Middle East Press On: Gaza Genocide, Apartheid, Existential Dilemma: New Age Islam's Selection, 5 July 2025
By New Age Islam Edit Desk
5 July 2025
The Gaza Genocide And Apartheid Israel’s Existential Dilemma
How Does Israel Repair Ties With US Democrats?
The Sirens Have Stopped With Iran, But The Israeli Mind Is Still At War
'Settler Violence’ In Israel Should Be Referred To Instead As Criminal Activity
After The Success In Iran, Here’s How To End The Gaza War Strategically
Trump’s Plea To Drop The Bibi Charges May Just Be A Path To Gaza Ceasefire
Syria’s Reintegration Highlights Deepening Intra-Arab Ties
Palestinian National Team Player Killed In Israeli Airstrike, Global Media Silent
Milk For Kittens, No Bread For Us In Gaza – A Place Of Generosity
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The Gaza Genocide and Apartheid Israel’s Existential Dilemma
By Haidar Eid
July 4, 2025
This piece is an attempt to understand the (il)logic of Israel’s war crimes, genocide, starvation, displacement, ethnic cleansing, and the bombing of hospitals, shelters, schools, mosques, and churches in Gaza.
No other country in the world considers all its conflicts to be existential, other than apartheid Israel. In Gaza, in Iran, and in previous confrontations with Arab states, Israel has waged its conflicts existentially, i.e., nihilistically. For the Jewish state, these are absolute conflicts that do not subscribe to political solutions.
Political solutions are based on bargaining, compromise, and mutual concessions, and therefore exclude the annihilation or extermination of the opponent. In apartheid South Africa, for example, it was about the exploitation of the natives of the land by the white settler community. Annihilation, by contrast, is embedded in nihilistic existential conceptions of conflict.
The Nazis waged a genocidal attack against the Jews of Eastern Europe because they viewed them as an existential threat targeting the German nation and the Aryan race. The Israeli genocide in Gaza is based on a similar mindset that affects the Palestinian people as a whole: the view of Palestinian existence in historic Palestine as an existential threat to Israel.
Golda Meir, Israel’s Prime Minister from 1969 to 1974, famously said: “There was no such thing as Palestinians!” Annihilation need not mean killing everyone, but rather lowering the existential status of the enemy, or removing the perceived enemies from the war and, consequently, from politics. This is more than the racism of apartheid, it is rather, a form of subhuman creation, just as the Nazis thought of the Jews.
The irony of Israel’s limiting all its conflicts to existential ones is that it effectively keeps Israel’s existence contested. Its ongoing existential struggles make its very existence a conflict. Of course, there is no guarantee that all of its conflicts will always be victorious.
That is, Israel is the one that keeps alive the question of its existence and the right to it, and the aspiration to eradicate it; hence, the threatening question raised all the time, “Do you recognize Israel’s right to exist?!” It is a question that stems from a deep sense of illegitimacy, one that no other state Israel is in conflict with seems to raise.
These states, most of which happen to be Arab, of course, suffer from political legitimacy problems, numerous institutional shortcomings, and authoritarian and corrupt regimes, but none of them is obsessed with an existential anxiety that casts doubt on their chances of survival, as Israel does.
This is not due to Arab rejection, a significant portion of whom want to see it disappear. On the contrary, the reason Arab rejection persists is Israel’s inherent behavior, rooted in the very fabric of the Zionist project as a hegemonic, genocidal settler-colonial project that protects itself with superior military might and recognizes no equality with its direct Palestinian victims or with the Arab world.
In the Zionist Israeli project, in all its versions, an ingrained Jewish supremacy, far superior to the arrogance and haughtiness of the apartheid regime, intersects with a unique Jewish victimhood, which also surpasses the victimhood of native Africans and all the victimhood we know.
The result is a state of institutionalized paranoia, defining policy but not defined by it, a mixture of grandeur and of persecution, based on a persistent imbalance in the relationship with reality, and preventing the entry into a healthy relationship with any partners in the world. This structure is what ultimately makes real peace with Israel impossible. It is a suicidal structure, slaughtering many to escape its own suicide.
This is not to deny the fact that Israel’s relationship with colonial, Western powers is strong, albeit abnormal, not of the usual type of relationships between states, and not even an alliance. It is based on a sense of debt and guilt (the Holocaust and previous persecutions), one that has been normalized, and in which the Palestinians occupy the position of obligatory existential victim. No wonder an Israeli soldier who helped carry out the genocide admitted to Israel’s major newspaper Haaretz: “I felt like a Nazi … it looked exactly like we were actually the Nazis and they (the Palestinians) were the Jews”.
Israel’s existential confinement leads to an endless accumulation of means of power, including weapons of annihilation such as nuclear warheads. Because of this, Israel is today engaged in a nihilistic struggle with Iran, which, like Israel, knows how important these weapons are to its existence and survival in today’s world, and how depriving them threatens it with nonexistence, as a system, and perhaps as an entity.
Sadly enough, states possessing nuclear weapons enjoy a superior existence compared to states without them, a declining existence, and diminished sovereignty.
This is not to defend the possession of nuclear weapons by any country. On the contrary, it is left to sane countries of the global South to rectify the nuclear Horror of our time, starting by creating a nuclear-free Middle East! And the only Middle Eastern country that happens to have nuclear weapons is none other than apartheid Israel.
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/the-gaza-genocide-and-apartheid-israels-existential-dilemma/
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How Does Israel Repair Ties With US Democrats?
By Boaz Golany
JULY 5, 2025
US President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel’s pre-emptive strike against Iran has brought Israel’s partnership with the president, his administration, and the Republican Party to an all-time high. But that doesn’t mean Israel should turn a cold shoulder to the Democrats, quite the opposite. This is the time to begin mending our relations with this party.
Contrary to Israel, US politics involve continuous competition between two major parties, with the power shifting every few years from one party to the other.
The American governance system includes a delicate array of “checks & balances” among the legislative, executive and judicial sub-systems and a scenario as we witness now, where the White House, House of Representatives, and Senate are firmly in the hands of Republicans and most of the judges in the Supreme Court are conservatives, is quite rare.
History teaches us that the stronger the hold of one party on these institutions, the more likely it is that the pendulum of power will shift toward the other party in the subsequent elections.
President Trump’s unwavering support for Israel since he began his second term, and especially his decision to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities, have brought Israel’s relations with his administration and with the Republican Party to an unprecedented peak of trust and partnership.
At the same time, our relations with the Democratic Party have gone through a long and painful process of deterioration that started soon after president Barack Obama was elected. The first major friction occurred when Obama delivered his controversial appeasement speech in Cairo in 2009. Thereafter, the intensity and frequency of subsequent frictions escalated.
The climax came when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress in 2015 and argued against the nuclear deal that Obama was promoting with the Iranians. His speech was viewed by many Democrats as a humiliating act of defiance against the president and his administration.
While we experienced some moments of exaltation during the Biden administration – in particular when he delivered his “Don’t” speech and sent two aircraft carriers to deter our enemies from trying to take advantage of our dire situation immediately after October 7 – friction continued to appear and the relations reached a low point when secretaries Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin threatened an arms embargo if Israel did not accept their terms for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Over the last decade, far Left elements in the Democratic party, led by a “Squad” of four congresswomen and (the Jewish) Sen. Bernie Sanders, gained significant ground among mainstream Democrats who had traditionally been strong supporters of Israel.
Torn between support for Israel, Democratic Party values
American Jews, who had always tended to favor the Democratic Party, found themselves torn between their natural support for Israel and their loyalty to a party whose values were close to their hearts.
Every Israeli should be thankful to President Trump for his bold decision to join the fight against the “Axis of Evil” led by Iran.
However, we shouldn’t let our gratitude carry us too far in taking actions or making statements that will be viewed by the Democrats as though we have decided to divorce from them.
The fact that Zohran Mamdani, a “foster child” of Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC, the most prominent member of the “Squad”), known for his anti-Israel rhetoric, recently won the primary in the Democratic Party for the mayoral position of New York City is a clear signal that the political pendulum has already started its move toward the far Left.
Maintaining bipartisan support in America has always been a strategic goal of Israel. Especially now, when Israel’s sympathy toward a Republican president is at its peak, we should also extend a hand of friendship and collegiality to the Democratic Party.
Our focus should be on leading figures located closer to the center of this party, such as Gov. Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania) and Gov. Gavin Newsom (California), who are already warming up toward the presidential race in 2028. Both have already taken steps to differentiate themselves from the far Left factions in their party, and as the race evolves, they will surely continue to drift toward the center.
We still have three long years to mend the ruptures that have been created and rebuild trust and friendships with the future leaders of the Democratic Party and the population segments that support them. If we fail to do so, we may find ourselves on the brink of catastrophe by January 2029.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-859974
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The Sirens Have Stopped With Iran, But The Israeli Mind Is Still At War
By Tal Livneh
JULY 4, 2025
The ceasefire may have silenced the sirens, but for many Israelis, the war with Iran still resonates inside. Feelings of fear, anxiety, restlessness, and emotional exhaustion persist, affecting both adults and children.
“We all adopted emergency behaviours to survive this period,” Dr. Lior Cohen, a clinical psychologist and head of mental health services at Meuhedet in the Jerusalem district, explains. “Now we need to learn how to return to what was before, and that doesn’t happen overnight.”
Even with the calm apparently restored, social media is full of posts from people sharing lingering trauma: disrupted sleep, anxiety at the sound of sirens, fear of leaving home, emotional eating, and difficulty concentrating. Some report symptoms of anxiety that simply won’t go away.
