palestinian rights

Israeli bulldozers demolished dozens of Palestinian shops near Jerusalem, clearing land for a settlement-linked road. While Israel claims it's for Palestinian traffic, critics argue it's to reroute Palestinians away from a new highway serving settlements, a key part of the E1 project aimed at hindering a Palestinian state.

Israel's parliament has greenlit a special tribunal to try and sentence to death Palestinians convicted in the October 7th Hamas-led attack. The bill, passed overwhelmingly, aims to punish those responsible for the deadliest assault in Israel's history. Rights groups, however, voice concerns over fair trial procedures and the ease of imposing the death penalty.

In a bold move, Israel has expelled two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were intercepted during their participation in a Gaza-bound flotilla. Advocates for human rights have denounced this decision, labeling it as a deliberate strike against a peaceful initiative.

London witnessed a massive, heavily policed day with two major simultaneous protests: a far-right "Unite the Kingdom" rally and a pro-Palestinian march. Over 4,000 officers managed the events, employing advanced surveillance. While both drew large crowds and featured prominent speakers, authorities reported minimal significant incidents, though 31 arrests were made.

European Union foreign ministers have imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers and organizations for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, ending Hungary's previous blockade. This move, targeting extremist settler groups and their leaders, comes amid rising violence and settlement expansion. Israel has condemned the sanctions, calling them morally bankrupt and antisemitic.

A US judge on Wednesday imposed a temporary injunction on sanctions imposed last year by Washington on a United Nations expert on the occupied Palestinian territories. In his court order Wednesday, US District Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction against the sanctions, according to a court filing seen by AFP. "Protecting the freedom of speech is 'always' in the public interest," Leon wrote in an opinion accompanying the order.

The United Nations on Wednesday called on Israel to immediately release two activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla, and demanded an investigation into "disturbing accounts" they had been severely mistreated. Kheetan decried the "disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment", calling for an investigation and insisting "those responsible must be brought to justice".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged some responsibility for the October 7th security failures, stating accountability rests with "everyone" across the establishment. He emphasized focusing on post-attack events and Iran's broader threat, asserting he was previously a restrained leader. The offensive in Gaza has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and destruction.

Amidst the devastation in Gaza, a community of digital freelancers is finding income and escape through remote work. Programmers and designers connect with international clients, rebuilding skills and livelihoods amidst the ongoing crisis. Driven by the desire to earn for their family and not depend on humanitarian aid, they compete in the global market despite struggling for basic facilities.

The fringe organization Uri Tzafon, composed of Israeli settlers, is pushing for the expansion of Israel's northern boundaries into southern Lebanon. Their goal is to create civilian settlements amid the ongoing regional turmoil, and they are gaining momentum among certain groups.

A version of the British Parliament has been around since 1265 in one form or another, and has survived murderous kings, civil and world wars, lord protectors, skirmishes that inspired the Game of Thrones Red Wedding, and one lettuce that briefly became a constitutional actor. It has seen its fair share of entertaining characters.

Gaza witnessed a historic moment as Palestinians engaged in their first local elections in over two decades, marking a tentative step toward reconciling the fragmented political landscape between Gaza and the West Bank. Though hampered by Israeli-imposed restrictions, officials creatively utilised whatever materials they could muster to ensure the elections went ahead.

During the celebrations of St George's Day, a Nottingham councillor sparked a lively discussion by questioning the English heritage of the saint, which led to a spirited disagreement with a former MP. While St George has been celebrated in England for centuries, his narrative is intertwined with Middle Eastern history, a nuance often eclipsed by modern-day nationalism and tensions.

Post-shooting, Trump will get a ratings bump. Question is whether he will squander it by doubling down on the Iran war, misreading public mood again

London police arrested over 500 individuals during a pro-Palestinian demonstration. The arrests were made for showing support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed in the UK. This action follows a High Court ruling that questioned the ban's legality. Organizers criticized the police action, citing the court's decision. The ban on Palestine Action has led to numerous arrests since its inception.