President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an investigation into the unexpected arrival of 153 Palestinians from Gaza who arrived on a chartered plane at OR Tambo International Airport. Initially denied entry due to lacking proper departure stamps, they were eventually allowed in following intervention from a local charity and government compassion. The circumstances surrounding their travel, including their departure from Gaza, remain unclear, with the Palestinian embassy claiming an unregistered organization deceived families and facilitated irregular travel. Authorities have confirmed that, while possessing valid passports, the travelers did not apply for asylum. South Africa, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, has been highly critical of Israel’s military operation in Gaza and will be carrying out an evaluation of this matter.
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The Israeli parliament has approved the first reading of a bill proposing the death penalty for individuals deemed terrorists, which is likely to primarily impact Palestinians convicted of attacks on Israelis. This bill, spearheaded by the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has garnered condemnation from the Palestinian Authority and human rights groups. Another controversial bill allowing the Israeli government to close foreign media outlets without court approval also passed its first reading. This proposed legislation follows a period in which the state of Israel exchanged Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages, thus removing any leverage Hamas may have in the future.
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Democrats in Congress are breaking with Israel like never before. It’s a striking shift, and it’s being met with a mixture of hope, skepticism, and outright fury. The sentiment seems to be that this move is long overdue, a response to what is perceived as Israel’s increasingly harsh actions against Palestinians. Many people are saying that politicians should prioritize human rights and justice, rather than aligning themselves with any particular government, especially one accused of human rights violations. The sheer amount of financial support that American politicians receive from groups like AIPAC is also being questioned, with many asserting that it leads to a compromised foreign policy.… Continue reading
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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Reports from a hospital indicate that over 50 Palestinians were killed and hundreds injured while seeking food aid near a crossing in northern Gaza, coinciding with the arrival of US envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency alleges Israeli forces fired at crowds gathered near aid lorries, while the Israeli military claims they fired “warning shots” and are unaware of any casualties. The incident occurred amid a dire humanitarian situation, with the UN reporting mass starvation and Israel controlling aid entry, despite implementing measures to facilitate aid distribution. Despite these measures, reports from the scene indicate that the situation remains critical, with many dead and injured from the event, including reports from al-Shifa hospital and other sources.
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In recent reports, two prominent Israeli human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The groups detailed intentional attacks on civilians, causing severe damage and targeting individuals based on their identity, while also emphasizing the destruction of healthcare infrastructure. They further state that Israel’s western allies are enabling this campaign and share responsibility for the ongoing suffering. These reports highlight the extensive documentation of these alleged genocidal acts, adding pressure for stronger action from the international community.
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On Saturday, at least 32 Palestinians were killed near aid distribution hubs in southern Gaza, as Israeli troops opened fire on crowds seeking food from the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The shooting occurred near sites operated by the GHF, which aims to replace the U.N.-led aid system, where local witnesses reported indiscriminate fire, while Israel’s army claimed only to fire warning shots. Witnesses described the chaos, with victims being shot in the head and chest, and local hospitals reported a significant number of casualties. Additionally, further airstrikes throughout the region resulted in even more casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Accounts and videos obtained by the Associated Press reveal American contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza have used live ammunition and stun grenades as Palestinians sought food. According to two contractors, the security personnel were often unqualified, unvetted, and heavily armed, with little oversight. The contractors described frequent use of force, including live rounds and pepper spray, directed at the Palestinians. These practices have led to multiple injuries and potentially at least one instance where someone was thought to have been hit.
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According to accounts from American contractors and corroborated by videos obtained by the AP, U.S. contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza have been using live ammunition and stun grenades against Palestinians seeking food. These contractors described the security staff as often unqualified, heavily armed, and seemingly operating with minimal oversight. The contractors reported firing live rounds, stun grenades, and pepper spray toward the crowds, leading to injuries and raising concerns about the safety of aid seekers. The AP also found that American analysts and Israeli soldiers collaborate, viewing the footage in real-time from a control room, with some cameras equipped with facial recognition software.
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On Monday, Israeli forces launched airstrikes and gunfire, resulting in the deaths of at least 74 people in Gaza. Airstrikes, including one on a crowded cafe in Gaza City, caused numerous casualties and injuries. In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians seeking food aid, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries near aid distribution sites. The Israeli military stated they are reviewing information regarding the attacks and have taken steps to improve organization for the GHF, but Palestinians claim they were indiscriminately fired upon. This continued violence led to widespread evacuation orders and a “scorched earth” campaign across Gaza City and Jabaliya.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood