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Egypt rules out ‘popular normalization’ with Israel without just peace, Palestinian state

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Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi deliver a statement during a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, 2025. [Photo by Yoan VALAT / POOL / AFP via Getty Images]

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said there will be “no popular normalization” with Israel unless a just peace is achieved that ends the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Sisi’s remarks came during a Saturday speech at the inauguration ceremony for the State Strategic Command headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital east of Cairo, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

“There will be no lasting peace, no true stability, and no popular normalization except with a just peace that ends the occupation, puts an end to injustice and aggression, restores rights to their rightful owners, and provides security for all,” the president said.

A just peace would provide the peoples of the region with “an opportunity to live in stability and prosperity,” he added.

READ: Egypt: Full Israeli withdrawal is key to stability in Lebanon

Sisi also called for support for the Gaza ceasefire, which took effect in October 2025, as well as for a recent framework deal between Iran and the US to end their conflict.

He also urged preventing any attempts to undermine them.

Strategic command

Speaking about the newly inaugurated State Strategic Command, Sisi described it as a major advancement in Egypt’s command-and-control and operational management capabilities.

He said the facility incorporates advanced technological infrastructure, secure communications systems, intelligence-gathering and analysis capabilities, and an integrated framework linking political and military leadership.

“The command is not only responsible for managing military situations but also serves as a cornerstone of the state’s ability to confront challenges and exceptional circumstances,” he added.

READ: 1,022 infants among more than 21,500 children killed during Gaza’s 1,000-day war

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Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingEgypt rules out ‘popular normalization’ with Israel without just peace, Palestinian state

Israel’s Ben-Gvir to skip UN police summit in New York amid legal pressure: Reports

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Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in West Jerusalem on January 24, 2023 [Saeed Qaq/Anadolu Agency]

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is planning to skip a UN police chiefs conference in New York this week amid legal pressure over his prison policies and “involvement in war crimes,” Israeli media reported.

Ben-Gvir’s office has yet to confirm the cancellation of the visit, the Jerusalem Post reported Saturday.

The report came a day after the Israeli daily Haaretz, citing ministry officials, said the decision was made amid planned demonstrations against Ben-Gvir’s visit and growing calls by human rights groups for his investigation and arrest.

Earlier in the week, the Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgium-based group known for filing legal cases against Israeli soldiers and officials around the world, urged US authorities to detain and prosecute Ben-Gvir over his prison policies. His office has not yet confirmed whether the reported cancellation was linked to legal pressure.

Ben-Gvir was scheduled to attend the UN Chiefs of Police Summit in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Hind Rajab Foundation said it and the New York-based Center for Constitutional Rights filed a complaint with the US Justice Department and urged New York Attorney General Letitia James to launch an investigation.

The foundation said Ben-Gvir has “used his authority to enact a policy of systematic torture, murder, abuse and forced displacement,” particularly within the Israel Prisons Service, which falls under his oversight.

The groups argued that James has the authority to investigate Ben-Gvir because “a number of New York residents have been harmed by Ben-Gvir’s criminal conduct and because Ben-Gvir may also be engaging in criminal conduct while in New York.”

They cited 11 alleged cases involving New York residents, including 10 people on aid flotillas bound for Gaza in the last two years who were “subjected to torture and abuse” after being detained by Israel.

READ: Trump says Netanyahu asked for meeting at White House

The Israeli war on Gaza, launched on Oct. 8, 2023, with US backing, has devastated nearly 90% of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure and killed more than 73,000 Palestinians.

The letter also referred to a Palestinian American who was “subjected to starvation and other torture methods while detained in an Israeli prison.”

“The #HindRajabFoundation welcomes reports that Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir has canceled his NY visit following legal action by HRF and the Center for Constitutional Rights.

“Israeli political and military leaders have traveled the world expecting impunity. That expectation is beginning to erode,” the organization said on US social media company X on Saturday.

This marks the second US trip Ben-Gvir has canceled within a month. Haaretz said he also scrapped a planned private visit last month after reportedly facing visa-related difficulties.

The newspaper added that, unlike the private trip, Ben-Gvir was not expected to face entry issues for the UN conference, as he was due to lead an official Israeli delegation.

READ: Israel’s Ben-Gvir faces US complaint over alleged war crimes: Rights group

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

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingIsrael’s Ben-Gvir to skip UN police summit in New York amid legal pressure: Reports

Iran, Qatar resume maritime trade after 5-month hiatus

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

Large commercial vessels and a small boat navigate the waters off the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, Iran on June 21, 2026. [Hassan Ghaedi – Anadolu Agency]

Iran and Qatar have resumed their maritime trade following roughly five months of suspension, Iran’s commercial attaché in Doha said on Sunday, Anadolu reports.

Maritime shipping between Iran’s Dayyer Port and Qatar’s Al Ruwais Port resumed following coordination between the Iranian Embassy in Doha and Qatari authorities, Abbas Abdolkhani added in statements carried by Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets, including Qatar.

The fighting stopped on April 8 when Pakistan secured a ceasefire, and an initial memorandum was signed in June. Mediators, including Qatar, continue talks for a final deal.

READ: Qatar says frozen Iranian funds remain withheld as US-Iran Talks Continue

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingIran, Qatar resume maritime trade after 5-month hiatus

Jailed Gaza hospital director faces life-threatening condition, lawyer says

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

The head of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. [dr.hussam73/Instagram]

Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, who has been detained by Israel since 2024, is facing an immediate threat to his life, Physicians for Human Rights said Saturday.

Physicians for Human Rights said its lawyer, Nasser Odeh, documented serious injuries, signs of physical abuse, breathing difficulties and repeated episodes of loss of consciousness during a July 2 visit to Abu Safiya at the Rakefet detention facility in Nitzan Prison, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA on Saturday.

Abu Safiya was brought to the meeting shackled at both hands and feet and escorted by masked prison guards, Odeh said.

He reportedly showed fresh injuries and severe bruising around his head, eyes, ears and neck, with Odeh saying his physical condition had deteriorated to the point that he was difficult to recognize.

Physicians for Human Rights Israel renewed its call for the immediate release of Abu Safiya and other doctors held without charge or trial.

Naji Abbas, head of the Prisoners and Detainees Department at the organization, said the latest information has sparked urgent and grave concerns over Abu Safiya’s life.

READ: Israel places detained Gaza hospital director Dr Hussam Abu Safiya in solitary confinement

He said the lawyer’s account was among the most alarming testimonies the organization has received since the start of the war, noting that Abu Safiya expressed fear that he could be killed in detention.

Abbas added that Abu Safiya’s condition deteriorated after he contested his detention in court, saying the developments demand an immediate and impartial investigation.

He emphasized that Israeli authorities are fully accountable for the health, safety and well-being of all detainees and urged swift international intervention.

The Israeli army detained Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, on Dec. 27, 2024, after storming the hospital, forcing him out at gunpoint and rendering large parts of the facility inoperable.

Abu Safiya was injured on Nov. 24, 2024, in an Israeli strike targeting the hospital but refused to leave, continuing to treat patients despite losing his son during an earlier Israeli raid on Oct. 26, 2024.

In Feb. 2025, Israeli authorities designated Abu Safiya an “unlawful combatant” amid reports of torture and medical neglect. The Palestinian Prisoners Media Office announced on June 3, 2026, that he had been transferred to solitary confinement.

READ: Palestinian journalist says prison starvation, medical neglect led to brain hemorrhage after release from Israeli prison

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

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingJailed Gaza hospital director faces life-threatening condition, lawyer says

Tens of thousands blockade AfD conference in mass show of anti-fascist resistance

socialistworker.co.uk/uncategorised/tens-of-thousands-blockade-afd-conference-in-mass-show-of-anti-fascist-resistance/

Mass blockades and demonstrations greeted the AfD as it gathered in Erfurt

Anti-racists from more than 80 towns and cities descended on Erfurt to disrupt the far right’s conference. Their action shows the power of mass resistance—but stopping the AfD also means taking on the cuts, racism and war that fuel its rise.

Tens of thousands of anti-fascists from across Germany mobilised in Erfurt on Saturday to blockade the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s conference.

Anti-racists marched through the city centre to the site of the conference—and, earlier that morning, eight blockades stopped traffic in every direction.

“As soon as it was announced that the AfD would be holding its conference in Erfurt, this became a priority,” protester Irmi told Socialist Worker. 

“Speaking to anti-racist activists in Erfurt, they tell me that they’ve knocked on more than 20,000 doors in the last month alone.

“But activists across the country have been building for it relentlessly—and you see the results today. 

“There are anti-fascists here from more than 80 different cities and towns.” 

The counter-demonstration was called by Widersetzen, a broad alliance that brings together civil society organisations, political parties, student groups and trade unions. 

There were banners from the Greens and the Labour-type SPD, the trade union Ver.di and Stand Up To Racism (Aufstehen gegen Rassismus). 

Widersetzen means both “resist” and “sit down”.

…

socialistworker.co.uk/uncategorised/tens-of-thousands-blockade-afd-conference-in-mass-show-of-anti-fascist-resistance/

Continue ReadingTens of thousands blockade AfD conference in mass show of anti-fascist resistance