Hamas says it won’t disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established. The core of the issue is this: Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, insists it will not lay down its weapons unless a fully independent Palestinian state is created. This stance sets up a fundamental conflict with the prevailing view held by many countries and by Israel itself. It essentially means the path to peace, and a two-state solution, is blocked.
The situation presents a clear Catch-22. Many, including Israel, believe that disarmament is a prerequisite for establishing a Palestinian state. Yet, Hamas insists on the opposite. The very fact that Hamas has stated this position should give us cause for pause, it is a fundamental obstruction to the peace process.… Continue reading
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, contingent upon the West Bank’s governing body agreeing to certain conditions. These conditions include holding an election in 2026 and committing to other democratic reforms, while also ensuring Hamas has no role in the election. This decision was influenced by the possibility of a two-state solution being “eroded before our eyes” and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The move follows similar commitments from other allied countries and has been met with mixed reactions, with Israel rejecting the plans and some Canadian political parties denouncing the decision.
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Canada announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, following similar announcements from other nations like the United Kingdom and France. This decision, spurred by global pressure and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, hinges on the Palestinian Authority holding elections in 2026 without Hamas participation and the demilitarization of the Palestinian state. Although largely symbolic, this move adds to the growing international pressure on Israel to seek a two-state solution. Israel has responded by rejecting these recognitions, citing security concerns and the role of Hamas, while maintaining its stance against the current state of affairs.
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Newly released footage from July 25, 2025, reveals armed Hamas terrorists violently looting humanitarian aid shipments intended for Gaza’s civilian population. This video directly contradicts weeks of accusations from Hamas, which blamed security forces for hijacking aid deliveries. The footage shows Hamas fighters seizing supplies by force, preventing them from reaching those in need. Israel’s Prime Minister’s office has announced continued efforts to facilitate aid, including daily pauses in operations and designated safety corridors for convoys, while significant aid is already being permitted into Gaza.
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A significant declaration, spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, was signed by several Arab and Muslim countries, along with the EU, condemning Hamas’s October 7 attacks and calling for the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. This “New York Declaration” outlines a phased plan for a two-state solution, culminating in an independent, demilitarized Palestine alongside Israel, with potential regional integration. While the declaration condemns attacks by both sides, it is opposed by the current Israeli government, and the United States, who view the meeting as unproductive. The declaration also calls for the deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza after the end of hostilities, and encourages countries to recognize the state of Palestine.
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The UN conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, saw 17 countries, the EU, and the Arab League endorse a text urging Hamas to disarm and cede control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. This unprecedented declaration, also condemning the October 7th attacks, aims to facilitate a two-state solution, with some nations expressing willingness to recognize a Palestinian state. Notably, the text also considers potential deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza post-conflict. The conference also saw calls for a ceasefire, aid and actions by Israel in order to proceed with a recognition of a Palestinian state, and the two-state solution’s viability is threatened by the ongoing war and Israeli actions.
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Recent reports indicate escalating international efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Luxembourg hinted at recognizing a Palestinian state, potentially following France’s lead. France has also urged the EU to pressure Israel toward a two-state solution and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where airdrops of aid have begun amidst widespread famine-like conditions. The US, however, rejected a UN conference on the two-state solution, labeling it a “publicity stunt.” Furthermore, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israeli strikes resulting in numerous casualties.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed reservations about recognizing a Palestinian state before its establishment, believing it could be counterproductive. France’s potential recognition, drawing criticism from Israel and the U.S., highlights differing views on the timing of such a move. Other nations, like the UK and Germany, have also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of a broader plan for a two-state solution. Currently, 142 countries recognize or plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, with more announcements made since the onset of the Gaza war.
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No Proof Hamas Routinely Stole U.N. Aid, Israeli Military Officials Say
The core revelation here is that Israeli military officials are saying there’s no evidence Hamas routinely stole aid from the United Nations. This is a significant statement, particularly given the context of restricted aid access to Gaza. These officials, speaking anonymously to the New York Times, claim that the UN aid operation was relatively secure, less vulnerable to Hamas interference compared to other aid groups operating in the region. The implication? The UN’s direct management of its supply chain and distribution within Gaza made it more difficult for Hamas to pilfer aid.… Continue reading
Finish the job: Trump says Israel must “get rid” of Hamas, and it’s a statement that immediately raises a lot of questions, doesn’t it? The idea of removing Hamas isn’t really a point of contention. Most people would agree that Hamas is an obstacle to peace and a threat to Israeli security. Where things get messy is in the *how*. How do you “get rid” of something like Hamas, and what are the consequences of that approach?
Finish the job: The comments seem to suggest a few underlying concerns. One is about the potential for this statement to be a distraction.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker