human rights violations

EU rejects Israel’s ‘orange line’ in Gaza

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European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni. [Photo/AA]

The European Union has rejected any change to territorial control in the Gaza Strip, following Israel’s introduction of what it calls the “orange line”, an EU spokesperson said on Monday.

Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for EU foreign affairs, made the remarks in response to a question from Anadolu Agency about the new Israeli measure, which reportedly expands its control to more than 60 per cent of Gaza, instead of carrying out further withdrawals required under the peace agreement.

He stressed that the EU continues to underline the importance of unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the administration of the Palestinian Authority.

El Anouni added that the bloc is renewing its call for the urgent implementation of the Gaza peace plan, expressing deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the territory.

He also urged Israel to allow immediate, large-scale and unhindered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to ensure its sustainable distribution.

Recently, the Israeli army introduced what has become known as the “orange line”, which goes beyond the “yellow line” set out in the ceasefire agreement in force since 10 October 2025.

Under the agreement, the “yellow line” separates areas under Israeli military control in the east from zones where Palestinians are allowed to be present in the west, covering around 53 per cent of the territory.

However, Israel has not adhered to this arrangement, gradually advancing beyond the yellow line into deeper parts of Gaza, in an area now referred to as the “orange line”.

READ: Italy opens probe into activists’ detention after Gaza aid flotilla interception

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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.
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 says that he's banning words and phrases now as well as placards.
Keir Starmer says that he’s banning words and phrases now as well as placards.

Continue ReadingEU rejects Israel’s ‘orange line’ in Gaza

Obama: Netanyahu pushed for war on Iran using same arguments presented to Trump

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Former President of the United States Barack Obama and New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Governor Mikie Sherrill attend “Get out the vote” rally at the Essex County College gymnasium in Newark, New Jersey, United States on November 1, 2025. [Kyle Mazza – Anadolu Agency]

Former US President Barack Obama has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly tried to persuade him to launch a full-scale armed confrontation with Iran.

In an interview published on Monday by The New Yorker, Obama said Netanyahu used the same arguments and justifications that he later presented to US President Donald Trump.

Obama added that although Netanyahu ultimately achieved his aim, he remains highly doubtful that such a war would serve the interests of either Israeli or American citizens.

He also noted that historical records clearly show the deep disagreements that marked his relationship with Netanyahu over the Iran issue. “I think there’s an ample record of my differences with Mr. Netanyahu,” Obama said.

Netanyahu: Israel preparing for fight with Iran and disarming Hamas

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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.
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 explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace

Continue ReadingObama: Netanyahu pushed for war on Iran using same arguments presented to Trump

Israeli army ‘on high alert’ for possible resumption of Iran war

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

Israeli air defense systems intercepted and destroyed several missiles over the skies of Haifa, Israel after the Israeli army announced that it had detected a retaliatory missile attack from Iran on February 28, 2026. [Samir Abdalhade – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli army said Monday evening it is on high alert for a possible resumption of war with Iran amid rising escalation between Tehran and Washington in the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu reports.

“We are monitoring the situation and are on high alert amid the escalation in the Gulf,” the army said in a statement.

“We confirm that there is no change in the instructions of the Home Front Command,” it added.

The public broadcaster KAN said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held “a series of security consultations” throughout Monday to discuss the situation in the Gulf.

Regional tensions have escalated after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel, as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a set deadline.

Since April 13, the United States has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: US directs ships to transit Strait of Hormuz through Oman’s territorial waters

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

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.
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 says that he's banning words and phrases now as well as placards.
Keir Starmer says that he’s banning words and phrases now as well as placards.

Continue ReadingIsraeli army ‘on high alert’ for possible resumption of Iran war

Major fire erupts at UAE oil facility after drone strike from Iran

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High-rise buildings stand at the Dubai Marina on August 28, 2025. [FADEL SENNA / AFP/ Getty Images]

A major fire broke out at an oil facility in the Fujairah emirate of the UAE on Monday after it was struck by a drone launched from Iran, authorities said, Anadolu reports.

The attack marks the first since a ceasefire took effect between Iran and the US last month.

In a statement, the Fujairah Media Office said the blaze erupted at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, a key energy hub on the UAE’s eastern coast, after it was targeted by a drone launched from Iran.

Civil defense teams were immediately dispatched to the site and are continuing efforts to contain and extinguish the fire, the statement said.

Authorities in Fujairah said three Indian nationals were injured with moderate wounds and were transported to a hospital for treatment, it added.

The incident came shortly after the UAE Defense Ministry said it detected four cruise missiles launched from Iran toward the country, adding that air defenses successfully intercepted most of them.

READ: US directs ships to transit Strait of Hormuz through Oman’s territorial waters

Three of the missiles were intercepted over the country’s territorial waters, while the fourth fell into the sea, it added.

Regional tensions have escalated after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel, as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.

A two-week ceasefire became effective on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by direct talks in Islamabad on April 11, but no agreement was reached on a lasting truce.

US President Donald Trump later extended the ceasefire without setting a new deadline, following a request from Pakistan.

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

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.
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 says that he's banning words and phrases now as well as placards.
Keir Starmer says that he’s banning words and phrases now as well as placards.

Continue ReadingMajor fire erupts at UAE oil facility after drone strike from Iran

Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley accused of making “false claims and accusations” against anti-war protestors, correction requested

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The Palestine Coalition has written to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner calling on him to retract his claims that they “set out with an intent to march near synagogues”. The letter describes these claims as “incomprehensible and defamatory” and urges a “speedy … retraction.”

The letter

Dear Mark Rowley

We are very concerned to see that you have publicly stated that the organisers’ initial suggestion for the Palestine marches have ‘involved walking by a synagogue’ and that this sends a message that ‘feels like antisemitism’. These claims are incomprehensible and defamatory.

Our first route suggestion for the next demonstration to commemorate the Nakba, made in writing on 18 December last year, was for a march from Embankment to Whitehall, via Westminster and Waterloo bridges, a route which we have used at least twice before and on which there are no synagogues.

After three months of silence we finally were told by your officers that this route was disallowed on the grounds that Tommy Robinson’s far right demonstration – a real hate march – was inexplicably going to be granted the whole political centre of London, and that we would have to march elsewhere.

Our second suggestion, made after much protest, was that we march from the Israeli Embassy via Knightsbridge to Trafalgar Square – again, a route that does not go past a synagogue, and one previously agreed by the police.This too has been disallowed, and a shorter route has been arbitrarily imposed.

The truth is that at no point have we ever requested to ‘walk by’ a synagogue on any of our marches. We have no interest in doing so. Police recordings of our meetings with you will confirm this.

We can and will provide the email evidence to back up these facts. It is completely unacceptable for a senior public official to make these false claims and accusations, which can only raise the level of tension in the current situation.

We urge a speedy public retraction of your statement and the accompanying scurrilous claim of antisemitism.

Yours sincerely

The Palestine Coalition

Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Palestinian Forum of Britain
Stop the War Coalition
Friends of Al-Aqsa
Muslim Association of Britain
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament04 May 2026

Continue ReadingMet Police Commissioner Mark Rowley accused of making “false claims and accusations” against anti-war protestors, correction requested