PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 11:38 pm - Jerusalem Time

Brazilian President: There is no justification for the killing and mutilation of more than 50,000 children in Gaza

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described what is happening in the Gaza Strip today, Monday, as "genocide," but he also emphasized that "Hamas's actions are unacceptable."

The Brazilian president stressed the heavy human cost of the war, especially among children, saying: "There is no justification for the killing and mutilation of more than 50,000 children in Gaza."

Lula da Silva called for a radical change in the international approach to the conflict, asserting that "the imbalance that has prevented dialogue and achieved peace in the Middle East must be corrected."

The Brazilian president affirmed the basic rights of the Palestinian people, concluding by stating that "the right of Palestinians to self-determination must be guaranteed" as a fundamental condition for any future solution.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 10:56 pm - Jerusalem Time

Sources: Trump will present a plan to Arab and Muslim leaders tomorrow to end the Gaza war.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that American officials stated President Donald Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will present tomorrow, Tuesday, to a number of Arab and Muslim leaders the principles of an American plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

The channel reported, citing an Israeli official, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss the details of this plan with Trump during a meeting at the White House, noting that Netanyahu is aware of parts of it and that Israel may have to accept some of its provisions.

The sources explained to the Israeli channel that the American plan includes details on "ending the war, releasing all prisoners, Israel's withdrawal, and who will manage the Gaza Strip."

Israeli media had reported that Trump will discuss with leaders of several Arab and Islamic countries tomorrow the Israeli war on Gaza, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York.

Channel 12 reported that two Israeli sources, described as knowledgeable, stated that "Trump's invitation was extended to the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey, to discuss developments in Gaza and ways to halt the escalation."

The anticipated meeting coincides with Netanyahu's trip to Washington tomorrow, where he will meet Trump at the White House, as previously announced, without specifying the time of the meeting.

Since October 7, 2023, the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza has resulted in 65,283 martyrs and 166,575 injured, most of whom are children and women, and a famine that has killed 442 Palestinians, including 147 children.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 10:42 pm - Jerusalem Time

Israeli experts: We are unable to achieve victory and "Hamas" steadfast in Gaza

As the bloody Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip continues, specifically on the city of Gaza, acknowledgments within Israeli circles are increasing regarding the difficulty of achieving what is called "absolute victory," despite the rising internal calls for its necessity due to the far-reaching strategic implications it carries, regionally and internationally.

This impasse, according to Israeli experts who spoke to the right-wing Israeli newspaper "Makor Rishon," places the occupation in a difficult predicament, especially with the ongoing policy of extermination against civilians without a clear military resolution.

The newspaper quoted several security and military analysts stating that "the Israeli army, despite what it describes as significant achievements, is still unable to claim victory, while Hamas clings to the city of Gaza, demonstrating that it has withstood for nearly two years against one of the strongest armies in the region."

Professor Ephraim Inbar, former president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, explained that "Hamas is still able to claim victory, as the resistance has endured for a long time, and it is clearly winning the propaganda war, because this conflict is not a boxing match decided by points; Israel needs a knockout blow that it has not yet achieved."

He added that "Israel needs a symbolic image showing Hamas fighters exiting Gaza, as happened with the PLO in Beirut in 1982, which has not yet been realized."

General Gabi Siboni, a senior fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies and a former military advisor, also called for "imposing a complete and effective siege on the city of Gaza before any comprehensive ground maneuver, similar to what the allies did against Nazi Germany," criticizing the government's hesitation to take decisive steps despite the risks to the lives of hostages.

Meanwhile, Professor Hillel Frisch, an expert on Arab world affairs at Bar-Ilan University, drew a comparison between the occupation strategies in the West Bank and Gaza, noting that "complete security control in the West Bank since Operation Defensive Shield in 2002 prevented rocket launches, while the withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 led to 1,700 Israeli casualties and the launch of 20,000 rockets."

He considered that "the only viable scenario after the war, albeit costly, is to form a transitional Israeli military government in the sector, as relying on the Palestinian Authority is merely an illusion."

For his part, Brigadier General Yossi Kuperwasser, former head of the research division in the occupation's intelligence (Aman), emphasized that "the October 7 attack constituted a historical mistake that cannot be allowed to be repeated, and the way to prevent that is to clearly defeat Hamas, which has not yet been achieved."

He added that "the alternative to military victory is direct control over Gaza, a option that may be on the table despite its complications."

As military operations continue, these discussions within Israeli circles reveal a real strategic impasse, as any outcome less than a "decisive victory" will be considered a defeat, according to the experts themselves, at a time when the international community is pressing for a halt to the aggression and the opening of a new political path.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 10:40 pm - Jerusalem Time

To what extent will the rift between Europe and Israel deepen regarding Palestine?

Israel is facing increasing isolation in the world due to the genocide and starvation war it is waging on the Gaza Strip, prompting European and Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state, which has raised questions about the limits of the old continent's escalation with Tel Aviv.

In this context, Ziad Majed, a professor of political science at the American University in Paris, states that the decisions of European governments came as a result of rising pressure from public opinion, academic circles, political parties, trade unions, and popular movements, in addition to Israeli arrogance in dealing with Europeans.

According to Majed's comments on the program "Beyond the News," the sacrifices of the Palestinians have changed the European public's stance, which has reflected a change in the political course, emphasizing that the new generation in Europe is aware and is not only demanding a political path but also the imposition of punitive measures, including sanctions on Israel.

Moreover, legal action in Europe may include activating a legal path against settlers and Israeli soldiers with dual nationality, but Majed expressed his conviction that the economic issue will remain suspended, ruling out that Europe will impose economic sanctions.

However, the professor of political science at the American University in Paris confirms that the boycott of Israel is evolving, as it has been adopted by European associations and unions, in the face of a German position that hinders the imposition of European sanctions on Israel.

Attention is also turning to Italy to persuade it to agree to a package of sanctions against Israel, which complicates Germany's position and makes it more flexible, according to Majed, amid European estimates that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may close some European consulates in East Jerusalem.

Bloomberg reported that the European Union is preparing to launch the most extensive economic and political sanctions against Israel in decades, against the backdrop of what Europeans describe as the catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Meanwhile, writer specializing in Israeli affairs Ihab Jabareen sees that the European recognitions are the beginning of a trend, but "the crossroads will be a year from now," awaiting the outcomes of the Israeli elections and the shape of the next government.

Europe is betting on the departure of Netanyahu's government, making the confrontation "less severe and costly" in dealing with Israel, according to Jabareen, who stated that "Israel has not yet seen European fangs."