Dr. Cohen says that transitioning from emergency to routine is often more complicated than the other way around. The difficulty operates on two levels, physiological and behavioural. “During prolonged stress, the body releases cortisol and remains on high alert. Even when the external danger passes, the body doesn’t automatically reset. It takes time for the physiological systems to regain balance.”
At the same time, many developed new habits: irregular sleep, compulsive snacking, social withdrawal, and persistent fear. “All of us adopted emergency habits to cope. Now, as we return to routine, we need to relearn our previous way of life. That process takes time and patience.”
The brain remains on alert
Despite the ceasefire, the brain continues to scan for threats. “In emergencies, the brain activates the ‘fight or flight’ response,” explains Dr. Cohen. “Once the danger fades, the brain doesn’t immediately switch off. It continues to operate in survival mode.” This lingering alertness can show up as confusion, trouble focusing, or a feeling of emptiness – all signs that the brain hasn’t yet lowered its defenses.
People also report behavioral aftershocks, including poor sleep, irritability, emotional fatigue, and a strong craving for sweets. “This is a biological response,” he explains. “The body seeks ways to self-soothe, often through sugar.”
When to seek help
Most people, Dr. Cohen says, will gradually recover within a few days to two weeks. Still, the intensity and duration of symptoms matter. “If you struggle to resume basic functions like sleeping well, eating properly, or functioning at work or home, it may be time to seek professional help. Don’t go through it alone.”
Children feel it too
It’s not only adults who are struggling. Parents are observing their children deal with confusion, irritability, and even refusal to return to school or other daily activities. “Like adults, children may exhibit anger, restlessness, or withdrawal,” says Dr. Cohen. “But they lack the emotional or cognitive tools to understand that the danger has passed. They need adults to help them interpret reality.”
He stresses the importance of open, age-appropriate communication. Gradual reintroduction to routines – regular sleep, balanced meals, and physical activity – can help children feel more secure. “With the right emotional support, most children will bounce back.”
Dr. Cohen emphasizes that even individuals not directly impacted by missile attacks, such as those who haven’t lost loved ones or homes, are feeling emotional effects. “Since October 7, we’ve observed that people nationwide, and even internationally, are experiencing anxiety, sadness, or stress,” he says.
He explains that this is a natural response based on empathy, a sense of community, and the understanding that trauma can affect anyone. “It’s not only proximity to danger that matters, but how the mind absorbs the experience.”
Easing the transition
So what can we do to help ourselves and others cope? Dr. Cohen suggests a gradual return to normalcy. “Maintain consistent sleep, regular meals, and movement. Routine creates stability and a sense of safety – it’s a real anchor.”
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided imagery can help reduce both physical and mental tension.
Exercise can also be very effective. “Movement helps regulate the nervous system – in both adults and children.”
Don’t underestimate the power of talking. “Conversations with friends, family, or others going through the same thing help foster connection and lessen feelings of isolation. Knowing you’re not alone strengthens emotional resilience.”
The double-edged sword
In recent weeks, social media has become a platform for sharing anxiety and emotional overload. “Seeing others share their experiences reassures us that we’re not alone,” says Dr. Cohen.
But he warns of the downside: “Constant exposure to emotionally charged or distressing content can overwhelm us and make it harder to calm down.”
The key, he says, is balance. “Take breaks from screens. Make time for things that truly soothe the mind, like face-to-face interactions, movement, or anything that nurtures your inner peace.”
Help is available
Meuhedet’s professional teams, including psychologists and social workers, have been deployed to hotels housing thousands of displaced individuals to provide immediate psychological first aid. The mental health hotline at *3833 operates 24/7, offering support to anyone in need of a listening ear. Additionally, up to 30 free remote therapy sessions are available via video calls with certified psychologists and psychotherapists.
These sessions include individual emotional support, parental guidance, teen support, and help for discharged soldiers and reservists, creating a safe and supportive environment, especially for those struggling to readjust to daily life.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-859971
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'Settler Violence’ In Israel Should Be Referred To Instead As Criminal Activity
By Ari Zivotofsky
JULY 4, 2025
This past week’s army vs citizen violence in the Binyamina area brings to the fore three separate but related issues: “settler violence,” criminal elements within the “hilltop” population, and the establishment’s attitude towards the civil rights of “hilltop youth.”
The events of Friday night, June 27, are still clouded in mystery. The official versions have been evolving; parts of the early statements by the army spokesman were later proven inaccurate – either intentionally or by speaking prematurely.
Either way, the official account differed and continues to differ from that of the youth at the scene.
Similarly, the events surrounding the reported burning and destruction of IDF equipment on Sunday are unclear.
There appear to be two undisputed facts: A 14-year-old boy was shot with live ammunition on Friday night by an IDF soldier, and IDF equipment was significant damaged on Sunday. Both of those events crossed red lines and need to be investigated. Such events must not be repeated. Attacks on IDF personnel and equipment cannot be justified.
