PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 12:57 pm - Jerusalem Time

The occupation is advancing further into the city of Gaza, and hospitals are at risk of complete shutdown.

The Israeli occupation army is advancing on several main fronts in the city of Gaza on land, while continuing to bomb and blow up buildings and residential facilities in those areas, as part of its efforts to occupy the city and displace the Palestinians from it. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the health system in the city of Gaza is taking its last breaths.

A new appearance of the occupation army's vehicles was observed in the northwestern axis of the city, where the vehicles advanced towards the northwestern outskirts of the Al-Nasr neighborhood near the "Al-Muznar Junction," marking an advance of hundreds of meters from the intelligence area and the Al-Maqousi Towers towards the south, while its vehicles are also present around the "Al-Karama neighborhood."

This advance was preceded by intensive Israeli airstrikes on the northwestern neighborhoods of Gaza City, especially in the Al-Nasr neighborhood and the Beach Camp, while army drones of the "Quadcopter" type are hovering over "Al-Shifa Street" and firing at citizens' homes.

On Monday, the Israeli occupation army advanced hundreds of meters north of the Tal Al-Hawa neighborhood in the southwestern axis of the city, starting from the vicinity of the Dahdouh Junction on "Street 8," and the area around the university college, which it reached in recent weeks.

In the northern axis, the army vehicles that were observed on Wednesday evening continue to be present around the "Missile Junction" at the intersection of Al-Jalaa and Al-Saftawi Streets, where they fire intermittently at citizens' homes.

From the northeastern axis, the occupation army is present around the "Sheikh Radwan Pool," working to deploy explosive-laden vehicles in the surrounding residential areas to detonate them.

In the eastern axis, the occupation army continues to blow up and destroy residential buildings in the neighborhoods of Al-Zeitoun, Al-Shuja'iyya, and Al-Tuffah, while in the southeastern axis, it has advanced in recent weeks towards the Al-Sabra neighborhood.

During "Operation Gideon’s Vehicles 1," which ended in early August, heavy Israeli vehicles, including tanks and excavators, were stationed in several axes, including the northeast of Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, the Jabalia area, and in the neighborhoods of Al-Tuffah, Al-Zeitoun, and Al-Shuja'iyya.

These incursions into the eastern neighborhoods forced Palestinians in those areas to flee and crowd into the western neighborhoods of the city, which later witnessed extensive and intensive bombardment to displace them towards the south of the Gaza Strip.

On Saturday, the government media office in Gaza stated that 900,000 Palestinians are still present in the city of Gaza and its north despite the brutality of the Israeli bombardment and ongoing genocide.

On September 16, the army announced that it had begun a "wide ground operation," with the participation of regular and reserve forces from divisions 98, 162, and 36.

On August 8, the occupation government approved a plan proposed by its head, Benjamin Netanyahu, to gradually reoccupy the Gaza Strip entirely, starting with the city of Gaza, which is home to about one million Palestinians.

The army also began its attack on the city on the 11th of last month, starting from the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, in an operation later dubbed "Gideon’s Vehicles 2," which involved the demolition of homes using explosive robots, artillery bombardment, random gunfire, and forced displacement.

This comes as the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip warned that "a few days separate us from the cessation of hospitals due to fuel shortages, which will lead to a highly dangerous phase."

The ministry added, "A few days may bring scenes of vital departments ceasing operations, which means exacerbating the health crisis and putting the lives of patients and the injured at imminent risk of death, and the technical and engineering measures to schedule operating periods have become ineffective with the cessation of fuel supplies."

An urgent call was renewed to all relevant parties to intervene to ensure the enhancement of fuel reserves in hospitals to avoid a disaster whose consequences cannot be predicted.

It warned that "the health system in Gaza is taking its last breaths, and all attempts to save what remains may fail under the weight of the systematic destruction of hospitals and health services."

With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 65,344 martyrs, and 166,795 injured, most of whom are children and women, and famine has claimed the lives of 442 Palestinians, including 147 children.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 12:57 pm - Jerusalem Time

Slovenian Foreign Minister: What is happening in Gaza is deliberate genocide.

The Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon stated that the shocking images of children dying of hunger in Gaza represent a direct result of 'deliberate' choices, emphasizing that the humanitarian disaster in the sector is 'man-made' and not a natural disaster.

Fajon's remarks came during her speech at the international conference on the two-state solution held yesterday, Monday, under the auspices of the United Nations and led by France and Saudi Arabia.

The minister pointed out that what is happening in Gaza amounts to the definition of 'genocide' under international law, noting that a sustainable two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.

She said: 'Peace cannot be achieved without a legitimate and effective Palestinian administration, which requires international support and internal reforms,' warning that 'when force replaces law, it does not produce security, but instability and extremism that extends for generations.'

Since March 2, the Israeli occupation has closed all crossings leading to Gaza, preventing the entry of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid, pushing the sector to the brink of famine, despite relief convoys piling up at its borders.

The Slovenian Foreign Minister's position aligns with a series of steps taken by her country against the occupation in recent months.

In July, Ljubljana announced a ban on the entry of Israeli occupation government ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, into its territory, a move described as unprecedented at the European Union level, in protest against the ongoing violations against civilians in the sector.

Fajon confirmed at the time that the decision aims to 'pressure Israel to stop the suffering of Gaza's residents,' stressing that her country cannot remain silent regarding the crimes committed against civilians.

In August, Slovenia escalated its measures by announcing a comprehensive ban on all forms of trade related to arms with the Israeli occupation, including import, export, and transit of weapons through its territory.

The government described the decision as 'the first of its kind for an EU member state,' clarifying that it was made independently due to the 'failure of the European bloc to adopt concrete steps despite repeated demands.'

These positions come amid rising international calls to stop the war on Gaza, where the Israeli occupation, with American support, has been committing genocide since October 7, 2023.

According to the latest statistics, the Israeli aggression has resulted in 65,344 martyrs and 166,795 injured, most of whom are women and children.

The famine imposed by the siege has also claimed the lives of 442 Palestinians, including 147 children.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 12:53 pm - Jerusalem Time

Occupation between the pressure of the wave of recognition of a Palestinian state and the annexation plan in the West Bank.

As more countries around the world join the wave of recognition of a Palestinian state, ministers of the Israeli occupation government agree to implement the annexation plan for the West Bank, or parts of it, as political pressure to execute it increases ahead of the Likud party's primary elections, despite notable warnings from some settlers about a 'reckless' step that would integrate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into the Israeli occupation state.

Shalom Yerushalmi, political affairs editor at 'Zman Israel', confirmed that 'the continuous announcements by countries around the world, one after another, recognizing a Palestinian state, means that only 39 countries, out of 197 UN member states, have not recognized it, but many of them will join this step soon, which means that Israel is facing an unprecedented political tsunami of this kind, and according to all assessments presented in the government, the response will be a historic annexation, either deemed necessary in the eyes of the right, or irresponsible in the eyes of the left, even before the upcoming elections.'

He added in an article translated by 'Arabi21' that 'the ministers claim that the response is necessary and inevitable, represented by the implementation of the annexation plan over all the territories of the West Bank, including those under Palestinian Authority control, on the grounds that if annexation is not enforced, global recognition of the Palestinian state will be strengthened, as other countries will join, and this step will be irreversible. Strangely, this is happening after two years of Israel receiving unprecedented support in the Western world, from all directions, following Hamas's attack on October 7, but today it faces an unparalleled international crisis.'

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 12:53 pm - Jerusalem Time

Is this the plan that Trump will present to the Arab leaders?

Israeli leaders unanimously condemn the countries that have decided to recognize the Palestinian state, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to coordinate his response with U.S. President Donald Trump, who may in turn adopt an 'alternative' plan for Gaza that he will present to Arab leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York.

In discussing this issue, the Swiss newspaper Le Temps reminded that Netanyahu has been whispering - albeit reluctantly - for years about accepting the possibility of a two-state solution. However, it pointed out that the Israeli Prime Minister is now boasting of revealing his intention publicly when it comes to interpreting the spread of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, asserting that the goal is to prevent any possibility of a Palestinian state in any part of the West Bank.

He clarified that he is awaiting a meeting with Trump next week to coordinate retaliatory measures against the new recognizers of Palestine, hoping to gain U.S. approval for the annexation of the West Bank. Le Temps considered that there are diplomatic moves that may aim to counter what could result from the current wave of recognition of Palestine, highlighting, in this context, the return of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to the forefront.

It mentioned that he has a 'competing' peace plan, aimed at outlining the 'day after', not only for Gaza but for all Palestinian territories. According to reports, this plan bears the imprint of Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, and has since received the approval of the White House.

The newspaper stated that the mentioned plan does not include the establishment of a Palestinian state, but rather calls for the marginalization of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, at least temporarily. Perhaps this is why President Trump, without prior warning, revealed that he would meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly with several Gulf Arab leaders, in addition to Jordan and Syria regarding Gaza.

Le Temps reported that the Israeli Prime Minister confirmed - in Hebrew during a recent speech - that 'there will be no Palestinian state.' He reiterated: 'That will not happen, a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River,' insisting that Israel is determined not to leave any room for its neighbors, from 'the river to the sea,' alluding to the old Israeli idea that the 'real' Palestinian state lies within the current borders of Jordan.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 12:52 pm - Jerusalem Time

The Prophet of Wrath unleashes a new prophecy: the earth trembles beneath the feet of "Israel" and these are the scenarios for the coming days.

Reserve Major General in the occupying army, Isaac Brik, warned that Israel is currently facing a number of risks at the regional level, yet it is content to exhaust its forces in Gaza without any preparedness for other challenges abroad and at home.

Brik believes in an article published in the Hebrew newspaper Maariv that the Israeli discourse promoting an imminent decisive action against the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Hezbollah, which assumes stable relations with Egypt and Jordan, does not reflect a realistic vision of the existential challenges that can no longer be ignored.

He added, "The ground is shaking beneath Israel's feet," while the government tries to convince the Israeli public of illusory victories. The writer emphasized that Hezbollah, despite the blows it has received, continues to rebuild its military system at an accelerated pace.

He cited American intelligence reports indicating that the party has restored about 25% of its military and civilian infrastructure in just one month, and that the current calm on the northern front is merely a tactical maneuver aimed at repositioning and enhancing capabilities.

Brik reported from field sources in the West Bank that popular tension has reached a boiling point, and that Palestinians there are echoing the phrase "The day will come, and we are waiting for it," referring to the possibility of an imminent uprising.

He pointed out that the escalation of attacks by extremist settlers, along with the declining morale among Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, could ignite the spark of a widespread explosion there.

The writer warned that this explosion, if it occurs, would pose a danger to the settlements that would be isolated and without adequate protection, while the army would not be able to deploy quickly at all points of tension.

Brik addressed the current situation within Israel, describing it as more dangerous than it was during the "Guardian of the Walls" battle in May 2021, when mixed cities witnessed a wave of internal violence, exacerbating social and economic tensions.

He notes that the recent reduction of readiness units in the border settlements reflects a failure to learn from past lessons, leaving the home front vulnerable to disturbances that could paralyze Israel's ability to confront a comprehensive regional war.

Isaac Brik concluded that Israel's ongoing preoccupation in the "Gaza swamp" has made it ignore the major challenges accumulating around it, considering that its enemies have succeeded in luring it into a war of attrition with its weakest opponents, while risks are escalating on the borders and deep within.

He warned that the continuation of this approach means that Israel will find itself unable to respond to a moment of comprehensive regional explosion, a moment in which it may not find the time and capacity to confront all these fronts simultaneously.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 12:51 pm - Jerusalem Time

"Very important".. Hamad bin Jassim comments on a meeting between Trump and leaders of Arab countries.

The former Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, commented on the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders of several Arab countries, considering this meeting "very important" as it will provide these leaders the opportunity to present their vision for resolving the Palestinian situation.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim wrote on his page on "X": "In the next two days, a meeting will be held between the U.S. president and the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan. I believe this meeting is very important as it will allow the leaders of those countries to discuss face-to-face with the U.S. president the situation in Gaza and the dangers of its continuation, especially from a humanitarian perspective."

The former Prime Minister of Qatar added: "These five countries, being allies of the United States and having personal friendships with President Trump, must present their views to him frankly and clearly that the continuation of the catastrophic situation in Gaza will harm America's allies and its own interests in the future."

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 12:50 pm - Jerusalem Time

Egypt will host a conference for the reconstruction of Gaza after the ceasefire.

The Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly announced during a conference at the United Nations on the "Two-State Solution" that his country will host a conference for the reconstruction of Gaza as soon as a ceasefire is reached in the devastated Palestinian territory.

Madbouly stated from the UN podium that "Egypt will host, as soon as a ceasefire is reached, an international conference for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip to mobilize the necessary funding for the Arab Islamic reconstruction plan."

