Europe’s change of tone on Gaza lacks action for now

Mouin Rabbani, a non-resident fellow at the Qatar-based Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, says silence and inaction regarding what is going on in Gaza equate to “complicity”.

He noted that the UK recently suspended talks on a free trade agreement with Israel, and “presented this as a hugely significant sanction”.

However, the UK continues to deliver weapons to “Israel’s genocidal apartheid regime” and flies intelligence overflights over Gaza that “directly contribute to the genocide”, said Rabbani.

The EU is slated to review its preferential trade agreement with Israel, which entered into force in 2000.

“What the EU is saying is that 25 years on, they still don’t have a clue whether Israel is violating Palestinian human rights and, therefore, they need to investigate the matter,” Rabbani told Al Jazeera.

He highlighted “a change of tone” in Europe over Gaza because of growing public pressure on political leadership, amid the “explicitly genocidal statements” that keep coming out from Israel.

West should ‘put their money where their mouths are’ on Israel

Saul Takahashi, a professor at Osaka Jogakuin University, says the world has yet to see if European leaders will follow up with their tough rhetoric towards Israel over Gaza.

“There are harsher words being spoken and that will increase the pressure,” he told Al Jazeera from Osaka, Japan. “But we will have to see whether these European governments will put their money where their mouths are.”

All governments have a legal obligation to do everything they can to prevent the ongoing genocide in Gaza, he added.

Takahashi also said the West should immediately “stop prosecution of activism in their countries” – in addition to arms embargoes and terminating trade agreements – if they’re serious about reining Israel in.

“Any kind of advocacy for the Palestinians is basically outlawed, and governments are clamping down [on activists] using all sorts of tools,” he noted.

Netanyahu promises to keep Jerusalem ‘united’ under Israeli control

Prime Minister Netanyahu convened a meeting of his cabinet in a predominantly Palestinian neighbourhood, as Israel celebrated Jerusalem Day, promising that the ancient city would remain under Israel’s control.

“We will keep Jerusalem united, whole, and under Israeli sovereignty,” Netanyahu said on the Israeli holiday, which celebrates Israel’s taking of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, speaking from East Jerusalem’s Silwan.

At the meeting, the government approved a resolution to encourage and financially support countries in establishing or relocating their embassies to Jerusalem, according to a joint statement by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and the minister for Jerusalem affairs and Jewish heritage, Meir Porush.

In 1967, Israel annexed East Jerusalem, home to the city’s most sensitive holy sites, in a move that is not internationally recognized. The Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state.

“Jerusalem, our eternal capital, was reunited 58 years ago in the Six-Day War. It will never be divided again,” Netanyahu said.

Trump-Netanyahu relationship under the microscope over Gaza war

Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat and columnist for the Independent newspaper, says Netanyahu has been forced into “a very tight corner, and there’s no way out”.

He said that domestic and international pressure continues to rise on Israel’s leader, but the key question is whether he will soon feel that pressure from US President Donald Trump. Pinkas noted that Israeli media picked up anonymous sources saying that Trump told Netanyahu to “end the war immediately”.

Netanyahu later issued a video statement saying he expected to deliver news on the Gaza captives “either today or tomorrow”.

“The Israeli negotiating team divulged to the media they have no idea what he’s talking about. They know of no progress on the talks. So I don’t think we’re more knowledgeable now than a day ago,” said Pinkas.

But he said Trump could use several methods if he truly wants Israel to halt the Gaza assault.

“He could pick up the phone and say to Netanyahu, ‘Enough is enough, you’re going to stop this war in the next 48 hours.’ The other level is: Trump takes it public. If that doesn’t work, he could say ‘There’s going to be a Security Council resolution that I won’t veto.'”

Main events on May 26th

• A source says Hamas has agreed to a 60-day Gaza truce proposal by United States special envoy Steve Witkoff, which includes the exchange of 10 living Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners.
• A US official denied the claim, saying what Witkoff saw from the Palestinian group is “disappointing and completely unacceptable”.
• Medical sources tell Al Jazeera that at least 81 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on various parts of Gaza since dawn.
• A widely condemned new aid system network in Gaza – backed by Israel and the US – involves military contractors and is starting operations.
• A WHO spokeswoman says medicines are essentially gone from Gaza’s hospitals as the badly wounded from Israeli attacks continue to pour in.

Mother only able to bury 7 of 9 children killed in Israeli strike

A British surgeon who operated on the only child to survive an Israeli strike on the home of Dr Alaa al-Najjar says that the boy, Adam, could have long-term challenges, even if he is able to overcome his physical injuries.

Nine out of al-Najjar’s 10 children were killed in the Israeli strike, and the family has been prevented from recovering the bodies of two from the rubble for burial.

“Poor little Adam and his mother, and his father, if he survives, had an unimaginable tragedy. And even if his physical injuries recover, we don’t know the extent of his traumatic brain injury, and we certainly don’t know the lasting mental health effects,” Dr Graeme Groom, who is working at Nasser Hospital in Gaza, told Al Jazeera.

“I think the population here in Palestine is extraordinarily resilient. But they don’t want to be known as resilient. They want the bombs to stop.”

“Zionism Is Not Judaism” – Outrage in Berlin Over Gaza Bombings

Hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in Berlin on Saturday, accusing the German government of “complicity in genocide” over its unwavering support for Israel. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held signs reading “Stop the killing” and “Nobody can be free until we are all free,” as a heavy police presence kept the march contained.

Organiser Mark Curran delivered a scathing critique of Germany's policies, claiming the government is “weaponising antisemitism” and failing to distinguish between Judaism and Zionism. He condemned Berlin’s growing ties with Tel Aviv, especially in light of the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has killed over 53,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

Curran also pointed to Germany’s role as one of Israel’s top arms suppliers and criticised the lack of participation from “white Germans” at rallies, despite polls showing broad public opposition to Israel’s actions.

The Irish activist further called out his home country’s government, demanding concrete action like halting arms transfers through Shannon Airport and ending the sale of Israeli war bonds by the Irish Central Bank.

Zionists Have ALWAYS Been Fascists

Ken McCarthy and Aaron Good analyze the JFK files and discuss Zionism’s fascist history and present. Katie shares a relevant clip of Smotrich’s fascist rhetoric just last week. And Aaron reveals the relationship between Israel, the CIA, and the Jewish and Italian mobs.

Blow to Netanyahu as Gaza Aid chief resigns citing principles of humanity

In a setback to the Israeli government, the head of the controversial humanitarian foundation set up to transport aid into Gaza has resigned over concerns about its independence and principles of humanity.

Jake Wood said, “…it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon."

Rifat Jawaid exposes the dubious role played by the western media as he asks why the international fraternity is not taking firm action against Netanyahu.


Canadian news pretends GHF is a solution, misleading title

Gaza sees new flow of aid after U.S.-backed group takes over operations
https://globalnews.ca/news/11197871/gaza-israel-new-aid-group/

"The group said truckloads of food — it did not say how many — had been delivered to its hubs, and distribution to Palestinians had begun. It was not clear where the hubs were located or how those receiving supplies were chosen."

How is that a flow of aid...

They also won't mention why Jake Wood resigned, spinning it

The foundation began operations a day after the resignation of its executive director. Jake Wood, an American, said it had become clear the foundation would not be allowed to operate independently. It’s not clear who is funding the group, which said it had appointed an interim leader, John Acree, to replace Wood.

'Get Out From Here': Lone Palestinian Woman Confronts Israeli Settlers Amid Jerusalem Clashes

Hundreds of Israeli extremists marched through Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem as Israel marked Jerusalem Day—a national holiday commemorating the capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War. The area includes the Old City, which holds religious significance for Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Tensions ran high as violence broke out in the historic quarters. Watch the scenes unfold from Jerusalem's Old City.

CNN’s Propaganda About “Free Palestine” Goes Completely Off The Rails!

How one five-year-old girl escaped an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza



Israel’s onslaught on Gaza shows no sign of abating despite increasing international condemnation and diplomatic pressure.

Gaza 'least safe place on earth' for humanitarian workers as well as for civilians

Less than 5% of Gaza's cropland can be cultivated due to damage and access restrictions, "exacerbating the risk of famine in the area", according to a UN assessment published on Monday. Before the Israel-Hamas war began over 19 months ago, Gazan farmers cultivated a range of crops including citrus fruits, dates and olives, despite the area being among the most densely populated in the world. Now, half a million people face starvation, according to a global hunger monitor, amid Israeli restrictions on food imports after an 11-week blockade.

For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24's Genie Godula welcomes Alexandre Chatillon, Director at Super-Novae.org.

WFP director says Hamas is not stealing aid and Israel has only let ‘drop in the bucket’ aid pass

Cindy McCain, director of the World Food Programme (WFP), rejected Israel’s claims that Hamas is stealing aid entering the Gaza Strip on CBS’ Face the Nation on Sunday.

The WFP director and widow of the late Senator John McCain, a staunch Israel supporter, said that Palestinians in Gaza “are desperate” and “when they see a World Food Programme truck coming in, they run for it”, emphasising it is due to people “starving to death” and not because of Hamas “or any kind of organised crime”.

When asked about the US-backed private humanitarian organisations that will deliver aid to Palestinians subject to “identity checks”, McCain says the WFP had not been included in talks nor had they received a proposal on how this will be delivered.

Deadly Israeli attacks continue in north, central Gaza

Our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic are reporting several new deadly Israeli attacks. An Israeli air attack targeting the Al-Karama area of Gaza City has killed a child, and injured others.

Another Israeli attack on a house in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City killed at least one person, and injured others.

Al Jazeera Arabic also reported that the body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli attack on the town of Az-Zawayda in the central Gaza Strip was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

US says Israel examining temporary ceasefire proposal

A US source familiar with the Steve Witkoff negotiations tells Al Jazeera that the Hamas claims are “inaccurate”, and that Hamas has not agreed to a ceasefire proposal.

In fact, what the US does see from Hamas is “disappointing and completely unacceptable”.

Instead of an agreement with Hamas, what the United States says is that there is a temporary ceasefire agreement proposal with the Israelis, and what this would do is allow for half of the living captives, as well as half of the deceased, to be returned.

In turn, the White House believes this would lead towards a diplomatic path of discussions that could result in a permanent ceasefire.

And this is the deal that the source tells Al Jazeera is what Hamas should take.

US envoy says Gaza ceasefire deal is on the table, as Israel prepares for ‘unprecedented attack’

https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/26/middleeast/us-envoy-gaza-ceasefire-deal-intl

The proposal would see the release of half of the living hostages and half of those who have died in exchange for a temporary ceasefire before negotiations begin for a comprehensive agreement to end the war.

He declined to specify how long that temporary truce would last, which has been a key issue in the negotiations.

“Israel will agree to a temporary ceasefire/hostage deal that would see half of the living and half of the deceased return and lead to substantive negotiations to find a path to a permanent ceasefire, which I have agreed to preside over,” Witkoff told CNN on Monday. “That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it.”

How is that a deal? Especially after last time.

Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim has made a stunning revelation accusing both Donald Trump and his envoy, Steve Witkoff, of betraying Palestinians by refusing to honour the deal related to the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander. Alexander was released from Gaza by Hamas as a goodwill gesture ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit. The latest bombshell by Hamas would severely impact the credibility of the US administration. Rifat Jawaid questions the morality of the broader West for the silence on the Gaza atrocities.


Witkoff can't be trusted, Netanyahu has to be stopped. He'll never agree to end the genocide with US as negotiator as well as backer and provider.

Israeli PM’s ‘new red lines’ for ending war

On Monday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he hopes to have some news about the captives today or tomorrow.

But, hours later, he clarified those remarks, saying that Israel is doing what it can to bring about the release of Israeli captives, and he meant that if Israel doesn’t get it accomplished today, they will try again tomorrow and the day after, and all the day moving forward.

Several Israeli officials who have spoken anonymously to Israeli media have denied the fact that Hamas has accepted any sort of deal, noting that the Witkoff proposal that is on the table, Israel has accepted and that they have been waiting for Hamas to do so.

However, Hamas says that one of their conditions for a deal is an end of the war. But the Israelis have long not wanted this condition at all, and the Israeli premier even added new red lines for what to him would bring an end of the war.

That includes the return of the Israeli captives, the demilitarisation of Hamas [and] the exile of military and political leaders. But, also, the implementation of Trump’s plan for Gaza.

This is a plan that has been widely condemned as ethnic cleansing, and the White House even walked it back several months ago.

But Netanyahu says that’s what he wants if there is to be an end of the war.

Israeli ground forces, military bulldozers enter southern Lebanon

Earlier, we reported that Israeli ground forces had entered an area near Meiss el-Jabal in the Marjayoun district of southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s NNA news agency is reporting that the Israeli forces were accompanied by two bulldozers, which carried out bulldozing operations on the eastern outskirts of Meiss el-Jabal.

The United Nations says Israeli attacks have killed more than 70 civilians in Lebanon since Israel agreed on a ceasefire with Hezbollah on November 27.

Bipartisan US delegation praises Netanyahu’s war on Gaza: PM’s office

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he met with a US bipartisan congressional delegation, which praised the Israeli leader’s war on Gaza that had turned the Middle East “into a safer place”.

In a series of posts on social media, Netanyahu’s office said he met with the US delegation, which was led by Republican Party Congressman Mike Lawler and included US Democratic Party Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Michael McCaul, also a Republican congressman.

During their meeting, Congressman Lawler said Netanyahu’s “vigorous and determined policy during the war has changed the Middle East and turned it into a safer place”, the prime minister’s office said.

Netanyahu told the delegation that he appreciated the US’s “steadfast and unwavering support for the State of Israel and its just war”, his office added.

In a post on social media, Congressman Lawler spoke of Washington’s “ironclad alliance” with Israel, and looking “towards diplomatic solutions for a lasting peace”.

It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister @netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss regional security and our ironclad alliance. The U.S. remains committed to Israel’s defense as we look towards diplomatic solutions for a lasting peace. https://t.co/e6GYuI9FHh

— Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) May 26, 2025