Israel

Trump tells aides to prepare for extended blockade of Iran: Report

Spread the love

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

US President Donald Trump holds a press conference at the White House in Washington, DC on April 25, 2026.[Celal Güneş – Anadolu Agency]

US President Donald Trump has instructed aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

Citing US officials, the report said that in recent meetings, Trump opted to continue squeezing Iran’s economy and oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports.

He assessed that his other options—resume bombing or walk away from the conflict—carried more risk than maintaining the blockade, officials added, the report said.

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to respond with strikes on what it described as US interests across the region, many of them in Gulf countries.

READ: Trump meets national security team to discuss Iran’s proposal: White House

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks hosted in Islamabad on April 11-12, but the negotiations ended without an agreement.

Trump later said the truce had been extended at Pakistan’s request pending a proposal from Tehran.

He signaled Monday that he was unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to end the war after Tehran proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while leaving questions about its nuclear program for later negotiations.

READ: Former US official: Iran war is direct extension of ‘Greater Israel’ project

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 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 ReadingTrump tells aides to prepare for extended blockade of Iran: Report

Ex-Mossad chief ‘ashamed to be Jewish,’ likens occupier violence in West Bank to Holocaust

Spread the love

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

Former Mossad director Tamir Pardo

Former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo sharply criticized Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, likening recent assaults by the occupiers to the Holocaust, saying he felt “ashamed to be Jewish,” Anadolu reports.

Pardo condemned escalating violence by Israeli occupiers against Palestinians, calling it an “existential threat” to the state, the Times of Israel reported.

“My mother was a Holocaust survivor, and what I saw reminded me of the events that happened against Jews in the last century,” Pardo said during a tour of Palestinian villages that have come under attack in recent months.

“What I saw today made me feel ashamed to be Jewish.”

Pardo made the comments to Channel 13 while touring the area alongside former senior military officials, including Matan Vilnai and Amram Mitzna.

“What I saw today is the existential threat to the State of Israel,” he warned.

Pardo added that Israeli law enforcement authorities are aware of the situation but have “chosen to ignore it.”

READ: Israeli commander warns settler violence in West Bank “could end in disaster”

He cautioned that efforts to curb extremist occupiers – some of whom he said are armed and have political backing – could trigger internal conflict.

“Pushing back on them could spark a civil war,” he said, pointing to the influence of far-right figures within the government like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Across the West Bank, attacks by Israeli occupiers have been on the rise, including raids on villages and acts of vandalism, with Palestinians accusing the Israeli army of providing protection for such assaults.

The UN considers Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories illegal and has repeatedly called for a halt to settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.

About 750,000 Israeli occupiers live in 141 illegal settlements and 224 outposts in the West Bank, including around 250,000 in East Jerusalem, which the UN considers part of the occupied Palestinian territories.

Since October 2023, attacks by the Israeli army and occupiers in the West Bank have killed at least 1,154 Palestinians, injured about 11,750 others, and led to nearly 22,000 arrests, according to official Palestinian data.

These violations include property destruction, home burnings, forced displacement, and expansion of illegal settlement activity, with Palestinians warning that such policies pave the way for the annexation of parts of the West Bank by Israel.

READ: Israeli blockade threatens shutdown of only oxygen plant in northern Gaza

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 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.
Keir Starmer 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 ReadingEx-Mossad chief ‘ashamed to be Jewish,’ likens occupier violence in West Bank to Holocaust

Israel using water access as ‘weapon’ of collective punishment in Gaza, says Doctors Without Borders

Spread the love

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

Palestinians, mainly children, wait in line with water bottles to get clean water from a distribution tank in Nuseirat, Gaza, Palestine on April 28, 2026. [Moiz Salhi – Anadolu Agency]

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Tuesday Israeli authorities are using access to water as a “weapon” of collective punishment against Palestinians in Gaza, urging the immediate restoration of water supplies and unhindered humanitarian access.

In a new report, the MSF said repeated restrictions on water access form part of a “systematic and cumulative pattern.”

“Israeli authorities know that without water life ends, yet they have deliberately and systematically obliterated water infrastructure in Gaza, whilst consistently blocking water-related supplies from entering,” Claire San Filippo, MSF emergency manager, said.

According to the report, nearly 90% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, including desalination plants, pipelines and sewage systems.

READ: Former US official: Iran war is direct extension of ‘Greater Israel’ project

“Palestinians have been injured and killed simply trying to access water,” San Filippo said, warning the deprivation is fueling disease amid overcrowding and a collapsed health system.

MSF said one in five of its water distributions ran dry between May and November 2025 due to shortages and access restrictions.

The group urged Israel to restore water access “at the required levels,” while calling on allies to pressure Israel to stop impeding humanitarian access, including materials needed for water infrastructure.

“The consequences of this deprivation of access to water are far-reaching on people’s health, hygiene, and dignity,” the report said.

READ: Israeli blockade threatens shutdown of only oxygen plant in northern Gaza

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/
Keir Starmer 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.
Keir Starmer 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 sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Article by republished from Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Continue ReadingIsrael using water access as ‘weapon’ of collective punishment in Gaza, says Doctors Without Borders

Palestinian Media Forum welcomes broadcaster boycott of Eurovision over Gaza war

Spread the love

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

A protest banner calling for a boycott of Eurovision. [Photo by AA]

The Palestinian Media Forum has praised international broadcasters that have chosen to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest, describing the move as a stand “with truth and humanity” amid Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the Forum welcomed steps taken by broadcasters in Ireland and Slovenia, saying their actions challenge efforts to use the contest to divert attention from events in Gaza.

The Forum highlighted the decision by Ireland’s national broadcaster to fully boycott Eurovision and refrain from airing the event, calling it a “firm political and ethical message” reflecting public opposition to what it described as the use of cultural platforms to obscure Israeli actions.

It also commended Radiotelevizija Slovenija for announcing it would replace Eurovision programming with documentaries and special coverage focused on Palestine, describing the move as a professional and ethical alternative that centres human realities over entertainment.

According to the Forum, the decisions form part of a broader international response linked to the festival, including protests in several European capitals, withdrawals by artists and jury members, and refusals by some media organisations to broadcast the event in opposition to Israel’s participation.

READ: European rejection of emergency aid deepens Palestinian Authority financial crisis

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/

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

Continue ReadingPalestinian Media Forum welcomes broadcaster boycott of Eurovision over Gaza war

Advocacy group says Gaza faces “slow genocide” as famine deepens under Israeli restrictions

Spread the love

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

Food shortages continue due to Israel’s blockade and restrictions on aid entry, as a charity distributes meals to Palestinians living in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine, on April 23, 2026. [Moiz Salhi – Anadolu Agency]

The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights has said Israel is carrying out a “slow genocide” in Gaza Strip, warning that famine continues to spread as humanitarian access remains severely limited.

Speaking in a televised interview, the commission’s head, Salah Abdel-Aati, said the situation has deteriorated sharply, with aid entering Gaza over the past six months not exceeding 40 per cent of residents’ needs. “Famine continues to take hold in the Strip,” he said.

Abdel-Aati added that Israeli actions have included violations of the ceasefire and the targeting of civilians, stating that 823 people have been killed over the past six months, most of them women and children, with a further 2,280 reported injured.

READ: Global Sumud flotilla sets sail from Sicily to break Gaza blockade

He said Israeli forces have expanded areas under their control inside Gaza, describing a “yellow line” that now encompasses more than 55 per cent of the territory, with an additional 10 per cent being brought under control, raising the total to around 65 per cent.

He also pointed to recent attacks, including the killing of a mother and two children, and said that 32 civilian police officers and civilians had been killed within a 48-hour period.

Abdel-Aati stated that around 90 per cent of Gaza has been destroyed due to the use of more than 250,000 tonnes of explosives, which he said was equivalent to “12 atomic bombs like those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki”, across an area of roughly 360 square kilometres.

He further said Israel is preventing the entry of caravans and temporary housing, leaving residents living in tents under what he described as catastrophic conditions in both summer and winter, with famine worsening as aid remains far below required levels.

READ: UK-based group urges sanctions on 62 Israeli lawmakers over death penalty bill

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/

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

Continue ReadingAdvocacy group says Gaza faces “slow genocide” as famine deepens under Israeli restrictions