Emily Damari spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, detailing her experience being held in UNRWA facilities after being shot twice on October 7th. Despite her injuries, she was denied access to necessary medical care. This conversation highlighted concerns about the provision of adequate medical treatment within UN facilities. The incident underscores potential failures in the protection of civilians within UNRWA’s operational areas.
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Israel’s delay in releasing prisoners, following the chaotic handover of hostages, has raised serious questions about the fragility of the ceasefire. The initial agreement, seemingly brokered with assurances of a smooth process, quickly unravelled amidst scenes that many observers described as deeply unsettling. The release, instead of being a dignified event, became a highly orchestrated spectacle, playing out against the backdrop of a large crowd gathering outside Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s home. This location itself raises eyebrows, highlighting the apparent lack of genuine commitment to a peaceful resolution.
The theatrics surrounding the release, far from being an oversight, seem deliberately designed to emphasize Hamas’s narrative of victory.… Continue reading
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently revealed that Muhammad Abu Aseed, the Hamas terrorist filmed dragging Naama Levy into captivity on October 7th, 2023, was killed in a drone strike approximately four months ago.
This revelation, kept secret until the release of all seven female Israeli soldiers held hostage by Hamas, underscores the significant efforts undertaken by the IDF following the devastating October 7th attacks. The video of the abduction, showing Abu Aseed dragging the injured Levy by her hair, became a chilling symbol of the brutality inflicted that day. The targeted elimination of Abu Aseed represents a measure of justice and retribution for this horrific act.… Continue reading
A planned prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas saw a significant complication when a senior Fatah official, initially slated for release, refused repatriation to Gaza, opting to remain imprisoned in Israel. This led to his replacement with another prisoner. The exchange ultimately involved the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners, half serving life sentences for terrorism, in return for four Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas for 477 days. Released prisoners were transferred to various locations including Ramallah, Gaza, and Egypt.
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Hamas’s failure to provide Israel with a list detailing the status of its hostages by the agreed-upon Saturday deadline constitutes a breach of the ceasefire agreement. This follows Hamas’s prior violation of releasing female soldiers before civilian hostages, as stipulated. The delayed list was expected to clarify the number of hostages alive and dead. Consequently, Israel is withholding the planned crossing of Gazans into northern Gaza until the release of civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud, whose release was also part of the Saturday agreement. The release of four female observers instead further highlights Hamas’s noncompliance.
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Video appears to show Hamas shooting several alleged ‘collaborators’ in Gaza. This is horrific, yet sadly unsurprising given Hamas’s long history of violence against its own people and neighbors. The video depicts extrajudicial killings, a stark violation of basic human rights. The lack of due process and the summary nature of these executions underscore the group’s disregard for the rule of law.
The sheer brutality displayed in the video highlights a pattern of behavior. This isn’t an isolated incident; Hamas has reportedly been carrying out such actions for months, often without uniforms, but now, coincidentally, seem to be uniformly dressed for these actions.… Continue reading
Hussein Fayyad, a senior Hamas commander declared killed in May 2024, recently appeared in a video, challenging Israel’s claims of eliminating Hamas leadership. His reappearance underscores Hamas’s enduring operational capabilities and resilience in Gaza despite significant losses and a January 2025 ceasefire. This challenges Israel’s stated goal of eradicating Hamas and raises questions about the effectiveness of the IDF’s recent military campaign. Experts note Fayyad’s continued influence highlights Hamas’s continued control of Gaza in the absence of any alternative governing body.
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Israel has launched a significant military operation in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians. This operation, described by some as a collaboration with the Palestinian Authority (PA), is targeting Hamas militants operating within the West Bank. The action comes amidst ongoing tensions and a complex political landscape in the region.
The operation’s scale and intensity are raising concerns, particularly given the high number of Palestinian casualties. While official reports focus on the targeting of Hamas operatives, the circumstances surrounding the deaths are still being investigated and different accounts are emerging. There are accusations that some of the deaths are that of civilians, adding to the complexity of the situation and fueling debate over the legitimacy of the operation’s methods.… Continue reading
Following a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, three Israeli women held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023, were returned to Israel. The emotional reunion at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv was met with jubilant celebrations in Hostages Square, where Israelis had gathered daily to show solidarity. In exchange for the hostages, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners. This first phase of the deal involves the gradual release of 33 hostages over six weeks, with the future phases contingent upon ongoing negotiations.
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Hamas freed hostages, and Israel released Palestinian prisoners on the first day of the ceasefire, marking a significant, albeit fragile, step towards ending the conflict. The release of the Israeli hostages was met with a mix of relief and apprehension. While the return of these individuals is undeniably a positive development, the circumstances surrounding their captivity, and the reported contents of the “gift bags” they received upon release, highlight the brutality of Hamas’ actions.
The exchange involved 33 Israeli hostages being freed in return for the release of 2000 Palestinian prisoners. This disproportionate ratio raises questions about the relative value placed on each side’s citizens.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood