ديجيتال فابلت

الوسم: Conflict

  • White House Promises Security Support to Qatar After Israel Attacks

    White House Promises Security Support to Qatar After Israel Attacks

    A damaged building after an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025. — Reuters

    – Trump signs executive order to defend Qatar from foreign threats
    – U.S. will view any armed assault on Qatar as a threat to national security
    – Comes after Israeli Prime Minister apologizes to Qatar’s leader

    The White House announced that the United States considers “any armed attack” on Qatar as a threat to American security and will extend security guarantees to the Gulf nation. The presidential order, signed by Donald Trump, states that the U.S. aims to protect Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from external aggression.

    In case of an attack, the U.S. pledges to take appropriate measures, including diplomatic efforts, economic sanctions, or military action if necessary, to defend both U.S. interests and those of Qatar, restore peace, and stabilize the region.

    This move follows an Israeli attack on Qatar last month, targeting officials from Hamas who were discussing a U.S.-backed peace plan related to the Gaza conflict. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called Qatar’s Prime Minister from the White House on Monday to apologize for the strikes and assured that such actions would not happen again.

    Netanyahu’s visit to Washington for a meeting with President Trump occurred amid a period of increased tension, with Netanyahu previously adopting a defiant stance since the September 9 incident.

    Qatar remains a crucial U.S. ally in the Gulf, hosting the region’s largest U.S. military base at al-Udeid, which also serves as a headquarters for elements of U.S. Central Command.

  • Iran Executes Key Israeli Spy

    Iran Executes Key Israeli Spy

    An image displays the aftermath of Israeli strikes on a residential building in Tehran, Iran, dated July 17, 2025, sourced from Reuters.

    – Iran’s top court has denied an appeal from a defendant, according to local media reports.
    – The court has officially found Choubi-asl guilty of charges related to “corruption on earth.”
    – There has been a rise in executions this year, with at least ten individuals hanged in recent months.

    Iran executed Bahman Choubi-asl on Monday, according to judiciary news agency Mizan, which stated he was “one of the most significant spies for Israel in Iran.” Iran has a long-standing covert conflict with Israel, often executing individuals it accuses of espionage and aiding Mossad operations within the country.

    Mizan explained that Mossad’s main objective in recruiting Choubi-asl was to access government databases, disrupt Iranian data centers, and gather intelligence on importing electronic equipment. The Supreme Court upheld the death penalty after rejecting his appeal on the grounds of “corruption on earth.”

    Hostilities between Iran and Israel sharply increased in June, with Israel launching strikes inside Iran, including covert operations involving Mossad operatives deep within Iranian territory. The number of executions for espionage has notably increased this year, with at least ten recent death sentences executed.

  • US Envoy: Syria, Israel Approaching ‘De-escalation’ Deal

    US Envoy: Syria, Israel Approaching ‘De-escalation’ Deal

    Syria and Israel are nearing an agreement to de-escalate tensions, with Israel agreeing to halt its attacks and Syria committing not to move any machinery or heavy equipment close to the Israeli border, according to a senior U.S. diplomat.

    During a press conference in Damascus on September 16, 2025, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack stated that this preliminary understanding marks an initial step toward a broader security arrangement that the two nations have been negotiating.

    Currently, talks focus on securing a ceasefire that would see Israeli airstrikes paused and Israeli forces withdrawn from southern Syria. Although President Donald Trump aimed to finalize an announcement this week, progress has been delayed, partly due to the Jewish New Year holiday. Barrack expressed optimism, noting that all parties are approaching the negotiations sincerely.

    The historical rivalry between Israel and Syria persists despite the recent ousting of Syria’s longtime President Bashar al-Assad last December. Ongoing disputes over territory and mutual mistrust remain, with Israel maintaining a hostile stance towards Syria’s government. Israel has pointed to former Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s alleged connections to jihadist groups and continues to support efforts to weaken and decentralize Syria.

    Following an escalation in hostilities, Israel abandoned the 1974 truce on December 8, coinciding with a rebel offensive that toppled Assad. Since then, Israel has launched over 1,000 strikes and conducted more than 400 ground incursions into Syria, according to Sharaa last week.

    Sharaa, who previously led rebel forces against Assad’s regime, expressed concern that Israel might be intentionally stalling the peace talks, stating, “We are scared of Israel. We are worried about Israel. It’s not the other way around.”

  • Trump Claims Ukraine Can Reclaim All Its Territory in Rhetorical Shift

    Trump Claims Ukraine Can Reclaim All Its Territory in Rhetorical Shift

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Ukraine has the potential to reclaim all territory occupied by Russia, emphasizing that Kyiv should act sooner rather than later, as Moscow faces significant economic hardship. This marks a notable and unexpected shift in tone favoring Ukraine. However, there is no indication that this rhetoric will lead to a shift in U.S. policy, such as the implementation of the harsher sanctions on Moscow that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested during his visit to New York this week.

    “Putin and Russia are in serious economic trouble,” Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after meeting Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. “This is the time for Ukraine to act.” He added, “Considering the economic difficulties the war is causing Russia, I believe Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is capable of fighting and reclaiming all of Ukraine in its original borders.” Achieving this would require Kyiv to oust Russian forces from roughly 20% of its territory, including the Crimean peninsula, which has been under Moscow’s control since 2014—a significant and surprising reversal of previous positions.

    Trump has previously suggested that Ukraine might consider ceding some territory as a peace strategy, fueling fears in Kyiv that behind-the-scenes negotiations could lead to recognition of Russia’s occupation as legal. Europe’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, welcomed Trump’s comments, stating, “These are very strong statements we haven’t heard from him before, so it’s encouraging that we are beginning to see shared understanding.”

    Unlike his welcoming of Russian President Vladimir Putin at last month’s Alaska summit, a visit that seemed aimed at accelerating the end of the war, Trump’s recent tone was markedly different. Zelensky described their meeting as “good and constructive” and praised Trump’s statement as a “big shift.” Later, Zelensky told Fox News that the Ukrainian and U.S. positions are now “closer than ever before,” indicating that he believes Trump’s stance has shifted.

    The U.S. continues to criticize Russia, with Trump describing Russia’s military efforts as “aimless” and suggesting that a true military power would have defeated Ukraine within a week, making Russia look like a “paper tiger.” The only firm commitment from Trump on Truth Social was to “continue supplying weapons to NATO for them to decide how to use them,” likely referencing a new mechanism allowing European countries to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at hopes for a peaceful resolution, saying, “This war must end, but if it doesn’t, and no pathway to peace exists, the United States and President Trump will take necessary actions to impose costs on continued aggression.”

    Zelensky has been urging the U.S. to escalate sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow into negotiations to end the conflict, a message he reiterated at the UN. Earlier, Trump had stated he was prepared to impose strong economic measures if Russia continued its invasion but called for allies to do the same. He also criticized several European nations for still purchasing Russian oil.

    During discussions, Zelensky mentioned they talked about Russia’s struggling economy and shared an understanding that Trump might be willing to offer security guarantees to Ukraine once the war concludes. Zelensky emphasized Trump’s ability to be a “game-changer” in Ukraine’s war efforts and noted that China still maintains influence over Russia, though Beijing has shown no signs of wanting the war to end.

    Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy downplayed Trump’s recent remarks, advising not to overreact to every tweet. Former Democratic Congressman Tom Malinowski described Trump’s comments as “a remarkable 180-degree turn” that may not last long, questioning what concrete actions Trump would take to help Ukraine succeed, implying that words alone are insufficient.

  • Putin Alerts Western Forces in Ukraine: Legitimate Military Targets

    Putin Alerts Western Forces in Ukraine: Legitimate Military Targets

    Russia’s President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, September 5, 2025. — Reuters

    • Multiple nations pledge to join “reassurance” forces in Ukraine.
    • Deploying such forces may hinder long-term peace efforts: Putin.
    • He states Moscow will honor agreements if made.

    MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning Friday that any Western troops stationed in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces. This came a day after Ukraine’s allies announced their commitment to deploying troops if a peace agreement is reached.

    Twenty-five countries, led by France and the UK, committed Thursday to forming a “reassurance” unit for land, sea, and air patrols to oversee any deal.

    “If foreign troops appear there, especially during active fighting, we see them as legitimate targets,” Putin said during an economic conference in Vladivostok.

    He also mentioned that deploying such a force could undermine genuine peace and pointed to Ukraine’s growing military cooperation with Western nations as a key factor behind the conflict’s escalation.

    Details of the proposed force, including troop numbers and specific contributions, remain undisclosed. Ukraine insists that security guarantees, supported by Western military presence, are vital for any peace agreement to prevent future Russian offensives.

    Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and significant destruction wrought across eastern and southern Ukraine.

    Putin expressed that if a peace deal is struck, troops would no longer be necessary.

    “If agreements are reached that bring lasting peace, I see no reason for their presence in Ukraine,” he said. “Russia will fully adhere to any such agreements.”

    Kyiv and Western nations highlight numerous instances where Russia has violated previous agreements, notably between 2014 and 2022 during fighting with separatists in eastern Ukraine.


  • Trump ‘not surprised’ by Kyiv strikes killing 21 Russians

    Trump ‘not surprised’ by Kyiv strikes killing 21 Russians

    People seek shelter inside underground parking as Russian drones and missile strikes target Kyiv amid Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine, on August 28, 2025. — Reuters

    – The EU and UK summon Russian diplomats to protest Kyiv attacks.
    – The White House spokesperson states Trump will have more comments about the strikes.
    – It’s suggested that neither side may be ready to cease hostilities on their own.

    KYIV: U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that he was “not surprised” by Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Kyiv early Thursday, which resulted in at least 21 casualties in the Ukrainian capital.

    These deadly strikes occurred as Trump continues advocating for peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, despite the persistent conflict.

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump “was not happy about the news, but he wasn’t surprised,” considering the long-standing war between the two nations.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the attack, the second-largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, as Moscow’s response to diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

    U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg shared on X: “Targeting residential areas in Kyiv—destroying civilian trains, office buildings for the EU and UK mission councils—and innocent civilians, not soldiers or weapons.”

    Both the EU and Britain summoned Russian diplomats to voice their disapproval. No casualties have been reported at the targeted sites.

    Zelensky noted that the strikes also impacted a Turkish enterprise and the Azerbaijani embassy.

    Leavitt indicated that Trump would comment further on the situation later.

    She highlighted that Russian attacks had been lethal, and Ukrainian efforts in August significantly damaged Russian oil refineries.

    “Maybe neither side is ready to call a stop to this war,” she said. “The president desires an end, but the leadership on both sides needs and wants it too.”

    The strikes came less than two weeks after Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, an attempt he hoped would promote peace.

    Zelensky tweeted: “Russia chooses missile fire over negotiations. It continues to kill instead of ending the war,” calling for new sanctions on Russia.

    Russia claims its operations targeted military and industrial facilities, as well as airbases, and states that Ukraine has also attacked Russian targets. Moscow continues to insist it is open to peace talks.

    Russian authorities deny intentionally targeting civilians, yet Ukrainian officials report numerous civilian deaths due to Russian strikes in densely populated areas over recent months, totaling thousands since the invasion began.

    During the Kyiv attack, explosions echoed through the night sky amid rising smoke, with drones buzzing overhead.

    Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as among the most significant recent strikes on the city. Nearly 63 people were wounded during the hours-long attack, which damaged buildings across all districts.

    Across Ukraine, military reports indicate Russian strikes hit 13 locations, including energy infrastructure, resulting in electricity outages.

    Despite Trump’s recent meetings with Putin and Zelensky aimed at fostering peace, efforts to end the invasion have seen limited success.

    Russia has intensified airstrikes on cities deep behind front lines and launched a relentless offensive in the east to pressure Ukraine into surrendering territory.

    EU President Ursula von der Leyen called the attacks “another grim reminder” of what’s at stake, emphasizing that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine and even target European Union territory.

    She mentioned two missiles hit near the EU office within 20 seconds of each other.

    EU nations are preparing a 19th round of sanctions and exploring ways to utilize frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.

    Zelensky tweeted after a discussion with von der Leyen: “We are working on security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be formalized next week,” including talks with Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, noting it damaged the British Council building and accusing Putin of killing children and civilians, undermining hopes for peace.

    Ukraine’s military reported that its defenses shot down 563 out of nearly 600 drones and 26 out of 31 missiles launched by Russia across the country.

    Russia’s Defense Ministry stated its air defenses destroyed 102 Ukrainian drones overnight in at least seven regions.

    Ukraine’s drone units claimed responsibility for hitting the Afipsky and Kuybyshevskyi oil refineries during this recent wave of attacks.

  • US Vice President: Russia Has Conceded in Ukraine Peace Talks

    US Vice President: Russia Has Conceded in Ukraine Peace Talks

    US Vice President JD Vance has stated that Russia has made “notable concessions” in discussions to resolve its ongoing war in Ukraine, though he cautioned that signs indicating the conflict might soon end are lacking.

    During an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shifted his stance, particularly recognizing that Ukraine will need security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.

    “The Russians have made significant concessions to President Trump for the first time in over three and a half years of this conflict,” Vance remarked. He added that Moscow has dropped its initial demand to establish a pro-Russian government in Kyiv and has acknowledged that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be maintained.

    Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, marking Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. Initially, Putin demanded recognition of Russia’s control over annexed territories and aimed for greater influence over Ukraine’s political direction. Launched in February 2022, Russia’s invasion has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. In exchange for ceasing Russia’s attacks, Putin reportedly wants Ukraine to cede the entire eastern Donbas region, abandon NATO membership ambitions, stay neutral, and keep Western troops out—a stance Reuters reported last week.

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized on Sunday that a coalition of nations, including UN Security Council members, should serve as guarantors of Ukraine’s security.

    Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump rekindled threats of sanctions against Russia if there’s no meaningful progress toward peace within two weeks, expressing frustration after a meeting with Putin in Alaska last week.

    Vance indicated that sanctions would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that new penalties might not persuade Russia to agree to a ceasefire. He pointed out that Trump recently announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, targeting New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases, as an example of the economic leverage available to promote peace.

    “He has made it clear that Russia could be welcomed back into the global economy if they stop the killing, but they’ll remain isolated if they continue their assault,” Vance said.

  • Trump suggests air support, not ground troops, for Ukraine peace deal

    Trump suggests air support, not ground troops, for Ukraine peace deal

    • Russia conducts its largest attack this month amidst ongoing peace efforts.
    • Uncertainty remains over U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine.
    • Potential locations are being considered for a tripartite summit.

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that U.S. troops won’t be deployed to Ukraine but indicated that air support might be an option to help end Russia’s conflict there. The day after promising security assurances at an extraordinary White House meeting, the prospects for peace are still unclear as the U.S. and allies discuss what military assistance for Ukraine could involve.

    “Europe is willing to send troops on the ground for security, and we’re prepared to assist them, primarily with air support,” Trump said during an interview on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.” He did not specify further.

    Following Monday’s discussions, Russia launched its most intensive air assault on Ukraine in over a month. Trump acknowledged that Vladimir Putin might be less inclined to pursue a deal now, saying, “We’ll see what President Putin does in the coming weeks.”

    The exact nature of U.S. military aid—such as missile defense systems or fighter jets enforcing a no-fly zone—remains unspecified. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. air support is a possible option but did not provide specifics.

    “While the President has been clear that American troops will not be on the ground in Ukraine, we are ready to coordinate and possibly offer other security guarantees to our European allies,” she stated during a briefing.

    Experts estimate over a million people have been killed or injured since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described recent White House talks as a “significant step forward” toward ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in 80 years. Zelenskyy also mentioned plans for a trilateral summit involving himself, Putin, and Trump, contrasting the positive tone of recent talks with their earlier, more strained, encounter in February.

    There’s discussion about hosting the summit in Budapest, with a White House official mentioning talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Istanbul and Switzerland are also considered potential venues; Hungary is particularly notable due to Orban’s close ties with Putin and the fact that Putin can visit without fear of arrest on International Criminal Court charges. Ukraine’s stance on Hungary as a host remains uncertain.

    Meanwhile, Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine using 270 drones and 10 missiles, damaging energy infrastructure and causing fires in the Poltava region, which hosts Ukraine’s only oil refinery. Despite the aggression, Russia returned 1,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine handed over 19 Russian bodies, according to officials and state media.

    Ukraine’s allies convened to discuss further sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, with plans for U.S. and European security teams to collaborate in the coming days. NATO military leaders are also set to meet on Wednesday, with U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine expected to join remotely.

    Although Trump claimed on Monday that Putin sought a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy, Moscow has not made any firm promises. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated that Russia is open to various formats for negotiations but stressed that any leaders’ summit should be carefully prepared.

    Putin has emphasized that Russia will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine and has not backed down from territorial demands, including land outside Moscow’s control, following his recent summit with Trump in Alaska.

    Analysts suggest Russia might prolong the war while attempting to counteract U.S. diplomatic pressure through extended negotiations. Both Ukraine and European allies seem to be avoiding openly challenging Trump’s conflicting signals to prevent jeopardizing peace prospects, with some describing the U.S. approach as cautiously “tiptoeing around Trump.” Many believe Trump’s vague statements about security guarantees make it difficult to gauge his true intentions.

  • Hamas Approves New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, Says Official

    Hamas Approves New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, Says Official

    Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire plan in Gaza without requesting any modifications, according to a group source told AFP on Monday, following renewed diplomatic efforts to end over 22 months of hostilities.

    Egypt and Qatar, supported by the United States, have been working to broker a lasting ceasefire amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. After receiving a new proposal from mediators, Hamas indicated it was open to negotiations.

    “Hamas has responded to the mediators, confirming that Hamas and other factions accept the new ceasefire proposal as is—no amendments needed,” the source said anonymously. Israel has yet to comment on the development.

    A Palestinian insider involved in the talks mentioned that mediators are “anticipated to declare that an agreement has been reached and to set a date for renewed discussions,” adding that assurances are included to ensure the agreement’s implementation and to work toward a long-term solution.

