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Palantir manifesto described as ‘ramblings of a supervillain’ amid UK contract fears

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https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/21/palantir-manifesto-uk-contract-fears-mps

Alarm caused by posts of Alex Karp, tech firm’s CEO, championing US military dominance and of AI weapons

The US spy tech company Palantir published a manifesto extolling the benefits of American power and implying some cultures are inferior to others – in what MPs have called “a parody of a RoboCop film” and “the ramblings of a supervillain”.

“Some cultures have produced vital advances; others remain dysfunctional and regressive,” wrote Palantir in a 22-point post on X over the weekend, which also called for an end to the “postwar neutering” of Germany and Japan.

The post exhorted the US to reinstate a military draft, saying that “free and democratic societies” need “hard power” in order to prevail.

It also predicted a future dominated by autonomous weapons: “The question is not whether A.I. weapons will be built; it is who will build them and for what purpose. Our adversaries will not pause to indulge in theatrical debates about the merits of developing technologies with critical military and national security applications. They will proceed.”

…

It led to criticism from several MPs, who said that it raised yet more questions about the UK’s portfolio of contracts with the company. Palantir has built up more than £500m in contracts in Britain, including a £330m contract with the NHS, as well as deals with the police and Ministry of Defence. These deals have come in for increasing criticism.

“Palantir’s manifesto, which embraces AI state surveillance of citizens along with national service in the USA, is either a parody of a RoboCop film, or a disturbing narcissistic rant from an arrogant organisation,” said Martin Wrigley, a Liberal Democrat MP who is a member of the commons science and technology select committee.

“Either way it shows that the company’s ethos is entirely unsuited to working on UK government projects involving citizens’ most sensitive private data.”

…

The original article is at https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/21/palantir-manifesto-uk-contract-fears-mps

Continue ReadingPalantir manifesto described as ‘ramblings of a supervillain’ amid UK contract fears

UN says attacks in Gaza surge 46% in weekly spike since ceasefire

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Relatives of the deceased, including children, mourn during the funeral for two Palestinians killed in an Israeli attack on Bureij camp, in Deir al Balah, Gaza, Palestine on April 20, 2026. [Moiz Salhi – Anadolu Agency]

The UN said Tuesday that violence in the Gaza Strip surged to its highest since a ceasefire on Oct. 10, 2025, with incidents rising nearly half compared to the previous week, Anadolu reports.

“Our partners on the ground report that between 12 and 18 April, incidents such as gunfire, shelling and strikes increased by 46 percent compared with the previous week, marking the highest weekly total since the October ceasefire agreement went into effect,” said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric at a news conference.

Dujarric noted that “the North Gaza, Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates saw the sharpest increases.”

On the humanitarian front, he warned that restrictions were hampering efforts to address the threat of unexploded ordnance across the territory.

While mine action partners had conducted education sessions for tens of thousands of civilians, he said that “addressing this threat more effectively requires the entry of specialized equipment and a full range of clearance and disposal activities.”

“Restrictions, including limitations on the entry of equipment needed to dispose of explosive ordnance, continue to hamper the overall humanitarian response,” he added.

READ: 2 children among 4 Palestinians killed in attacks by Israeli army, occupiers in West Bank

The attacks come as part of ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire.

The Gaza Media Office said Israeli forces have committed 2,400 violations since the agreement, including killings, arrests, blockades and starvation measures.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the violations have resulted in the deaths of 777 Palestinians and injuries to 2,193 as of Monday.

The ceasefire followed two years of Israel’s genocidal war that began in October 2023, which has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, and wounded over 172,000, while destroying 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, according to official figures.

Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Dujarric pointed to the troubling pattern of Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank.

He said that “during the first quarter of the year, 33 Palestinians have been killed and 790 injured by Israeli forces or settlers, while over 540 Israeli settler attacks caused casualties or property damage.”

He stressed that “attacks affecting civilians must be investigated and civilians must be protected,” and that Israel, as the occupying power, “has an obligation to protect the Palestinian population, and perpetrators must be held accountable in line with international humanitarian law.”

READ: Gaza needs $71.4B over next decade for recovery, reconstruction

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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.

Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingUN says attacks in Gaza surge 46% in weekly spike since ceasefire

Israeli army claims Hezbollah targeted its positions in southern Lebanon

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Israeli soldiers stand near an Israeli flag in a village in southern Lebanon as seen from a position on the Israeli side of the border on January 23, 2025 in Northern Israel, Israel. [Amir Levy/Getty Images]

The Israeli army claimed Tuesday that Hezbollah fired several rockets at its positions in southern Lebanon, describing the incident as a violation of a ceasefire agreement, Anadolu reports.