Additionally, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atti hosted a ministerial meeting yesterday (Monday) at the Egyptian Mission to the United Nations in New York, focusing on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 11:12 am - Jerusalem Time

19 Palestinians killed and heavy shelling targets neighborhoods in Gaza City

The city of Gaza has been witnessing intense air and artillery bombardment since the dawn of Tuesday, in addition to the detonation of explosive military vehicles in neighborhoods, including Tal al-Hawa, while airstrikes continue in Khan Younis in the southern sector, resulting in the death and injury of Palestinians.

Sources in Gaza hospitals confirmed the death of 19 Palestinians due to the fire of the occupation army since dawn today, including 15 in the city of Gaza.

A reporter stated that the Israeli occupation army detonated 3 explosive military vehicles in the neighborhoods of Tal al-Hawa and al-Sabra in the city of Gaza.

For its part, the Palestinian news agency reported that the Israeli air and artillery strikes targeted the neighborhoods of Al-Rimal, Al-Nasr, Sheikh Radwan, Al-Daraj, and Al-Zeitoun, resulting in a heavy rise of smoke columns that covered the sky of the city.

It indicated that the occupation aircraft bombed a residential square near the Samer junction (central Gaza), damaging the building of the Palestinian Medical Relief Clinic.

Israeli military vehicles also concentrated in the southern Rimal neighborhood and around the Jordanian field hospital, amid the detonation of explosive vehicles in the homes of citizens in the neighborhoods of Tal al-Hawa and southern Rimal.

It added that the occupation vehicles were stationed near the Al-Ayoun junction in the Al-Nasr neighborhood, along Al-Jalaa Street, in addition to the vicinity of Sheikh Radwan Pool and the Sudanese area north of the city of Gaza.

The journey of displacement from Gaza to the southern sector is costly and filled with risks that not everyone can bear.

Dead and injured: A source in the ambulance and emergency services confirmed the martyrdom of 9 Palestinians and the injury of others in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential building in the center of Gaza City, amid ongoing searches for missing persons.

A source in the ambulance and emergency services stated that 5 Palestinians - including 3 children - were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in the Al-Shati camp west of Gaza.

Local media outlets reported injuries due to the occupation bombing a house on Hamid Street in the Al-Shati camp west of Gaza.

About 900,000 Palestinians remain in the city of Gaza, refusing to leave despite the heavy bombardment, or unable to afford the cost of displacement to the southern sector.

In Khan Younis to the south, local sources confirmed the death of two fishermen by the fire of the occupation's warboats in the open sea.

It also reported that the occupation aircraft bombed the vicinity of the "Jaser Building" in the center of Khan Younis.

With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 65,344 dead and 166,795 injured, most of whom are children and women.

LATEST NEWS

Tue 23 Sep 2025 10:57 am - Jerusalem Time

High-level international briefing session to follow up on preparations for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

An international high-level briefing session was held at the United Nations headquarters last night, led by Egypt, Germany, the United Nations, and Palestine, with representatives from more than 30 countries participating, to follow up on preparations for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as soon as the aggression stops, and to discuss the political and technical aspects of implementing the Arab reconstruction plan.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to the reconstruction and early recovery plan in Gaza, and to demonstrate the shared desire to make the international conference that Egypt intends to host in Cairo successful as soon as a ceasefire is announced.

Mustafa emphasized the need to expedite the enforcement of international will to stop the aggression, clarifying that the Palestinian government continues to update its plans for relief and early economic recovery, with 56 executive programs prepared to restore life and essential services to the sector.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 10:30 am - Jerusalem Time

International Recognitions.. Strengthening the Legal and Political Statuses to Assert State Sovereignty

Dr. Dalia Arikat: The recognitions provide additional legal and political weight to affirm the illegitimacy of settlements and push to put an end to the occupation's attempts to evade accountability.

Aouni Al-Mashni: The step reflects the collapse of the Israeli narrative that long promoted the absence of a Palestinian partner or the impossibility of establishing a Palestinian state.

Dr. Said Shaheen: The recognitions will have no actual weight unless translated into practical measures such as imposing economic and political sanctions on Israel.

Sari Samour: The essence of the matter lies in the readiness of the countries that initiated or will initiate recognition to take practical steps against settlement activities.

Dr. Walaa Qdeimat: The recognitions are conditional and require vigilance... and it is still early to talk about nullifying the legitimacy of settlements or achieving direct field gains.

Salih Mousa: The recognitions are important due to the resulting implications, and the recognizing countries will be obligated to apply international law and "humanitarian" law and international legitimacy decisions.

The recent recognitions of the State of Palestine by several countries, including major ones like France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, represent a historic step that enhances the international legitimacy of the Palestinian cause and the legal status of the Palestinian state, and puts an end to the Israeli occupation's attempts to evade accountability.

According to writers, political analysts, specialists, and university professors, in separate conversations with "Y," these recognitions provide a legal and political platform for Palestine to hold Israel accountable, by requesting the convening of a conference for the states party to the Geneva Conventions to take measures against settlement activities, impose sanctions on settlers, and halt any cooperation with occupation projects on the ground.

Writers, analysts, specialists, and university professors affirm that this step allows for the transformation of symbolic recognition into tangible steps that support the resilience of Palestinians and curb the expansion of settlements.

However, they point out that Israel may take retaliatory measures, including accelerating annexation projects, expanding settlements, and imposing restrictions on the Palestinian Authority, making the commitment of the international community to implement the recognitions practically crucial to ensure the protection of Palestinian rights and confront the policies of occupation.

 

A pivotal turning point in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

 

Dr. Dalia Arikat, a professor of diplomacy and conflict resolution at the Arab American University, asserts that international recognitions of the State of Palestine represent a pivotal turning point in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as they provide additional legal and political weight to affirm the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements and push towards a new approach that constrains the occupation and puts an end to its ongoing attempts to evade accountability.

Arikat clarifies that the international community has previously settled the issue of the illegitimacy of settlements through clear resolutions, most notably the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding the wall in 2004, and its new opinion on the legality of the occupation in July 2024, in addition to Security Council Resolution 2334, which unequivocally affirmed the illegitimacy of settlement activities.

 

Moving the matter to a more binding level

 

Arikat emphasizes that the recent recognitions of the State of Palestine, especially from major countries like France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, elevate the matter to a more binding level, making the continuation of settlements not just a legal violation, but a direct challenge to the will of a broad international coalition.