According to this assessment, Europe is dealing with Israel as a "guardian wanting to correct the course where it errs, not to punish it and abandon it," citing the lack of economic sanctions and the cessation of arms supplies.

Unless the recognitions turn into binding conditions - Jabareen adds - they will remain symbolic without any strategic cost to Israel, pointing to Netanyahu's manipulation and exploitation of the rift between Europeans and Americans.

In a related context, Mustafa Barghouti, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, expressed his conviction that the South African scenario will be repeated in Palestine, as peoples change first, then pressure their parliaments, and then their governments, leading to a change in the United States.

According to Barghouti, this transformation would not have been possible without the legendary steadfastness of the people of the Gaza Strip, as their sacrifices have not gone in vain, but he emphasized the necessity of translating this into sanctions on Israel initiated by Arab and Islamic countries.

He also rejected the conditions imposed by Europeans regarding the Palestinian state, considering them unacceptable, while simultaneously calling for the necessity of having a unified Palestinian leadership to undertake a liberating struggle project to end the apartheid system and the settler colonial system.

Several municipalities in France have raised the Palestinian flag on their buildings, reaching a total of 52 municipalities, affirming the French position of recognizing the state of Palestine.

Demonstrations were also held in the Italian capital Rome and several cities, called for by labor unions, protesting the Israeli war on Gaza and rejecting the Italian government's policies regarding the continued assaults of the occupation.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 9:56 pm - Jerusalem Time

Hebrew media: Trump will present a plan to end the war in Gaza to leaders of Arab and Islamic countries on Tuesday.

The Hebrew Channel 12 revealed on Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump will present a comprehensive American plan to leaders of six Arab and Islamic countries on Tuesday to end the war in Gaza and determine the future of the sector.

According to reports from both Axios and Channel 12, the meeting will be held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and comes as the most significant American diplomatic move to end the ongoing war.

According to sources, the American principles that President Trump and his envoy, Steve Witkoff, will present are based on four main pillars: a comprehensive end to the war and a ceasefire, the return of all hostages held, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and a clear plan for who will manage the Gaza Strip in the post-war phase.

Axios confirmed that invitations to attend the meeting were sent to the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey.

The White House hopes that these countries will play a pivotal role in the "day after" arrangements for the war, including the possibility of deploying forces as part of an international stabilization force to replace the occupying forces in the sector.

In return, Arab leaders are expected to use the meeting to exert counter-pressure on Trump to urge him to rein in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and push him to end the war and abandon plans to annex parts of the West Bank.

On the Israeli occupation side, Channel 12 reported from a senior official that Netanyahu "knows the details of parts of Trump's plan," adding in a notable admission that Tel Aviv "may have to accept some of it," referring to the expected level of American pressure.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 9:45 pm - Jerusalem Time

American site: Images of the suffering of Palestinians at Al-Wafa Hospital in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian Sara Awad highlighted the deterioration of the health and humanitarian situation at Al-Wafa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, sharing images and testimonies of the suffering of patients and medical staff due to bombardments, shortages of medicines and medical equipment, and scarcity of food supplies.

In her report, Awad explained that the Israeli army's claim that "the building is no longer used as a hospital" is nothing but misleading propaganda promoted by the Jerusalem Post to justify the bombing that targeted it.

She mentioned that she stayed in the hospital between March and May 2025 with her mother, witnessing the extent of pain suffered by both children and adults due to severe injuries.

Medical teams began working in the area after Israel targeted Al-Wafa Hospital on December 29, 2024, and upon her return to the hospital after three months, she noticed its severe overcrowding with patients.

She conducted interviews with the medical staff and the injured, to tell the story of a hospital that has reached the utmost levels of exhaustion and suffering.

The writer quoted Dr. Wael Khalifa, the director of Al-Wafa Hospital, stating that the hospital is no longer able to provide the minimum level of care, with a severe shortage of medical equipment.

He added that there are hundreds of patients on waiting lists, including 100 critical cases urgently needing beds.

Dr. Khalifa confirmed that hunger has reached catastrophic levels inside the hospital, noting that the situation has worsened since the onset of the mass famine in Gaza.

He added that the medical staff is also suffering from exhaustion and hunger, which hinders their ability to provide care, as many nurses have experienced dizziness while performing their duties.

Nurse Wisam Al-Shawa, who appeared to be showing signs of exhaustion and despair, said her heart breaks as she watches her patients die of hunger, stating, "I wish I could feed them, but I have nothing."

Dr. Samah Awida, a physical therapist, explained that the department receives between 60 to 75 patients daily, which exhausts the medical staff and increases the level of suffering.

She continued, saying, "The efforts of the medical teams go in vain because the patients who reach the final recovery stage are forced to live in tents that are unfit for habitation."

Among the tragic stories conveyed by the writer is that of five-year-old Dania Amara, who was injured on July 7, 2025, while playing outside her home.

Shrapnel tore through her small body, leading to paralysis in her limbs, and Dania dreams of standing on her feet again and returning home to play with her siblings.

Dania's mother, overwhelmed with tears, said her daughter hits her legs in hope that they will move as they used to.

According to the writer, hospitals in Gaza shelter thousands of children whose childhoods are stolen like Dania's due to Israeli war crimes, but in silence, without documentation or acknowledgment.

Awad pointed out that the occupational therapy department at Al-Shifa Hospital is also facing significant challenges in providing the necessary care for patients.

Occupational therapy aims to restore the patient's independence in daily life, such as eating, combing hair, and getting dressed.

Therapist Bassam Alwan said, "We are doing our utmost to help our patients return to their normal lives."

Among the patients residing in this department is Hadeel Qareqea (27 years old), who suffered a severe brain injury last March that caused her to lose her memory and speech.

Hadeel is currently undergoing occupational therapy sessions with Dr. Alwan to help her learn basic daily skills and regain some independence.

The writer concluded that all these tragic circumstances have not succeeded in undermining the resilience of the hospital's medical staff in the face of the war machine, despite two years having passed since the onset of the genocide.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 9:44 pm - Jerusalem Time

Revealing secret documents about an alleged meeting between Hamas and Britain years ago

Western media revealed documents from Gaza claiming to show details of a meeting between a British representative and officials from Hamas in February 2022, three months after the extension of the terrorism ban on the movement.

The Hebrew newspaper "Maariv" reported from the British "Daily Express" that "just hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Britain's recognition of a Palestinian state, a diplomatic scandal was revealed that could embarrass the government in London."

The newspaper explained that "confidential documents were found regarding a meeting between a British representative and Hamas officials, which contradicts the official British policy of not communicating with terrorist organizations," noting that the British Foreign Office was forced to issue an immediate denial, but this denial raises more questions than it provides answers.

Maariv mentioned that "Israeli security agencies are trying to understand how these documents reached the British media from inside Gaza and the meaning of their content," pointing out that "the leaked documents paint a complex picture of what happened in February 2022."

It continued: "According to a memo issued by the internal security apparatus in Gaza, a meeting was held with an employee linked to the British consulate in Israel, and the memo leaked by the British Daily Express describes detailed specifics about the meeting."

It added: "What is concerning about the content of the documents is not only the holding of the meeting but also the alleged messages that were conveyed. According to the organization 'Monitor' (NGO Monitor), which specializes in analyzing the activities of NGOs in conflict areas, the British representative reassured Hamas officials that Britain's decision to classify Hamas as a terrorist organization would not affect the projects funded by the British government in Gaza."

It noted that "the British employee clarified to Hamas representatives an important technical distinction: the ban was decided by the British Home Office and not the Foreign Office, and the clear implication was that the Foreign Office's policy towards Hamas would not change fundamentally, but he categorically refused to define it as a normal meeting."

It pointed out that "according to the British, Hamas police forcibly summoned the employee to explain Britain's activities in Gaza, and refusing to respond to the summons was not an option."

According to "Maariv," the documents constitute conclusive evidence that Britain, contrary to repeated official statements, indeed has relations with Hamas, adding that "the leak comes at a particularly sensitive political moment."

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 9:15 pm - Jerusalem Time

Prime Minister of Malta: We will recognize the State of Palestine this evening.

The Prime Minister of Malta announced this evening, Monday, that his country will officially recognize the State of Palestine, in a historic move that places the European nation among the list of countries that have taken this principled stance in support of a two-state solution.

In a brief and urgent statement, the Prime Minister said: "We will recognize the State of Palestine this evening because we believe in a lasting solution no matter how difficult it may be," affirming that his government's decision stems from a firm conviction of the necessity to find a just and comprehensive peace path.

The Maltese decision comes amid a growing international diplomatic movement, joining major Western countries such as Britain, France, Australia, and Canada, which have announced their recognition of the State of Palestine in recent days.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 9:13 pm - Jerusalem Time

The White House: Trump considers recognizing the State of Palestine "a reward for Hamas"

U.S. President Donald Trump considered the wave of international recognition of the State of Palestine to be a "reward for Hamas," in a sharp stance that contrasts with the positions of Washington's European allies.

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated on Monday that this is President Trump's official position regarding the recognition decisions made by several countries, including Britain, Canada, and Australia.

Levitt added that President Trump will address this issue in his anticipated speech before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 8:55 pm - Jerusalem Time

To condemn the "genocide in Gaza".. Strikes and demonstrations paralyze Italian cities demanding recognition of Palestine.

Major Italian cities witnessed a wave of strikes and massive demonstrations on Monday that paralyzed vital sectors, in response to the labor unions' call for a national mobilization day "to denounce the genocide in Gaza," demanding immediate sanctions on the occupation, and pressuring the Italian government to recognize the State of Palestine.

In the capital, Rome, hundreds of high school students demonstrated in front of the main "Termini" station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine," while the movement of many bus and metro lines was disrupted.

Notably, port workers closed the docks in the coastal cities of Genoa and Livorno, in an escalatory move aimed at disrupting trade.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 8:54 pm - Jerusalem Time

The occupation threatens to prevent the Global Solidarity Fleet from breaking the siege of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation government threatened today, Monday, to prevent the Global Solidarity Fleet from reaching the Gaza Strip and breaking the siege imposed on it, coinciding with the escalation of the ongoing genocide war for two years.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement that Tel Aviv will not allow the Global Solidarity Fleet heading to Gaza, loaded with aid, to breach the siege imposed on the devastated and besieged territory.

The ministry stated: "Israel will not allow ships to enter an active combat zone and will not permit a breach of the legal maritime blockade," accusing Hamas of organizing the fleet's journey for its own purposes.

It clarified that "the ships can dock at Ashkelon port, and the aid can be transferred to Gaza. If the participants' desire is to deliver humanitarian aid and not serve Hamas, Israel invites the ships to dock at Ashkelon Marina and unload the aid there, which will be quickly and coordinatedly transported to Gaza," according to the Israeli statement.

The Global Solidarity Fleet, which includes humanitarian workers, doctors, artists, and activists from 44 countries, according to its website, set sail towards Gaza earlier this month from Tunisia after repeated delays.

The fleet aims to "open a humanitarian corridor" to Gaza and "break the siege" on the Palestinian territory, which has been experiencing a devastating war for more than 23 months.

Members of the steering committee of the Maghreb Solidarity Fleet confirmed that they spotted drones on Sunday evening hovering over one of the ships attempting to break the siege on the Gaza Strip.

The fleet's steering committee members stated that they "are monitoring drones hovering over the ship Deir Yassin, which is leading the fleet and approaching the Greek port, the last stop before reaching the shores of the Gaza Strip."

Earlier, a source from one of the ships of the Global Solidarity Fleet, heading to break the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip, revealed that participants spotted two planes flying over the fleet, amid fears of being targeted.

One participant in the Maghreb Solidarity Fleet, who preferred to remain anonymous, added that: "The drone flew over the ship Deir Yassin while it was sailing in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea," noting that the drones were using "powerful lighting" above the ship.

The ship "Deir Yassin," loaded with humanitarian aid and sailing towards the besieged territory, set sail early Saturday from the port of Portopalo di Capo Passero in Sicily, Italy, heading towards Greece, which is the next stop, followed by Gaza.

LATEST NEWS

Mon 22 Sep 2025 8:24 pm - Jerusalem Time

The shutdown of two hospitals in Gaza as the occupation's aggression against the city escalates.

Medical sources announced today, Monday, that Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital and the Eye Hospital have completely ceased operations due to the ongoing targeting by the Israeli occupation of the areas surrounding the two hospitals, in addition to the destruction of a health center affiliated with medical relief in Gaza City.

The sources clarified that Al-Rantisi Hospital had been subjected to direct shelling a few days ago, causing severe damage, while the Eye Hospital is the only general hospital providing eye services in the Gaza Governorate. Al-Rantisi Hospital is also the primary center for services that are only available there.

The occupation systematically targets the health service system in the Gaza Governorate as part of the genocide policy it is waging against the sector, as all health facilities and hospitals have become without safe routes allowing patients and the injured to reach them.