THE DAMAGE to the IDF equipment may have been caused by criminal elements within a segment of the “hilltop” population. The incident should be thoroughly investigated and whoever is responsible should be held accountable. Within every segment of society, unfortunately, there are those who cross the borders of acceptable and legal behavior.
In each locale, sector, or demographic, unlawful or violent behavior is manifest by the local circumstances. Just as in the case of someone with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a religious Jew might check his phylacteries’ placement numerous times, while another person might repeatedly check the locks on their doors. Both have the same compulsion, but its manifestation is circumstance-dependent. So too, with fringe criminal elements.
The criminal youth in Tel Aviv might be involved in gang turf wars, while the “hilltop” kid in Binyamina with the same tendencies might attack an army vehicle. Neither is acceptable, and neither, in Israel, is a reflection of a violent society as a whole. Rather, they both belong to a criminal fringe that must be reined in.
These recent events must be clearly distinguished from so-called “settler violence.” That term is an anti-Semitic term with no basis in reality. Residents of Judea and Samaria (“settlers”) constitute a diverse population of over half a million Israelis. They are overwhelmingly law-abiding, productive citizens.
Settlers overwhelmingly serve in and respect the army; they represent 5% of the country’s population and account for 16% of the casualties in the current war.
There is no institutional incitement to terror, unlike among many of their Arab neighbors, and no praising of terror.
A RECENT Regavim report clearly showed that the “data” used to claim “settler violence” is warped, biased, and fictional. The data used by anti-Israel organizations to assert “settler violence,” it states, includes items such as self-defense, IDF activity, and even the act of Jews walking on the Temple Mount.
It is imperative that the Israeli government and media not fall into the trap of promulgating the canard, the blood-libel of non-existent settler violence, when in fact they are referring to isolated instances of criminal activity.
Misrepresenting isolated incidents
This term “settler violence” misrepresents isolated incidents of criminal behavior as systemic, ideologically driven, or representative of an entire population.
To describe criminal activity as “settler violence” blurs the line between isolated crime and collective guilt and creates a false narrative of widespread Jewish aggression. It is equivalent to labeling every urban area in the US as “gang territory” based on the crimes of a few.
When media outlets, NGOs, and diplomats speak of “settler violence,” they reinforce a false moral equivalence between isolated acts of Jewish criminality and systematic campaigns of terror by Palestinian factions.
Worse, such talk fuels delegitimization, portraying Jews living in Judea and Samaria as inherently extremist or violent – simply because of where they live. In a time when anti-Israel and antisemitic narratives are on the rise globally, such distortion is not merely inaccurate – it is dangerous.
The antipathy toward “settlers” that this canard of “settler violence” has generated has led to an actual or perceived cheapening of the life and civil rights of the “hilltop” youth. In late 2020, “hilltop” kid Ahuvia Sandak was killed when his car was overturned in a police chase. There was no real investigation, and no one was ever held accountable.
In January 2025, an IDF soldier shot and seriously injured two “hilltop” youth near Karnei Shomron. There was no serious investigation, and the soldier was not held accountable. And now, in the recent shooting, the army has closed ranks and, thus far, there seems to be no indication of an investigation regarding the bullet in the teen.
REGARDING THE civil rights of these hilltop youth, regular arrests are made, which include violations of many of their legal protections: minors interrogated without parents, strip searches, detention without access to legal counsel, incarceration in conditions not according to the law, etc. Then, after holding them for a time, they are usually simply released.
How do I know that illegal methods are used? Because time and again, the courts award compensation to the victims by the police.
But there are no consequences for the officers involved, nor for their superiors. And the police continue to be repeat offenders. In this regard, they simply ignore the law.
It is thus understandable that the hilltop youth, including the large law-abiding majority, have no love lost for the police and feel betrayed by the establishment.
Criminal behaviour should be addressed wherever it occurs, regardless of the perpetrator’s identity or political context, be it by policing, education, social services, or other means. However, it is imperative that officialdom in Israel stop treating all hilltop-looking kids as if they were criminals.
There must be zero tolerance for libelous claims of “settler violence.” The term is a rhetorical tool that conflates crime with ideology, individuals with communities, and incidents with patterns that do not exist.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-859980
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After The Success In Iran, Here’s How To End The Gaza War Strategically
By Dan Perry
JULY 4, 2025
When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets President Donald Trump at the White House next week, it should mark a critical inflection point: the adoption of a roadmap for ending the Israel-Hamas War as part of a major realignment of the Middle East.
Netanyahu is a divisive leader whose actions are often met with extraordinary skepticism, but right now he deserves a share of the credit for defanging Iran and proxies. That creates political and diplomatic capital that can yield results – and can rehabilitate.
The Gaza war has gone on too long, and should end quickly and not with another complex phase structure – with the blood-curdling “selection” of which hostages are freed. Moreover, even if what comes is a 60-day ceasefire, as reported, it should lead to a permanent one. There is a way to do this that’s both strategic and humane.
From the beginning, Israel could have recovered the hostages at the cost of leaving Hamas intact and in power. However cruel it was, most Israelis were willing to risk hostages’ safety to avoid that outcome. But such a posture was never going to survive six months, a year, or more. It is now approaching 21 months, and it flipped long ago.
Now, significant swaths of Gaza lie in ruins, with most structures believed to have been destroyed or damaged. Hamas has seen most of its leaders and battalions eliminated, yet it can still deploy an armed mafia capable of controlling the territory upon which it brought such destruction. So there remains at least minority support in Israel for the argument that the job is not done.
But this is, in truth, not the only reason for the continuation of the war. The far Right flank of the coalition – which can in theory bring it down – wants permanent occupation, if possible depopulation, and renewed Jewish settlement. That’s unpopular, so it’s muted.
This debate cannot go on forever. Ending the war is not only an imperative in its own right, but also opens the door to possible normalization deals with other countries – not only Saudi Arabia but also Lebanon and Syria. Here too, the government and military deserve credit: The thrashing of Hezbollah last year not only freed Israel to act against Iran without fear of rockets from the Lebanese militia but also rescued its two neighbors to the north.
Roadmap for how to proceed
First, agree to a ceasefire and bring the hostages home as quickly as possible. If it must be done in the framework of a 60-day lull, then negotiate in good faith to actually end the war, unlike what occurred in February.
Second, accept in principle that the Palestinian Authority is the only “brand” available to replace Hamas. The absurd equating by government mouthpieces of Hamas and the PA (which cooperates with Israel on security) is self-defeating.
The goal must be to ensure that the version of the PA that reclaims Gaza is improved and strengthened. The desperation caused by the war creates significant leverage to force reforms, and the structure should be supported by the Arab League via a practical, on-the-ground presence by Arab states and also Western powers.
Indeed, Hamas has already indicated that it would accept this. The issue will be the group’s resistance to laying down its arms. It prefers to operate as a militia terrorizing the civilian government, as Hezbollah did for decades in Lebanon.
So Hamas and the Palestinians must be presented with two scenarios.
In one, everyone makes clear that no Hamas alternative will step in if the group remains armed. Gaza would remain sealed and reconstruction frozen, with only basic humanitarian aid flowing as an impenetrable barrier is erected.
Because the place is truly unlivable, Palestinians who want to leave would be allowed temporary refuge in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other large countries; these countries would be compensated handsomely.
Many Gazans would indeed leave – which is a terrifying prospect for Hamas. The message would be brutal but unambiguous: As long as Hamas remains in power, you remain in ruins and the territory will be gradually, and at least temporarily, depopulated.
THE SECOND option would be vastly more promising to Gazans.
Hamas disarms, its remaining leaders get amnesty or exile, and the new civilian and security authority described above arrives. This unlocks massive Gulf funding – perhaps $100 billion, essentially in escrow in the Gulf. No more vague promises of aid, instead an internationally monitored and rigorously implemented equivalent of the Marshall Plan, to make Gaza a model for what can happen when jihadists are defeated.
Faced with such a binary choice, with the second option backed by the Arab League, the European Union, and NATO (Trump can organize it), Palestinian public opinion would rapidly move in that direction. It will eventually prevail, and until it does, the first scenario continues.
Israel would need to be compensated for its risks with an expansion of the Abraham Accords. The Saudis in particular will need handling, since they are committed to linkage between normalization and the currently impossible creation of a Palestinian state.
Yet, the world – particularly the United States – has significant leverage. First, the US can offer a formal defense pact that guarantees Saudi security, providing the kind of deterrent umbrella the kingdom has long sought.
Second, Washington can greenlight a civilian nuclear program, under international safeguards, allowing Riyadh to develop atomic energy without weapons-grade enrichment. Third, a sweeping technology package, including advanced air defenses, cybersecurity cooperation, and joint R&D on artificial intelligence and clean energy, which could position Saudi Arabia as the Arab world’s innovation hub.
ALL OF THIS would happen with Israel involved as the region’s preeminent military and tech power.
Will Netanyahu resist this? Continuing the Israel-Hamas War is unpopular, and the advantages to Israel of ending it are huge. The prime minister faces elections next year, anyway, in which, absent a reboot, his prospects aren’t great.
If he chooses the path I advise, then even if the radicals bolt, the moderate opposition would give him a parliamentary umbrella for a while. It might even make Netanyahu electable again. A political idiot, quite plainly, he is not.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-859969
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Trump’s Plea To Drop The Bibi Charges May Just Be A Path To Gaza Ceasefire
By Peter F. Crowley
July 4, 2025
The wannabe American dictator is a spineless, many-headed hydra that recently added another set of people – the naturalised – to be criminalised by the state, making Martin Niemöller’s “First they came” poem closer to reality.
There have been several things going on this past week in the US: Congress passed the Big Ugly Bill, Americans are going on 4 July holidays and SCOTUS’s ruling that bars injunctions from being applied nationwide (so now when people’s constitutional rights are infringed, we’ll all need lawyers).
Also, Trump pushed for a Gaza ceasefire this week, to which Israel has allegedly agreed and Hamas is now considering. He has stated this desire before and it is usually just empty words. This is especially true given the fact that Trump just recently greenlit an Israel war on Iran and then had the US bomb the Iranian nuclear facilities. Furthermore, since taking office, the wannabe dictator has approved $14 billion in armament sales to Israel.
However, only 42 per cent of Americans approve of Trump, the lowest rating of his second term, with the Big Ugly Bill and the US involvement in the Israel-Iran War weighing on him. The dictator knows that he needs something that will make him look good. So, he tells the justice system of Israel to “Let Bibi go” and drop the corruption charges on the criminal and orchestrator of genocide (of course, Israel only is charging on internal crimes).
Some commentators attributed this to a sort of ‘brothers-in-arms’ approach of Trump, since he, a criminal leader, saw another in distress and wanted to assist as a campaign tactic.
Yet the American wannabe dictator has little loyalty to Bibi or anyone for that matter. His behavior today will likely be the opposite tomorrow, and his cultists will love him all the more for it.
However, he knows that a Gaza cease will make him look good to everyone. The neocons will say that Trump knew it was the right time for Israel to end its war on Gaza because its objectives were met; AIPAC Dems like Hakeem, Jefferies and Chuck Schumer will agree. Every day Trump supporters will celebrate a ceasefire mostly because it would be a Trump achievement and lesser so because they generally aren’t too fond of war. Progressives will say that the wannabe dictator did what Biden couldn’t. If, somehow, he gets a wider and lasting peace (which is unlikely given Trump’s lack of diplomatic skills beyond short-term deals), it would be part of Trump’s legacy. All this would make him look good.
There is a strong possibility that his demand on Israel to drop charges of Netanyahu is to secure a Gaza ceasefire. Trump understands criminal motivations well and intuitively knows that Bibi needs the Gaza genocide to continue to stay out of jail. If criminal charges were dropped, then Trump thinks Bibi would agree to a ceasefire.
If this assertion about Trump’s motives is accurate, at first pass, it may reflect simplistic thinking on his part: Netanyahu faces major opposition in Israel, with 70 per cent of Israelis not trusting him and in an election his party may lose.
Yet after Israel’s attack on Iran, opposition leaders rallied behind him and his popularity among the public has surged, opening up the door for an electoral win. Therefore, the dropping of criminal charges alone probably wouldn’t bring Bibi to the negotiating table, but only sustained pressure from Trump would. But, without jailtime looming for Netanyahu and stronger polling, it could open up the possibility for Gaza peace.
Trump came into office claiming he would end the Ukraine War on his first day in office. He failed miserably due to his combative, transactional approach with Volodymyr Zelensky. An amateur in diplomacy, the wannabe dictator tried to cut side deals on peace (like with the Taliban) rather than bringing in both warring parties and their backers to a summit and discussing peace. A peace in Ukraine would have made the narcissist look good in his own reflection.
The temporary Gaza ceasefire that US envoy Steve Witkoff helped devise in January 2025 certainly made the wannabe dictator look good – on that front – for a few months. Yet it collapsed abysmally in March and the genocide and deliberate starvation of Gazans rose to an unbearable level. IDF commanders have given orders for soldiers to shoot at Gazans seeking food, killing about 600 so far.
One can only hope that this time around, the dictator’s presumed ploy for Gaza peace will succeed. If it does, it could end one of the worst genocides since World War II, allowing men, women and children of Gaza to resume their lives and access food without the threat of raining bullets.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250704-trumps-plea-to-drop-the-bibi-charges-may-just-be-a-path-to-gaza-ceasefire/
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Syria’s Reintegration Highlights Deepening Intra-Arab Ties
Zaid M. Belbagi
July 04, 2025
Morocco and Syria in May announced they would re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies in Damascus and Rabat — a symbolic but powerful signal of Syria’s reintegration into the Arab world. The move, which comes ahead of a potential visit to Morocco by Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, represents a key step forward in Arab unity after years of fragmentation.
Damascus’ isolation started with the outbreak of civil war in 2011 and was further deepened by Syria’s alignment with Tehran. These developments left the country diplomatically estranged from much of the Arab world. The Assad regime’s actions resulted in Syria’s exclusion from the Arab League, making it a regional outlier for years. That started to change with Syria’s readmission to the Arab League in 2023, an important, albeit largely symbolic, first step. The real shift came with the fall of Bashar Assad, which paved the way for a new era under Al-Sharaa’s leadership.
Since taking power, Al-Sharaa has adopted a clear diplomatic strategy to restore Syria’s standing in the Arab region. This direction is not new for Syria, a country long regarded as a key champion of pan-Arabism. Arab nationalism and pan-Arabist ideology were born in Syria during the late Ottoman Empire, with influential figures such as Rashid Rida and Michel Aflaq, among many others, playing a foundational role in promoting Arab unity and independence from both Ottoman and European colonial power.
Today, that legacy continues under Al-Sharaa’s leadership. He has embraced a nationalist narrative built on unity and trust. “Syria will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country,” he declared, calling on regional partners to help rebuild the country “as part of the Arab world.”
Al-Sharaa’s first priority was clear: reestablish Syria’s legitimacy on the Arab stage. In February, he made his first official foreign visit to Riyadh, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The agenda included the lifting of economic sanctions, the return of refugees and counterterrorism coordination. This was a strategic move, as Saudi Arabia’s engagement signaled to the other Gulf states that Syria was serious about distancing itself from past alliances and forging a new, Arab-centric direction.
Al-Sharaa’s diplomacy extended quickly to Qatar and the UAE, where talks centered on reconstruction and long-term regional cooperation. The following month, Syria presented its reform agenda. In Jordan, agreements and talks focused on enhancing border security and joint efforts to combat the illicit captagon trade, which is a growing concern for both Amman and Riyadh. Syria also regained membership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Kuwait announced the imminent reopening of its embassy in Damascus.
Beyond high-level visits and embassies reopening, deeper forms of collaboration are also emerging, particularly in reconstruction and infrastructure. In May, Syria and Jordan agreed to form a Higher Coordination Council, marking a significant new phase in their bilateral relations. The deal includes plans to review the 1987 Yarmouk River agreement, reinvigorate joint water committees and explore regional energy integration.
Jordan and Syria are also reviving electricity grid links and Qatar has confirmed the supply of 2 million cubic meters of natural gas per day through Jordan, boosting Syrian power generation by 400 megawatts with the aim of doubling its electricity supply. Added to this is the deal of the year for Damascus: a $7 billion agreement with a consortium of companies from the US, Qatar and Turkiye that aims to overhaul Syria’s shattered energy and electricity sector.
The economic impact is already visible. In the first quarter of 2025, 88 contracts were signed for the Syrian-Jordanian free zone at Jaber-Nasib, with more than 800 investors awaiting approval. Daily truck traffic at the border has tripled and Syria’s exports to Jordan hit $23.7 million in February alone, a notable increase from just $5.4 million the year before.
The growing number of diplomatic visits and expanding trade relations between Syria and countries in the region reflect a broader consensus among Arab states: the time has come to reengage Syria. Al-Sharaa’s openness to strengthening ties with the Gulf states, particularly in terms of trade and energy, signals a shift toward deeper integration between the Levant and the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as more broadly across the Middle East.
What began as cautious diplomatic overtures are now materializing into concrete outcomes, paving the way for a better future for Syria. The lifting of American and European sanctions has already enabled the financing of new projects, which are vital to enable the success of the country’s reconstruction plan. Besides, with the active support of key Arab states, international organizations are returning to Syria. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have stepped in to repay Syria’s $15.5 million debt to the World Bank and to help cover part of the salaries of Syrian civil servants.
This renewed cooperation and deepening engagement with countries across the region is producing tangible outcomes for Syria. Al-Sharaa’s government is not only reopening embassies and conducting diplomatic visits, but also actively reopening Syria to the region, driven by shared interests in stability, trade and reconstruction.
As such, Syria’s reintegration stands as a clear indicator of a deepening Arab rapprochement, one that is expected to result in more concrete returns, shaping promising geopolitical alignments and reinforcing ties among Arab states.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2606931
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Palestinian National Team Player Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Global Media Silent
By Palestine Chronicle Staff
July 4, 2025
Muhannad Fadl al-Lili, a footballer for both the Al-Maghazi Services Club and the Palestinian national team, died on Thursday from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike that struck his family’s home in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, located in central Gaza.
In a statement published on Facebook, his club mourned his death: “We grieve the martyrdom of our hero and star of Al-Maghazi Services Club, Captain Muhannad Fadl al-Lili, who passed away from injuries sustained in the bombing of his family home last week.”
The club extended condolences to his family and teammates and prayed for mercy and forgiveness.
Al-Lili was at home when the strike occurred several days ago. He was severely injured and later succumbed to his wounds.
Just two days earlier, the Palestinian Football Association confirmed the death of another player, Mustafa Abu Amireh, who had played for several clubs across Gaza, including Al-Sadaka, Khadamat Al-Shati’, and Al-Zaytoun. He, too, was killed in an Israeli strike.
The silence surrounding Muhannad al-Lili’s death stands in sharp contrast to the global response following the tragic passing of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota.
