Israel warns US: Deterrence against Hezbollah is eroding

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US President Donald Trump (R) meets with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) at the White House on February 11, in Washington DC, United States. [Avi Ohayon – GPO – Anadolu Agency]

Israel has told the US administration that its current policy of restraint in Lebanon is undermining its deterrent capability and serving Hezbollah’s interests.

Channel 12 reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump in a phone call. It said Netanyahu warned that relying only on reactive responses, without taking the initiative, gives Hezbollah an opportunity to recover and strengthen its ideological position, while exposing Israeli forces on the ground to growing risks.

According to the Israeli position, the continued use of limited operations is gradually eroding deterrence and negatively affecting the security of residents in the north, as well as the army’s operational readiness.

READ: Netanyahu orders ‘special project’ to counter Hezbollah drones

In this context, Netanyahu has asked Trump to urgently limit the duration of the diplomatic track with the Lebanese government to no more than mid-May, meaning around two to three weeks.

This comes after Trump rejected an Iranian proposal that included a ceasefire and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz before discussions on the nuclear file. 

Tel Aviv believes that continued Hezbollah attacks on northern forces and communities are undermining the chances of any successful negotiations. It is calling on Washington to set a clear timeframe, and if talks fail within that period, to allow it to “return to the original plan”, a reference to wider military escalation, according to Channel 12.

Israel views US restrictions as limiting its freedom of military action and giving Hezbollah space to reorganise. With no clear timeline for how long this policy will continue, the decision is largely linked to Washington’s desire to maintain a broader negotiating track with Iran, placing Tel Aviv in a complex position between US strategic calculations and its own immediate security needs.

READ: Report: Hezbollah drone tactics expose Israeli gaps despite advanced systems

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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.

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.

Continue ReadingIsrael warns US: Deterrence against Hezbollah is eroding

Israel intercepts and detains crews of Gaza aid flotilla near Crete

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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/30/israel-intercepts-detains-crews-gaza-aid-flotillas-crete

Global Sumud Flotilla describes interception as ‘violent raid’ as IDF urges activists to deliver aid via ‘established channels’

Israeli forces board humanitarian flotilla boats more than 600 miles from Gaza – video [see original article]

Israeli forces have intercepted and detained the crews of at least 22 boats near the Greek island of Crete from a flotilla that is attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of about 58 vessels carrying people from across 70 countries, departed from Italy on Sunday.

Flotilla organisers said in a press release: “Israel’s actions … mark a dangerous and unprecedented escalation, the abduction of civilians in the middle of the Mediterranean, over 600 miles from Gaza, in full view of the world.”

The flotilla described the interception as a “violent raid in international waters”. In a social media post, the group said that “after smashing engines and destroying navigation arrays, the military retreated – intentionally leaving hundreds of civilians stranded on powerless, broken vessels directly in the path of a massive approaching storm”.

It also said the vessels’ communications had been jammed, hindering them from signalling for help. Asked by Agence France-Presse about the accusations, the Israeli military declined to comment.

Helene Coron, a spokesperson for Global Sumud France, told an online news conference that the operation had taken place at an “unprecedented” distance from Israel, and that those intercepted included Paris Communist municipal councillor Raphaelle Primet and another 10 French nationals.

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said on Wednesday he had imposed sanctions on the flotilla, which he said had been “organised by the Hamas terror organisation, in cooperation with additional international organisations”.

Original article at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/30/israel-intercepts-detains-crews-gaza-aid-flotillas-crete

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/
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.
Continue ReadingIsrael intercepts and detains crews of Gaza aid flotilla near Crete

Defence barristers walk away from the trial of 6 Filton defendants following secret judicial rulings

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Palestine Action dismantle Elbit equipment, 6 August 2024. (Photo: Handout)
Palestine Action dismantle Elbit equipment, 6 August 2024. (Photo: Handout)

At Woolwich Crown Court, there has been a shocking development in the Filton case, five of the six defence barristers have left the trial following judicial rulings which cannot be reported until the end of the trial.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said today:

“In recent years we have seen judicial rulings that banned climate campaigners from saying the words ‘fuel poverty’ and ‘climate change’ in their trials. 

