Monthly Archives: April 2026

UK-based group urges sanctions on 62 Israeli lawmakers over death penalty bill

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Palestinians stage a protest against Knesset’s approval of the law that imposes death penalty on Palestinian prisoners in Gaza, Palestine on April 01, 2026. [Abdalhkem Abu Riash – Anadolu Agency]

A UK-based advocacy group has urged the British government to impose sanctions on 62 Israeli lawmakers over legislation introducing the death penalty for certain offenses, Anadolu reports.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) said Monday it submitted recommendations to the Foreign Office targeting the parliamentarians over alleged responsibility for serious human rights violations.

In its submission, the group argued that lawmakers’ support for the legislation could breach international law, citing concerns over the right to life and protections against cruel or degrading treatment. It called for sanctions under existing UK frameworks, including the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.

“The new penal law which exclusively and purposefully targets Palestinians, marks an extreme escalation in Israel’s genocidal policies against Palestinians and consolidates Israel’s apartheid judicial system, embedding racist discrimination against Palestinians into law and once again allowing Israel to violate international norms,” the group said.

The ICJP described the law as discriminatory against Palestinians and urged Britain to adopt what it called a “preventative” approach by acting before the measure is enforced.

“If the Foreign Office adopted ICJP’s sanctions recommendations, it would send a clear message,” the group said, adding that stronger action is needed beyond expressions of concern by Western governments.

Orlaith Roe, the group’s public affairs officer, said: “The UK has both the responsibility and the leverage to act.”

READ: Israeli Knesset passes law mandating death penalty for Palestinian prisoners

“In apartheid South Africa, 95% of people sentenced to death were Black. Thanks to this law, in apartheid Israel, 100% of people who will be sentenced to death will be Palestinians.

“The cost of inaction will, once again, be measured in Palestinian lives,” Roe said.

Israel’s Knesset passed the law in late March, making the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted of lethal attacks against Israelis.

Under the law, executions would be carried out by hanging by prison guards appointed by the Israeli Prison Service, with those involved granted anonymity and legal immunity.

The legislation also mandates transferring those sentenced to death to special detention facilities and restricting visits to authorized parties, while meetings with lawyers would be limited to video communication.

It allows courts to issue death sentences without a request from prosecutors and does not require a unanimous decision, permitting rulings by a simple majority.

The law also applies to military courts handling cases involving Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and grants the defense minister the right to present an opinion before the court.

READ: 60 former UK ambassadors warn of Israel’s West Bank annexation steps

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

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingUK-based group urges sanctions on 62 Israeli lawmakers over death penalty bill

Bennett and Lapid merge parties to unseat Netanyahu

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(R to L) Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid speaks with former prime minister Naftali Bennett during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, on September 18, 2022 [Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Former Israeli prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, both advocates of settlement expansion and Greater Israel,  announced on Sunday the merger of their parties into a single electoral list, named Beyahad — Hebrew for “together” — to be led by Bennett at the 2026 election.

The move is being presented as the consolidation of an opposition “reform bloc” capable of unseating Israel’s longest serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a lengthy post on X, Bennett framed the merger as “the most Zionist and patriotic action we’ve ever taken” and declared: “The era of division is over. The era of repair has arrived.”

“Yair and I have different views on a range of issues—and we’re not hiding it; on the contrary, we’re proud of it”, Bennett went on to say adding: “I’m proud that two leaders with different views can fight together for the good of the people of Israel, just as our sons, our soldiers, fight shoulder to shoulder”.

Bennet included the creation of “a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre to bring truth to the families” as one of his key pledges.

Speaking at a press conference Bennet said they’d push for ultra-Orthodox conscription, set limit on the term of a prime minister and maintain Jewish control of historic Palestine. A government under the new bloc would lead a “service-for-all law” and will give “not a single shekel” of state funding to those evading IDF conscription, said Bennett.

“We will set an eight-year term limit for serving as prime minister, and this will apply first and foremost to me,” Bennett continued. “We will protect the lands of our country and not give up an inch to the enemy. We will strengthen a close-knit, good and inclusive Judaism, without coercion.”

The government “will only rely on the Zionist parties,” Bennett added. “The Arab parties are not Zionist and therefore we will not rely on them.”

Despite the attempt to present the merger as a liberal or reformist alternative to Netanyahu, neither Bennett nor Lapid supports ending Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.

Read: Lapid is not serious about a Palestinian state

Bennett’s own language at the launch underlined this position. His pledge that the new bloc would “not give up an inch” reflects the core logic of the Greater Israel project: permanent Jewish-Israeli control over historic Palestine, continued settlement expansion and the exclusion of Palestinian political rights.

Lapid, though often described internationally as a centrist, has also opposed measures that would dismantle Israel’s occupation or reverse the settlement project and supports the Greater Israel Project.

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

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingBennett and Lapid merge parties to unseat Netanyahu

Iran demands end to Lebanon fighting as condition to continue negotiations

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Lebanese survivor Ali Hijazi of an Israeli airstrike that targeted six adjacent buildings just three minutes before the ceasefire took effect speaks in Tyre, Lebanon on April 20, 2026. [Muhammed Emin Canik – Anadolu Agency]

Tehran has set out its demands within the framework of ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Al Mayadeen reported that “Iran has presented mediators with a three-phase negotiation framework, with talks set to resume if the United States agrees to it.”

