“The UK Government must act immediately” – Ellie Chowns responds to Netanyahu’s orders to seize 70% of Gaza Strip

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Ellie Chowns, Green Party MP for North Herefordshire. CC image Wikipedia.
Ellie Chowns, Green Party MP for North Herefordshire. CC image Wikipedia.

Responding to reports that Benjamin Netanyahu has given orders to the Israeli army to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, Dr Ellie Chowns MP said:

“Netanyahu’s directive to expand Israeli military control over 70% of the Gaza Strip is horrifying, constituting a grave breach of the ceasefire if carried out and a blatant disregard for the rights and lives of Palestinian civilians already enduring unimaginable suffering.

“This plan will not serve to strengthen the path to security or peace in the region. It will only drive yet more families from their homes, further restrict the delivery of aid, and deepen a humanitarian crisis in a territory already devastated by war, famine, and genocide. The people of Gaza cannot be squeezed into an ever-smaller space and expected to survive without proper access to food, water, shelter, and medical care.

“The UK Government must act immediately: unequivocally condemn any attempt to seize more territory or ethnically cleanse Gaza, insist on full compliance with the ceasefire and international law, and demand unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza at scale. It must also halt all arms sales to and military cooperation with the Israeli Government, drive independent investigations into war crimes, and impose sanctions on government officials responsible for breaches of international law.

“The continued expansion of military control and the forced displacement of Palestinians cannot be allowed to become normalised. The UK must stand up for international law, human rights, and the protection of civilians – not further impunity for perpetrators of war crimes.”

Continue Reading“The UK Government must act immediately” – Ellie Chowns responds to Netanyahu’s orders to seize 70% of Gaza Strip

Netanyahu says Israel expanding ground offensive in Lebanon despite ceasefire

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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 Tuesday that Israel is expanding its military offensive in Lebanon with “large forces on the ground,” despite a US-announced ceasefire that remains in effect until early July, Anadolu reports.

Netanyahu made the remarks at the start of a meeting of Israel’s Security Cabinet, according to a statement from his office.

“We are deepening our operations in Lebanon, and the Israeli army is operating with large ground forces and controlling strategic areas,” Netanyahu said, without specifying the locations.

He also claimed the army was “fortifying the security belt” to protect northern Israeli towns.

The Israeli army has continued to violate the ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was later extended by the United States until early July.

According to Lebanese officials, the Israeli attacks have killed nearly 3,200 people, injured more than 9,600 and displaced over 1.6 million since early March.

READ: 4 women killed in Israeli strike on southern Lebanon town despite ceasefire

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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 Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.

Continue ReadingNetanyahu says Israel expanding ground offensive in Lebanon despite ceasefire

Former ICC prosecutor says she faced pressure and threats over Palestine investigation

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Former ICC’s Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda [Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung/Flickr]

Former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, said she was pressured and threatened in connection with investigations related to Palestine, including direct contacts from former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Bensouda said Cohen met her twice — in Munich and New York City — and explicitly requested that she halt investigations concerning Palestine.

She described the request as direct interference in the work of the court.

According to Bensouda, the pressure later escalated into indirect threats targeting members of her family. She said her husband was followed and information was gathered about him in what she believed was an attempt to influence her decisions.

Bensouda stated that she informed Dutch authorities about the threats but did not receive what she considered adequate protection.

READ: Ben-Gvir criticises ICC and vows further escalation

She also said that member states of the ICC did not provide sufficient political backing in the face of Israeli pressure related to the Palestine investigations.

The former prosecutor stressed that the court must continue its work independently despite political pressure, arguing that international justice should not be subordinated to political interests.

The comments come amid ongoing controversy surrounding ICC investigations into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The ICC previously issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

READ: ICC chief prosecutor says he is ‘exonerated’ in alleged misconduct probe

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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 Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.

Continue ReadingFormer ICC prosecutor says she faced pressure and threats over Palestine investigation

Israeli ministers call for escalation and strikes on Beirut

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Portraits of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich and Michael Ben Ari, in Jerusalem. [THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images]

Two senior ministers in the Israeli government called on Monday for a major military escalation in Lebanon following continued drone attacks attributed to Hezbollah.

During a meeting of Israel’s Security Cabinet, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to coordinate with US President Donald Trump and announce what he described as a “return to war in Lebanon.”

According to reports, Ben-Gvir called for cutting electricity supplies to Lebanon, taking control of the Zahrani area, and resuming intensive military operations.

READ: Netanyahu threatens to expand offensive in Lebanon as Washington signals support

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich went further by explicitly calling for strikes on Beirut in response to Hezbollah drone operations targeting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and along the border.

In a post on Telegram, Smotrich wrote: “For every explosive drone, ten buildings in Beirut should be brought down.”

He also announced the allocation of approximately two billion Israeli shekels — around $692 million — to develop systems designed to counter Hezbollah drones.

The statements came after the Israeli military announced the death of another Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon.

According to official Israeli figures cited in the reports, 24 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the start of the current offensive in Lebanon last March.

BLOG: Resolutions are disconnected from the Palestinian reality

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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 Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.

Continue ReadingIsraeli ministers call for escalation and strikes on Beirut

Netanyahu allies push to bar Arab party from Israeli elections

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (3rd L) holds a meeting with security cabinet in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 07, 2023. [Haim Zach (GPO) / Handout – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Channel 13 has reported that figures close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are working to advance political and legal measures that could lead to banning the United Arab List party from taking part in the next elections.

The channel said discussions within Netanyahu’s circle have focused on promoting action against the Islamic Movement, regarded as the parent movement of the United Arab List (Ra’am), over allegations that it transferred donations to Gaza during the war.

According to Channel 13, citing two unnamed sources close to Netanyahu, the move would require legislation in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as well as assessments and positions from Israeli security bodies, led by the Shin Bet internal security agency.

The report added that the date of the next election remains unclear, but said the measures are being discussed as part of political preparations for the vote. The current Knesset’s term ends in October, although it voted in a preliminary reading last Wednesday in favour of dissolving itself. If the bill passes three further readings, it could pave the way for early elections.

READ: Trump seeks Arab-Israeli peace deals after Iran war, report says

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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/
Nigel Farage 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.
Nigel Farage 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 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.

Continue ReadingNetanyahu allies push to bar Arab party from Israeli elections