A 20-year-old Palestinian-American was reportedly killed by Israeli settlers while visiting his family’s farm in the occupied West Bank, with the family stating that settlers prevented ambulances from reaching him for hours. Another Palestinian man was also fatally shot during the attack. The attacks occurred amidst a surge in Israeli settler violence, which has led to the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. The Israeli military stated it was aware of reports and looking into the incident, while the family has demanded an investigation by the US State Department. This incident, along with others, highlights the ongoing tensions and violence in the region, particularly in areas where settlers are actively expanding their presence and influence.
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On Friday, the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Health reported the death of dual U.S.-Palestinian citizen Sayfollah Musallat at the hands of Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The 23-year-old was severely beaten and reportedly left unattended for hours by the Israeli army before succumbing to his injuries. This incident, which occurred amid heightened violence against Palestinians, led to strong condemnation from civil rights groups and highlights a pattern of unpunished killings of American citizens by Israeli forces. Musallat’s death is at least the seventh American killed in the region since October 7, 2023, raising questions about accountability and the U.S. government’s response.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her intentions to block additional military aid to Israel. Speaking on the “War Room” podcast, Greene emphasized that Israel, already a nuclear-armed nation, receives substantial annual aid from the United States and does not require further funding. She stated that the proposed $500 million in additional aid should instead be allocated for the defense of the American people. This stance aligns with Greene’s consistent opposition to foreign intervention, previously seen in her criticism of aid packages to Ukraine and Israel.
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Since the end of the conflict with Israel, over half a million Afghans have been expelled from Iran in a significant population displacement, representing one of the largest forced movements this decade. These deportations, part of a program initiated in March, have accelerated due to unsubstantiated claims of Afghan involvement in spying for Israel. Returnees face harsh conditions at the Afghanistan border, including scorching temperatures, with reports of detention, extortion, and abuse during the process. The international community has widely condemned these actions, citing discrimination and violence against Afghans.
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An Israeli strike in Deir Al Balah, Gaza, resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including women and children, who were gathered outside a health center. The Israeli military stated it was targeting a Hamas militant involved in the October 7 attacks, while also acknowledging reports of injuries and stating the incident is under review. Medical staff and aid organizations, including Project HOPE, reported the clinic’s location had been shared with the Israeli military. Despite a partial lifting of the blockade, access to aid and medicine remains limited, with health officials reporting widespread suffering in Gaza.
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Israel has confirmed launching strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting three ports and a power plant, including the Galaxy Leader ship previously hijacked by the rebels. Following the attacks, which were part of “Operation Black Flag,” two missiles were launched from Yemen into Israel, prompting sirens in several areas. The Houthis responded by claiming their air defenses engaged with Israeli strikes using surface-to-air missiles. Israel stated these strikes were in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis and that the targeted ports were being used to transfer weapons from Iran to carry out terror plans.
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Ward Sakeik, a stateless Palestinian woman, was recently released from ICE detention after being detained in February. Sakeik recounted facing mistreatment during her detention, detailing harsh conditions and alleging criminalization for her stateless status. DHS officials, however, dismissed her account as a “sob story” and stated that she was not complying with immigration policies. Sakeik’s attorney has since pushed back against these claims, advocating for the rights of other detained individuals and highlighting the inhumane treatment they face.
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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it killed a Hamas commander, Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, in a strike on a Gaza City cafe, also killing other Hamas members. The IDF stated Saleh was involved in planning maritime attacks and claimed to have taken steps to minimize civilian casualties. However, the attack on the al-Baqa cafe resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians, including women, children, and artists, according to reports, raising questions about proportionality. The IDF is reviewing the “incident” while indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continue.
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In a surprising development, five sheikhs from Hebron have expressed their desire to separate from the Palestinian Authority. They are seeking to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel as a Jewish state, according to The Wall Street Journal. The sheikhs have engaged in over a dozen meetings with Economy Minister Nir Barkat since February. They have also requested that he present their letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Following the ban of Palestine Action, 29 protesters were arrested in Parliament Square on suspicion of terror offenses under the Terrorism Act 2000. The ban, which came into effect after a legal challenge failed, makes supporting the group a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and even wearing related merchandise could result in a six-month sentence. The proscription of the group, which was approved by MPs and the House of Lords, occurred after the Home Secretary made the announcement. The protest was met with police action and cries of opposition from demonstrators.
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John Q. Hosedrinker