gaza Strip and the right of the Palestinian people to live on their land. It is a historic moment in which stopping the war can become, despite everything around it, a starting point to test the Palestinians' ability to rebuild, restore life, and cling to their rights.


Stopping displacement first, then we continue the path.

No one denies that the provisions of the plan are in favor of Israel and carry the features of political and security impositions in their background. But the reality is more complex than to be reduced to a "yes" or "no" stance. 


Stopping displacement and preventing ongoing genocide must be a national and humanitarian priority. Preserving the Palestinian presence in Gaza is, in itself, a fundamental pillar for keeping the Palestinian cause alive and open, not closed in a document imposed by force. Accepting a ceasefire does not mean accepting the liquidation of the cause; rather, it can be a tactical decision to protect people and cling to the land while continuing the political and diplomatic struggle to reject the remaining provisions that undermine rights.


It is important to remember that the survival of people in what remains of their homes, properties, and belongings, on their soil, is a real victory in the face of projects of emptying, replacement, and displacement. If the war truly stops, Gaza will face a major national task: rebuilding life, restoring dignity, and regaining a minimum of hope. The entry of aid and the opening of crossings—if only partially—can make a tangible difference in people's lives. It gives the Palestinian community a chance to catch its breath after years of siege and destruction, to rebuild itself politically, economically, and socially. 


This phase may be an opportunity to rethink the management of Gaza in a more effective and participatory manner, away from divisions and factional conflicts, and under an agreed-upon national umbrella.


It is not enough for criticism and rejection to be limited to slogans and media outrage from outside Gaza; rather, Palestinians in the diaspora and Arabs who are shouting today against the plan must direct this anger towards their governments and institutions. The plan seeks, in its essence, to empty and weaken any capacity for political and social resistance to endure, and thus the duty requires actual movements: continuous protests in front of embassies and parliaments, pressure on ruling parties, media and legal campaigns, and a halt to economic and political cooperation with those who contribute to the liquidation of rights. 


Resistance is not limited to fighting alone; it is also civil and diplomatic resistance—keeping the cause alive and embarrassing those who support policies of displacement and liquidation. The people of Gaza have the right to correct their rejection of this plan, and it is our right to strengthen their position through our movements in our capitals and communities, not to be satisfied with mere condemnation.


The plan should not be treated as a political savior, nor should it be accepted as a permanent solution. Justice for the Palestinian cause cannot be achieved through submission, nor through projects that absolve

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 11:52 am - Jerusalem Time

Palestine: Israel's attack on the Freedom Flotilla is an ethical and legal violation.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strong condemnation on Thursday of the Israeli attack on the Global Resilience Fleet, considering it "an ethical and legal violation of international laws and norms."

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement its "strong condemnation of the Israeli attack and aggression against the Global Resilience Fleet."

It deemed the attack "an ethical and legal violation of international law and international norms, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and other humanitarian principles and human rights, especially for the participants on board this fleet."

The ministry expressed its deep concern for the safety and security of more than 470 participants in the fleet, holding Israel, "the illegal occupying authority," responsible for their safety and security while they are fulfilling their humanitarian duty to deliver aid to our Palestinian people (in Gaza) who are deliberately besieged and starved.

It affirmed that "Israel has no authority over Palestinian territorial waters, which extend from the Gaza Strip, and over international waters."

It pointed out that "the Global Resilience Fleet enjoys the right to free passage in international waters, and Israel, the illegal occupying authority, must not interfere with the internationally recognized freedom of navigation that has long been established."

It confirmed that "the Global Resilience Fleet is also allowed to pass through Palestinian territorial waters to deliver humanitarian aid."

It emphasized that the Global Resilience Fleet is "a peaceful civilian initiative aimed at breaking the inhumane and illegal Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and putting an end to the Israeli policy of starvation and genocide, in accordance with international law."

Palestine praised the participants in the Resilience Fleet for their courage and determination to break the Israeli siege and end the genocide being committed by Israel, calling on "the international community and its institutions to provide protection for them and activate accountability mechanisms against Israel," according to the same statement.

On Wednesday evening, the "Resilience Fleet" announced via the American "X" platform that it was attacked by about 10 Israeli ships and issued a distress call after some of its vessels were intercepted in international waters, asserting that this constitutes "a war crime."

Later, the fleet stated early Thursday that 30 of its ships continued sailing about 46 miles from Gaza, despite ongoing Israeli attacks, including spraying with pressurized water and deliberate collisions with ships, which represent "a crime against humanity."

In recent days, international organizations, including "Amnesty International," have called for protection for the "Resilience Fleet," while the United Nations confirmed that any attack on it "is unacceptable."

Israel, the occupying power in Palestine, has previously engaged in acts of piracy against ships heading to Gaza, seizing them and deporting the activists on board.

This is the first time that dozens of ships are sailing together towards Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians, in a collective attempt to break the ongoing Israeli siege on the territory for 18 years.

Since March 2, Israel has closed the crossings leading to Gaza, preventing any humanitarian aid, plunging the territory into famine despite relief trucks piling up at its borders.

Sometimes, Israel allows very little aid to enter, which does not end the famine, especially as most trucks are subjected to looting by gangs that the Gaza government claims are protected by Israel.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 66,148 deaths and 168,716 injuries, most of whom are children and women, and famine has claimed the lives of 455 Palestinians, including 151 children.

LATEST NEWS

Thu 02 Oct 2025 11:40 am - Jerusalem Time

16 martyrs from the fire and shelling of the occupation in several areas of the Gaza Strip since dawn today.

Sixteen citizens have been martyred and others injured since the dawn of Thursday, due to the fire and shelling of the Israeli occupation in several areas of the Gaza Strip.

Medical sources reported that 11 martyrs arrived at Al-Aqsa Hospital, three martyrs to Al-Shifa Medical Complex, and two martyrs to Nasser Hospital.

The sources indicated that three citizens were martyred and 13 others were injured in the occupation's shelling of the displaced persons' tents in Deir al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip.

In Gaza City, a child was martyred this morning by the fire of an occupation drone in the Ansar area of the Rimal neighborhood.

In Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, 8 citizens were injured due to the shelling of an occupation drone on a tent for displaced persons within the grounds of Al-Aqsa University in the Mawasi area west of the city.

This morning, the occupation army detonated 4 explosive vehicles in the Sabra and Tal al-Hawa neighborhoods south of Gaza City, while the occupation's artillery shelled the eastern areas of the city and targeted east of the Al-Maghazi camp in the central sector.

Occupation aircraft also bombed the eastern areas of Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, and loud explosions were heard, amid the ongoing aggression throughout the sector.

Medical sources announced last night that 85 citizens were martyred in the continuous airstrikes of the occupation on the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation has been committing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 66,148 martyrs and 168,716 injured, most of whom are children and women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 455 citizens, including 151 children.

ARAB AND WORLD

Thu 02 Oct 2025 10:36 am - Jerusalem Time

Why did Trump choose "Tony Blair" in the Gaza plan?

In a much-anticipated development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to end the war in Gaza. This plan received immediate endorsement from the Arab and Islamic group that met with him on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, in addition to support from several Western capitals.

It also resonated widely within Israel, where polls showed that about 72% of Israelis support it as an opportunity to end the war and achieve the goal of recovering hostages held by Hamas.

This new political climate opens the door for in-depth discussions about the potential shape of transitional arrangements in Gaza, including a proposal supported by the U.S. administration to appoint former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to head an international transitional authority to manage the Gaza Strip in the "day after" the end of military operations.

This proposal is now a stage for interpretations and discussions in political and media circles, with some viewing it as an opportunity for reconstruction and building modern institutions, while others describe it as an attempt to impose external guardianship over the Palestinians.

The features of the proposed transitional authority, according to publicly circulated proposals, are expected to carry the name of the International Transitional Authority for Gaza (GITA), similar to transitional experiences witnessed in regions like Kosovo and East Timor.

The authority will be responsible for managing the sector administratively and politically for a period ranging from three to five years, until conditions are prepared for the return of a unified Palestinian administration.

It will include a supervisory council and an executive body, along with international peacekeeping forces and trained local police elements.