Jota died alongside his brother in a car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025—an event that was met with immediate and widespread coverage across major international outlets. Tributes poured in from football clubs, national leaders, fans, and international institutions.
Such recognition was entirely warranted. Jota’s death was a tragedy that touched millions. Yet the death of Muhannad al-Lili—a national team player for Palestine who succumbed to injuries after an Israeli airstrike on his home—was met with near-total silence from global sports media.
He is one of hundreds of Palestinian footballers and athletes killed since the beginning of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
According to the Palestinian Football Association, at least 785 athletes, coaches, and sports officials have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank since October 2023.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has carried out a campaign in Gaza marked by mass killings, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, enforced starvation, and the displacement of entire communities.
More than 192,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded, the majority of them children and women. Thousands remain missing under the rubble, and famine has taken the lives of many, including children. The war continues despite international appeals and binding orders from the International Court of Justice to halt the violence.
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/palestinian-national-team-player-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-global-media-silent/
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Milk for Kittens, No Bread for Us in Gaza – A Place of Generosity
By Hassan Abu Qamar
July 4, 2025
While I was lighting the fire and battling its thick black smoke, I heard my little sister call out, “There’s a cat that gave birth to kittens here!” I went to have a look and found the neighbourhood cat had given birth to a litter inside a shoebox placed on our doorstep.
My first instinct was to remove them before the mother returned, fearing she might attack us, thinking we were trying to hurt her babies.
But my little sister yelled in protest, appalled by my heartlessness: “They could die or get hurt!” I felt the coldness of my own heart for a moment, then told her to do what she thought was right and returned to the fire.
My priority was making sure the lentil soup did not burn, especially since we barely had enough to keep us alive, not enough to satisfy our hunger.
There was no bread, one of the essential additions to this dish. Flour has exceeded $700 a sack in a city where most people live below the poverty line – out of work for months, unable to afford even a handful of flour!
About an hour later, I finished preparing the soup, with no onions or peppers to accompany it, as they are either unavailable in the markets or sold at astronomical prices far beyond our reach.
A ‘Feast’
I went to check what Aya had done with the kittens. To my surprise, she had prepared a “feast” by Gaza famine standards: she poured them some milk, gathered the leftover canned tuna and meat from the kitchen, and served it to them.
I froze. My tongue failed to scold her or even ask if she knew that this was food for an entire day.
I looked into her eyes, a mix of anger and disbelief in my own gaze—but all I saw in hers was determination and complete conviction in what she had done.
Aya couldn’t bear the sight of hungry kittens, even though I’d told her, and she knew that their mother would feed them one way or another. I don’t blame her, though. In fact, maybe I should blame the cat for having such poor instincts! Still, things have changed since the war began.
Back then, cats could find food along the roadside—leftovers and trash bags.
Now, they have competition: Gaza’s children search the same trash for tattered clothes, bits of wood or plastic to burn for warmth since they can’t afford firewood. Or even just to see if there’s any scrap of food left behind by international aid agencies.
The Comparison
Many thoughts crossed my mind.
I didn’t care that we were eating so little, but I was outraged that children in my city were scavenging trash for food while cats were being fed proper meals.
Then again, the comparison wasn’t fair. Why shouldn’t both children and cats eat good food?
Even when we were kids, we used to feed pregnant cats and then their kittens so the mothers could recover. My thoughts shifted from despair and bitterness to angry questions: What kind of inhuman occupation can witness hunger in a living being and still deny it food? How vile must one be to starve children, the sick, the poor?
Who gave them the right to seal off an entire city—one barely visible on the map—before the eyes of the world? Who allowed them to control the lives, the hunger, of my city’s children, and even its cats?
All this raced through my head as I stared into Aya’s eyes.
Aya did nothing wrong. We are from Gaza, a city known for its generosity—that’s what people have always said about us.
It’s how we were raised. So would I kill that spirit in her now? Would I snuff out what’s left of our humanity?
I could only speak when I found the right words. I praised Aya for what she had done and even gave her a bigger portion of the soup at the expense of my own. Courage and generosity must be honored, and selfishness must be humbled.
No Chance of Survival
The days passed, and sadly, all the kittens died. Two of them went missing—most likely eaten by their mother. The remaining three were abandoned by her and left to die, despite our desperate attempts to feed them. But without their mother’s milk, they had no chance.
Since then, whenever I think of those kittens, I feel a deep resentment toward this world for what it has allowed to happen.
Since when have starving people, animals, trees—even kittens—become justified under the excuse of “combating terrorism”?
Or was it the cat’s fault? I see no terrorism in the eyes of hungry kittens—nor in the eyes of starving children. I see terrorism only in the hands of an occupier who besieged a city once best known for what it now lacks the most: generosity.
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/milk-for-kittens-no-bread-for-us-in-gaza-a-place-of-generosity/
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/middle-east-press/gaza-genocide-apartheid-existential-dilemma/d/136086
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