The sources indicated that patients and the injured are facing extreme difficulty in reaching the Jordanian field hospital and Al-Quds Hospital due to the continuous shelling.

In a related context, the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, announced that the hospital's departments have become overcrowded with patients and the injured to the extent that they can no longer accommodate more, confirming a significant shortage of most essential medicines and medical supplies, amid the occupation's prevention of sufficient medical devices and medicines from entering the sector.

LATEST NEWS

Mon 22 Sep 2025 8:09 pm - Jerusalem Time

Singapore plans to impose sanctions on leaders of colonial groups.

Singapore said on Monday that it will impose targeted sanctions on leaders of Israeli settler groups and that it will recognize a Palestinian state when conditions are favorable.

Western countries and others are taking an increasingly hardline stance against settler groups and some Israeli officials who incite violence, as global recognition of a Palestinian state grows.

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan criticized Israeli politicians in a speech delivered in Parliament for discussing the annexation of parts of the West Bank or Gaza.

ANALYSIS

Mon 22 Sep 2025 8:02 pm - Jerusalem Time

Ma'arif: "Israel" is surrounded by increasing strategic threats while being preoccupied in Gaza.

Major "Reserve" Isaac Brik in the Israeli occupation army wrote an analytical article warning anyone who ignores reality and adopts the positions of the occupation's Prime Minister Benjamin without criticism.

Major Brik stated that the aim of his article is to paint a comprehensive picture of the strategic risks facing Israel from the hostile countries surrounding it, and to highlight the threats that many still ignore, warning that the assumption of complete victory over adversaries like Hezbollah, Iran, Syria, or Hamas, or considering stability with Egypt and Jordan as a given, does not reflect the complexity of reality.

According to Brik in his article, acting loudly and neglecting to listen distances one from a fundamental understanding of the challenges, and that speaking less and listening more could lead to more realistic security assessments.

Brik says that Hezbollah continues to strengthen and enhance its capabilities despite the damage it has sustained, and that the current Secretary-General Naeem Qassem opposes disarming the organization.

He mentioned that the Lebanese government, under the influence of American pressure, approved in August 2025 a timeline for disarming Hezbollah and transferring weapons to the Lebanese army, but Hezbollah rejected this plan.

Brik cites an American intelligence assessment stating that the organization has restored about 25 percent of its civil and military infrastructure over the past month, and that the apparent calm is part of a strategy to regain strength, not an indication of its neutrality.

The writer warns that military cooperation between Turkey and the new Syrian regime raises the level of threat to Israel.

Brik considers that the presence of Turkish units and affiliated militias inside Syria, security memorandums of understanding, and joint bases like Manbij, along with preparations for supplying weapons and training for the new Syrian army, are turning Syria into a regional conflict arena whose outcomes may be against Israel.

Brik alerts to the length of the Israeli-Jordanian border (about 309 km) and the possibility of it being exploited for the positioning of Iranian-backed terrorist cells, which could enable infiltration attacks and arms smuggling into the West Bank.

He points out that the Egyptian army is training to occupy the State of Israel, as it maintains forces in Sinai that are four times larger than what the peace agreement allows.

He is establishing infrastructure for the Egyptian army to cross over and under the Suez Canal, where discussions revolve around more than a hundred crossings.

He sees that Egypt is leading Arab initiatives to form a joint defense leadership, and that the relationship with Israel has become merely on paper without real substance.

After the blow Iran received in the twelve-day war, Brik believes that the June 2025 strikes inflicted severe damage on Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities.

Nevertheless, Iran continues to rebuild its capabilities: resuming missile tests, developing dual-polarity and maneuverable missiles.

Brik emphasizes the heightened risks of an explosion in Judea and Samaria, relying on interviews with hundreds of Palestinians showing a feeling that "the day is coming."

He notes that the lack of an appropriate civil defense force, such as a broad national guard, makes the interior susceptible to the outbreak of widespread violence.

He warns that continuing down this path could lead to the erosion of national capacity and expose the state to a growing existential threat.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 7:08 pm - Jerusalem Time

Ishaq bin Barik: We have drowned in the swamp of Gaza and forgotten the other dangers that threaten our existence.

Israeli reserve general Isaac Brick warned in an article published by the Israeli newspaper Maariv that Israel is currently facing several regional risks, yet it is only exhausting its forces in Gaza without any preparedness for other challenges both abroad and domestically.

The author believes that the Israeli discourse promoting an imminent resolution 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.

According to him, "the ground is shaking beneath Israel's feet," while the government tries to convince the Israeli public of illusory victories.

Hezbollah is rebuilding its strength, and the author asserts that Hezbollah, despite the blows it has received, continues to rebuild its military structure at an accelerated pace.

He quoted American intelligence reports stating 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.

As for the recent developments in Syria, Brick sees that they have created a new and more dangerous situation, where military cooperation between Ankara and Damascus now includes joint military bases, training, and logistical supplies, placing Israel in front of a regional adversary with a massive army that is the second largest in NATO in terms of numbers.

He adds that the Turkish threat is no longer limited to the fiery statements of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, but has become a ground reality, as Syrian territories have turned into a space for direct Turkish deployment.

The author warns that the eastern border, extending 309 kilometers with Jordan, could turn into a burning front if Iran succeeds in establishing its influence there.

He refers to Jordanian security reports confirming that Tehran's activity in recruiting, training, and funding local groups has tripled over the past three years, with the participation of elements from Hamas and Hezbollah.

The author points out that any collapse in the internal balance within the kingdom could open the door to large-scale infiltration and arms smuggling towards the West Bank, which means opening a new front against Israel that was not anticipated.

He believes that peace with Egypt is no longer more than a "dead agreement on paper," as the Egyptian army in Sinai retains four times the number of troops allowed under the Camp David Accords, and is building strategic corridors under the Suez Canal, in addition to more than 100 crossings.

According to the author, all of this comes as part of the Egyptian army's preparations for a potential large-scale confrontation with Israel.

He adds that the joint naval military exercises between Egypt and Turkey represent a highly dangerous development, as they indicate - in his words - the formation of a regional military axis opposed to Israel.

The author continues, stating that the Israeli-American strikes on Iran during the 12-day war inflicted temporary damage on the Iranian nuclear program but did not end Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

He asserts that Tehran quickly regained part of its missile capabilities and continues to enrich uranium at alarming levels that could reach the threshold of nuclear weapon production.

The author believes that Iran uses negotiations with Europe as a diplomatic cover while continuing to develop advanced weapons, which makes it a constant strategic threat to Israel.