Why Tony Blair? The choice of Tony Blair is not random. The man has complex but extensive relationships in the region.

He played a role in mediating between Israel and the Palestinians during his time as the Quartet's envoy, and he has close contacts with many Arab and Western capitals.

Supporters of the idea believe that these characteristics qualify him to be a mediator capable of managing a sensitive phase that requires multi-party agreements.

Since leaving the British premiership in 2007, Tony Blair has established a think tank/political foundation based in the British capital, London, called the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), which has offices and partnerships in several countries around the world.

The activities of TBI focus on providing consultations to governments, particularly in the areas of: government administration reform, digital transformation, combating extremism, and supporting economic and developmental policies.

Under the banner of this institute, Blair has become an influential figure involved in shaping the strategic economic and political visions of many countries, allowing him to maintain a wide network of personal relationships with the leaders and influential figures of these countries.

Blair also participates in informal diplomatic initiatives (Track II diplomacy). He regularly appears at global forums (Davos, Munich Security Conference, Gulf Investment Summits).

Supporters of placing Blair at the head of an international temporary administration in the "day after" the end of the war in Gaza believe that this step could help separate the humanitarian and administrative aspects from the political conflict within the sector, providing a framework for organized reconstruction, establishing the foundations of good governance, and building non-partisan professional institutions, paving the way for the return of the Palestinian Authority or a unified national entity to manage the sector.

It could also help attract international funding, as donor countries tend to provide support for projects overseen by relatively neutral entities.

Restructuring the security apparatuses in the Gaza Strip represents one of the fundamental pillars for rearranging the situation there, through the establishment of a non-political local police force, alongside international peacekeeping forces, likely to be led by Arab forces.

The goal is to ensure stability during the transitional phase and prevent a return to chaos or the dominance of armed factions.

On the economic front, the temporary authority will manage the crossings, rehabilitate infrastructure, and encourage investments.

In contrast, there is cautious rejection within Palestinian circles of these proposals.

Assigning the management of Gaza to an authority headed by Tony Blair, a figure seen by many as a symbol of interventionist Western policies, is viewed as undermining Palestinian sovereignty.

Moreover, the exclusion of Palestinian factions or the Palestinian Authority from actual management during the transitional phase raises fears that the authority could become a permanent parallel power, as has happened in other international experiences, and one cannot ignore the negative memory associated with Tony Blair regarding the war in Iraq in 2003.

He played a pivotal role in supporting the U.S. invasion of Iraq and marketing false information about Saddam Hussein's regime possessing weapons of mass destruction, which subsequent investigations (the Chilcot Report in 2016) later proved to be untrue

PALESTINE

Thu 02 Oct 2025 10:34 am - Jerusalem Time

Israel kills 6 Palestinians in airstrikes and gunfire in Gaza

The Israeli army killed 6 Palestinians, including a child and two women, as a result of airstrikes and gunfire in various areas of the Gaza Strip since dawn on Thursday, amid the ongoing aggression aimed at occupying the city of Gaza and displacing its residents.

Israeli aircraft and artillery launched a series of violent attacks targeting homes, civilian gatherings, and tents of displaced persons, coinciding with explosions and demolitions of residential buildings.

A Palestinian child was killed by gunfire from an Israeli drone that targeted him near the Ansar roundabout west of Gaza City, while neighborhoods in the city are experiencing heavy shelling and continuous explosions.

The Israeli army carried out demolition operations on dozens of homes using explosive-laden vehicles in the neighborhoods of Al-Sabra and Tal Al-Hawa south of the city, and Sheikh Radwan and Al-Nasr to the northwest.

Israeli airstrikes are concentrated on the city of Deir al-Balah, where displaced Palestinians are crowded, resulting in the deaths of 4 Palestinians, including a woman.

The Israeli army targeted a tent housing displaced persons in the Al-Masha'ala area, leading to the deaths of 3 Palestinians, including a woman.

A Palestinian woman was killed and others were injured by gunfire targeting those waiting for aid on Al-Tina Street south of Khan Younis.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 66,148 deaths and 168,716 injuries, most of whom are children and women.