    Another Palestinian official mentioned that mediators proposed an initial 60-day ceasefire with hostage releases in two phases. This comes after Israel’s security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations into Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, which has drawn international criticism and internal opposition.

    An Islamic Jihad representative shared with AFP that the 60-day truce would see the release of ten Israeli hostages alive, along with some bodies, during the first phase. Out of 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack, 49 remain detained in Gaza, including 27 believed dead by the Israeli military.

    The Islamic Jihad source added that the remaining captives would be released later in a second phase, with negotiations for a broader settlement continuing. They claimed that all factions favor the Egyptian and Qatari proposal.

    U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!!” He emphasized that the sooner this occurs, the better the chances of success.

    Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would agree to an agreement releasing all hostages at once under their conditions to end the war.

    Meanwhile, in Gaza, footage from Khan Yunis showed mourners kneeling over the bodies of loved ones who died seeking aid the previous day—a tragic scene repeated amid ongoing conflict.

    Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, visiting the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Monday, said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was visiting to strengthen current efforts aimed at pressuring both sides toward a deal.

    Abdelatty highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over two million residents face famine and other crises, urging for swift agreement. “The current conditions on the ground are beyond what anyone could imagine,” he stated.

    Egypt also expressed a willingness to join an international force if backed by a UN Security Council resolution and accompanied by a political framework.

    On the ground, Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that Israeli forces killed at least 11 people Monday across the territory, including six in the south. The Israeli military, contacted by AFP, denied knowledge of any casualties from their fire in those areas. Due to media restrictions and limited access, independent verification of these reports remains challenging.

    Amnesty International accused Israel of deliberately starving Gaza and systematically destroying Palestinian social fabric and health systems, while Israel denies intentionally causing such suffering despite tight aid restrictions.

    Since Hamas’s October attack, which claimed 1,219 Israeli lives, Israel’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

  • Mass Exodus: Palestinians Flee Gaza City Amid Israeli Threats

    Mass Exodus: Palestinians Flee Gaza City Amid Israeli Threats

    Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza are seen traveling in a vehicle heading southward as the Israeli military prepares to relocate residents to the southern part of the enclave, in Gaza City on August 18, 2025 — Reuters.

    – Israel plans a ground assault into Gaza’s largest city.
    – Claims to provide shelter equipment for displaced Palestinians.
    – Mediators in Cairo meet with Hamas in a renewed effort for a ceasefire.

    —

    Fearing an imminent Israeli-led ground invasion, thousands of Palestinians have evacuated their homes in eastern Gaza City, which is under relentless Israeli bombardment, moving toward the west and south within the fractured territory.

    Israel’s intention to take control of Gaza City has sparked concern both internationally and domestically, with tens of thousands of Israelis participating in some of the largest protests since the conflict began. These demonstrations are calling for a diplomatic resolution to end the fighting and to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

    In Gaza City, many residents are also organizing protests demanding an end to the war that has devastated much of the region and caused a humanitarian crisis. Calls are growing for Hamas to accelerate negotiations to prevent a ground invasion. An Israeli armored incursion could displace hundreds of thousands more, many of whom have already been uprooted multiple times during the ongoing conflict.

    Ahmed Mheisen, a Palestinian shelter coordinator in Beit Lahiya—a suburb devastated by war adjoining eastern Gaza City—reported that 995 families have recently left the area heading south.

    With the threat of an Israeli offensive imminent, Mheisen estimated that 1.5 million tents are needed for emergency shelter, noting that only 120,000 tents had entered Gaza during a ceasefire from January to March. The UN humanitarian office said last week that approximately 1.35 million people in Gaza are already in urgent need of shelter supplies.

    “Tamar Burai, a Gaza City businessman, described the situation as akin to someone given a death sentence awaiting execution. ‘I am moving my parents and family to the south today or tomorrow. I cannot risk losing any of them in a sudden invasion,’ he said through a messaging app.

    A union-led protest is planned for Thursday in Gaza City, with social media posts promising participation, raising pressure on Hamas. The last indirect ceasefire negotiations concluded in late July, ending in deadlock amid mutual accusations over the failure.

    Sources involved in Cairo talks indicated that Egyptian and Qatari mediators met with Hamas and other factions, but little progress was made. Hamas reported to mediators that it was willing to resume discussions about a proposed 60-day ceasefire and releasing half of the hostages, but also wished for a broader deal to end the conflict altogether.

    —

    Diplomatic efforts have hit a deadlock. Israel insists it will cease hostilities only if all hostages are released and Hamas disarms—an demand publicly rejected by the group until a Palestinian state is established. A Hamas official confirmed to Reuters that the group refuses Israeli demands to disarm or remove its leadership from Gaza.

    Major disagreements remain over the scope of an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and how humanitarian aid will be distributed, as malnutrition and famine threaten civilians.

    U.S. President Donald Trump expressed on social media that the return of hostages depends on confronting and destroying Hamas, asserting that the sooner this is done, the better the chances for success.

    On Saturday, the Israeli military announced preparations to supply tents and shelter equipment for Gazans, aiming to relocate them from combat zones to the south. Details regarding quantities and timelines remain undisclosed.

    The conflict started when Hamas crossed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Since then, more than 61,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s air and ground assault, with local health officials reporting over 24 hours that five more Palestinians succumbed to starvation, raising the death toll from malnutrition to 263, including 112 children, since the war’s onset.

  • Trump warns of harsh fallout if Putin halts Ukraine peace

    Trump warns of harsh fallout if Putin halts Ukraine peace

    A virtual conference featuring French President Emmanuel Macron, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, and France’s Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu was held with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting took place at Fort de Bregancon in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France, on August 13, 2025. — Reuters

    – Trump implies he might meet with Putin and Zelensky post-Alaska talks.
    – He mentions having a very positive phone call with Ukraine’s leader.
    – Macron states Trump agreed Ukraine should participate in peace negotiations.

    —

    WASHINGTON/BERLIN: U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning that Vladimir Putin will face “severe consequences” if he obstructs a peace agreement for Ukraine.

