Elias Rodriguez has been indicted on federal hate crimes charges, including a hate crime resulting in death, for the shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum in Washington. The indictment includes special findings that could allow the Justice Department to pursue the death penalty. Rodriguez was allegedly heard shouting “Free Palestine” and stated he acted in solidarity with Gaza after the shooting, which prosecutors describe as a calculated and planned act. He had previously been charged with murder of foreign officials, and the hate crime charges were added after the case was brought to a grand jury.
Read More
Rouzbeh Vadi, an Iranian nuclear scientist, was executed on August 5, 2025, after being convicted of spying for Israel. He was accused of providing classified information about a slain Iranian nuclear scientist to Mossad after being recruited online and undergoing training, then being paid monthly via cryptocurrency. His activities included multiple meetings in Vienna with Mossad officers, where he underwent psychological evaluations and was tasked with providing weekly updates. Following his arrest in Tehran, Vadi was convicted of “espionage” and “intelligence cooperation” and sentenced to death, a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court.
Read More
Despite criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Lithuania was deemed necessary by the Lithuanian president’s chief advisor. The meeting between Herzog and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda focused on defense cooperation and economic ties. While acknowledging the ongoing conflict and the right of Israel to defend itself, Lithuania emphasized the importance of respecting international law and allowing humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Furthermore, Lithuania views Israel as a key economic and military partner, highlighting its investments in research and innovation as beneficial.
Read More
Hamas has stated it will not disarm without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This declaration comes amid stalled negotiations and the release of a video showing a severely emaciated Israeli hostage, highlighting the dire conditions of the hostages and Gazans. The hostage videos and dire conditions in Gaza have caused global outcry regarding Israel’s restrictions on aid, as seven Palestinians died of malnutrition-related causes in the last 24 hours. Despite international pressure, including calls from Germany and France for increased aid, the conflict continues, with both sides blaming the other for the humanitarian crisis.
Read More
According to a senior Hamas official, Ghazi Hamad, the October 7th attacks have successfully revitalized the push for Palestinian statehood on a global scale. During an interview with Al Jazeera, Hamad stated that without Hamas’s use of weapons, the world would not be focused on their cause. This statement implies that the militant group believes its actions have brought international attention to the Palestinian issue.
Read More
Thousands of protestors demonstrated in Sydney, marching across the Harbour Bridge in rainy conditions to show support for Palestine, resulting in the bridge’s closure for several hours. NSW Police issued warnings to the marchers, citing public safety concerns. Demonstrations also occurred in Melbourne and Adelaide, as protestors voiced their opposition to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Sydney Harbour Bridge reopened to traffic in the late afternoon.
Read More
The article explores the growing divide between the Democratic establishment and its voters regarding US support for Israel, highlighting a significant shift in public opinion, particularly among Democrats, towards greater sympathy for Palestinians. This change contrasts with the Democratic party’s slow response, attributed to the influence of the Israel lobby, particularly groups like AIPAC, which actively works to maintain unwavering US support for Israel. Furthermore, the article acknowledges how groups like the Anti-Defamation League conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Ultimately, the piece posits that despite the changing political landscape, many establishment Democrats are hesitant to fully embrace the evolving views of their voters.
Read More
Hamas has stated it will not disarm until a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established, rejecting a key Israeli demand for a ceasefire. This response follows reports attributed to US envoy Steve Witkoff suggesting Hamas was willing to lay down its weapons. The group’s statement comes amid stalled negotiations and pressure from Arab governments urging disarmament, especially after Western countries announced plans to recognize Palestine. Amidst these ongoing conflicts, the United Nations reports that at least 1,373 Palestinians have died seeking food since May, primarily near aid distribution sites.
Read More
The family of Khamis Ayyad, a 40-year-old U.S. citizen killed in the West Bank, is demanding the Trump administration launch an investigation into his death, describing it as a murder. Ayyad, a former Chicago resident, is the second American citizen to be killed in the West Bank this month, with no arrests made in the previous case. Relatives believe Ayyad died from inhaling tear gas and smoke after settlers set fire to cars outside his home, amidst escalating settler attacks and Israeli military actions. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) highlights this as part of a pattern of violence, emphasizing the need for U.S. action to protect its citizens. Despite previous calls for investigations, including one in a previous case of a slain U.S. citizen, Washington has resisted probes into Israeli actions.
Read More
President Macron generated immediate controversy by advocating for the release of “all hostages,” comparing Israeli hostages held in Gaza to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Addressing a crowd, Macron emphasized the need to prioritize the release of hostages and a ceasefire, and confirmed this included both Israeli and Palestinian individuals. His response, which was met with applause, has been criticized by some as a distortion of the situation.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker