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‘More Murder’: Trump Admin Kills Two People in Latest Illegal Boat Bombing

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

A screengrab of video footage posted by US Southern Command shows a boat in the eastern Pacific just moments before it was bombed by American forces on April 13, 2026. (Photo: US Southern Command)

The attack was announced hours after Trump threatened Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz with “the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea.”

The US military on Monday attacked a vessel in the eastern Pacific accused, without evidence, of engaging in “narco-trafficking operations.” The strike killed at least two people and brought the known death toll from the Trump administration’s lawless boat-bombing spree in international waters to more than 170.

As has been its custom since the boat bombings began last September, US Southern Command posted an unclassified video clip of the attack on social media. SOUTHCOM described the bombing as “a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations,” but did not provide any evidence against the boat’s operators.

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Monday’s deadly strike came days after the April 11 US bombings of two other boats in the eastern Pacific, attacks that killed at least five people. United Nations experts and human rights organizations have condemned the bombings in international waters as extrajudicial killings and murder—and argued those ordering and carrying out the attacks should be prosecuted for homicide.

“More murder,” The Intercept’s Nick Turse wrote in response to Monday’s boat bombing.

Hours before SOUTHCOM announced the latest strike, Turse reported that the Trump administration is “waging a pressure campaign against the leading inter-American human rights watchdog to squash a potential investigation into illegal US attacks on boats in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.”

Brian Finucane, a senior adviser to the US Program at the International Crisis Group, said Monday that it is “funny how the Trump administration is very happy to continue to post snuff films of these lawless killings but not defend the legal merits of these strikes.”

Last month, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights held a hearing during which experts testified to the illegality of the boat strikes.

“The administration’s desire to play imperial superpower in the region cannot be a reason to completely displace the foundations of international law,” Angelo Guisado, senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights, told the commission.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump threatened to expand his administration’s illegal boat-bombing spree to Iranian vessels that “come anywhere close” to the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that the president ordered over the weekend.

Trump wrote on social media that Iranian vessels seen approaching the blockade “will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea.”

“It is quick and brutal,” the president added.

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

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 Reading‘More Murder’: Trump Admin Kills Two People in Latest Illegal Boat Bombing

Cracks in Europe’s support for colonial violence and genocide

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

Special police units on the roof to remove the demonstrators from Peacefully Against Genocide staging a protest at the Berlin premises of Rheinmetall, a major German defense and automotive technology company specializing in military vehicles, weapons systems, and ammunition on March 25, 2026. [İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu Agency]

Spain was recently targeted by Israel’s antisemitism narrative after an effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was blown up in El Burgo, during the Burning of Judas festival. “The appalling antisemitic hatred on display here is a direct result of the @sanchezcastejon government’s systematic incitement,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on X, while noting that the Spanish ambassador to Israel was summoned for a reprimand.

However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s statement illustrates that the problem is not the burning of Netanyahu’s effigy, but rather the Spanish government’s current stance against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its wars in Lebanon and Iran.

After decades of European blind adherence to Israel’s ethnic cleansing and colonial expansion, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has illustrated that stepping away from diplomatic normalisation of colonialism and genocide is possible. At least temporarily, Israel’s European safety net has been fractured.

The seven metre effigy of Netanyahu was filled with 14 kilogrammes of gunpowder. Burning it represented opposition to war and genocide, El Burgo’s Mayor Maria Dolores Narvaez stated.

READ: Varying degrees of silence over colonialism and annexation

There is nothing antisemitic about opposition to war and genocide. The truth is that Israel exploits the Holocaust narrative to justify Zionist colonial expansion and genocide, but it can no longer do so completely unchallenged. Netanyahu represents genocide and is wanted by the International Criminal Court. That is not an antisemitic narrative; it is based on facts.

Politically, Spain’s stance is also impacting the prior cohesion over Israel’s colonial violence and genocide, to the point that Netanyahu barred the country from participating in the Civil Military Coordination Centre in Kiryat Gat that oversees the ceasefire. Spain, according to Netanyahu, has defamed Israel and the IDF. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Spain as having an “obsessive anti-Israel bias under Sanchez’s leadership”.

An anti-Israel stance, however, is not an obsession. It is a reality that opposes colonialism and genocide. At the very least, it opposes military occupation and genocide. What Spain has achieved so far in its stance sets an example for the rest of Europe to emulate. It is politically viable to take a stance against Israeli colonialism, military occupation and genocide.

In other unexpected turns, less powerful that Spain but nonetheless worth noting, Germany criticised Israel’s death penalty bill for Palestinians. “The government is also concerned that such a law would likely apply exclusively to Palestinians in the Palestinian territories,” Stefan Kornelius, spokesperson to the German government, declared. “It therefore regrets the Knesset’s decision and cannot endorse it.”

READ: In Israel’s colonial ethnic cleansing, the world fails stand for decolonisation

Also, following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism over Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reverted to Holocaust history to obfuscate the present colonial settlement expansion, warning that Germany cannot dictate where Jews should live. The comments prompted Israel’s ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor to oppose Smotrich, reminding that Germany is “our number one friend” in Europe.

Spain has certainly ignited an alternative way, and one that is exposing rifts even within Israeli politics. Whining about antisemitism over the burning of Netanyahu’s effigy may be temporarily amplified, but Spain’s stance is not about a symbolic effigy. A single, constant opposition to Israel’s genocide in Gaza had the power to expose the instability of Israel’s political reasoning, as well as the threats directed at any country opposing its actions.

If Spain can manage that stance on its own, and if Germany can coherently oppose the death penalty for Palestinians, a political stance towards decolonisation as Israel escalates its aggression against anyone opposing it is more than possible. It is imperative.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

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 Straight 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 Straight 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 warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Continue ReadingCracks in Europe’s support for colonial violence and genocide

Palestinians confront Israeli occupiers attempting to seize West Bank home

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

Israeli settlers who have seized Palestinian land are carrying out attacks in the village of Teyasir, in the Tubas governorate in the northern West Bank, forcing Palestinian farmers to leave their lands in Ramallah, Palestine on April 07, 2026. [Hisham K. K. Abu Shaqra – Anadolu Agency]

Palestinian residents confronted Israeli occupiers Tuesday who attempted to seize a home in the town of Shuyukh in the southern occupied West Bank, according to sources, Anadolu reports.

A group of armed occupiers stormed the town in northeastern Hebron and raided a Palestinian home, trying to take it by force, but residents intervened and prevented the confiscation, sources told Anadolu.

Fadi al-Ayaydeh, executive director of Shuyukh municipality, said residents were surprised early Tuesday to find occupiers had set up a tent on land belonging to Palestinians.

“We went to the site and found a large number of residents there. During that time, armed settlers confronted us and fired shots in the air to intimidate people,” al-Ayaydeh told Anadolu.

Israeli forces later arrived and fired stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd, he added.

READ: UN experts urge end to attacks on Gaza shelters, forced displacement in West Bank

Al-Ayaydeh said erecting the tent was “an attempt to impose a fait accompli,” explaining that occupiers often set up tents and informal outposts, then monitor reactions and expand if there is no resistance.

He noted that residents would remain at the site to ensure the tent is removed and that people can access their land.

The official Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission said occupiers carried out 497 attacks against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank in March, killing nine.

Violence by Israeli forces and occupiers in the West Bank has intensified since the genocide in the Gaza Strip began in October 2023, killing more than 1,148 Palestinians, wounding 11,750 and leading to 22,000 arrests.

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 Straight 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 Straight 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 warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingPalestinians confront Israeli occupiers attempting to seize West Bank home

Israel’s Netanyahu says US reports to him daily on Iran talks, sparking backlash

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

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu visits an Israeli military unit stationed in the occupied territory of southern Lebanon on April 12, 2026. [Kobi Gideon – GPO – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the Trump administration provides him with daily updates on negotiations with Iran, remarks that drew swift criticism from US lawmakers and commentators, Anadolu reports.

“I spoke yesterday with Vice President J.D. Vance. He called me from his plane on his way back from Islamabad. He reported to me in detail, as this administration does every day, about the development of the negotiations,” Netanyahu said at a Cabinet meeting.

“The explosion came from the American side, which could not tolerate Iran’s blatant violation of the agreement to enter into negotiations. The agreement was that firing would cease and the Iranians would immediately open the straits. They did not do it. The Americans could not accept that,” Netanyahu claimed.

The remarks triggered backlash in the US, including from Mark Pocan, a Democratic Congressman from Wisconsin, who wrote on X: “The Trump administration daily reports to Netanyahu on the Iranian war, but not Congress or the American people. Let that sink in.”

Former US National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent who resigned over the Iran war warned that negotiations would fail if the Trump administration fails to stop “giving them access to our decision making.”

READ: Italy suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel

“The Israelis push for zero uranium enrichment because they know it’s a poison pill for Iran & will result in the war continuing,” he wrote on X.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens also weighed in, saying Netanyahu “enjoys publicly humiliating Donald Trump and JD Vance.”

The White House did not immediately respond to Netanyahu’s claims.

Separately, Iranian First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref called Netanyahu’s claims “structural humiliation” to the US.

“For the first time in history, a senior official of a government is providing daily briefings to the head of another state,” Aref wrote on X.

“The issue is not us; it is a matter of structural humiliation,” he said. “Do the American people realize that the White House has effectively turned into a “reporting branch” for another regime?”

Pakistan mediated a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran last week, but follow-up negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Lebanon and Israel have also agreed to hold talks, with their first meeting scheduled in Washington on Tuesday.

OPINION: Berri’s calculated defection and the future of Shia politics in Lebanon

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 Straight 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 Straight 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 warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingIsrael’s Netanyahu says US reports to him daily on Iran talks, sparking backlash

Israeli strike on police vehicle in Gaza kills 4, including child

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

Palestinians inspect the damaged car after an Israeli airstrike targeting a police vehicle killed four Palestinians and injured many others in Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine on April 14, 2026. [Khames Alrefi – Anadolu Agency]

An Israeli strike killed four Palestinians, including a child, and wounded others Tuesday after targeting a police vehicle in eastern Gaza City, in the latest violation of a ceasefire agreement, medical sources said.

The bodies of the victims were taken to Al-Shifa Hospital in western Gaza City and Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in central Gaza following the strike, the sources told Anadolu.

No immediate details were available on the number of wounded or the severity of their injuries.

Witnesses said an Israeli drone fired a missile into the police vehicle as it traveled along Al-Nafaq Street in eastern Gaza City.

The attack left the vehicle in flames, killing those inside and wounding several passersby, they added.

READ: 6 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza despite ongoing ceasefire

Despite a ceasefire in effect since Oct. 10, 2025, Israeli forces have continued violating the agreement by shelling, gunfire, and incursions, according to the Gaza government media office.

At least 757 people have been killed and 2,111 others injured since the ceasefire, according to health authorities.

Violations have persisted even after the United States announced in mid-January the start of the second phase of the agreement, amid calls to ensure Israel complies with the ceasefire and allows the entry of agreed-upon humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and shelter materials.

The UN has estimated that about 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed by the Israeli war, with reconstruction costs projected at around $70 billion.

READ: Algerian president, Pope Leo XIV call for justice for Palestinians

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 Straight 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 Straight 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 warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingIsraeli strike on police vehicle in Gaza kills 4, including child