    Ahead of their scheduled meeting in Alaska on Friday, Trump expressed hope the discussions would help progress, but he also indicated he’s prepared to take action if they fall short. He also suggested a subsequent meeting could quickly follow, involving Ukraine’s leader.

    While Trump did not specify what actions might be taken, he previously warned of economic sanctions if the Alaska meeting with President Putin proves unproductive. These comments, combined with a virtual discussion involving Trump, European leaders, and Zelensky, appear to boost Ukraine’s prospects amid concerns the upcoming Alaska summit might neglect Ukrainian interests or compromise its territory.

    Russia is expected to oppose Ukraine and Europe’s demands robustly, maintaining its stance established by Putin in June 2024. When asked if Russia would face repercussions if Putin does not agree to cease hostilities after the talks, Trump responded, “Yes, they will.” When pressed on whether sanctions or tariffs would be the consequences, Trump replied, “I don’t have to specify; it will be very serious.”

    He also described the Alaska meeting as a foundational step toward a rapid follow-up, possibly involving Zelensky. “If the first meeting goes well, we’ll have a quick second one,” he said. “I want to do it almost immediately, with President Putin, President Zelensky, and myself, if they’re open to it.” He did not specify a timeline for the second session.

    —

    Earlier, Zelensky participated in calls hosted by Germany with European leaders and Trump to define red lines before the Alaska negotiations. Trump called the conversations “very good,” rating them a 10, and described them as friendly. Macron asserted that Trump agreed Ukraine’s input is essential in any territorial concessions, and Zelensky stated Trump supported security guarantees post-war.

    Macron stated, “President Trump was very clear that the US aims for a ceasefire at the Alaska meeting.” He emphasized that Ukrainian territory “cannot be negotiated away” without Ukraine’s president’s approval. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who presided over the virtual talks, reaffirmed that borders should not be forcibly altered. “If Russia shows no movement in Alaska, the US and Europe should increase pressure,” he explained. “President Trump understands and agrees with this position. We had an exceptionally constructive and positive conversation.”

    The primary focus of Trump and Putin’s upcoming discussions is ending a conflict that has persisted for over three and a half years, the largest in Europe since WWII. Trump has previously indicated that territorial exchanges will be necessary to end the fighting, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions.

    —

    On a day marked by significant diplomatic activity, Zelensky flew into Berlin for virtual meetings with European leaders and later with Trump. There is concern that possible territorial swaps might grant Russia nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s land, rewarding its nearly 11-year effort to seize Ukrainian territory, recent escalation including full-scale war, and encouraging Putin to push further west.

    Recently, Russian forces made a marked advance into eastern Ukraine, seemingly trying to intensify pressure on Kyiv to relinquish land. Zelensky indicated that Putin continues to bluff about ending the war, stating, “He is trying to apply pressure before the Alaska meeting across all Ukrainian fronts. Russia aims to demonstrate it can occupy all of Ukraine.”

    Sources familiar with the discussions suggest potential venues for a three-way summit, contingent on the outcome of the Alaska talks. While European leaders have expressed cautious support for Trump’s efforts, they emphasize that Ukraine’s participation in negotiations is non-negotiable.

    Last week, Trump unexpectedly agreed to the summit, reversing weeks of criticism towards Putin for resisting US peace initiatives, after claiming his envoy had made notable progress in Moscow. Polls show that about 69% of Ukrainians favor a negotiated resolution, though many refuse peace at the expense of territorial concessions. Moscow’s Foreign Ministry maintains its position unchanged, demanding Ukraine withdraw from four regions claimed by Russia and abandon NATO accession plans, conditions Kyiv rejects as surrender.

  • Israel Targets Al Jazeera Crew in Ongoing Gaza Assault

    Israel Targets Al Jazeera Crew in Ongoing Gaza Assault

    Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike where Al Jazeera says its journalists Anas Al Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, and three photojournalists were killed, in Gaza City, August 11, 2025. — Reuters
    • Anas Al Sharif among four journalists targeted by Israel.
    • Israel claims Al Sharif was responsible for launching rocket attacks.
    • Press freedom organizations and UN officials dispute evidence linking him to Hamas.

    Cairo/Jerusalem: The Israeli military states it killed an Al Jazeera journalist whom they accused of leading a Hamas cell during an airstrike in Gaza. However, human rights advocates argue the target was due to his frontline reporting on the conflict, and the military’s assertion lacks concrete proof.

    Anas Al Sharif, 28, was among four journalists and an aide who perished in an attack on a tent near Shifa Hospital in eastern Gaza City, according to Gaza officials and Al Jazeera. An official at the hospital reported two additional casualties in the strike.

    Describing Al Sharif as “one of Gaza’s most courageous reporters,” Al Jazeera condemned the attack as “a reckless move to silence voices in anticipation of a Gaza occupation.”

    The Israeli military claimed Al Sharif was “head of a Hamas cell” responsible for facilitating rocket assaults on Israeli civilians and military personnel, citing intelligence and documents recovered in Gaza as evidence.

    Media organizations and Al Jazeera condemned the killings, with Al Jazeera highlighting that the others killed were Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, and Mohammed Noufal.

    Prior warnings from press freedom groups and a UN special rapporteur indicated Al Sharif’s life was at risk because of his reporting. Last month, UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan stated that Israel’s accusations against him were unfounded.

    Al Jazeera shared that Al Sharif posted a social media message before his death stating, “[…] I have always sought to tell the truth without distortion, hoping to stand before God as witnesses to those who remain silent.”

    In October, the Israeli military named Al Sharif as one of six Gaza journalists allegedly linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, presenting documents allegedly showing training and salary records.

    “Al Jazeera firmly rejects Israel’s portrayal of our journalists as terrorists and condemns the fabricated evidence,” the network stated at that time.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists, which called for international protection of Al Sharif in July, criticized Israel for lacking evidence to support its accusations.

    Commenting on the situation, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa director Sara Qudah said, “Israel’s habit of labeling journalists as militants without credible proof raises serious concerns about its respect for press freedom and intent.”