Arikat explains that "any settlement action, racist policy, or crime committed after these recognitions is no longer merely an issue in disputed land as Israel markets it, but an aggression against a sovereign state recognized internationally," asserting that this point represents a qualitative shift in the legal and diplomatic balance of power.

Arikat stresses that the countries that recognized Palestine are now obligated to translate this recognition into practical steps, in respect of bilateral relations and political and legal obligations towards Palestine as a state.

According to Arikat, these potential steps include imposing sanctions on settlers, banning settlement products in international markets, and halting any cooperation with Israeli projects based on occupied Palestinian land.

 

 A beginning to correct the course of the international system 

 

Arikat considers that these measures could represent a beginning to correct the course of the international system by holding the occupation accountable and preventing its evasion from accountability.

Regarding the expected Israeli reaction, she clarifies that Tel Aviv will likely resort to retaliatory steps,

OPINIONS

Tue 23 Sep 2025 10:28 am - Jerusalem Time

The flags have been raised!

Ibrahim Malham

Ibrahim Malham

Opinion Writer

.. The pens have poured forth ink abundantly with the ink of hearts tormented by endless wandering, and pained by the agony of suffering and the bleeding of open wounds on the arteries of hearts, in the massacre of the century that the killers have not yet satiated their thirst for, as it nears the end of its second year, with a genocide that continues in relentless bloody chapters.

The twenty-second of September will not merely be a day for the autumn equinox and the changing of the seasons, but it will also be considered a day for political upheaval, and the beginning of punishing the criminals and not allowing them to escape justice for the crimes they have committed over decades, during which the Palestinian people have faced a genocide that has devastated their land and offspring, targeting the annexation of geography and the displacement of demographics, in execution of plans that have been pulled from the drawers, at a moment of transient imbalance in the scales of truth, values, and international justice.

Flags have been raised in places where their bearers were accused of terrorism and labeled as anti-Semitic, before they spread like mushrooms after rain in the streets, shops, and demonstrations, fluttering on the masts of embassies, institutions, and municipal buildings.

Perhaps the lesson that rises from the waves of international recognition of the Palestinian state is that arrogance can strike, kill, starve, and destroy, but it cannot impose anything that contradicts the will of nations and peoples, which have achieved the desired transformation through their demonstrations and the elevation of their voices, amidst this long journey of blood, pain, and steadfastness.

LATEST NEWS

Tue 23 Sep 2025 9:37 am - Jerusalem Time

Western countries offer assistance to treat patients from Gaza in the West Bank.

Dozens of Western countries have called on Israel to reopen the medical corridor between Gaza and the occupied West Bank, offering to provide financial aid, medical teams, and equipment to treat patients from Gaza in the West Bank.

The countries stated in a joint statement issued by Canada yesterday, Monday: "We strongly urge Israel to reopen the medical corridor to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, so that medical evacuations from Gaza can resume and patients can receive the treatment they urgently need."

The countries that signed the statement include Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union, and Poland, totaling 25 countries, excluding the United States.

LATEST NEWS

Tue 23 Sep 2025 9:22 am - Jerusalem Time

Japan calls for an "immediate halt" to Israel's unilateral actions against Palestine.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi called for an immediate halt to all unilateral Israeli actions against Palestine. This was stated in a speech he delivered on Monday during his participation in the international conference on the two-state solution organized under the auspices of the United Nations, led by France and Saudi Arabia.

Hayashi clarified that the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and steps towards annexation are 'completely unacceptable.' Last July, the Israeli Knesset (parliament) majority supported a declaration endorsing the annexation of the West Bank, amid calls from Likud ministers and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to implement the annexation 'immediately.'

Hayashi added: 'Japan strongly condemns these actions and calls on Israel to immediately halt all unilateral practices.' He emphasized that Japan has always supported and continues to support the principle of a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 9:08 am - Jerusalem Time

Spanish Prime Minister: The two-state solution is impossible due to the Israeli genocide against Palestine.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that a two-state solution is impossible when one of them is a "victim of genocide," during a speech he delivered on Monday at the international conference for a two-state solution organized under the auspices of the United Nations, led by France and Saudi Arabia.

Sánchez stated that there is no justification for the genocide being committed by "Israel" in the Gaza Strip, and that no one can claim ignorance of it or fail to witness it.

He added, "It is true that we took a decisive step today at this conference by calling for a two-state solution. But let us be clear: a two-state solution is impossible when one of the states is a victim of genocide... This conference is a moral rebellion against indifference and neglect. It is also a collective commitment to stop this brutality and pave the way for peace."

Sánchez explained that history will judge those who remain silent about the events in Gaza, saying: "History will judge us, and its judgment will be relentless on those who remain silent or turn a blind eye to the brutality. Spain has decided not to remain silent, but to take action."

He mentioned that "Israel" is working to eliminate the Palestinian people and is killing women, children, and the elderly in Gaza, emphasizing the need to stop this massacre and stressing that Palestine must obtain full membership in the United Nations and enjoy equal rights with all other members, along with the most basic human rights.

Sánchez affirmed that Spain will continue to take steps against Israel until the genocide in Gaza stops, noting that hope still exists for the people of Gaza and Palestine.

Last week, Sánchez called for preventing the Israeli occupation from participating in international sports competitions as long as what he described as its "barbarity" in the Gaza Strip continues, pointing out that sports should not be used to whitewash its aggression.

According to a report published by The Guardian, Sánchez's remarks came a day after the cancellation of the "Vuelta a España" cycling race due to widespread protests by supporters of the Palestinians, which turned into clashes with the police, resulting in 22 police officers injured and two arrests according to the Spanish government.

Sánchez expressed his deep admiration for all those who participated in the peaceful protests against the participation of the "Israel-Premier Tech" team.

With American support, "Israel" has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 65,344 martyrs and 166,795 injured, most of whom are children and women, and a famine that claimed the lives of 442 Palestinians, including 147 children.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 9:04 am - Jerusalem Time

The two-state solution conference calls for turning positions into actions and demands a halt to settlement activities.

The presidency of the International Conference on the Two-State Solution issued a joint statement today, Tuesday, calling on the international community to translate its positions into tangible actions, demanding that Israel make a clear commitment to halt settlement activities.

The statement confirmed that the conference, which took place yesterday, Monday, resulted in the adoption of the New York Declaration, which received the support of 142 countries in the United Nations General Assembly, affirming international commitment to the two-state solution and charting an irreversible path towards building a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and all peoples of the region.

It also welcomed the recognition of new countries of the State of Palestine, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta, alongside France.