A military statement said that the rockets were launched toward Israeli soldiers operating south of what it described as “the Forward Defense Line” in the area of Rab al-Thalathine.

Israeli forces responded by striking the launcher used in the attack, the statement added.

The army also said that sirens in northern Israel, including in the areas of Kfar Yuval and Ma’ayan Baruch, were likely triggered by the interception of a drone launched from Lebanon before it crossed into Israel.

“The launches constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement said.

There was no comment from Hezbollah on the Israeli claims.

On Sunday, the Israeli army published a map outlining what it called a “forward defense line,” showing where its forces are operating in southern Lebanon.

READ: Israeli military analyst: Hezbollah explosive drones pose serious threat

The army had earlier referred to a “Yellow Line” in Lebanon, similar to a designation used in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli media reported that the so-called yellow line is an unofficial boundary drawn south of the Litani River, running parallel to the Blue Line along the border and extending between 4 and 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

The line stretches from Naqoura in the west to Khiam in the northeast, passing through towns including Shaqra, Aita al-Shaab, Bint Jbeil, and Adaisseh, according to the reports.

The total area between the so-called yellow and blue lines is not clear, but Israeli media reported that Israeli forces are present in about 55 towns and villages in southern Lebanon.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Friday that Israel intends to maintain control over all areas it has occupied in southern Lebanon during the latest offensive.

US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon on Thursday following calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 2,294 people, injured 7,544 others, and displaced more than one million, according to official figures.

READ: US asks Lebanon to repeal ban on ties with Israel — Israeli daily

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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.

Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingIsraeli army claims Hezbollah targeted its positions in southern Lebanon

Trump says US used ceasefire to ‘restock,’ warns he is ‘ready to go’ if Iran deal falls through

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United States President Donald Trump speaks to the Press before departs at the White House to Las Vegas, Nevada on April 16, 2026, in Washington DC. [Celal Güneş – Anadolu Agency]

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington used the ceasefire period with Iran to replenish its weapons stockpiles, while claiming Tehran had likely done the same and was attempting to move missiles, Anadolu reports.

Trump told CNBC he was “ready to go” on resuming strikes if prospects for a signed deal failed to materialize, while also expressing confidence that the two sides would ultimately reach a “great deal” — one he previously said would surpass the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Trump also claimed that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA, seized Sunday by US forces after refusing to comply with blockade directions, was carrying what he described as a “gift from China.” US Central Command has confirmed the vessel remains in US custody following the interception. China did not immediately respond to this claim.

READ: Trump says US will get Iran’s nuclear dust ‘in a much more unfriendly form’ if deal fails

On a possible currency arrangement with the United Arab Emirates, Trump said a swap is “under consideration,” calling the Gulf state “a good country.”

The two-week ceasefire, which ends Wednesday evening Washington time, has been described by the president as having been violated “numerous times” by Iran. He earlier said extending it was “highly unlikely” if a deal was not reached beforehand.

US Vice President JD Vance, alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to travel to Islamabad for a new round of talks. Iran has not officially confirmed its participation, having demanded the lifting of the US naval blockade as a precondition.

READ: France’s Bardella calls Trump’s Middle East policy ‘erratic’

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 warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingTrump says US used ceasefire to ‘restock,’ warns he is ‘ready to go’ if Iran deal falls through

US directs 28 vessels to turn around under Iran port blockade: CENTCOM

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A view of the vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz following the two-week temporary ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran on the condition that the strait be reopened, seen in Oman on April 08, 2026. [Shady Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

US forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port since the start of a blockade on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, US Central Command said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

The comments came as Washington has maintained a naval blockade since last week, a move Tehran described as a violation of a ceasefire.

Tensions have grown after Iran, which said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was reopened to maritime traffic, reversed course one day later and again restricted vessel movements, citing unmet US obligations under a two-week ceasefire deal, which is set to expire Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump has also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times.”

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for a new round of talks, though Iran has not confirmed participation and has demanded the lifting of the blockade as a precondition.

READ: Confused closures and opaque openings: Continuing dramas in the Hormuz Strait

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 warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingUS directs 28 vessels to turn around under Iran port blockade: CENTCOM