Brick cites field sources in the West Bank indicating that public 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 adds that the rise in attacks by extremist settlers, along with the declining morale among Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, could ignite the spark for a large-scale explosion there.

The author warns that this explosion, if it occurs, will pose a danger to settlements that will be isolated and without adequate protection, while the army will not be able to rapidly deploy to all points of tension.

He then 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, as social and economic tensions have worsened, in his opinion, while Israel has not established an internal force capable of dealing with large-scale disturbances.

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 Brick concludes that Israel's ongoing preoccupation with the "Gaza quagmire" has led it to ignore the major challenges accumulating around it, considering that its enemies have succeeded in dragging it into a war of attr

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 6:33 pm - Jerusalem Time

Netanyahu and His Mistakes: How He Unintentionally Established the State of

Israeli analysts and former officials believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has established a Palestinian state through his mistakes, pointing to the increasing isolation of Israel due to the government's failures.

This came on the heels of announcements from Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal recognizing the State of Palestine, raising the number of countries that have taken this step to 153 out of 193 UN member states.

Similar announcements are also expected from France, Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium, and other countries, which Israel is watching with concern and refers to as a "political tsunami," threatening punishment for the Palestinians.

The recent recognitions were met with widespread Palestinian welcome, contrasted by Israeli discontent, as Netanyahu stated that "the State of Palestine will not be established," while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted that "the only response to the recognitions of the State of Palestine is immediate annexation" of the occupied West Bank.

The government has harmed Israel, and under the title "Good Morning Palestine: How We Turned Overwhelming International Support into Complete Isolation," Israeli analyst Nir Kfir wrote his article on the Hebrew news site Walla today, Monday.

Kfir said, "Netanyahu is right: recognition of the State of Palestine is a reward for Hamas, but the government under his leadership is the one that formed the awards committee, and it is the one that has brought Israel to a situation worse than that of Hamas itself."

He added, "Hamas came, and in a crazy and suicidal operation, pushed for the establishment of the State of Palestine," referring to the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance on October 7, 2023.

Kfir held "the Israeli government responsible for the unprecedented political isolation," and spoke of "a world united in its decisions against the State of Israel."

He wondered, "What can Netanyahu do in response to the recognition of the State of Palestine? In two words: nothing, he will only rely in a meeting with the American president (Donald Trump) on the length of the rope that will be given to him."

He urged Israelis "to hope that the rope is as short as possible, without annexation (of the West Bank to Israeli sovereignty)."

He warned that a potential annexation decision would mean the end of what he called "the State of Israel as a Jewish democratic state, and the beginning of a racist Jewish State of Israel."

He pointed out that "sooner or later, the United States will elect a president whose vision does not differ much from that of the European leaders who are now united in supporting the establishment of a State of Palestine, so what will happen to us then?"

The analyst warned that "the State of Israel will face two options on that day: surrender to the world's dictates, or it may become more like North Korea, a marginalized and impoverished state that exists only thanks to the nuclear weapons it possesses..".

Netanyahu prolonged the war, and waves of discontent with the government's policy have not been limited to analysts or opposition parties, but have entered the corridors of the Likud party led by Netanyahu.

Former Israeli Communications Minister Limor Livnat from the Likud party wrote an article in Yedioth Ahronoth titled "This is How Netanyahu Established the State of Palestine."

Livnat said, "Over the past two years, Netanyahu has made every mistake, foremost among them his refusal to respond to the majority of the people's call to stop the war in Gaza and return all soldiers and civilians held by Hamas."

She claimed that on October 7, 2023, "the world was with Israel, but the longer the war lasted, the more Hamas was able to rise from the rubble and launch a successful propaganda campaign against us."

Speaking about Netanyahu's policy failure, Livnat said, "The master of security and the master of information failed to maintain security after the world turned its back on us," and emphasized that "Netanyahu prolonged the war to maintain his rule."

She continued, "In the meantime, we have become isolated in the eyes of the world, in culture, sports, and the political arena."

Regarding the Israeli massacres in Gaza, Livnat said, "In front of the images of the atrocities in Gaza that are being shown around the world, no one is asking who started them, but we are seen as mistreating the weak, women, and starving children."

She added, addressing the government, "A series of countries have announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, leaving us in isolation.. This is how you deal with the political tsunami, and the damage

LATEST NEWS

Mon 22 Sep 2025 6:17 pm - Jerusalem Time

China: Gaza is the property of the Palestinian people and an integral part of their territory.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang stated that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of Palestinian territories.

This came during a press conference held in the capital Beijing today, Monday, where he addressed the decision of Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal to recognize the State of Palestine.

He emphasized the necessity of ensuring the legitimate national rights of Palestine and implementing the two-state solution (Palestinian and Israeli).

He stressed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of their land, adding: "A comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza must be reached, and the humanitarian disaster must be alleviated immediately."

In reference to the United States, the spokesperson said: "The state that exerts special influence over Israel must take steps to fulfill its responsibilities."

He confirmed China's readiness to work with the international community to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, support the Palestinians in regaining their legitimate national rights, and find a fair, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the issue.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 6:15 pm - Jerusalem Time

How did the Israelis interpret the growing recognition of the State of Palestine?

The Hebrew media described the wave of recognition of a Palestinian state as a 'political tsunami' due to its potential political and security implications for Israel.

The Zionist and Jewish parties from both the coalition and the opposition agreed to reject this step, but they differed in interpreting its consequences.

Statements from both the government and the opposition, according to officials' remarks on their accounts via the 'X' platform, carried mutual accusations regarding the implications of this recognition.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 4:28 pm - Jerusalem Time

French historian: New details emerge regarding the plan to evacuate Gaza Palestine.

The French historian Jean-Pierre Filiu noted that the project to transform the Gaza Strip into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' began to take shape and substance within the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The university professor wrote in his column for the French newspaper Le Monde that Trump held an important meeting earlier at the White House regarding the current situation and future of the Gaza Strip, attended by his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, his predecessor in this position, Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, in addition to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

It could have been imagined that the famine threatening the Palestinian sector and the suffering of its residents would be the focus of the meeting - as the writer says - but the Washington Post revealed that the discussions instead addressed Trump's project aimed at transforming the Gaza Strip into the 'Riviera of the Middle East.'

This project was prepared by what is called the 'Humanitarian Gaza Foundation,' an organization run by an evangelical closely connected to the White House, which has produced a 38-page document detailing the various stages of implementing this plan, according to the writer.

Although this project does not have an official status at this stage, it deserves attention, as it reveals the workings of the Trump administration, which is considered the most hostile to Palestinians in U.S. history - as the writer states - especially since the document does not refer at all to international law, nor does it recognize Palestinians as a people, but merely mentions 'the residents of Gaza.'