The statement, issued by Saudi Arabia and France as co-chairs of the International Conference on the Two-State Solution, noted the worsening humanitarian tragedy in Gaza amid the escalation of the Israeli ground assault.

It considered that the New York Declaration provides a principled and realistic alternative to the cycle of violence, urging the international community to move from words to actions through practical and tangible steps to implement the declaration, welcoming the commitments of member states.

The statement emphasized that ending the war in Gaza and ensuring the release of all Israeli detainees remain top priorities, calling for a permanent ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, ensuring humanitarian aid access, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

It stressed the necessity of ending the rule of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza and disarming it, handing over control to the Palestinian Authority with international support, in line with the goal of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.

The statement welcomed the commitments announced by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his speech yesterday at the conference, including the commitment to a peaceful settlement, the rejection of violence and terrorism, and the affirmation that the Palestinian state will not be an armed state.

It also welcomed the reforms that the Palestinian Authority has begun to implement, such as abolishing the system of paying allowances to prisoners, reforming school curricula with European and Saudi support, and committing to hold general presidential elections within a year after the ceasefire.

The statement called for support for the 'Emergency Coalition to Support Palestine' to mobilize urgent funding for the Palestinian Authority's budget, demanding that Israel release the withheld Palestinian clearance funds and work on reviewing the Paris Economic Protocol.

It announced a commitment to support the deployment of a temporary international mission to achieve stability, based on a request from the Palestinian Authority and a mandate from the Security Council, in line with the New York Declaration.

It also affirmed the commitment to training and equipping Palestinian police and security forces, utilizing existing programs such as the U.S. Security Coordinator mission, the European police mission, and the EU mission at the Rafah crossing.

The statement called on the Israeli leadership to declare a clear commitment to the two-state solution and to stop settlement activities, land confiscation, and annexation actions, stressing that any form of annexation is a red line for the international community that will have serious consequences.

The statement affirmed that 'ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis is the only way to achieve full regional integration in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.'

It expressed support for efforts to establish a regional security system and ensure the security of all, and for reviving the Syrian-Israeli and Lebanese-Israeli tracks.

The statement concluded by calling on all countries to join this international momentum to ensure peace and security for all peoples of the Middle East, and to achieve mutual recognition and full regional integration.

The international conference for the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution commenced on Monday evening in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, amid a wave of recognitions of the State of Palestine, against a backdrop of U.S. rejection and Israeli threats of response.

OPINIONS

Tue 23 Sep 2025 8:37 am - Jerusalem Time

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STATE OF PALESTINE

I want to congratulate all of the countries that are now recognizing the State of Palestine. It’s about time! Regardless of what Israeli politicians say, you are doing the right thing.

I would like to make some important points:

  • You can’t support the two states solution and only recognize one of them.
  • Recognizing the actual right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood while also recognizing Israel and the right of the Jewish people to statehood is not a prize for Hamas. Hamas never supported the two states solution and has always fought against the existence of Israel. So, let’s get real and cut the BS - recognition of the State of Palestine is a reward to the people of Israel and the people of Palestine and a declaration of understanding that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be resolved – and the only resolution of this conflict is the two states solution.
  • Those countries which are recognizing the State of Palestine must now also hold the State of Palestine up to the commitments that President Abbas took upon Palestine in his letter to Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – democratic elections to be held by July 2026 open only to political parties that support the two-states solution and making peace with Israel; ending the system of paying terrorists and families of terrorists; education reform to remove hate from the school curricula and actively fighting against incitement.
  • Let’s also realize that if 192 member states of the United Nations recognize the State of Palestine, but Israel does not, nothing on the ground changes for Palestinians. In order to end the occupation, which is what must happen, Israel must recognize the right of the Palestinian people to national self-determination and independence.  The recognition of the State of Palestine right now is mainly symbolic. The question that the world needs to answer is how to get Israel to recognize the right of the Palestinians to statehood.
  • Israeli threats against the recognition of Palestine need to be treated in a reciprocal manner by the countries that Israel takes actions against.   
  • Israeli annexation of the West Bank or parts of the West Bank or even parts of Gaza must be answered by very severe diplomatic and economic steps by all nations of the world – even the possible end of peace agreements by Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain and Morocco.
  • Palestinian celebrations of their statehood recognition would best be greeted by clear statements that the recognition by the world of the right of Palestinian independence is the first step towards genuine peace between the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. If Palestinians want their state to have real meaning, they must understand that they will never enjoy true freedom if Israel does not enjoy true security.
  • Last, we all need to understand that as long as the triangle of current leadership rules (Netanyahu, Abbas and Hamas) there will be no real progress to ending the conflict and making peace based on two states. Both Israelis and Palestinians are currently still living in trauma and it will take time to overcome the trauma – but the very first step that must be taken to move us along is the change of leadership on both sides of the conflict.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 8:16 am - Jerusalem Time

25 countries call for facilitating access for Gaza patients to the West Bank

Twenty-five Western countries signed a joint statement yesterday, Monday, to facilitate the access of patients from the Gaza Strip to the occupied West Bank for treatment.

Israel called for the reopening of the medical corridor between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and offered to provide financial aid, medical teams, and equipment to treat these patients.

The joint statement issued by Canada yesterday, Monday, stated, "We strongly urge Israel to reopen the medical corridor to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, so that medical evacuations from Gaza can resume, and patients can receive the treatment they urgently need in the Palestinian territories."

The statement added, "We also urge Israel to lift the restrictions on the delivery of medicines and medical equipment to Gaza."

Among the 25 countries that signed the statement were Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union, and Poland, with the United States not included.

In late August, relief agencies reported that essential aid, including medicines, had not reached the residents of Gaza since May, and the World Health Organization announced that the health system in Gaza was on the brink of collapse.

Images of starving Palestinians, including children, have sparked global outrage over the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives since October 2023, completely displaced Gaza's residents, and caused a famine crisis.

Many human rights experts and researchers, along with a United Nations investigation committee, state that this attack amounts to genocide.

Some of the United States' key allies, notably Britain and France, have supported the establishment of a Palestinian state at the United Nations as a means to achieve a two-state solution, despite Washington's rejection.

LATEST NEWS

Tue 23 Sep 2025 8:07 am - Jerusalem Time

Intense Israeli bombardment targets various neighborhoods in the city of Gaza since dawn today.

Gaza 23-9-2025 - The city of Gaza has been experiencing intense air and artillery bombardment since dawn today, Tuesday, targeting various neighborhoods, including Tal al-Hawa, southern and northern Al-Rimal, Al-Nasr neighborhood, Sheikh Radwan, the tunnel area, Al-Daraj neighborhood, and the old town in Al-Zeitoun, resulting in a thick rise of smoke columns that covered the city's sky.

