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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted the Handala, an aid ship aiming to break the blockade of Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The coalition reported that IDF soldiers physically assaulted American labor activist Chris Smalls, a co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, onboard the ship. The Handala carried essential supplies like food and medicine while attempting to deliver aid to a region facing a severe famine. The Israeli foreign ministry stated that Smalls resisted violently and that his claim of assault was a planned provocation.
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Portugal is considering recognizing the State of Palestine at the United Nations, with a decision potentially being made during the UN General Assembly in September. This follows “multiple contacts” with international partners and is prompted by the escalating humanitarian crisis and concerns of annexation of Palestinian territories. The Portuguese government’s decision aligns with similar considerations from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, all of which have expressed intentions to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state amidst growing international concern. The move also comes as a result of a “worst-case famine scenario” being reported in Gaza.
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Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempts to block the sale of American arms to Israel failed in the Senate, with all Republicans and some Democrats voting against the resolutions. Despite the failure, a majority of Senate Democrats supported the resolutions, which aimed to halt the sale of bombs, guidance kits, and assault rifles. The votes garnered significantly more Democratic support than previous efforts, highlighting a shift in sentiment regarding U.S. military aid to Israel. Supporters of the resolutions emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing public disapproval of Israel’s actions.
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Sweden has joined the growing European Union pressure on Israel, advocating for action due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following the European Commission’s proposal to suspend parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which was ultimately blocked, the Netherlands previously called for the suspension of the agreement’s trade chapter. A Dutch Foreign Minister spokesperson welcomed Sweden’s support, emphasizing the need for increased pressure on Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid. The EU-Israel Association Agreement, established in 2000, governs EU-Israel relations, including preferential trade, with trade measures subject to a qualified majority vote among member states.
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The ABC has requested Israel to allow international journalists independent access to Gaza, citing the importance of on-the-ground reporting. Since the October 7th attack, access has been blocked, preventing independent reporting, despite the ABC’s prior presence. This comes as numerous news organizations express deep concern for journalists in Gaza, facing starvation and dire living conditions while trying to report on the conflict. Several news outlets, including the BBC and AFP, have also issued urgent calls for Israel to permit journalists’ safe passage out of Gaza and facilitate the entry of international reporters.
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John Q. Hosedrinker