The first phase focuses on ending the war and securing guarantees that it will not resume against Iran or Lebanon. Tehran will not discuss any additional issues at this stage.

The channel added that “If an agreement is reached, negotiations would move to a second phase addressing the management of the Strait of Hormuz, including coordination with Oman to establish a new legal framework.”

It further noted that “A third phase would then tackle the nuclear issue, which Iran insists will only be discussed after agreements are secured in the first two stages.”

READ: Southern Lebanon witnesses widespread displacement due to Israeli strikes after Netanyahu’s escalation order

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

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingIran demands end to Lebanon fighting as condition to continue negotiations

UK Government Rejects Public Call for Inquiry Into Israeli Influence

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https://novaramedia.com/2026/04/23/uk-government-rejects-public-call-for-inquiry-into-israeli-influence/

Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street via Flickr

The Labour government will not hold a public inquiry into the influence of pro-Israel groups in British politics, even after more than 114,000 people signed a parliamentary petition calling for a probe.

In a response to the petition, the government said it “does not support a public inquiry on pro-Israeli influence, and does not have plans to hold an inquiry on wider foreign influence and lobbying more generally.”

It added: “However, the government takes concerns about foreign influence in politics and democracy seriously, and is already taking action to address this.”

Last month, the government published an urgent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics. It mentioned Iran, Russia and China but not Israel.

Because the petition got over 100,000 signatures, it will still be considered for debate in the Commons. The petition reads: “We are concerned about reported Israeli state-linked and pro-Israel lobbying activity in UK politics. We believe it is important to determine the scope and impact of any such influence campaigns.”

It adds: “We feel that the horrific devastation in Gaza, the ongoing suppression of Palestinians in the West Bank, and the UK’s political response underline the urgent need to scrutinise how pro-Israel organisations, networks, and lobbying efforts may shape government decisions, party policy, and public debate.”

…

https://novaramedia.com/2026/04/23/uk-government-rejects-public-call-for-inquiry-into-israeli-influence/

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.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Continue ReadingUK Government Rejects Public Call for Inquiry Into Israeli Influence

Iranian Group Submits Evidence of US-Israeli War Crimes to International Criminal Court

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Article by Jake Johnson republished from Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). 

Representatives from more than a dozen foreign diplomatic missions, United Nations offices, and the media view damage at sites bombed by the US and Israel on April 20, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

“All cases of attacks on civilians are being legally pursued based on the Geneva Conventions,” said the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society said Saturday that his organization has submitted evidence of US-Israeli war crimes to the International Criminal Court and other global bodies, seeking accountability for massive attacks on civilian infrastructure and other violations.

“The ICC prosecutor announced that the documents provided by the IRCS are accepted as official evidence,” said Pir-Hossein Koulivand, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. “All cases of attacks on civilians are being legally pursued based on the Geneva Conventions.”

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The IRCS estimates that US and Israeli airstrikes have destroyed more than 132,000 civilian structures throughout Iran, including hospitals, apartment buildings, universities, research facilities, and bridges. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to destroy all of Iran’s bridges and power plants if the country’s leadership does not succumb to his administration’s demands in negotiations to end the war.

Luis Moreno Ocampo, the founding chief prosecutor of the ICC, said earlier this month that Trump could be indicted if he follows through on his threats.

“My suggestion: You read the indictment of the Russians, change the name, and it is very similar,” said Ocampo, referring to ICC arrest warrants issued against senior Russian officials in 2024 for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

In a series of social media posts on Saturday, the IRCS provided video footage and photographic evidence of what the group described as war crimes committed by the US and Israeli militaries.

“Among the most bitter war crimes of America and Israel in Iran is the attack on the home of 19-month-old Helma in Tabriz, in which four members of her family were martyred,” the IRCS wrote Saturday. “The only survivor of this family is Helma.”

The ICC is tasked with investigating and prosecuting individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other grave violations of international law. Iran is not currently a party to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC—so the court does not have jurisdiction over war crimes committed on Iranian territory.

Human rights organizations and advocates have implored Iran to grant the ICC jurisdiction to pursue justice for war crimes committed during the illegal US-Israeli assault that began on February 28. On the first day of the war, the US bombed an elementary school in southern Iran.

“From the killing of over 150 students and teachers to strikes on hospitals full of newborns, every day more and more evidence emerges pointing to the commission of grave war crimes in Iran since the start of the war,” said Omar Shakir, executive director of DAWN. “Victims deserve justice. The mechanisms exist, and the US has no veto over them.”

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, wrote earlier this month that “the Iranian government could join the court now and grant it retroactive jurisdiction, similar to what Ukraine did to allow prosecution of Russian war crimes.”

Last month, the IRCS formally requested that the ICC initiate “an investigation into war crimes arising from attacks by the United States of America and the Israeli regime against civilian objects.”

“According to field reports from relief workers, operational documentation, and data recorded by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, a wide range of residential areas, medical facilities, schools, humanitarian facilities, vital urban infrastructure, and public places were directly or indiscriminately targeted during the recent military attacks,” the group wrote in a letter to the ICC’s top prosecutor.

Article by Jake Johnson republished from Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). 

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.

Continue ReadingIranian Group Submits Evidence of US-Israeli War Crimes to International Criminal Court