    Al Sharif’s X (formerly Twitter) account, boasting over 500,000 followers, was active just minutes before he was killed, where he reported that Gaza City had endured continuous Israeli bombardment for over two hours.

    Hamas suggested that his death could foreshadow a broader Israeli offensive. “Targeting and intimidating journalists paves the way for further crimes by the occupation in Gaza,” the group stated.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for a new offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas strongholds amid an escalating hunger crisis after nearly two years of conflict.

    Al Jazeera asserted that Al Sharif and his colleagues were among Gaza’s last voices conveying the harsh realities of the conflict to the outside world.

    Gaza’s government media reported 237 journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists estimates at least 186 members of the press have died in the ongoing conflict.

  • Europe and Ukraine urge U.S. for tougher stance before Trump-Putin talks

    Europe and Ukraine urge U.S. for tougher stance before Trump-Putin talks

    Ukrainian servicemen from the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade deploy a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian forces amid the ongoing conflict. This exchange occurs near Pokrovsk, a frontline town in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on June 8, 2025. — Reuters

    Kyiv and London are calling on the United States to adopt a more assertive stance ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding efforts to end the war. There is concern that the upcoming talks could shift the advantage to Moscow.

    European leaders revealed their own proposals for peace in Ukraine to U.S. officials on Saturday. Trump announced on Friday that he would meet with Putin in Alaska on August 15, suggesting that the involved parties, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are close to an agreement that might resolve over three years of conflict.

    While specific details of this potential agreement remain undisclosed, Trump indicated it would involve “some swapping of territories for mutual benefit.” Such concessions could see Ukraine surrender substantial parts of its territory — a move Kyiv and its European allies strongly oppose, asserting it would only encourage further Russian aggression.

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance held discussions with Ukrainian and European representatives at Chevening House, a country estate southeast of London, to examine Trump’s peace initiatives. An European diplomatic source confirmed that a counterproposal was presented during the meeting, though no further details were disclosed.

    According to the Wall Street Journal, European negotiators recommended that a ceasefire be established before any further steps and emphasized that territorial exchanges need to be mutual and accompanied by strong security guarantees. “You can’t begin negotiations by ceding territory during active fighting,” a European official said.

    A U.S. government representative reported that extended discussions at Chevening yielded “significant progress” toward Trump’s goal of ending the Ukraine war, ahead of his upcoming meeting with Putin. The White House did not immediately reply to inquiries about whether European allies had submitted their counterproposals.

    Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke and committed to pursuing a “just and enduring peace” in Ukraine. A Downing Street spokesperson stated that they discussed recent developments, reaffirmed their unwavering support for Zelenskyy, and emphasized their intent to collaborate closely with both Kyiv and Washington in the days ahead.

    It remains unclear whether any agreements emerged from the Chevening discussions, but Zelenskyy described the meeting as productive. “All our concerns were listened to,” he said during his evening address to Ukrainians. “The path to peace must be determined together — and only together with Ukraine, that’s a vital principle.”

    Earlier, Zelenskyy rejected any territorial concessions, asserting, “Ukrainians will not give up their land to the occupiers.” Macron also stressed Ukraine’s role in negotiations, emphasizing, “Ukraine’s future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians — they have fought relentlessly for over three years for their independence and security.” He added that Europe’s own security interests underscore the importance of involving Kyiv.

    Since Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow on Wednesday—an effort Trump described as making “great progress”—Zelenskyy has engaged in multiple calls with Ukraine’s allies. He underscored the need for “clear steps and maximum coordination” among partners.

    Both Kyiv and the European Union are pushing back against proposals they see as too accommodating to Putin, whom they accuse of aggressive expansion. Moscow’s claims include four Ukrainian regions—Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—as well as Crimea, forcibly annexed in 2014. However, Russian forces do not fully control all territory in these regions, and Russia has demanded Ukrainian withdrawal from its remaining holdings there.

    Ukraine maintains a small presence in Russia’s Kursk region, a year after earlier incursions while Russia claims to have expelled Ukrainian forces from there in April. Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, describes this peace effort as “the first somewhat realistic attempt to halt the war,” but expresses skepticism about the implementation of any agreements and warns that they could be detrimental to Ukraine.

    Heavy fighting continues along a front stretching more than 1,000 km across eastern and southern Ukraine, with Russian troops gradually advancing in the east. Despite Moscow’s summer offensive, Ukrainian analysts report that gains have been limited so far, and Ukrainian fighters remain resolute.

    Olesia Petritska, 51, told Reuters in Kyiv’s central square, decorated with hundreds of small Ukrainian flags honoring fallen soldiers, “No soldier will accept giving up territory or pulling back from Ukrainian land.”

  • Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Arms Used in India-Pakistan Clash

    Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Arms Used in India-Pakistan Clash

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a handshake as they deliver joint statements during the signing of cooperation agreements in Jerusalem on July 5, 2017. — Reuters

    – The operation known as Sindoor involved the deployment of Barak-8 missile systems and HARPY drones.
    – Israel describes India’s recent strikes as “an act of self-defense.”
    – Despite the ongoing Gaza conflict, Tel Aviv continues to supply arms to India.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that weapons provided by Israel were utilized by India during “Operation Sindoor,” a cross-border military campaign where New Delhi targeted Pakistani positions under the guise of combating terrorists.

    This four-day clash, which began after India—without providing concrete evidence—accused Pakistan of a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, involved artillery duels, drone assaults, and airstrikes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

    In retaliation, Pakistan launched a large-scale military response called “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting multiple Indian military sites across several regions. The conflict resulted in Pakistan shooting down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and numerous drones. After roughly 87 hours of fighting, a ceasefire brokered by the United States ended hostilities on May 10.

    On X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu stated he met with the Indian ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, to discuss strengthening security and economic ties, before addressing senior Indian journalists.

    Indian media outlets have reported that Netanyahu acknowledged Israeli-supplied systems—such as Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles and HARPY drones—played a critical role in India’s operations.

    “The equipment we provided has proven effective in combat… we develop our weapons in the field, and they are battle-tested,” Netanyahu said. He also mentioned plans to escalate Israel’s military efforts in Gaza.

    ### Weapons Deployed Against Pakistan

    According to Indian sources, India used the jointly developed Barak-8 missile system along with Israeli HARPY drones to counter Pakistani missile attacks during the May conflict. Additional weaponry included Russia’s S-400 missile defense system and various domestically produced arms.

    The HARPY drone specializes in suppressing enemy air defenses by autonomously detecting and destroying radar systems with high-explosive payloads. The Barak-8 provides 360-degree coverage and can intercept multiple aerial threats within a 100-kilometer radius.

    ### Israel’s Support for India

    Israel’s backing for India’s military actions was explicit. Kobbi Shoshani, Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai, called Operation Sindoor “an act of self-defense” and expressed pride over the operation.

    Israel remains one of India’s top arms suppliers, with exports exceeding $2.9 billion over the past decade—including radars, drones, and missile systems. Even amid the Gaza conflict, Israel has continued delivering weapons to India uninterrupted.

    India’s other major arms suppliers are Russia ($21.8 billion), France ($5.2 billion), and the United States ($4.5 billion).

  • US Pushes for Final Year-End Hezbollah Disarmament

    US Pushes for Final Year-End Hezbollah Disarmament

    Lebanon’s government has received a proposal from the United States aimed at completely disarming Hezbollah by the end of this year. The initiative seeks to reduce regional tensions and promote stability, according to a Lebanese cabinet agenda reviewed by Reuters. The plan was presented by Tom Barrack, President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, and was discussed during a cabinet meeting on Thursday. It offers the most comprehensive steps yet toward dismantling the Iran-backed group, which has refused to disarm despite increasing international calls following last year’s conflict with Israel.

    Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos stated after the meeting that the cabinet approved only the general goals of Barrack’s proposal, not the full details. He explained that the discussion was limited to the plan’s objectives rather than its specifics.

    The US plan’s goals include phased disarmament of all non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, redeployment of Lebanese security forces to strategic border and interior zones, withdrawal of Israeli forces from five specific positions, negotiation of prisoner exchange issues through indirect talks, and permanent demarcation of Lebanon’s borders with Israel and Syria.

    A State Department spokesperson welcomed Lebanon’s decision to assign the Lebanese Armed Forces the authority to unify control of weapons in the country’s hands. Israel declined to comment publicly, and the defense ministry did not respond immediately.

    Hezbollah has yet to issue an official statement on the proposal. However, three political sources told Reuters that ministers affiliated with the group and their Shi’ite Muslim allies left the cabinet meeting in protest over discussions related to the plan.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state TV on Wednesday that efforts to disarm Hezbollah are not new, emphasizing that the final decision ultimately rests with Hezbollah itself. “We support them, but we do not interfere in their decisions,” he noted.

    Last year, Israel launched a significant offensive against Hezbollah, which had supported Palestinian militant groups like Hamas. The hostilities escalated in October 2023 when Hezbollah initiated fire at Israeli positions at the border, coinciding with Hamas’s conflicts in Gaza.

    The US plan also aims to stabilize a ceasefire agreement brokered in November between Lebanon and Israel. It underscores the urgency due to rising reports of Israeli violations, including airstrikes and cross-border operations, which threaten to undermine the fragile truce.

    The phased approach involves several key milestones: within 15 days, Lebanon’s government should issue a decree committing to Hezbollah’s disarmament by December 31, 2025, while Israel halts military operations. Over the next 60 days, Lebanon is expected to start implementing disarmament plans and deploy Lebanese forces in targeted areas. During this period, Israel would withdraw from certain positions in southern Lebanon, and prisoner exchanges would take place under Red Cross supervision.

    Within 90 days, Israel would withdraw from its remaining positions, and international funding would support cleanup efforts and infrastructure rebuild in Lebanon. By 120 days, Hezbollah’s heavy weaponry, including missiles and drones, should be dismantled.

    Following these steps, the US, along with regional allies like Saudi Arabia, France, and Qatar, plans to hold an economic conference to bolster Lebanon’s economy and aid reconstruction, aiming to realize Trump’s vision of restoring Lebanon as a prosperous, viable nation.

  • Gaza Conflict Widening Israel’s Divisions

    Gaza Conflict Widening Israel’s Divisions

    A protestor displays her hands painted red to symbolize blood during an anti-government demonstration outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on August 2, 2025. — AFP

    As Israel’s conflict in Gaza stretches into its 22nd month, it has pitted families against each other and widened existing political and cultural rifts. Families of hostages and peace advocates are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration to pursue a ceasefire with Hamas and secure the release of remaining captives abducted during October 2023 Hamas attacks.

    Conversely, right-wing factions within Netanyahu’s cabinet are pushing to capitalize on the situation to annex more Palestinian territories, risking further international backlash. This debate has split the nation and strained personal relationships, weakening national unity when Israel faces its longest ongoing war.

    “As the conflict persists, our divisions deepen,” said Emanuel Yitzchak Levi, a 29-year-old poet, educator, and peace supporter from Israel’s religious left, speaking during a peace gathering in Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Square. “It’s really difficult to maintain friendships or family ties when you see someone supporting actions you believe are crimes against humanity,” he told AFP. “And I imagine it’s just as hard for them to support me if they think I’ve betrayed my country.”

    To emphasize this divide, a tall, dark-haired cyclist angrily stopped to shout “traitors” at the protesters and accused some activists of playing into Hamas’s hands.

    Dvir Berko, a 36-year-old employee at a local tech startup, paused his scooter ride through downtown Tel Aviv to give a more measured critique of the call for a ceasefire. Berko and others have criticized international organizations for overstating the threat of starvation in Gaza, arguing that Israel should withhold aid until the remaining 49 hostages are released.

    “Palestinians are under Hamas’s control. Hamas controls their food. They instigated this war, and in any conflict, casualties are inevitable. No one’s sending flowers to the other side,” Berko explained to AFP. “Those who start wars need to understand what’s coming after.”

    Voices in Tel Aviv mirror a growing polarization within Israeli society since Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which resulted in 1,219 deaths, according to independent journalist Meron Rapoport. Rapoport, a former senior editor at the liberal daily Haaretz, noted that political divisions already existed before the latest conflict, with protests against Netanyahu and threats to judicial independence.

    Initially, the attack sparked a wave of national solidarity, but as the war has dragged on and Israel’s military actions faced global criticism, opinions on both the right and left have become more entrenched and divergent.

    “The moment Hamas launched its attack, there was a sense of unity; most viewed it as a justifiable war,” Rapoport said. “But as the war continues, many have come to see that the core motivations are more political than military.”

    A recent survey by the Institute for National Security Studies, between July 24 and 28, reflected this sentiment. It found that Israelis somewhat blame Hamas for delaying a deal to free hostages, with only 24% of Jewish respondents feeling distressed or very distressed about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, where reports describe a famine and civilians often killed while trying to access food.

    Support remains strong for the families of Israeli captives—many of whom accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political gain. Mika Almog, a 50-year-old author and peace campaigner with the It’s Time Coalition, said, “In Israel, military service is mandatory. Our children are being sent to die in a bogus, criminal war that seems driven only by politics.”

    Recently, 550 former diplomats, military officials, and intelligence leaders jointly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to tell Netanyahu that Israel has achieved its military objectives and now needs to focus on negotiating hostage releases. Former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon warned that the conflict, which initially appeared justified, risks compromising Israel’s security and identity once the military phase is over.

    Veteran peace advocate Avi Ofer, a 70-year-old biblical archaeologist and kibbutz resident, also expressed deep distress, wearing a yellow ribbon inscribed with the number of days the war has lasted—”667.” As he told AFP, “These are the worst times of my life.” Although acknowledging Hamas’s wartime atrocities, he emphasized that initial military efforts were justified and not genocidal.

    Many Israelis, aware of international legal challenges such as possible accusations of genocide at The Hague, are worried about their country’s global reputation and the implications for their children serving in the military.

    — AFP

  • Gaza Aid Misses the Mark, Leaving the Needy in Hunger

    Gaza Aid Misses the Mark, Leaving the Needy in Hunger

    The limited amount of food aid entering Gaza following nearly 22 months of conflict is often seized by armed groups, looted by gangs, diverted amid chaos, or never reaches the most vulnerable, according to UN agencies, aid organizations, and analysts.

    While images of severely malnourished children drew international condemnation, aid has resumed, though it remains critically insufficient according to global relief agencies.

    Daily, AFP reporters observe frantic crowds rushing toward food convoys and aid drops conducted by Arab and European air forces. In Al-Zawayda, central Gaza, on Thursday, starving Palestinians scrambled to grab parachuted pallets, jostling and tearing at packages amidst dusty clouds.

    “Hunger has driven people to turn on each other. They’re fighting with knives,” said Amir Zaqot, who was seeking aid.

    To prevent chaos, World Food Programme (WFP) drivers are instructed to halt before reaching aid sites and let people help themselves—yet these efforts often fall short.

    “A truck wheel nearly struck my head, and I was hurt while grabbing a bag,” said a man in the northern Gaza Strip, carrying a bag of flour on his head.

    In southern Gaza near Rafah, Mohammad Abu Taha described arriving at dawn with thousands of others waiting for basic supplies like flour, rice, and lentils. Suddenly, gunfire erupted, causing panic, with people rushing and fighting, resulting in bloodshed and casualties.

    Since May 27, around 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed while waiting for aid, mostly by Israeli forces, UN reports. Israel denies targeting civilians, claiming gunfire is only warnings when people approach military positions.

    Restrictions imposed by Israel on aid delivery—such as denying border permits, slow customs clearance, limited access points, and dangerous routes—have long been condemned by international organizations.

    In Zikim, the Israeli military altered loading plans for WFP shipments, forcing convoys to depart prematurely without proper security, according to a senior UN official who requested anonymity.

    In Gaza’s southern Kerem Shalom crossing, an NGO official explained that aid reaches warehouses via two routes: one relatively safe, the other plagued by frequent clashes and looting, which is often the only option.

    Gangs loot some aid, attacking warehouses and diverting supplies to traders who resell them at inflated prices. Muhammad Shehada of the European Council on Foreign Relations described this as a “Darwinian social experiment,” where the most desperate chase trucks, wait in the sun for hours, and compete fiercely for limited supplies.

    Doctors Without Borders (MSF) emergency coordinator Jean Guy Vataux added that in Gaza’s capitalist system, corrupt gangs send children and vulnerable populations to take risks at distribution points or during looting, turning these acts into lucrative professions. The resold food often fetches prices exceeding $400 for a 25kg bag of flour in Gaza markets.

    Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of stealing aid meant for civilians, a claim used to justify the total blockade imposed between March and May, and the creation of a private aid organization called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF, backed by Israel and the U.S., now controls most aid distribution, but with only four sites, which the UN calls “death traps.”

    Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office alleged that Hamas has stolen aid multiple times by shooting at Palestinians. Yet, senior Israeli military officials told the New York Times in July that they have found no proof of systematic aid theft by Hamas from the UN.

    Hamas, weakened and led by decentralized cells following the targeted killing of its senior figures, faces significant internal and external pressures. Aid workers report that during a ceasefire period before the current blockade, local police—including Hamas members—helped secure supplies, but current lawlessness has increased looting and insecurity.

    Oxfam’s policy lead Bushra Khalidi emphasizes that Israeli authorities have been repeatedly urged to facilitate the safe passage and protection of aid convoys and warehouses, but these requests have largely been ignored.

    Furthermore, Israel is accused of enabling criminal networks within Gaza, allowing them to loot aid and operate with impunity. Israeli and Palestinian media reports mention a group called the Popular Forces, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, engaging in illicit activities in southern Gaza under Israeli control. Statements from Israeli officials acknowledge backing anti-Hamas factions, though without clear attribution.

    Experts like Michael Milshtein from Tel Aviv University note that many gang members are involved in drug trafficking and other crimes, with some operations likely coordinated or tolerated by Israeli forces. Humanitarian workers in Gaza caution that much of the illicit activity sustains itself with implicit Israeli complicity.