The victory of Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election has emboldened some Israeli politicians, with one minister declaring that the time has come to annex parts of the West Bank. This statement, coming from a high-ranking Israeli official, has sent shockwaves through the international community and raised fears of escalating tensions in the already volatile region.
The annexation of the West Bank has been a long-standing goal of the Israeli right wing, who view it as a key component of their vision for a greater Israel. Trump’s election and his administration’s unwavering support for Israel, particularly in the form of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the U.S.… Continue reading
The recent killing of an American woman in the West Bank has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has condemned the incident as “unprovoked and unjustified,” yet the response seems to fall short of meaningful action in the face of such a tragic event. As a citizen, the lack of concrete repercussions for such a grave act is deeply troubling.
While the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are still being investigated, the fact remains that an American citizen lost her life in a conflict zone. The idea that she may have been involved in a protest or demonstration does not justify the use of lethal force against her.… Continue reading
Imagine being told that you have to leave your home, the place where your family has lived for generations. Either you relocate voluntarily or be forcibly removed. That is the harsh reality facing the residents of Khirbet Zanuta, a Palestinian village in the West Bank, as Israel warns of demolishing the village if its residents refuse to relocate. The threat of losing your home, your only sanctuary, is unimaginable and unjust.
The justification behind this forced relocation is centered around the village being in Area C and designated as an archaeological site. But when you delve deeper into the situation, you realize the complexity and the blatant disregard for the Palestinian residents.… Continue reading
The tragic incident of an American activist being shot dead in the occupied West Bank by Israeli troops is a stark reminder of the dangers that come with advocating for justice and human rights in conflict zones. The fact that this is not the first time such a horrifying event has occurred and the likelihood that it won’t be the last is a sobering reality to digest. The narrative that justifies the killing of protestors by labeling them as instigators of violence is one that must be challenged and condemned.
The case of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist who lost her life while peacefully protesting against Jewish settlement expansion in Beita near Nablus, highlights the excessive use of force by Israeli forces against unarmed civilians.… Continue reading
Israel, the land of religious fervor, authoritarianism, and conflict. The recent news of Israeli settlers attacking foreign activists and Palestinian farmers in the West Bank is not only alarming but also deeply troubling. The term “settlers” seems to soften the severity of their actions. These individuals are not peacefully settling; they are terrorizing innocent people, destroying olive trees, poisoning wells, and spreading fear and violence in the region.
It’s disheartening to see these violent extremists not being held accountable for their actions. The international community must take a stand against such behavior, and sanctions should be imposed on those who perpetrate such violent acts.… Continue reading
It is no surprise to find out that Israel’s settlement policies have been deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice. This blatantly immoral and illegal action has been a known issue for quite some time, yet the lack of enforcement has allowed Israel to continue confiscating lands without consequence. The fact that the ICJ ruling now adds legitimacy to what many have been saying for years is notable and cannot be brushed aside.
The ICJ’s ruling labeling Israel’s occupation of Palestine as apartheid is a significant step forward in calling out these unjust actions. The call for Israel to evacuate the settlers and allow the right of return is a bold move that cannot be ignored.… Continue reading
Israel has approved the largest West Bank land grab in 30 years. As I sit here, absorbing this news, I can’t help but feel a sense of anger and frustration at the blatant disregard for the Palestinian people. This is not about defense or security; this is about expansion and control. The actions of the Israeli government only serve to further fuel the conflict, escalating tensions and perpetuating violence. It’s clear that this was the plan all along, to push Palestinians further into poverty and subject them to violence and harassment.
The narrative of “they just want peace” has been shattered by this latest move.… Continue reading
The recent news of the IDF killing the Islamic Jihad commander in the West Bank has sparked a range of emotions and reactions. On the one hand, there is a sense of relief and satisfaction that a leader of a terrorist group, responsible for inciting violence and carrying out attacks, has been removed from the equation. Abu Shujaiya, as he was known, was not just any ordinary citizen but the leader of a local battalion of the Islamic Jihad in the Nur Shams refugee camp. His elimination is undoubtedly a blow to the organization and a victory for the IDF.
However, it is important to note the context in which this operation took place.… Continue reading
As I sit here grappling with the news of Israel’s largest West Bank land seizure since 1993, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and frustration. This blatant act of aggression, cloaked in the guise of security concerns and political maneuvers, only serves to further exacerbate an already volatile situation. The narrative that has played out for decades now, with Israel flexing its muscle and expanding its territory at the expense of the Palestinian people, is a painful reminder of the injustices that continue to persist in our world today.
The parallels drawn between Israel’s actions and those of other oppressive regimes are stark and unsettling.… Continue reading
I was shocked when I heard about the Palestinians demolishing a Jewish archaeological site in the West Bank. The destruction of historical and cultural sites is always disheartening. These places hold significance not just for a specific group but for the whole world’s heritage. It’s a shame that extremist groups are often the ones responsible for such devastation, similar to what we’ve seen with ISIS and the Taliban in the past.
It saddens me to think about the loss of archaeological sites that carry so much history and knowledge. Learning about the past is not only fascinating but crucial for understanding our roots and shaping our future.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker