Yearly Archives: 2025

Swiss Eurovision winner returns trophy in protest over Israel’s participation

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Swiss singer Nemo, winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, is returning trophy in protest at Israel’s inclusion in next year’s competition, deepening the controversy surrounding the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) refusal to suspend the Apartheid State over its genocide in Gaza

Swiss singer Nemo, winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, is returning trophy in protest at Israel’s inclusion in next year’s competition, deepening the controversy surrounding the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) refusal to suspend the Apartheid State over its genocide in Gaza.

In a powerful statement shared on Instagram, Nemo said there was a “clear conflict” between Eurovision’s stated ideals of unity, inclusion and dignity for all, and its decision to allow a state accused of committing atrocities to take part.

“This is not about individuals or artists,” Nemo wrote. “The contest was repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing, all while the EBU insisted Eurovision is ‘non-political’. When entire countries withdraw over this contradiction, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong.”

The 26-year-old artist added that they no longer felt the trophy belonged on the shelf, and would send it back to the EBU’s headquarters in Geneva.

Read: Ireland, Spain, Slovenia weigh Eurovision withdrawal if Israel allowed to participate in 2026

Nemo’s protest comes amid growing backlash over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, due to be held in six months. Iceland’s national broadcaster, RÚV, became the latest to join the boycott, following decisions by Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia to withdraw.

Critics have condemned the EBU’s insistence that the contest is “non-political,” accusing the organisation of hypocrisy for allowing Israel to remain while Palestinian civilians endure mass displacement, starvation, and military bombardment. The Union also banned Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Despite growing calls for Israel’s exclusion, the EBU has defended its stance. In a statement, it said:

“We’re saddened that Nemo wishes to return their trophy which they deservedly won in 2024. We respect the deeply held views Nemo has expressed and they will always remain a valued part of the Eurovision family.”

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan welcomed the EBU’s decision to retain Israel in the contest, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog insisted that Israel “deserves to be represented on every stage around the world.”

However, backlash continues to mount across Europe. In the UK, the BBC has yet to confirm its participation, saying only that it supports decisions made at the EBU summit.

As of now, 34 countries are still expected to take part, but that number may change, with some nations yet to confirm their participation.

READ: Despite opposition, Israel cleared to take part in 2026 Eurovision

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Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
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Continue ReadingSwiss Eurovision winner returns trophy in protest over Israel’s participation

Hamas calls on Amnesty International to retract report alleging war crimes

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The logo of Human Rights NGO Amnesty International is pictured in Paris on May 28, 2024 [STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images]

Hamas has called on Amnesty International to withdraw a report accusing the Palestinian resistance of committing war crimes during the 7 October 2023 operation against the Gaza Division of the Israeli army, describing the findings as misleading, biased and unprofessional.

In a statement published on its official Telegram channel on Thursday, the movement said the report contained “serious inaccuracies” and relied on claims that contradict evidence documented by Palestinian, international and even Israeli human rights organisations.

Hamas rejected Amnesty’s assertion that resistance fighters were responsible for the destruction of hundreds of homes and facilities, saying multiple investigations have shown that Israeli forces destroyed large areas using tanks and air strikes. It also disputed allegations of the killing of civilians, arguing that several reports indicate many civilians were killed by Israeli fire under the so-called “Hannibal Protocol”.

The movement further condemned “Amnesty’s repetition of Israeli government claims regarding rape, sexual violence and the mistreatment of prisoners”. Hamas said these allegations had been refuted by international investigations and accused the organisation of adopting what it called the “narrative of the occupying power”.

“The report repeats unfounded accusations aimed at inciting hostility against the Palestinian resistance and distorting its image, while ignoring the documented crimes of the occupation,” the statement said.

READ: Justice alone can be the basis for a ceasefire – Understanding Hamas’s rejection of Israel’s terms

Hamas urged Amnesty International to retract the report and to refrain from, in its words, “colluding with attempts to demonise the Palestinian people or obscure the crimes of the occupation”, which are currently under investigation by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court on charges including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The movement also stressed that Israel has prevented international organisations, UN agencies and independent investigation teams from entering Gaza since the early days of the genocide, arguing that this blockade has obstructed fact-finding efforts and undermined the credibility of reports produced without direct access to the territory.

“Any report produced away from the scene of events, without access to witnesses and evidence, is necessarily incomplete and lacks professional integrity,” Hamas added.

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Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Continue ReadingHamas calls on Amnesty International to retract report alleging war crimes

Illegal Israeli settlers storm Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound under police protection

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Fanatical Jewish settlers, who are under the protection of Israeli police, storm Al-Aqsa Mosque during third day of the Sukkot holiday in East Jerusalem, on October 09, 2025. [Gazi Samad – Anadolu Agency]

Groups of illegal Israeli settlers on Thursday stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem under the protection of Israeli police, local sources said, Anadolu reports.

The official news agency Wafa, citing the sources, said the illegal settlers entered the compound in groups, carried out provocative tours and performed Talmudic rituals while heavily guarded by Israeli forces.

On Tuesday, the Jerusalem Governorate said that a total of 182 illegal Israeli settlers forced their way into the flashpoint site during morning and evening incursions and performed Talmudic rituals near the Dome of the Rock in the complex under the protection of Israeli police.

The governorate also noted that 778 foreign tourists also entered the mosque through a gate operated by the Israeli authorities.

According to official figures, 4,266 illegal settlers and around 15,000 foreign tourists accessed the mosque compound during November.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world’s third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area Temple Mount, claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.

READ: Israel approves nearly 800 housing units in three West Bank settlements

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Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Continue ReadingIllegal Israeli settlers storm Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound under police protection

Microsoft faces legal action over role in Israel’s genocide in Gaza

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A sign is seen at the Microsoft headquarters on July 3, 2024 in Redmond, Washington [David Ryder/Getty Images]

Microsoft is facing mounting legal and ethical scrutiny for its alleged complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. A coalition of legal and human rights organisations has issued a formal notice to the tech giant, accusing it of aiding and abetting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, by knowingly providing technology used by the Israeli military in its ongoing assault on Gaza.

The letter, delivered on 2 December by groups including the Center for Constitutional Rights, Avaaz, GLAN (Global Legal Action Network), and the European Legal Support Center, places Microsoft and its senior executives on notice of their potential exposure to civil and criminal liability under international and domestic law.

“There exists a reasonable and credible basis to believe that Microsoft has, through its provision of technology and services to the Israeli military, played a direct role in Israel’s commission of grave crimes,” states the letter, which outlines how Microsoft’s cloud computing and AI services have been integrated into Israel’s mass surveillance and targeting apparatus.

READ: Microsoft must be held accountable for its complicity in Gaza genocide, rights group says

The coalition highlights that Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed over 70,000 Palestinians since October 2023, with over 170,000 more injured. Infrastructure has been decimated, famine is spreading, and nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced. Despite this, Microsoft deepened its ties with Israel’s military, with internal documents showing a surge in cloud and AI service sales to Israeli units actively engaged in the genocidal campaign.

Among the most damning revelations is Microsoft’s work with Israel’s Unit 8200, a military intelligence unit responsible for mass surveillance of Palestinians. Microsoft engineers built a customised Azure cloud platform used to store over 11,500 terabytes of intercepted Palestinian phone calls and data, enabling the development of “kill lists” for airstrikes. 

The tech giant also sold thousands of hours of engineering support to the Israeli Ministry of Defence, and its services powered key military units and applications such as the Ofek Unit, Mamram, Unit 81, and Al-Munaseq, all of which have supported Israel’s assault on Gaza.

READ: Microsoft blocks emails containing terms related to ‘Gaza,’ ‘Palestine,’ ‘genocide’

“Israel’s genocide would be impossible without private Big Tech firms equipping the Israeli military with everything from cloud storage to surveillance technology,” said Bassel El-Rewini, Human Rights Fellow at Abolitionist Law Center. “Faced with an ever-growing body of evidence, implicated companies, including Microsoft, have no excuse for continuing their support to Israel and must be held accountable.”

The letter was issued days before Microsoft’s Annual General Meeting on 5 December, stressing the reputational and financial risks the company now faces. Shareholders are being urged to demand an end to the company’s entanglement with Israeli military operations.

“Microsoft’s services and technologies have been used to violate Palestinian human rights, and shareholders should be aware of just how much this opens up the company to legal liability,” said Eric Sype of 7amleh.

Critics argue that Microsoft has not only enabled Israeli war crimes, but profited from them. As journalist investigations and internal documents show, Microsoft’s sales to Israel’s military skyrocketed after October 2023. The company raced to offer discounts and expanded services while Israel escalated its campaign.

“The scale and speed of Israel’s genocide would have been impossible to execute without Microsoft’s intervention,” the letter concludes.

OPINION: Justice alone can be the basis for a ceasefire – Understanding Hamas’s rejection of Israel’s terms

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. See more news at Middle East Monitor.

Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Continue ReadingMicrosoft faces legal action over role in Israel’s genocide in Gaza

Swiss politicians push to revoke UEFA’s tax-exempt status over complicity with Israeli apartheid

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A banner which reads ‘Stop killing children – Stop killing civilians’ is displayed as players of both side’s line up prior to during the UEFA Super Cup 2025 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Friuli on August 13, 2025 in Udine, Italy. [Photo by Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images]

Swiss lawmakers have launched a formal effort to revoke UEFA’s tax-exempt status in Switzerland, citing the European football governing body’s continued affiliation with the Israeli Football Association (IFA), which includes clubs based in Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The move follows a growing campaign by human rights advocates and football activists under the banner of #GameOverIsrael, which argues that UEFA is complicit in Israel’s apartheid and war crimes by continuing to grant legitimacy and financial support to the IFA. Swiss MPs and campaigners say UEFA is in breach of the very conditions that earned it tax benefits in the country, namely, its stated commitment to promoting peace, inclusion, and anti-racism through sport.

READ: Why a match with an Israeli team should not be taking place in my city

A resolution introduced by Swiss legislators references the 19 July 2024 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling confirming Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land. It argues that Swiss citizens, specifically in Vaud, are funding the illegal activities of the Israeli Football Association, and calls for an end to the double standards that allow UEFA to sanction Russian teams while taking no action against Israel.

“UEFA enjoys preferential tax treatment in Switzerland. This comes with certain obligations, including promoting the values of peace. A double standard is unacceptable. While UEFA has rightly chosen to sanction Russian teams, it has taken no action or measures against Israel to date,” said Raphaël Mahaim, Member of the National Council of Switzerland.

Campaigners note that the IFA currently fields five teams located in illegal Israeli settlements and continues to receive financial and institutional backing from UEFA. “UEFA is at the forefront of funding and normalising the apartheid and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian territories,” said Ashish Prashar, former Middle East Peace Envoy and Campaign Director for Game Over Israel. “The simple solution for UEFA and their President if they truly believe in international law, national law and promoting peace – is to suspend Israel.”

READ: What does the ICJ ruling mean for Israel’s supporters? MEMO in conversation with Kathryn Ravey

Legal experts and former UN officials have also weighed in, warning that UEFA’s credibility and tax status are both at risk. “UEFA has an opportunity… to align with the forces of law, justice, and global conscience,” said Richard Falk, former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Palestine. “The refusal to take such a stand would be negatively etched in the collective memory of humanity.”

UEFA’s headquarters are located in Nyon, Switzerland, where local authorities are also considering action. Craig Mokhiber, former UN human rights official and President of the Gaza Tribunal, stated: “Today, on 10 December (International Human Rights Day) Swiss and cantonal authorities will start the debate on the continuation of UEFA’s privileged tax status. That status should be revoked until UEFA ends its complicity in the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. And Swiss authorities should know that their international reputation as a leading proponent of humanitarian law is itself on trial in this process.”

The #GameOverIsrael campaign is backed by a broad coalition including ADC, Athletes 4 Peace, CODEPINK, The Gaza Tribunal, Health Workers 4 Palestine, the Hind Rajab Foundation, Tech for Palestine, and numerous legal scholars, footballers, and human rights defenders. The debate on UEFA’s tax status is expected to intensify ahead of a formal vote scheduled for January 2026.

READ: FIFA, UEFA flayed for disregarding international law by continuing to include Israel in competition

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. See more news at Middle East Monitor.

Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Continue ReadingSwiss politicians push to revoke UEFA’s tax-exempt status over complicity with Israeli apartheid