Our correspondent reported that the occupation's warplanes bombed a residential block near the Samer intersection in the city center, damaging the building of the Palestinian Medical Relief Clinic.

Israeli military vehicles have also been stationed in the southern Al-Rimal neighborhood between the main headquarters of "UNRWA" and the Islamic University, along Tunis Street, and around the Jordanian field hospital, amid the explosion of booby-trapped vehicles in the homes of citizens in the Tal al-Hawa and southern Al-Rimal neighborhoods.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 6:41 am - Jerusalem Time

Day 718 of the occupation's aggression on Gaza.. Intense shelling and bloody massacres in the city.

The occupying army has escalated its open war on the Gaza Strip for the 718th consecutive day, launching a series of extensive and violent attacks on the city of Gaza, using "fire belts" and intense aerial and artillery bombardment, with the declared aim of occupying the city and forcibly displacing the remaining residents southward.

This catastrophic escalation coincided with a near-total collapse of the health system in the city, with two specialized hospitals going out of service and the worsening famine that the United Nations has officially declared.

Medical sources announced on Monday that Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital and the Eye Hospital have completely ceased operations due to the continuous targeting of their surroundings and the destruction of nearby medical facilities.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 6:40 am - Jerusalem Time

Raids and inspections in Qalqilya, Nablus, and Heb

Israeli occupation forces stormed a number of cities and towns in the occupied West Bank early this Tuesday morning, amid ongoing escalation coinciding with the continuous genocide in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years.

Palestinian media reported that Israeli forces stormed the city of Qalqilya in the northern West Bank at dawn and raided several homes there.

Local sources also reported that an Israeli force stormed the Bayader neighborhood in the city of Jenin, which is also located in the northern occupied West Bank.

Palestinian media stated that Israeli occupation forces stormed the Al-Fawwar refugee camp south of Hebron, as well as the town of Idna west of the city, raiding one of the homes and turning it into a military barracks, and seizing a vehicle from the town.

The occupation forces also stormed the town of Beit Ummar north of Hebron, raiding several homes.

The southern area of the city of Hebron witnessed raids and searches, while violent confrontations erupted between young men and the occupation forces in the Al-Arroub refugee camp north of the city.

The occupation forces also carried out simultaneous raids that included the town of Qusra south of Nablus, and advanced into the Balata and Azzun refugee camps east of the city, deploying infantry units inside narrow alleys, raiding several homes, and arresting a number of other Palestinians.

The Israeli raid campaign, which has become daily, included the village of Al-Mazra'a Al-Gharbiya north of Ramallah.

Storming Al-Aqsa Hundreds of settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem yesterday morning under heavy protection from Israeli occupation police.

The incursions took place through the Mughrabi Gate in groups, accompanied by the performance of Talmudic rituals, dancing, singing, and blowing the shofar, coinciding with the arrival of the Jewish New Year.

Extremist Temple groups are preparing for more mass incursions in the coming days under the pretext of Jewish holidays amid tightened security measures.

For their part, Palestinian groups called for a strong presence and vigilance at Al-Aqsa Mosque to confront the attempts of the occupation and settlers to impose Jewish rituals on it.

Alongside the genocide in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army has intensified its operations in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while Israeli settlers have escalated their attacks, resulting in the martyrdom of at least 1,042 Palestinians and the injury of about 10,160 others, in addition to the arrest of more than 19,000, according to official Palestinian data.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 6:20 am - Jerusalem Time

The occupation army acknowledges the death of a company commander in Gaza.. the first since "Gideon's Chariots 2

The Israeli occupation army announced this morning, Tuesday, the death of Captain Shahar Nathaniel Bozaglo (27 years old), a company commander in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade, after being hit by an 'RPG' shell fired by Palestinian resistance fighters at his tank in southern Gaza City.

The occupation army clarified that Bozaglo, who was operating under the Golani Brigade as part of the expansion of the 'Gideon Vehicles 2' operation, sustained serious injuries during the clash and was transported to 'Soroka' Hospital in Be'er Sheva, where he was later pronounced dead.

He is the first Israeli casualty since the ground phase of the operation began a week ago, which aims – according to the army's statement – to 'besiege and destroy the Gaza Brigade affiliated with Hamas.' The statement added that the forces involved in the operation intensified their activities within the city over the past twenty-four hours, with additional units from the 36th Division entering and carrying out artillery and air strikes on dozens of targets, including underground infrastructure and buildings used by 'Qassam' fighters. The army noted that its engineering forces continued combing operations to secure the advance of ground troops within the neighborhoods.

Four days ago, the occupation army announced the death of four of its soldiers in the city of Rafah, following the detonation of an explosive device targeting their military vehicle in the Al-Jinina neighborhood.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 6:12 am - Jerusalem Time

Palestine triumphs

It can be said in summary that Palestine is finally victorious, after long decades of historical injustice that has befallen it and its people, not only as a result of the establishment of the State of Israel in its place or on its ruins, nor merely due to the killing of tens of thousands of its people in 1948 and the displacement of hundreds of thousands from their homeland, but also due to the failure to establish a State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, according to the partition resolution, neither in 1948 nor in the entire period that followed, which kept the flames of conflict burning. This was the reason for the outbreak of several wars over the past decades, and finally, we hope it will be the last, the current Israeli genocide, which the world has not seen the like of since World War II, and which has claimed the lives of more than 10% of the population of the Gaza Strip so far. This has revealed the unprecedented extent of Israel's brutality under its far-right government, its army, and its security apparatus, which have shown hostility towards all neighboring countries and peoples, and have dared to clearly and openly declare their goal of reshaping the Middle East by establishing a Greater Israel between the Tigris and Nile rivers, encompassing three complete countries: Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, and parts reaching half of Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

The victory of Palestine, represented by the rush of Western countries, which until yesterday were biased towards Israel, supporting it with all means of power and steadfastness, towards recognizing an independent State of Palestine, carries decisive implications that will indeed change the face and essence of the Middle East. However, of course, not according to what the aggressive far-right Israeli wished, but in favor of a stable and secure Middle East, after the region and the world have realized that the absence of Palestine on the map of independent states has been the cause of all those wars. Its establishment will be the reason for the exact opposite, that is, achieving security and peace in the region that lies at the heart of the world, which is considered vital and very important especially for Western Europe, which needs Middle Eastern energy from oil and gas, and its global trade routes, the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal.

Britain's announcement of its recognition of the State of Palestine, along with Canada, Australia, and Portugal, is considered a resounding event, as it indicates extremely important international political changes regarding the alignments of countries concerning the global conflict over the nature of the world system. Britain, in addition to its role in establishing the State of Israel since the Balfour Declaration, and in the three decades that followed during which it facilitated Jewish immigration as the mandatory power over Palestine, and then helped in the establishment of the Israeli army, where it encouraged the formation of armed Jewish groups (Haganah, Stern, and Irgun), is still a great power economically and militarily, and a permanent member of the Security Council. The most significant implication of its announcement to recognize the State of Palestine is its alignment with France, in what its brave president Emmanuel Macron has been striving to implement regarding the two-state solution for some time, after Britain had been an American Trojan horse in the heart of Europe, to the extent that America encouraged it a few years ago to exit the European Union, which is based on the Franco-German duo, so that it would not emerge from the pocket of American dependency and transform into another international pole.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 3:56 am - Jerusalem Time

Joint Statement from the Presidency of the Two-State Solution Conference: Any form of Israeli occupation annexation of the West Bank is a red line for the international community.

The Presidency of the Two-State Solution Conference issued a joint statement confirming the adoption of the New York Declaration, which reaffirms the steadfast international commitment to the two-state solution.

The presidency welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine by France, Britain, Canada, and other countries, calling on other nations to join this path.

The statement emphasized that ending the war in Gaza and releasing detainees is a top priority, calling for the delivery of aid and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the region.

It also stressed the importance of unifying Gaza and the West Bank under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority, and the necessity of disarming Hamas and ending its rule in the sector.

The statement urged Tel Aviv to declare a clear commitment to the two-state solution and to halt acts of violence and settlement expansion, noting that any form of Israeli annexation of the West Bank constitutes a red line for the international community.

It concluded by affirming that ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just and lasting peace is the only way to achieve full regional integration.

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 3:52 am - Jerusalem Time

Erdogan: What is happening in Gaza is clear genocide, and its perpetrator is Netanyahu.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed that what is happening in the Palestinian Gaza Strip is a clear genocide, and its perpetrator is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This came during an interview with Fox News on the sidelines of his participation in the United Nations General Assembly meetings.

In this regard, Erdoğan said: "There is no other explanation for it. It is a complete genocide. The perpetrator of this genocide is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."

Erdoğan added: "Netanyahu has committed a brutal massacre that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands in this genocide. We in Turkey completely oppose this genocide."

He pointed out that there are more than 125,000 injured in Gaza, and a large number of them have been transferred to Turkey for treatment.

In response to a question about the possibility of Hamas releasing prisoners, Erdoğan said: "It is wrong to blame Hamas alone for this situation; how can we ignore Netanyahu's actions?"

Erdoğan explained that he has shown numerous images in his speeches, depicting the situation in Gaza as a result of the Israeli attacks.

He continued: "Can it be said that Hamas is stronger than Israel in terms of weaponry? This is impossible. Israel uses its weapons relentlessly against people aged between 7 to 70, regardless of whether they are women, children, or the elderly."

In response to another question about ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, President Erdoğan said: "As you remember, Mr. Trump made a statement saying: I will end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Has it ended? It is still ongoing. Similarly, he said: I will end the Gaza war. Has it ended? No."

In response to another question, Erdoğan confirmed that he does not see Hamas as a terrorist organization, adding: "On the contrary, I see it as a resistance organization."

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 2:13 am - Jerusalem Time

At UN headquarters.. 6 new countries announce their recognition of the State of Palestine.

France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, and Andorra officially announced their recognition of the State of Palestine on Monday, bringing the total number of countries recognizing it to 160 out of 193 member states of the United Nations.

This was stated by representatives of the six countries during a session to resume the work of the international conference for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution in New York City, USA.

In his speech during the session, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country's official recognition of the State of Palestine and said: "Our recognition of the State of Palestine opens the way for a peace plan and breaks the cycle of violence in the region."

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 1:25 am - Jerusalem Time

Analysts: The recognition of the State of Palestine by Western countries is a "political tsunami," but

The recognition by several major countries, led by France and Britain, of the independent Palestinian state represents an important historical moment in the history of the Palestinian struggle and creates a real hope for achieving actual peace, if these countries fulfill the commitments arising from this step, as analysts say.

In an unprecedented development, many countries have rushed to recognize the State of Palestine in response to the genocide being committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip, and it is expected that small European countries such as Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino will join this path, bringing the total number to 11 new countries.

If these countries join their predecessors, the number of countries recognizing Palestine will rise to more than 150 out of 193 member states of the United Nations, according to statistics from the French news agency.

ARAB AND WORLD

Tue 23 Sep 2025 1:20 am - Jerusalem Time

"Japanese First".. How did the far-right emerge in Japan and what is its relation to "occupation"?

The Japanese capital, Tokyo, has witnessed a wave of protests in recent days led by a far-right party in response to agreements that the demonstrators claimed were cooperation agreements made by the government with African countries and Egypt, amid concerns about receiving foreign and Egyptian labor and expanding immigration to Japan.

Japan had launched a new initiative during the TICAD 9 conference called "JICA Africa Hometown," aimed at linking several Japanese cities with four African countries to enhance cultural exchange and local cooperation through community and volunteer activities. The participating Japanese cities are: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.

The misinterpretation of the initiative as a step towards granting visas or receiving immigrants sparked widespread public controversy on social media, with some users accusing the government of trying to open the door to foreigners. However, the government and JICA clarified that the initiative is limited to cultural and humanitarian exchange and has no relation to immigration or granting permanent residency.

On August 19, 2025, the Tokyo government, represented by Governor Yuriko Koike, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japan-Egypt Economic Committee (JEBC) in the presence of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. The agreement aimed to train and qualify Egyptian labor in Egypt before their transition to work in Japan as part of programs related to the TICAD conference.

Despite the government's clarifications, protests erupted on September 12 and 13, 2025, led by far-right politician Yosuke Kawai, known in the media as "The Joker," protesting the agreement on the grounds that it paves the way for opening immigration and settling foreigners in Japan.

The Tokyo government quickly responded with a clarification campaign on social media using the hashtag #TOKYO_CORRECT, emphasizing that the agreements do not grant special visas or permanent residency and are limited only to training and temporary exchange between Japan and African countries and Egypt.

The results of the Japanese Senate elections on July 20 revealed signs of a significant political shift in the country, following the notable gains made by the Sanseito Party (参政党), one of the emerging right-wing parties, with its slogan "Japan First," raising questions about the rise of populism and a focus on nationalism in Japan, compared to models like Trump in the United States.

The Sanseito Party (参政党) was founded about five years ago, around 2020, as a small political group aimed at giving voice to citizens dissatisfied with traditional politics and the ruling elite.

The party's representation in parliament has significantly increased, reaching 14 seats in the Senate and 3 seats in the House of Representatives, after having only one seat. The Sanseito Party has successfully expanded its membership base from less than 3,000 to about 90,000 registered members, known for its conservative rhetoric focusing on national identity, education, health, and rejecting the expansion of receiving immigrants or refugees, justifying this by the need to preserve Japanese culture and enhance social cohesion.

The party is led by Sohei Kamiya, 47, who began his political career as a member of the Suita City Council in Osaka Prefecture and later moved from the Liberal Democratic Party after an electoral failure. Some describe him as a miniature version of Donald Trump, especially after adopting the campaign slogan "Japanese First," focusing on nationalism and confronting what he calls the "silent invasion" of immigrants.

Kamiya asserts that his party does not seek to be anti-foreigner but aims to impose strict restrictions on immigration to preserve national identity, with repeated criticisms of what he calls the "global elite" and the "deep state."

According to a previous report in The Guardian, the party attracts a diverse group of voters, from disgruntled conservatives to conspiracy theorists, benefiting from its online popularity, with its YouTube channel subscribers exceeding half a million.

The party's policies rely on several axes: immigration: calling for strict restrictions on the entry of immigrants and foreign labor, emphasizing the priority of Japanese in the labor market.

Social values: encouraging young women to focus on childbirth rather than work, while emphasizing respect for "traditional values" in schools.

Security and defense: supporting Japan's possession of nuclear weapons and visits by party members to the Yasukuni Shrine in commemoration of World War II.

The rise of the Sanseito Party has led to a decline in the authority of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, with the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, paving the way for smaller parties and the rise of populist right-wing movements.

The party exploits the demographic reality, where the percentage of the population born abroad is only about 3 percent, while Japan faces challenges in filling labor

PALESTINE

Tue 23 Sep 2025 1:06 am - Jerusalem Time

How will Washington confront the international movement to recognize the State of Palestine?

Journalists agreed that the diplomatic momentum resulting from the recognition of the Palestinian state by 150 UN member countries will not reflect on the actual reality of the Palestinian people unless it transforms into tangible political pressure, especially in light of the weak position of the United Nations in front of the United States and its ally Israel.

Although chief global correspondent Devex Colum Lynch acknowledged that the recognition by America's allies such as Britain and Canada raises concerns in Washington, which finds itself isolated alongside Tel Aviv in the face of an international consensus on a two-state solution, he warned that increased pressure could lead U.S. President Donald Trump to take punitive actions against the United Nations, such as reducing his country's funding to the UN, something he has previously done with international organizations.

Lynch clarified—during his participation in a "special window from Washington" on the occasion of the international conference to implement the two-state solution under the presidency of Saudi Arabia and France—that these recognitions are still under negotiation and have not crystallized into an official decision approved by the United Nations.

Lynch did not hide his concern about the position that President Trump will announce when he appears before the General Assembly later today, Tuesday, in response to the international movement to recognize the Palestinian state.

The current U.S. administration shows no interest in the position of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called on all countries in the world to recognize the State of Palestine to solidify the two-state right, as Lynch pointed out that Trump and his Secretary of State Mark Rubio deliberately ignored Guterres and have not met with him since the Trump administration took office, and they are waiting for his term to end in a year while seeking to appoint someone close to the Trump administration's orientations to the position of head of the UN organization.

Trump had announced a few days ago his rejection of this international trend, considering it a reward for what he called "terrorists," and that it would complicate matters in the Middle East.

For his part, the director of the Palestinian Media Foundation, Ibrahim Al-Madhoun, stated that international recognitions will not stop the "genocide in Gaza" or the "Judaization of Jerusalem" or "settlement expansion" unless they transform into practical measures and effective pressures on the occupation, and he called for unifying Palestinian efforts and drawing up a unified roadmap, alongside more stringent Arab movements against Israel.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 11:51 pm - Jerusalem Time

The White House: Trump will criticize the recognition of the State of Palestine by Western countries at the United Nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver a speech before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, criticizing countries that have chosen to recognize the state of Palestine, according to White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt.

Levitt clarified that Trump will criticize those Western countries that recognized the Palestinian state, claiming that they are offering a "reward to Hamas," and that he will inform the concerned countries that this symbolic decision is, for him, merely "words and not concrete actions."

As the White House spokesperson stated on Monday, the Republican president will seize the opportunity "to explain his simple and constructive vision for the world," noting that he will also criticize "globalization institutions" that have caused "the decay of the global system," according to her.

The U.S. president, who has radically changed American alliances with his trade-interest-based diplomacy, will give his first speech before the United Nations General Assembly since returning to power.

Levitt indicated that Trump will hold bilateral talks in New York with his Ukrainian and Argentine counterparts, in addition to a meeting with leaders from several Arab and Islamic countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia).

Last Thursday, President Trump announced from London that he disagrees with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the recognition of the Palestinian state.

Trump had criticized the announcement from France, Britain, and other European countries as soon as they declared their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.

This comes as the wave of international recognition of the state of Palestine continues, with France preparing, along with 10 other countries, to officially announce its recognition during a summit on Monday at the United Nations headquarters in New York to discuss the future of the two-state solution amid the bloody war in Gaza.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 11:49 pm - Jerusalem Time

The Guardian: Britain's recognition of a Palestinian state is a symbolic step that must turn into action to end the war in Gaza.

The Guardian stated in its editorial that Britain's announcement of recognition of a Palestinian state should be a call for serious action, not just an attempt to cleanse the conscience or a symbolic step without impact, noting that this step should mark the beginning of renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war on Gaza and increasing pressure on the Israeli occupation.

The newspaper pointed out that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic, with the occupation having killed more than 65,000 Palestinians so far, most of whom are civilians, while the northern part of the strip faces the danger of ongoing hunger, and the prospects for a ceasefire seem slim, let alone reaching a long-term political settlement.

The Guardian emphasized that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of his country's recognition of a Palestinian state came at a time when the hope for a two-state solution is threatened with extinction, but he stressed that "we cannot let this light go out."