Israel

Stockholm protesters rally against Israeli strikes on Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran

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Demonstrators carrying banners and Palestinian flags gather to protest against Israel for violating the ceasefire carrying out attacks on Gaza, restricting the entry of humanitarian aid at Odenplan Square, in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, on April 25, 2026. [Atila Altuntaş – Anadolu Agency]

Activists gathered in the Swedish capital on Saturday to protest Israel’s ongoing military offensives in the Gaza Strip, Iran and Lebanon, Anadolu Agency reports.

Responding to calls from several non-governmental organizations, demonstrators assembled at Odenplan Square, carrying banners reading ‘Stop the killing of civilians,’ ‘End the food blockade in Gaza,’ and ‘Stop attacks on Lebanon and Iran’.

Participants demanded an immediate end to genocide in Gaza and urged the Swedish government to halt arms sales to Israel.

Ann Christin Kristiansson, a nun from the Church of Sweden, told Anadolu that the current violence constitutes a crime against humanity that transcends politics and religion.

She emphasized that the global community must unite against this oppression, stating that the dignity shown by those resisting in Palestine has set an example for the world.

READ: Sweden calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, urges protection of civilians

The Israeli army launched a brutal two-year offensive on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 people, injuring over 172,000, and causing massive destruction across the besieged territory.

The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In response to Hezbollah’s retaliation to the Iran war, Israel has waged an offensive in Lebanon since March 2, killing more than 2,600 people, and displacing over 1.6 million.

A 10-day ceasefire that began on April 17 was later extended until May 17, but Israel continues to violate it daily through airstrikes and the demolition of homes.

It also maintains a so-called “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon, saying it is meant to prevent attacks from Hezbollah. An earlier truce in Lebanon was reached in November 2024.

READ: Lebanon death toll in Israel’s latest offensive reaches 2,659

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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/
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 …
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.

Continue ReadingStockholm protesters rally against Israeli strikes on Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran

US approves possible sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System to Israel

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An Israeli soldier aims his weapon during an Israeli army raid in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, in Nablus, West Bank, Palestine on April 12, 2026. [Nedal Eshtayah – Anadolu Agency]

The US State Department said Friday that it approved the possible sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and related equipment to Israel, Anadolu Agency reports.

The estimated total cost is $992.4 million, it said in a statement.

“The proposed sale will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” it added.

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems in the US state of New Hampshire.

The US has long been criticized for providing support to Israel for its genocideal war in the Gaza Strip, where more than 72,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023. A ceasefire was reached in October 2025, but violations have been frequent.

Several American lawmakers have demanded that the US stop supplying weapons to Israel and accused it of being complicit in Israel’s war in Gaza.

READ: New US shipment of 6,500 tons of military aid arrives in Israel

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 sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …
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 ReadingUS approves possible sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System to Israel

Iran warns US of ‘prolonged, painful blows’ amid reports of potential strike plans

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Iranians carry flags as they participate in a march pledging loyalty to new leader Mojtaba Khamenei, stretching from Imam Hussein Square to Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran, on April 29, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

A commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force warned the United States on Thursday against potential military action amid reports Washington is considering new strikes against Tehran, Anadolu reports.

The warning followed a report by US news website Axios that US President Donald Trump is expected to receive a briefing from US Central Command (CENTCOM) on options for a “short and intense” series of strikes aimed at breaking the current stalemate.

In response, Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, said Tehran would respond to any such operations “even if short and rapid” with “prolonged and painful blows.”

“We have seen the fate of your bases in the region; we will also see your vessels,” he added in his comments carried by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

According to Axios, CENTCOM has prepared plans that could include strikes on Iranian infrastructure, as well as broader options such as increased naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: Iran’s supreme leader says Gulf future ‘without US,’ new Hormuz rules to boost stability, economy

The proposals are reportedly aimed at forcing Iran back to negotiations with greater flexibility, particularly on the nuclear issue.

The report also said Washington is considering steps to secure maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz and is preparing for possible Iranian retaliation.

The US and Israel began strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf and closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but an agreement could not be reached. Trump later unilaterally extended the truce without any new time frame, at Pakistan’s request.

He also rejected a proposal from Iran, in which Tehran suggested reopening the Strait of Hormuz while leaving questions about its nuclear program for later negotiations.

READ: Trump rejects Iranian proposal to open Strait of Hormuz until nuclear concerns met

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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 Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIran warns US of ‘prolonged, painful blows’ amid reports of potential strike plans

9 Palestinians injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza as ceasefire violations continue

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People carry injured Palestinians with a horse cart as six Palestinians were reported injured in a strike by the Israeli army using an armed drone near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, Palestine, on April 30, 2026. [ Mohammed Eslayeh – Anadolu Agency]

Nine Palestinians were injured in fresh Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, as Israel continued daily violations of a ceasefire in place since last October, medical sources said.

The sources said two Palestinians were wounded after being targeted by a quadcopter drone in the Shujaiya area east of Gaza City.

Six more Palestinians were injured in a drone strike targeting a group of civilians near Shuhadaa Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

A fisherman was also wounded by Israeli naval fire off the northwestern coast of Rafah in the south, the sources said.

Israeli artillery also shelled areas northeast of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza with several rounds, with no injuries reported, witnesses told Anadolu.

According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, the Israeli army has committed 377 violations of the ceasefire agreement during April, resulting in the killing of 111 Palestinians and the injury of 376 others, while continuing to restrict the entry of aid.

READ: Netanyahu’s adviser fails to advance Israeli plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza: Report

“Only 4,503 aid trucks entered Gaza out of the 18,000 stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, representing no more than 25%,” the office said in a statement.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli attacks since October 2023 has reached 72,601, while 172,419 others have been injured.

According to the ministry, at least 824 Palestinians have been killed and 2,316 others injured by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025.

The ceasefire agreement was reached after two years of Israeli genocidal war that began Oct. 8, 2023, with US support, causing widespread destruction affecting about 90% of civilian infrastructure, with reconstruction costs estimated by the United Nations at around $70 billion.

READ: Israeli navy intercepts Gaza aid flotilla amid reported interference near Greece

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.

Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue Reading9 Palestinians injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza as ceasefire violations continue

Iran’s supreme leader says Gulf future ‘without US,’ new Hormuz rules to boost stability, economy

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A view of a banner featuring Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran continue on March 14, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s supreme leader said Thursday the future of the Gulf will be “without US presence,” stressing that new legal and management frameworks for the Strait of Hormuz will bring stability and economic benefits to the region, Anadolu reports.

In a written statement released by his office to mark Persian Gulf National Day, Mojtaba Khamenei said the presence of foreign powers, particularly the United States, has been a source of instability in the region, adding that a “new phase is emerging.”

He said the Gulf is a key part of regional identity and global economic connectivity, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.

Khamenei said Iran would ensure security in the Gulf through what he described as new management of the Strait of Hormuz, including updated legal frameworks.

“These frameworks will bring stability, progress and economic benefits for all nations in the region,” he added.

READ: Trump rejects Iranian proposal to open Strait of Hormuz until nuclear concerns met

The supreme leader said regional countries share a common destiny in the Gulf and that external actors “from thousands of kilometers away” have no place in its future.

The message also referred to what it described as a “new regional order” emerging from recent developments.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions following the war that began on Feb. 28 between Iran and the United States and Israel, which disrupted shipping and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire announced on April 8 has so far held, while diplomatic efforts continue to reach a broader agreement, including discussions over maritime access and security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran designated April 30 as Persian Gulf National Day in 2005, commemorating the expulsion of Portuguese forces from the Strait of Hormuz during the Safavid era.

Mojtaba Khamenei was selected supreme leader on March 9 following the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28. Since taking office, he has communicated only through written statements.

OPINION: Iran does not stand alone – China and Russia create restraint

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.

Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIran’s supreme leader says Gulf future ‘without US,’ new Hormuz rules to boost stability, economy