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EU hides secret Gaza files as UN says Israel is committing genocide

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A view of the destruction caused by Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023, as seen from Israel on June 02, 2026. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]

The European Commission is refusing to release 17 secret reports on EU-funded infrastructure in Gaza, which could reveal further evidence of Israel’s destruction of European-backed civilian projects and increase pressure on Brussels to confront whether its continued partnership with Israel violates the human rights obligations underpinning EU-Israel relations.

The refusal came on the same day that a UN inquiry said Israel continues to commit genocide in Gaza by deliberately targeting Palestinian children, raising questions over whether the EU is concealing evidence that could strengthen calls to suspend or review its v agreements with Israel.

According to EUobserver journalist Nikolaj Nielsen, the refusal was signed on 23 June by Michael Karnitschnig, acting head of the Commission department dealing with the Middle East. Nielsen had requested the documents under freedom of information rules in February, seeking reports covering EU-funded infrastructure projects in Gaza from 2020 to the end of 2023.

“We have examined whether there could be an overriding public interest in disclosure, but we have not been able to identify such an interest,” Karnitschnig wrote, according to EUobserver.

The claim is likely to provoke outrage. The documents relate to EU-funded infrastructure in Gaza, including solar panels, water desalination projects, renewable energy schemes and potentially other civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools. Many of these projects are believed to have been destroyed during Israel’s military assault on the besieged enclave.

Their disclosure could reveal not only the financial cost to European taxpayers but also the extent to which Israel has targeted or destroyed civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Such findings would increase pressure on Brussels to act under the human rights clauses which form the basis of EU cooperation with Israel, including the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The Commission also invoked the protection of international relations as a reason for withholding the documents. EUobserver reported that some of the projects were either suspended or completed, with implementing partners including Germany’s KfW development bank, Oxfam Novib and WE WORLD.

Read: UN experts urge EU to suspend Israel trade agreement immediately

One project cited by the Commission reportedly sought to support water treatment in Khan Yunis, a city in southern Gaza which has suffered widespread devastation following Israel’s ground invasion.

The refusal has raised fresh questions about EU transparency and accountability, especially as EU taxpayers have funded many of the projects damaged or destroyed by Israel. EUobserver has separately estimated that Israel has bombed or bulldozed around €150 million worth of EU-funded buildings in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, without paying compensation.

Earlier this month, EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica told members of the European Parliament that the bloc has requested Israel to return or compensate for EU-funded assets whenever they are demolished, dismantled or confiscated.

The Commission’s refusal to publish the reports came as UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel concluded that Israel continues to commit genocide and other atrocity crimes by deliberately targeting Palestinian children.

“Israeli authorities and security forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children resulting in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza Strip and war crimes in the West Bank,” the UN report stated.

The UN Commission said the “deliberate targeting of children” forms one of the key elements establishing genocidal intent by Israeli authorities and security forces to destroy Palestinians, in whole or in part, in Gaza.

Srinivasan Muralidhar, chair of the Commission of Inquiry, said Palestinian children “have been deliberately targeted and killed by the Israeli security forces,” adding that even after the October 2025 ceasefire, children have continued to be killed and seriously injured.

The report also accused Israeli authorities of arresting Palestinian children and subjecting them to torture and other forms of mistreatment in prisons and detention facilities. It further said Israeli security forces used sexual violence against children as part of a broader pattern of collective oppression under occupation.

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 explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
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 ReadingEU hides secret Gaza files as UN says Israel is committing genocide

Shocking figures: Iraqi official says more than $2tn stolen since 2003

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Iraqi security forces in Baghdad, Iraq.[Murtadha Al-Sudani/Anadolu Agency]

An Iraqi official has claimed that more than $2 trillion has been stolen from Iraq since 2003, describing the scale of corruption and illicit wealth as “beyond belief”.

Munir Haddad, legal adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, told the state-run Iraqi TV channel that the value of stolen public funds had exceeded $2 trillion since the 2003 US-led invasion.

Haddad said investigations into those arrested on corruption charges were continuing and that there were no final figures on the number of suspects, as daily raids and arrests were still being carried out.

He said key suspects had made detailed confessions that led security and judicial authorities to identify and arrest more individuals. Some suspects had attempted to flee Iraq or seek refuge in the Kurdistan Region, which he said had cooperated by handing over eight suspects so far.

Haddad added that the list of suspects includes senior current and former government officials, as well as members of parliament. He said the cases involve not only embezzlement but also unexplained wealth, investigated under Iraq’s “Where did you get this?” principle, with such cases legally classified as money laundering offences.

He said the assets uncovered in the possession of deputy ministers and other senior officials were “unbelievable”, citing one case in which the wife of a suspect purchased a property worth $5 million, an amount sufficient to build the largest villa in Paris or Amsterdam. He added that some officials were found to own more than 50 properties registered in their own names or those of their family members.

Haddad also said that trials of those accused of corruption would be held in public.

READ: The Green Zone Always Wins

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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 explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
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 ReadingShocking figures: Iraqi official says more than $2tn stolen since 2003

‘Time for condemning is over’: Palestine’s UN envoy demands end to Israeli annexation of Palestinian land

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Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Riyad Mansour makes a speech after the adoption of the Gaza draft resolution submitted by the United States to the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York, United States on June 10, 2024 [Selçuk Acar – Anadolu Agency]

Palestine’s UN envoy Riyad Mansour called for an end to Israel’s illegal annexation of Palestinian land, saying “annexation is an act of war” that “kills all peace efforts” and “cannot be bargained with,” Anadolu reports.

“Israel has decided to entrench its occupation rather than bring it to an end; whether in the Gaza Strip, where it has unlawfully seized control over 70% of the Gaza Strip, or in the West Bank, where it has effectively annexed over 60% of the West Bank and all of East Jerusalem,” Mansour said at the UN Security Council.

He said Israel’s actions are “not only illegal” but also “contrary to President (Donald) Trump’s plan and resolution 2803, which explicitly states there should be no occupation and no annexation,” adding that they aim at “blocking the promised pathway for Palestinian self-determination and independent statehood.”

Mansour warned that Israeli colonial plans in the E1 area amount to “a death penalty for the Palestinian state and the prospect for peace in our region.”

He also said Israel is “dismantling the historic status quo through repeated assaults against the sanctity of the holy site while asserting control over them,” as Palestinian communities continue to be “terrorized by Israeli occupation forces and settlers with constant attacks, the demolition of their homes, their forcible removal from their ancestral land.”

65 Palestinian students arrested by Israel in occupied West Bank this year: Rights group

On Israel’s withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, Mansour said the move is “not only illegal and part and parcel of stealing our resources, whether financial or natural,” warning it “aims at the collapse of the PA (Palestinian Authority) and constitutes such a threat to peace and security, given the political, social, and human ramifications and the impact on regional stability.”

He stressed that, despite global opposition, “annexation is underway at a faster pace than ever, more publicly than ever,” with Israel “defying the international community and denying international declarations.”

“Annexation is an act of war. It kills all peace efforts; it cannot be bargained with. It must be stopped,” Mansour said, calling on the international community to act decisively rather than issue further condemnations.

Noting that “the time for condemning and rejecting annexation is over,” he added: “Now is the time to end it once and for all and to choose resolutely the path of Palestinian self-determination and independent statehood and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states of the region, including Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, towards shared security and prosperity in our region.”

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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 ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue Reading‘Time for condemning is over’: Palestine’s UN envoy demands end to Israeli annexation of Palestinian land

Extremist Israeli ministers call for ‘burning’ Lebanon, opening ‘gates of hell’ after soldiers killed

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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in Jerusalem. [Photo by AMIR COHEN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Israel’s far-right cabinet members, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, on Friday called for intensified attacks in Lebanon after the Israeli army said four soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports.

In a post on the US social media company X, Ben-Gvir said Israel should respond forcefully despite international pressure.

“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn,” the extremist minister wrote.

“Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF (army), and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration,” he added.

Ben-Gvir noted he had conveyed his position directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I told the Prime Minister, even in our private meetings: For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep.”

READ: 4 Israeli soldiers killed in Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon

Calling for a harsher attack, he added that in the Middle East it was necessary to “go berserk. To obliterate. To crush the terror.”

Another extremist minister Smotrich wrote on X, “A tough morning… Time to speak with fire. To open the gates of hell.”

The remarks came after the Israeli military announced that four soldiers had been killed during clashes in southern Lebanon, amid continuing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Despite a US-Iran deal that was reported to include provisions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon, Israeli strikes continued after midnight.

Earlier on Friday, at least 24 people were killed and several others injured in a series of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s official news agency (NNA).

The agency said the attacks hit inhabited homes in Al-Sharqiyah, Harouf, and Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district, also leaving several people unaccounted for.

According to the latest official figures, Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon, which began on March 2, has killed 3,912 people, injured 11,873 others, and displaced more than one million residents.

During the recent military campaign, Israeli forces advanced more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanese territory.

READ: 28 killed as Israel keeps attacking Lebanon despite US-Iran deal coming into force

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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/
Keir "I support Zionism without Qualification" Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his - Labour and Israel's - Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they've got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Keir “I support Zionism without Qualification” Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his – Labour and Israel’s – Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they’ve got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingExtremist Israeli ministers call for ‘burning’ Lebanon, opening ‘gates of hell’ after soldiers killed

‘No one can tell us what to do,’ Israeli defense minister says amid US criticism

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz in Washington, United States on July 18, 2025. [Yasin Öztürk – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said late Thursday that Israel would respond immediately and with force if Iran attacks, saying that “no one can tell us what to do,” according to Israeli media.

“If Iran attacks us, we will act immediately and respond with force. No one can tell us what to do, and we have proven that,” Katz said in an interview with Channel 14.

“All the capabilities exist and are being built,” Katz added, saying Israel could “respond immediately or act later.”

“We never asked the US to fight with us against Hezbollah in Lebanon, against jihadist elements in Syria or against Hamas in Gaza,” Katz claimed. “We do that alone.”

“We expected, and still expect, that the US will back our right and give us a diplomatic umbrella, not a military one, to act against all these enemies,” he added.

“In Lebanon, in Syria and in Gaza, we will not move from the security zones,” Katz said. “Not in Syria, not in Gaza and not in Lebanon, we will not leave there under any circumstances.”

The statement came days after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon. Israeli officials criticized the decision and vowed not to follow the provisions of the agreement, drawing a strong response from US Vice President JD Vance.

READ: Report: Israeli political circles shocked by Vance criticism of Netanyahu ministers

Speaking at the White House earlier Thursday, Vance sharply criticized members of the Israeli government who attacked the understanding reached between Washington and Tehran, saying: “If I were in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.”

Vance said some members of the Israeli government “very personally attacked the President of the United States.”

The Pakistani mediator officially announced that the memorandum had entered into force, with Iran set to begin reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic in exchange for the US starting to lift its naval blockade on Tehran.

Despite a US-Iran agreement reported to include provisions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon, Israeli strikes continued after midnight.

According to the latest official figures, Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon since March 2 has killed 3,912 people, injured 11,873 others and displaced more than one million residents.

Israel also maintains a presence in Syria. Despite the new Syrian administration not issuing threats toward Israel, Israeli forces have carried out airstrikes in Syria since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, killing civilians and targeting military sites, equipment and ammunition.

In addition, Israel occupies Palestinian and Lebanese lands and refuses to withdraw or allow the establishment of a Palestinian state, as stipulated in relevant UN resolutions.

READ: Trump says there are ‘no limits’ to his power after Iran war

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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/
Keir "I support Zionism without Qualification" Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his - Labour and Israel's - Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they've got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Keir “I support Zionism without Qualification” Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his – Labour and Israel’s – Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they’ve got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue Reading‘No one can tell us what to do,’ Israeli defense minister says amid US criticism