The project reflects - according to Jean-Pierre Filiu - a purely commercial logic in line with the real estate deals preferred by Trump, Witkoff, and Kushner, aiming to 'raise the value' of the Gaza Strip to $300 billion within ten years.

In this context - as the writer says - Blair's participation in this project, dubbed 'Great,' meaning great, can be understood; it summarizes the initials of the phrase 'Gaza Reconstruction, Economic Acceleration, and Transformation' in English, as Blair has long claimed that economic development is the key to calming the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This project aims to 'transform an entity affiliated with Iran into a prosperous ally of the Abraham Accords,' thus bypassing the Palestinian identity of Gaza and its residents in favor of a geopolitical reshaping of the Middle East, initiated by Trump in 2020 at the end of his first term, according to the writer.

The 'smart industrial zone' to be established on the border with Israel will bear the name of Elon Musk, while the 'Trump Riviera' - as it is called - will stretch along the coast, and new cities will be built on the ruins of the current ones, which will be entirely digital and managed by artificial intelligence.

Jean-Pierre Filiu warned that the goal is to create 'Hamas-free' zones as transitional areas, facilitating a process of 'voluntary transfer' for hundreds of thousands of civilians, with the 'Great' document estimating that a quarter of Gaza's population will be forced to leave, noting that the plan effectively seeks the final expulsion of nearly 400,000 Palestinians out of 2.1 million residents.

The Humanitarian Gaza Foundation is tasked with approving and training some residents of Gaza to take on security roles in the future, and the core of this force currently consists of a group of Palestinian thieves, supported and armed by Israel, but rejected by their families due to their collaboration with the occupation, according to the writer.

According to the progress of the Israeli attack, a 'trust fund' will be established, which - according to Jean-Pierre Filiu - is a type of administrative guardianship accompanied by a credit company, and the Humanitarian Gaza Foundation will be integrated into this fund, while Israel retains the right to intervene militarily at any time.

At a later stage, this fund will transform into an official government for the sector, during what is called a 'transitional period' that paves the way for the emergence of a 'viable and non-extremist Palestinian entity,' as the writer states.

Jean-Pierre Filiu concluded that the mere existence of such a document and its circulation reveals the extent to which Israel and the United States feel complicit and immune from punishment in their war on Gaza, as it illustrates where our world is heading after two years of leaving women, men, and children in Gaza to face unimaginable horrors.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 4:26 pm - Jerusalem Time

Gaza is being exterminated.. 60 Palestinians missing under the rubble of a house bombed by Israel.

Sixty Palestinians were lost on Monday under the rubble of a house bombed by the Israeli army on the heads of its residents in the center of Gaza City, which has been experiencing intense attacks since August 11, as part of the army's efforts to occupy the city.

Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli army bombed a residential building housing about 60 Palestinians without prior warning, next to the "Shawa Tower," which is threatened with bombing, in the "Samer" area.

The witnesses stated that there is difficulty in retrieving the missing, whether dead or injured, due to a lack of necessary tools.

Palestinian activists circulated a video on social media showing Israel leveling the residential building to the ground.

One witness, amidst a state of shock, said that his brother, who is a war casualty, and his family were lost under the rubble of the building.

Meanwhile, a man stood beside her, crying out in a weary voice for his daughter under the rubble.

On Tuesday, the army announced that it had begun a "wide ground operation" throughout Gaza City, involving regular and reserve forces.

The army's vehicles advanced on Monday hundreds of meters north of the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in the southwest of the city.

On August 8, the Israeli government approved a plan to gradually reoccupy the Gaza Strip entirely, starting with Gaza City.

The army began its attack on the city on August 11, in an operation dubbed "Gideon's Chariots 2," which included the demolition of homes using explosive robots.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, resulting in 65,344 dead and 166,795 injured.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 4:00 pm - Jerusalem Time

On charges of committing war crimes.. Complaint in France against French-Israeli settlers

The "Solidarity with Palestine" association in France filed a complaint today, Monday, against French-Israelis accused of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity through their participation in and support for settlement activities in the territories occupied by Israel.

Their lawyer, Sarah Samour, stated that the complaint - filed with the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office specialized in crimes against humanity - identifies "6 individuals" who can be prosecuted.

The complaint specifically targets French-Israeli settlers and their organizations close to the Israeli far-right.

The association hopes that the complaint will open a legal front in France against Israeli settlement of Palestinian territories, which has been condemned by the United Nations.

The complaint is based on provisions of the French Penal Code that criminalize acts such as "deportation or forcible transfer of populations" and "persecution" and "apartheid" as "crimes against humanity" when committed "in execution of a premeditated plan against a group of civilians as part of a widespread or systematic attack."

The association believes that these settlers could be accused of complicity in a war crime for their participation in "Israel, as the occupying power, transferring part of its civilian population to the occupied Palestinian territory."

They also accuse them of crimes of "theft, extortion, and destruction of civilian property in the West Bank."

The lawyer stated that the use of these provisions is "the first of its kind," and she refused to disclose the names of the targets publicly before any potential legal action, "given the seriousness of the alleged crimes."

"Solidarity with Palestine in France," which advocates for the rights of the Palestinian people and supports the "Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions" (BDS) movement, also filed a complaint last July against two French-Israeli soldiers accused of committing violations in Gaza.

Alongside East Jerusalem, which Israel occupied and annexed, about 3 million Palestinians have lived in the occupied West Bank since 1967, alongside approximately 500,000 Israelis residing in settlements that the United Nations considers illegal under international law.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 1:15 pm - Jerusalem Time

"The wave of recognitions" continues.. Malta officially joins today with Britain, Canada, and Australia in recognizing the State of Palestine.

The Office of the Prime Minister in Malta announced that the country will officially recognize the State of Palestine today, Monday, during the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York.

Thus, Malta joins the historic wave of recognitions announced by significant Western countries in the past 24 hours, in a coordinated move aimed at reviving the two-state solution.

The Maltese decision follows the announcement by Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal yesterday, Sunday, of their official recognition of the State of Palestine.

LATEST NEWS

Mon 22 Sep 2025 1:03 pm - Jerusalem Time

The death toll from the occupation's aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 65,344 dead and 166,795 injured

Medical sources in the Gaza Strip announced today, Monday, that the toll of the occupation's aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 65,344 dead and 166,795 injured since the seventh of October 2023.

The same sources clarified that 61 dead and 220 injuries arrived at hospitals in the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours.

They pointed out that a number of victims are still under the rubble and in the streets, where rescue and civil defense teams are unable to reach them until now.

The death toll and injuries since March 18, 2025, until today has reached 12,785 dead and 54,754 injuries.

During the past 24 hours, no death cases were recorded due to the aid, while the number of injuries reached 23, bringing the total number of martyrs from the struggle for livelihood who reached hospitals to 2,523 death, and more than 18,496 injuries.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 12:41 pm - Jerusalem Time

Egypt reaffirms its commitment to Gulf security and calls for an immediate halt to Israel's war in Gaza.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty confirmed on Monday his country's support for Gulf security and called for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

This came during two meetings that Abdel Aty held in New York with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Al-Yahya and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Al-Budaiwi, on the eve of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that Abdel Aty and Al-Yahya discussed "ways to enhance bilateral relations and the latest developments on the regional and international fronts."

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 12:40 pm - Jerusalem Time

Australia: Israel's claim of waiting for the results of Gaza negotiations is unrealistic.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Israel's claim that it is waiting for the results of negotiations regarding a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip is "unrealistic."

Albanese added that Australia's position on recognizing the State of Palestine is a continuation of its long-standing policy of supporting a two-state solution.

He pointed out that the Palestinian people have a legitimate right and a long-standing desire to establish their own state, emphasizing the necessity of ending the "cycle of violence" in the Palestinian territories.

He went on to say, "Australia clearly wants to stop the loss of innocent lives, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian."

Albanese noted the Israeli government's ongoing support for the establishment and expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

He explained that Australia recognizes and sees the extent of the "tragedy and humanitarian disaster" ongoing in the Gaza Strip.

He continued: "The idea that Israel will sit down to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza is not realistic."

The indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a prisoner exchange and ceasefire in Gaza continue to be stalled due to obstacles placed by Tel Aviv.

The Israeli opposition and families of prisoners accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging any chance of reaching a deal to end the war and return their loved ones in order to protect his political interests and remain in power.

Weeks ago, the Israeli army launched an airstrike on Qatar despite its role as a mediator, alongside Egypt and with American participation, in indirect negotiations between "Hamas" and Israel.

Albanese's statements come following his country's official recognition of the State of Palestine, coinciding with the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 12:34 pm - Jerusalem Time

Axios: Trump requested to hold a meeting with Arab leaders and Erdogan to discuss the Gaza issue.

Axios reported that the American president requested a meeting with a group of leaders from Arab and Islamic countries on the sidelines of the United Nations meetings in New York to discuss ways to end the aggression on the Gaza Strip, according to two Arab officials familiar with the meeting.

The site noted that the White House has already sent invitations to attend the meeting, which is expected to take place tomorrow, Tuesday.

It quoted officials as saying that leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE have been invited to participate in the meeting with Trump.

It pointed out that the importance of the meeting comes just days before Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on September 29.

Axios reported from sources that the White House wants the invited Arab and Islamic countries to participate in a post-war plan for Gaza and even send a stabilization force to replace the occupying army.

It said that "Arab leaders are expected to ask Trump to pressure Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza and refrain from annexing parts of the West Bank."

Sources indicated that Trump is expected to hold a separate meeting on the same day with leaders of the Gulf Arab states, with one of the main issues being their concerns following the occupation's aggression against Doha and targeting Hamas leaders.

Arab officials stated that the Gulf countries want guarantees from the Trump administration that such attacks will not be repeated.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 12:05 pm - Jerusalem Time

Challenging the interior instructions.. French municipalities raise the Palestinian flag in celebration of Paris's anticipated recognition of the state.

In a symbolic and notable political move, the municipality of Saint-Denis, one of the largest suburbs of the French capital Paris, raised the Palestinian flag above its official building on Monday morning.

This action, which involves several French mayors, comes as a direct challenge to the instructions from the Ministry of the Interior, which warned against this step, and as a celebration of the anticipated historic decision by the French government to officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly meetings today.

This initiative was launched at the invitation of the leader of the French Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, who urged mayors to raise the Palestinian flag on September 22, coinciding with the expected date for official French recognition.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 12:00 pm - Jerusalem Time

"Day of Recognitions" is a turning point in the path of a nation rising from the ashes.

Dr. Raed Abu Badawieh: The recognitions solidify Palestine's advancement and Israel's global decline, but they remain closer to a political warning unless translated into practical steps.
Noor Awda: The recognitions are not a favor or a gift but a historical debt and a legal commitment, representing a confrontation to the Israeli plans supported by the U.S.
Khalil Shaheen: A "political bulwark" against Israeli plans, and the recognitions must be coupled with adopting a practical strategy to end the occupation.
Dr. Irini Said: The recognitions are an important political and legal pressure tool against the occupation, but the priority is to cease fire in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid.
Dawood Kuttab: The political and legal implications are significant, primarily affirming that the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 are not "disputed lands."
Firas Yaghi: Europe is trying to assert its position independently from the current U.S. administration, which provides unconditional support to Israel and its expansionist policies.


 The recognitions of the Palestinian state continue, with three countries, most notably Britain, recognizing it yesterday, Sunday, and a series of other recognitions from several countries is expected today, Monday, in what has come to be known as "Recognition Day," coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly meeting and the resumption of the high-level international conference for the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution in New York, described as a pivotal step in the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Writers, political analysts, specialists, and university professors confirm in separate interviews with "Y" that this day carries special symbolism, as the simultaneous recognitions reflect a growing consensus within the international community on the necessity of treating Palestine as a state based on the 1967 territories, not merely as a "disputed issue" subject to negotiation, while Israel is increasingly viewed as a lawless state practicing genocide and settlement, undermining its political capital and bringing it closer to the image of a "pariah state."
They assert that the recognitions, despite their importance, remain more of a political warning than a practical transformation, but the greatest challenge remains translating this diplomatic momentum into tangible steps on the ground capable of imposing the two-state solution and ending the occupation in a practical and sustainable manner.
In parallel, they believe that "Recognition Day" is not just a passing event but represents the beginning of a political path that could redraw the equations of the conflict, as the international community, especially Europe, has come to realize that continuing to manage the crisis without a political horizon is no longer feasible, and that recognizing the state of Palestine constitutes a direct pressure tool on Israel to stop the genocide and its expansionist policies. However, the success of this step remains contingent upon the Palestinians' ability to unify their ranks and develop a unified strategy that capitalizes on the diplomatic momentum and transforms it into political and legal gains on the international stage.