Today we understand a judicial ruling has been given that goes even further, and as a response the legal professionals representing five of the six defendants on trial in the Filton case have no choice but to leave the trial because they have been left with literally nothing they can say in closing arguments.

We should all be alarmed to hear that the legal process has been so corrupted that, today we have lawyers in the UK walking away from a trial because it is impossible for them to do their job of defending their clients.”

The trial of the first six defendants from the group known as the ‘Filton24’ has reached the stage of closing arguments. Five of the six defendants will now be giving their own closing speeches as they have no legal representation.

This is a retrial on charges of criminal damage, after the 6 Filton defendants were acquitted in February 2026 by a jury for the charges of aggravated burglary and violent disorder. The case relates to an action against Elbit’s weapons ‘research and development’ hub in Filton, Bristol, in which they are accused of destroying Israeli quadcopter drones.

Zarah Sultana Exposes ‘Attack on Civil Liberties’ That British Media Can’t Report

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 ReadingDefence barristers walk away from the trial of 6 Filton defendants following secret judicial rulings

Israel using water access as ‘weapon’ of collective punishment in Gaza, says Doctors Without Borders

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Palestinians, mainly children, wait in line with water bottles to get clean water from a distribution tank in Nuseirat, Gaza, Palestine on April 28, 2026. [Moiz Salhi – Anadolu Agency]

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Tuesday Israeli authorities are using access to water as a “weapon” of collective punishment against Palestinians in Gaza, urging the immediate restoration of water supplies and unhindered humanitarian access.

In a new report, the MSF said repeated restrictions on water access form part of a “systematic and cumulative pattern.”

“Israeli authorities know that without water life ends, yet they have deliberately and systematically obliterated water infrastructure in Gaza, whilst consistently blocking water-related supplies from entering,” Claire San Filippo, MSF emergency manager, said.

According to the report, nearly 90% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, including desalination plants, pipelines and sewage systems.

READ: Former US official: Iran war is direct extension of ‘Greater Israel’ project

“Palestinians have been injured and killed simply trying to access water,” San Filippo said, warning the deprivation is fueling disease amid overcrowding and a collapsed health system.

MSF said one in five of its water distributions ran dry between May and November 2025 due to shortages and access restrictions.

The group urged Israel to restore water access “at the required levels,” while calling on allies to pressure Israel to stop impeding humanitarian access, including materials needed for water infrastructure.

“The consequences of this deprivation of access to water are far-reaching on people’s health, hygiene, and dignity,” the report said.

READ: Israeli blockade threatens shutdown of only oxygen plant in northern Gaza

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/
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.
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 …

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

Continue ReadingIsrael using water access as ‘weapon’ of collective punishment in Gaza, says Doctors Without Borders

Palestinian Media Forum welcomes broadcaster boycott of Eurovision over Gaza war

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A protest banner calling for a boycott of Eurovision. [Photo by AA]

The Palestinian Media Forum has praised international broadcasters that have chosen to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest, describing the move as a stand “with truth and humanity” amid Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the Forum welcomed steps taken by broadcasters in Ireland and Slovenia, saying their actions challenge efforts to use the contest to divert attention from events in Gaza.

The Forum highlighted the decision by Ireland’s national broadcaster to fully boycott Eurovision and refrain from airing the event, calling it a “firm political and ethical message” reflecting public opposition to what it described as the use of cultural platforms to obscure Israeli actions.

It also commended Radiotelevizija Slovenija for announcing it would replace Eurovision programming with documentaries and special coverage focused on Palestine, describing the move as a professional and ethical alternative that centres human realities over entertainment.

According to the Forum, the decisions form part of a broader international response linked to the festival, including protests in several European capitals, withdrawals by artists and jury members, and refusals by some media organisations to broadcast the event in opposition to Israel’s participation.

READ: European rejection of emergency aid deepens Palestinian Authority financial crisis

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/

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace

Continue ReadingPalestinian Media Forum welcomes broadcaster boycott of Eurovision over Gaza war