Establishing the image of Palestine as a state under occupation

Dr. Raed Abu Badawieh, a professor of international law and international relations at the Arab American University, asserts that what has come to be known as "Recognition Day," which witnesses the announcement of several countries, mostly European, recognizing the state of Palestine, represents a pivotal event in the course of the Palestinian issue, not only at the level of diplomatic protocol but also in the context of deeper transformations in the international system and Israel's status within it.
Abu Badawieh explains that this day carries significant symbolic and political implications, as the simultaneous recognitions suggest that the international community, or at least a growing part of it, has decided to speak with one voice regarding Palestine after decades of marginalization and neglect.
This means, according to Abu Badawieh, establishing the image of Palestine as a state under occupation, not merely a "disputed issue" subject to negotiation, which grants the Palestinians renewed political legitimacy and strengthens their presence on the international stage.

Israel is gradually facing growing isolation

He points out that these recognitions are paralleled by a completely opposite image for Israel, which, although it still enjoys full American support politically, militarily, and diplomatically, is gradually facing increasing isolation, as it is viewed in an increasing number of international circles as a lawless state practicing an expansionist settlement project and committing crimes that reach the level of genocide. With each new recognition of Palestine, the legitimacy that Israel has long relied upon to justify its policies diminishes, bringing it closer to the image of a "pariah state."
At the same time, Abu Badawieh emphasizes that the road remains fraught with obstacles, as these European recognitions, despite their importance, do not alone possess the ability to effect tangible change on the ground, given the continued American umbrella that protects Israel within the Security

LATEST NEWS

Mon 22 Sep 2025 11:42 am - Jerusalem Time

The occupation arrests a citizen, and settlers burn a vehicle and set up a tent in the Hebron Governorate.

Israeli occupation forces arrested a citizen from Masafer Yatta today, Monday, and settlers burned a vehicle, while others set up a tent in Hebron Governorate.

Anti-settlement activist Osama Makhamra stated that the occupation forces stormed the village of Khillat al-Dabab in Masafer Yatta and arrested the citizen Suleiman al-Dababseh after raiding and searching his home.

Local sources reported that armed settlers, under the protection of occupation soldiers from the "Kfar Etzion" settlement established on citizens' lands and properties east of Hebron city, burned the vehicle of citizen Obaidah Abdul Hadi Isa Drees and fled the scene.

Settlers also set up a tent on citizens' lands east of the Ighwein area in the town of Samu' south of Hebron.

Occupation forces detained a number of citizens at the Al-Mukhtar roundabout near Tariq ibn Ziyad School in the southern area of Hebron city, forcing them to stop their vehicles on the roads to close them and prevent citizens from passing, and confiscated their keys.

PALESTINE

Mon 22 Sep 2025 11:26 am - Jerusalem Time

September in Gaza without olives.. Farmers harvest pain after the destruction of fields and trees.

The popular rituals have disappeared from the olive harvest season in the Gaza Strip for the third consecutive year, after the ongoing war caused the destruction of vast areas of fruitful fields, depriving thousands of farmers of the abundant livelihood they eagerly awaited at this time every year.

The occupation forces destroyed large areas of fields planted with fruitful olive trees, especially in the eastern regions of the Gaza Strip, while the seasonal presses did not escape the systematic Israeli destruction. Just as they were preparing at this time to operate their machines and massive stone mills to press the olive oil coming from the nearby fields, their owners found themselves today amidst displacement and homelessness, due to the widespread destruction in the sector, which affected their presses and facilities.

A deep sadness overwhelms Haj Hassan Hamdan, after losing his farm filled with olive trees in the Al-Qarara area east of Khan Younis, following its destruction by the occupation and the uprooting of its fruitful and ancient trees.

Hamdan says in a special interview that the rituals of harvesting the olive crop and pressing its oil have disappeared for the third consecutive year due to the ongoing aggression, adding: "My family used to gather at this time every year to pick the fruits; we awaited this time eagerly, but the war deprived us of celebrating the season after destroying everything we own."

Haj Hassan recalls, with tears nearly escaping his eyes, saying: "The season was a heritage and an identity for us, a clear expression of our connection to our land and our deep roots in it (...) For an entire week, the children, grandchildren, and relatives would gather to celebrate this occasion that we inherited from our ancestors. We would go early in the morning, have our breakfast, and then head out to harvest the olives, amidst an atmosphere of joy and happiness. When we finish gathering, we send a large portion of it to a nearby press to extract the pure oil known for its high quality, and then we save another part for home pickling."

Despite the good financial returns from the olive crop, this was not our main motivation. The olive harvest season became an opportunity to renew the expression of family bonds, attachment to the land, and a chance to teach the young ones the value of the land and encourage them to hold onto it after us.

Youssef Al-Zuraihi was not in a better situation than Haj Hamdan; they shared the pain and suffering of losing their farms and their annual source of joy under the treads of the occupation's tanks, which wreaked havoc and destruction in the farms and fields until they were destroyed, leaving them as remnants.

Al-Zuraihi says in a special interview that he is living a deep sadness these days, remembering his small farm filled with olive trees, which was destroyed by the occupation at the beginning of the war when it invaded the Hajar Al-Dik area, southeast of Gaza City.

Al-Zuraihi recalls, saying that his farm was not large; it contained a few dozen fruitful olive trees, but what pains him is the extinguishing of the season's flame that he had been accustomed to reviving for twenty years with special family rituals and an atmosphere of joy and happiness, starting in the morning and ending at sunset over several days.

The area of land planted with olives in the Gaza Strip before the war began about two years ago is estimated at around 44,000 dunams, including 35,000 dunams of fruitful trees and 9,000 dunams of non-fruitful trees.

According to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza before the war that began in October 2023, Gaza produced about 35,000 tons of olives annually, all of which were for local use, including 4,000 tons designated for home pickling or factories, and 31,000 tons that were pressed in olive presses, but these quantities are subject to annual fluctuations based on production size.

There are about 40 olive oil extraction presses distributed across the Gaza Strip, including 32 modern (automatic) presses, 6 traditional (semi-automatic) presses, and 2 manual presses that rely on old stone.

The profession of olive pressing and oil extraction in the Gaza Strip becomes active after September 20 of each year, as farmers await light rain showers known as "the rains of the cross," but the peak of the season occurs around mid-October each year.

The Gaza Strip relies primarily on the agricultural sector to provide food for more than 2.4 million people living in all provinces; however, the disruption of this sector has negatively affected economic activity in terms of buying, selling, and livestock, especially in the animal and fish sectors.

A report from the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture stated that the occupation forces deliberately destroyed all agricultural lands in the Gaza