Middle East Monitor Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa

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  Lebanon needs €500M to address humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli war, prime minister says

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  Lebanon needs €500, over $588, million over the next six months to address a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli war, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Tuesday, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Salam said he has asked Lebanese judicial authorities to follow up on the killing of a French peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and to hold those responsible accountable, the state news agency NNA reported. UNIFIL said it has launched an investigation after one of its positions “came under small-arms fire from non-state actors” in the southern village of Ghanduriyah on Saturday. Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack. Salam

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  UN says attacks in Gaza surge 46% in weekly spike since ceasefire

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  The UN said Tuesday that violence in the Gaza Strip surged to its highest since a ceasefire on Oct. 10, 2025, with incidents rising nearly half compared to the previous week, Anadolu reports. “Our partners on the ground report that between 12 and 18 April, incidents such as gunfire, shelling and strikes increased by 46 percent compared with the previous week, marking the highest weekly total since the October ceasefire agreement went into effect,” said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric at a news conference. Dujarric noted that “the North Gaza, Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates saw the sharpest increases.” On the humanitarian front, he warned that restrictions were hampering efforts to address the threat of unexploded ordnance across the territory. While mine action

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  Israeli army claims Hezbollah targeted its positions in southern Lebanon

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  The Israeli army claimed Tuesday that Hezbollah fired several rockets at its positions in southern Lebanon, describing the incident as a violation of a ceasefire agreement, Anadolu reports. A military statement said that the rockets were launched toward Israeli soldiers operating south of what it described as “the Forward Defense Line” in the area of Rab al-Thalathine. Israeli forces responded by striking the launcher used in the attack, the statement added. The army also said that sirens in northern Israel, including in the areas of Kfar Yuval and Ma’ayan Baruch, were likely triggered by the interception of a drone launched from Lebanon before it crossed into Israel. “The launches constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement said. There was

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  Druze leader in Israel criticizes government over treatment of community

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  The spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, Mowafaq Tarif, on Tuesday criticized the government of Benjamin Netanyahu over unfair policies toward the community, Anadolu reports. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that Tarif pointed to housing shortages and the government’s refusal to connect thousands of Druze homes to the electricity grid, citing issues including a lack of building permits and planning constraints. “The sacrifices of members of the community for Israel’s security are met with unjust government policies,” Tarif said. He made the remarks during a memorial ceremony for soldiers killed in action held at a military cemetery in Isfiya in northern Israel, which was marked by tension and sharp criticism of the government. The annual memorial precedes Israel’s Independence Day, which marks

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  US directs 28 vessels to turn around under Iran port blockade: CENTCOM

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  US forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port since the start of a blockade on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, US Central Command said Tuesday, Anadolu reports. The comments came as Washington has maintained a naval blockade since last week, a move Tehran described as a violation of a ceasefire. Tensions have grown after Iran, which said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was reopened to maritime traffic, reversed course one day later and again restricted vessel movements, citing unmet US obligations under a two-week ceasefire deal, which is set to expire Wednesday. US President Donald Trump has also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times.” US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel

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  2 children among 4 Palestinians killed in attacks by Israeli army, occupiers in West Bank

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  Four Palestinians, including two children, were killed in the occupied West Bank since the morning in separate incidents involving Israeli occupiers and Israeli army fire, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday, Anadolu reports. In a brief statement, the ministry said two Palestinians were killed by Israeli occupiers’ gunfire in the town of al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, including a child, and that three others were wounded, bringing the total number of those killed since the morning to four. The ministry identified the two killed in al-Mughayyir as Aws Hamdi al-Naasan, 14, and Jihad Marzouq Abu Naim, 32. In Jenin in the northern West Bank, the ministry said Raja Fadel Baitawi, 49, died of wounds sustained from Israeli army gunfire during a previous raid

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  Proposal to suspend EU trade agreement with Israel shelved: Italy

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  The Italian foreign minister said Tuesday that a proposal to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement has been shelved, adding that EU members will discuss alternatives next month, Anadolu reports. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, Antonio Tajani said the proposal to suspend the trade agreement with Israel over Gaza has been definitively shelved. “Other possible initiatives will be discussed at the next ministerial meeting on May 11, and we will evaluate them,” he was quoted by the Italian news agency ANSA. READ: Italy suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel Recalling that his country has recently suspended the automatic confirmation of the defense memorandum with Israel, he noted that Italy is applying pressure.

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  Former senior Israeli officials say Netanyahu government ‘hijacked’ country, failed in Iran war

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  Three former Israeli senior officials sharply criticized the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, saying it has “hijacked” the country and failed in its war against Iran, Anadolu reports. “On the eve of the 78th anniversary of Israel’s independence (according to the Hebrew calendar), we are forced to say with bitterness: Israel has been hijacked by a regime that views the state’s resources as its own private property,” former army chiefs of staff Dan Halutz and Moshe Yaalon wrote in an article in the Haaretz newspaper. They described the government as “completely detached from the reality of its citizens, acting as if the country were the personal property of Netanyahu, his wife (Sara), and Miri Regev (transport minister).” Referring to

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  Trump says US used ceasefire to ‘restock,’ warns he is ‘ready to go’ if Iran deal falls through

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington used the ceasefire period with Iran to replenish its weapons stockpiles, while claiming Tehran had likely done the same and was attempting to move missiles, Anadolu reports. Trump told CNBC he was “ready to go” on resuming strikes if prospects for a signed deal failed to materialize, while also expressing confidence that the two sides would ultimately reach a “great deal” — one he previously said would surpass the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Trump also claimed that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA, seized Sunday by US forces after refusing to comply with blockade directions, was carrying what he described as a “gift from China.” US Central Command has confirmed the vessel remains

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  Archbishop of Athens condemns Israeli desecration of Jesus statue in southern Lebanon

  by MI on April 21, 2026

  The Archbishop of Athens on Tuesday condemned the desecration of a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon, warning that war-driven violence risks deepening divisions and harming innocent civilians, Anadolu reports. Archbishop Ieronymos II expressed “deep concern” over the incident, which involved damage to a statue depicting the crucified Jesus, and questioned the motives behind the act, according to Orthodox Times. Ieronymos emphasized that Jesus “did not use violence nor lead military actions,” but instead preached love, repentance, and forgiveness. The remarks came after the Israel Defense Forces confirmed that one of its soldiers had damaged a Christian religious symbol during operations in southern Lebanon. The military said it was treating the incident with “great severity,” adding that such behavior does not

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  Europe still blurs the line between support and betrayal

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  “Europe is the biggest supporter of the Palestinian people,” EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee yesterday.  However, while there have been shifts in individual European countries’ stances as regards Israel, mostly as a result of the economic ramifications of the US-Israeli attacks against Iran, Kallas cannot claim that Europe is the biggest supporter of the Palestinian people. On being the biggest backer of the Palestinian Authority, Kallas may be right. Since October 2023, Europe did its utmost to protect Israel’s genocide in Gaza. It made a mockery out of its own rhetoric of suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which would not have stopped the genocide. but rather provided the EU with a symbolic move

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  Can Sistani save Iraq from its predicament?

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  The question posed by the title of this article is more than just a political inquiry. At its core, it is a question about the nature of authority in Iraq, the limits of the state, and the role that a single cleric can play when domestic crises intersect with regional confrontation. Although the question borders on wishful thinking, many people inside and outside Iraq believe that the answer could be yes — if Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani chooses to act. However, this “yes” is neither simple, nor guaranteed, nor risk-free. Today, Iraq is at the centre of an open confrontation between the United States and Iran, with its territory serving as a convenient arena for this conflict. Iran-aligned armed factions

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  Kuwait: Detaining Ahmed Shihab-Eldin — How far can the law stretch before it snaps?

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Could sharing publicly available footage of a military incident land you in prison in Kuwait? Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin’s early March 2026 arrest for resharing already-circulated videos of alleged Kuwaiti friendly fire amid Iran tension brings this question into sharp focus. Understood to be facing charges of spreading false information and endangering national security, he exemplifies a pattern of broad security laws targeting journalism. Groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and CNN, as well as international media, note that the footage was in the public domain, warning that authorities may risk conflating reporting with crime when it’s most crucial. Shihab-Eldin is certainly not just a bystander. An American-born Kuwaiti journalist of Palestinian descent, he has worked for several prominent media

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  Israel broadcaster: No criminal probe into soldier who smashed Christ statue in Lebanon

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation said on Monday that a soldier who smashed a statue of Jesus Christ in a southern Lebanese town will not face a criminal investigation, and will instead be dealt with “disciplinarily only”. Footage released on Sunday showed an Israeli soldier using a pickaxe to destroy a statue of Christ in the town of Debel in southern Lebanon, sparking widespread anger locally and internationally, with religious and political condemnation of what was seen as an attack on a religious symbol. On Monday, Catholic church leaders in Jerusalem condemned the incident, describing it as “a serious violation of religious symbols and human dignity”, and called for those responsible to be held accountable. In a statement received by

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  US asks Lebanon to repeal ban on ties with Israel — Israeli daily

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  The Hebrew daily Maariv reported on Monday evening that the United States has asked Lebanon to repeal a law banning relations with Israel. Sources told Asharq that Washington will formally request that the Lebanese side scrap the “Israel boycott” law, as direct talks between the two sides continue under US mediation. The first article of the law, issued in 1955, states that “every natural or legal person is prohibited, directly or indirectly, from entering into an agreement with bodies or individuals residing in Israel, affiliated with it by nationality, or acting on its behalf or in its interest, when the subject of the agreement involves commercial transactions, financial operations, or any other type of dealings, regardless of their nature.” The

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  Israeli army demolishes homes in south Lebanon, issues evacuation warning

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  The Israeli army blew up several homes on Monday evening in the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon, while also issuing an evacuation warning for a building in another town. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that “Israeli enemy forces carried out a violent demolition operation targeting homes in the town of Khiam in the Marjayoun district” in the south of the country. It added that the owner of a pharmacy in the town of Haret Saida, near Sidon in southern Lebanon, received a warning call ordering evacuation within 10 minutes. After the municipality of Haret Saida informed Lebanese army intelligence, a full evacuation of the building began as a precaution, the agency said. It added that gunfire was heard in

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  Hamas says Israel tightening “engineered starvation” in Gaza by closing Rafah crossing

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Israel is continuing to tighten its blockade on the Gaza Strip by closing crossings and controlling the entry of aid and the number of travellers through the Rafah crossing. In a video statement on Monday, Qassem said the Rafah crossing had been closed while severe restrictions on aid deliveries remain in place. He added that Israel had not met the agreed number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza, with fewer than half entering, alongside continued limits on the number of travellers. Qassem said Israel is pursuing a policy of “engineering starvation” in Gaza, pointing to rising prices of basic goods as hunger deepens, as well as ongoing violations including shelling and killings, such as those

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  UN Special Coordinator Nikolay Mladenov: Gaza plan requires rapid progress

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nikolay Mladenov said he is “fairly optimistic” about reaching an agreement on a plan related to Gaza, while stressing that progress must be accelerated and that discussions remain difficult. We have had some very serious discussions with Hamas over the past few weeks, and they are not easy” Mladenov told Reuters during a visit to Brussels, adding that he was fairly optimistic that an arrangement that satisfies all parties, most importantly, the people of Gaza will be concluded. The plan under discussion stems from a proposal by US President, Donald Trump, who called for the formation of a peace process framework to oversee efforts to end the Israeli war

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  Hezbollah lawmaker says resistance will eliminate the “yellow line” 

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Hezbollah MP, Hassan Fadlallah said that Hezbollah will eliminate the “yellow line” declared by Israel in southern Lebanon, stressing that “no one will be able to disarm the party.” In an interview with Agence France-Presse, Fadlallah said: “We will topple this yellow line through resistance, through our insistence on our legitimate right to defend ourselves and our country.” He added: “The Israeli army’s attempt to establish a buffer zone, under the guise of a front line, a yellow line, and a green line—we will break all these lines. We will not accept any of them, and we will reach our villages on the internationally recognized borders, no matter the sacrifices, no matter the cost.” “There will be no disarmament of

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  Russian authorities detain Israeli travellers at Moscow airport

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Russian authorities detained dozens of Israeli travellers at Domodedovo Airport and subjected them to extended interrogations and phone searches, according to media reports. The Russian opposition outlet Mediazona reported that around 40 Israelis, including dual nationals, were held for five consecutive hours under allegedly “harsh conditions”, during which they were reportedly denied food and water and had their mobile phones confiscated and inspected by the Federal Security Service. One detainee quoted in the report said Russian officers behaved rudely and delivered political messages, stating that “Iran is a strategic ally of Russia, and that Tehran’s enemy is necessarily Moscow’s enemy.” According to the report, the detainees were later released after being required to sign “warning” documents, the contents of which

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  UK bars anti-Muslim influencer Valentina Gomez, hailed as ‘true warrior’ in Israel

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  The UK has barred Valentina Gomez, the anti-Muslim influencer notorious for inflammatory and racist comments about Muslims, including repeatedly describing them as “rapists”, from entering the country ahead of Tommy Robinson’s latest rally. Gomez was initially granted a UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA), allowing her to travel to Britain, before ministers later withdrew it on the grounds that her presence “would not be conducive to the public good”. The reversal came after backlash over the decision to clear her entry in the first place, a move that shocked many Muslims and triggered accusations of double standards in the Home Office’s approach to hate speech. The Muslim Council of Britain noted that others had been denied entry to the UK for

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  Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister: Netanyahu would be arrested if he visits

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister, Péter Magyar said that Hungary will comply with International Criminal Court arrest warrants, stating that any wanted individual entering the country would be detained — in a clear reference to Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu who is wanted by the ICC for war crimes. Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Magyar addressed questions about his invitation to Netanyahu to visit Hungary next October for the commemoration of the 1956 uprising, despite an ICC arrest warrant issued in 2024 on charges including war crimes and crimes against humanity. Magyar confirmed that he intends to reverse the decision of the outgoing government led by Viktor Orbán to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move that had

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  Israeli military analyst: Hezbollah explosive drones pose serious threat

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Israeli military analyst, Avi Ashkenazi said that Hezbollah’s explosive drones are deadly weapons and that the Israeli army will be forced to find a solution to them. In an article published in the Hebrew newspaper Maariv, Ashkenazi stated that “the manoeuvre in southern Lebanon revealed a new challenge for the Israeli army,” explaining that “throughout the entire ground operation in Lebanon, Hezbollah operatives used hundreds of explosive-laden drones that operate via fiber optic cables, not via wireless or satellite communications.” He added: “As a result, the Israeli army is facing difficulty in intercepting these drones, which has led to a number of casualties among its ranks,” emphasizing that “Hezbollah succeeded in creating a surprise on the battlefield using an old

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  Israeli army blows up public school in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  The Israeli army destroyed a public school building in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, in a new violation of a temporary ceasefire, Lebanese media reported on Tuesday, Anadolu reports. The state-run National News Agency said Israeli forces rigged the building with explosives and detonated it overnight, completely levelling the structure. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on the incident. Since March 2, Israel has carried out an offensive in Lebanon that has killed around 2,300 people, wounded more than 7,500, and displaced over 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities. US President Donald Trump announced Thursday a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon following calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.​​​​​​​ READ: Spain says

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  UN experts urge EU to suspend Israel trade agreement immediately

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  UN experts on Monday called on the EU to immediately suspend its trade agreement with Israel, saying it is the “minimum measure required” under international law in light of alleged human rights violations, Anadolu Agency reported. In a statement issued ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, the experts said the EU-Israel Association Agreement should be fully suspended because Israel continues to receive preferential access to European markets despite “well-documented human rights violations that have escalated into atrocity crimes, including genocide.” “Europe faces a clear moral test, when its Foreign Ministers meet in Luxembourg tomorrow, 21st April, to consider the suspension, in full or in part of this Agreement,” the experts said in a statement. “The EU

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  Study: 45 % of Poles say Israel’s actions resemble Nazi practices

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  A recent European study has found that a significant share of people in Central and Eastern Europe believe Israel’s actions against Palestinians are similar to those of Nazi Germany against Jews, with Poland recording the highest level of agreement. According to the study, published by the UNESCO Chair for interdisciplinary research on antisemitism at the University of Warsaw, 45 per cent of Polish respondents agreed with the statement that “Israel’s actions against Palestinians are no different from the Nazis’ treatment of Jews”. Only 18.7 per cent disagreed, while 36.2 per cent said they had no clear opinion. The research, conducted by specialists in Holocaust studies and prejudice from universities across Eastern Europe, also showed similar trends in other countries. In

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  Iran parliament speaker: no talks under threat, warns of “new cards” if war resumes

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Iran’s parliament speaker has warned that Tehran will reveal “new cards” if fighting with the United States and Israel resumes, two days before a ceasefire deadline expires. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a post on X: “We do not accept negotiating under threat. Over the past two weeks, we have been preparing to reveal new cards on the battlefield.” Ghalibaf, who also serves as Iran’s chief negotiator, added that US President Donald Trump “is seeking to turn the negotiating table into a table of surrender”. Separately, an Iranian official, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, said that Trump’s public rhetoric and the ongoing US blockade are the most dangerous factors threatening the talks. The official added that Washington and Tehran

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  Troubled relations: Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump

  by Marwa A on April 21, 2026

  Depending on which historical sources you care to consult, the Pope has been a figure of obloquy, ridicule and abomination.  This mediator between the terrestrial and the divine was always set for the battering.  Martin Luther’s violent Protestant split from the body of the Catholic Church was merely one aspect of attacking the occupants of that office.  Acrimonious disputes between the secular arm of the State and Church power have also figured.  In the 11th century, Pope Gregory VII famously battled the Holy Roman Emperor King Henry IV in the Investiture Controversy over who had the power to appoint bishops. Pope Leo XIV, for his part, has become increasingly perturbed by President Donald Trump’s metamorphosis from an alleged eschewer of

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  Over 410 US service members wounded in Iran war

  by Marwa A on April 20, 2026

  A total of 415 US service members have been wounded since the start of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, Defense Department data showed Monday, Anadolu reports. A total of 13 US service members have been killed, according to the data. Regional tensions have escalated since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran that has killed more than 1,300 people, while Tehran responded with missiles and drones targeting Israel and regional countries hosting US assets. A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, mediated by Pakistan. Washington and Tehran held rare direct talks in Pakistan on April 11, but the talks ended without any agreement. Mediators are seeking to hold another round of discussions in

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  Gaza needs $71.4B over next decade for recovery, reconstruction

  by Marwa A on April 20, 2026

  Gaza will require an estimated $71.4 billion over the next 10 years for recovery and reconstruction following 24 months of conflict, according to a final joint assessment released Monday by the EU, the UN, and the World Bank, Anadolu reports. The Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) on Monday said $26.3 billion of that total will be needed in the first 18 months to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure, and support economic recovery. The assessment estimated physical infrastructure damage in Gaza at $35.2 billion, while economic and social losses were put at $22.7 billion. It said the sectors hit hardest by the conflict were housing, health, education, commerce, and agriculture. According to the report, more than 371,888 housing

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  Jerusalem Latin cleric condemns destruction of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier

  by Marwa A on April 20, 2026

  William Shomali, an auxiliary bishop for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, condemned Monday the destruction of a statue of Jesus Christ by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon, calling it a “shameful and disgraceful act,” Anadolu reports. Speaking to Anadolu, Shomali denounced the incident a day after the Israeli army acknowledged that one of its soldiers had smashed the statue in the town of Debel in Nabatieh province. The acknowledgement followed a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which said Sunday that a soldier had destroyed a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon. Shomali said the act is “shameful, disgraceful, and constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law and a sign of disrespect for religions.” “What we saw is contempt

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  Israel’s war obsession and the urgency of Palestinian leverage

  by Marwa A on April 20, 2026

  It is tempting to argue that Israel’s new military doctrine is predicated on perpetual war—but the reality is more complex. Not that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would object to such an arrangement. On the contrary, his relentless drive for military escalation suggests precisely that. After all, his openly declared quest for a “greater Israel” would require exactly this kind of permanent militarism—endless expansion and sustained regional destruction. However, Israel cannot sustain an open-ended fight on multiple fronts indefinitely. Israeli officials boast about fighting on “seven fronts,” but many of these are, in military terms, largely imaginary rather than sustained battlefields. The real wars, however, are entirely of Israel’s making: from the genocide in Gaza to its unprovoked regional wars.

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  Boos erupt against pro-Israel candidates at Michigan Democratic convention

  by Marwa A on April 20, 2026

  In further signs of Israel becoming politically toxic, the deep divisions between the Democratic base and Democratic leaders were on powerful display yesterday, as party delegates in Michigan jeered, heckled and shouted down pro-Israel candidates at their own state convention. Abdul El-Sayed receives a standing ovation and applause from Democrats at the Michigan Democratic Party convention. El-Sayed is seeking the Democratic nomination for US Senate in Michigan. Video credit: @LilyCGuiney https://t.co/qnuXUQ3yxa pic.twitter.com/jLTLy82FFw — Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) April 19, 2026 AIPAC funded US Congresswoman Haley Stevens and University of Michigan regent Jordan Acker, who opposed student protesters demanding divestment from Israel, were both booed from the stage yesterday at the Michigan Democratic Party Convention. Stevens, a four-term congresswoman

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  Poland calls for accountability as Israeli soldiers ‘admit to war crimes’

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on Monday called for accountability and disciplinary action over alleged misconduct by Israeli soldiers, saying some had admitted to committing war crimes, Anadolu reports. “Israeli soldiers themselves admit to war crimes. They killed not only Palestinian civilians but even their own hostages,” Sikorski said through US social media company X. He said it was “good that (Israel’s Foreign) Minister (Gideon) Sa’ar quickly apologized,” adding that “there was something to apologize for,” in reference to his recent remarks. He urged that the soldier involved should be punished and that broader lessons should be drawn regarding military conduct and training. Sikorski also said he had condemned “the antisemitic incident by a far-right member of our parliament the day

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  Israeli government applying ‘annexation’ in occupied West Bank, energy minister says

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  The Israeli government is effectively applying annexation on the ground in the occupied West Bank, Energy Minister Eli Cohen said Monday, in defiance of international opposition, Anadolu reports. Cohen, a member of Israel’s Security Cabinet, said that what is happening amounts to “applying sovereignty in practice,” using a term the Israeli government often employs to refer to annexation. Cohen added on US social media company X that he reached an agreement with Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan to connect new illegal settlements in the West Bank, including Homesh, Sa-Nur, Rehavam and Ebal, to electricity and water networks. The Palestinian Authority has for decades called on the international community to halt Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied territories, with little success.

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  From collapse to coordination: Gaza’s informal digital economy and the future of Palestinian socio-economic resilience

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  By the time Gaza entered 2026, the numbers told a story that headlines could not contain. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported that 64 per cent of mobile towers were out of service. Paltel, the territory’s largest operator, had lost roughly 80 per cent of its more than 500 cell towers.  The telecommunications sector’s market value collapsed by 89 per cent in a single year, from 13 million dollars in 2023 to just 1.5 million in 2024. In Rafah, mobile coverage sank from near-universal access to just 27 per cent. Reconstruction of the sector alone is now estimated at a minimum of 90 million dollars, with total losses exceeding half a billion. These figures describe a deliberate, systematic dismantling

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  China urges ‘comprehensive’ ceasefire, normal passage via Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran conflict

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for a “comprehensive” ceasefire and the normal passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Iran conflict, Anadolu reports. Xi made the remarks during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He said that the normal passage through the strait “serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community,” according to the state-run news agency Xinhua. Beijing supports regional countries in building a common home marked by “good neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, mastering their own future and destiny, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region,” Xi added. The Chinese president also said Beijing advocates an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities,

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  US Embassy renews Iraq travel warning, urges citizens there to ‘leave now’

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  The US Embassy in Baghdad renewed its warning Monday against traveling to Iraq, calling on Americans already in Iraq to “leave now,” Anadolu reports. “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there,” the embassy said in a security alert. It warned that Iran-aligned militias in Iraq continue to plan further attacks targeting US citizens and American-linked interests across the country, including in northern Iraq. “Some elements associated with the Iraqi government continue to actively provide political, financial, and operational cover for these terrorist militias,” the embassy said. Iraqi airspace has reopened, with limited commercial flights now operating, the mission said, noting that Americans considering air travel should remain aware of ongoing risks from missiles, drones,

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  UAE discusses US financial backstop as Iran war threatens deeper economic crisis

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  The United Arab Emirates is in talks with the Trump administration over possible financial assistance if the war with Iran drags on, The Wall Street Journal reported. The report said UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve officials in Washington last week, where he raised the idea of a currency-swap line. A currency-swap line is a backup deal that helps a country get US dollars fast in an emergency. Countries may want this when war or crisis causes panic in the economy. In the UAE’s case, it suggests concern that a longer conflict with Iran could hurt confidence, disrupt trade and put pressure on its financial system. READ: Standing between missiles

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  Spain says Israel applying ‘Gaza strategy’ in Lebanon

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Spain’s foreign minister said Monday that Israel is applying the same military strategy in southern Lebanon as in Gaza, while insisting it cannot maintain normal relations with the European Union amid ongoing human rights violations, Anadolu reports. Jose Manuel Albares told public broadcaster RTVE that the situation in Lebanon reflects a pattern of “preventing normal life for Lebanese citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the blatant violation of international law, orders for the forced displacement of the population so they cannot return, as well as attacks by both sides on the UN force in Lebanon.” All of this, according to the minister, points to Israel seeking control over part of a sovereign state. “This would be very serious for the stability

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  Netanyahu trial hearing postponed over “security reasons,” says Israeli court

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  A scheduled hearing in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial on Monday was postponed over “security-diplomatic reasons,” delaying his return to the witness stand, according to a late Sunday report by The Jerusalem Post. Judges at the Jerusalem District Court decided Sunday to hear another defense witness instead, delaying Netanyahu’s return to the witness stand, which is now unlikely before next week, according to the newspaper. The decision followed a defense request to cancel Netanyahu’s testimony, citing unspecified “security-diplomatic reasons” outlined in sealed materials submitted to both the court and the prosecution, the report said. Prosecutors opposed the move, arguing that unless there are urgent and unavoidable security needs, Netanyahu should align his schedule with the court’s calendar and emphasized

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  Iranian president says war is in no one’s interests, calls for diplomacy to reduce tensions

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday called for the use of “every rational and diplomatic path” to ease tensions, saying that war is no one’s interest, Anadolu reports. “While resisting threats, every rational and diplomatic path must be used to reduce tensions,” Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA quoted him as saying. “At the same time, distrust of the enemy and vigilance in interactions are undeniable necessities,” he added. Separately, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran has no plans for another round of talks with the US. “The Islamic Republic of Iran does not accept any deadlines or ultimatums in pursuing its national interests,” Baqaei said in a statement carried by the country’s semi-official news agency Tasnim. READ: Brazilian president slams war

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  Can the United States be trusted? History says no!

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  No matter how much Teflon Trump seeks to let nothing stick, it is now quite clear that the United States has suffered an ignoble defeat in Iran. His promise of an “unconditional surrender” is more empty that his campaign promises “not to start a war” and to be a “peace president.” Thrashing around for a way to claim victory, Trump simply declares the US the winner. So desperate is he for global acquiescence to his mendacity, he has opened attacks on world leaders who do not support his madness (including some of his own MAGA faithful). After threatening to entirely decimate Iranian civilization, he has attacked Pope Leo as “a loser,” and cast himself as a reincarnation of Jesus. Is

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  Iran rejects 2nd round of talks with US, reports say

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Iranian state media reported on Sunday evening that the country’s leadership has rejected holding a second round of talks with the United States, just hours after US President Donald Trump said his negotiators would travel to Pakistan on Monday for new discussions aimed at ending the war. According to the official Iranian news agency IRNA, Tehran refused a second round after last week’s talks in Pakistan failed. The agency said what it described as excessive US demands, shifting positions in Washington, and the continued naval blockade of Iranian ports left “no promising prospects for serious negotiations”. IRNA also described reports about a second round of talks in Pakistan next week as a US-led media campaign aimed at increasing pressure on

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  Sudan’s Al-Burhan welcomes defection of RSF commander to army

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Sudan’s Sovereign Council chairman, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Sunday welcomed the defection of a senior commander from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), al-Nour al-Qubba, and his decision to join the army. According to a statement from the Sovereign Council, Burhan, who also leads the Sudanese army, met Major General al-Qubba, who had defected from the RSF in the Northern State. Burhan welcomed his move to join the armed forces, stressing that the door remains open to anyone willing to lay down arms and take part in rebuilding the country. Al-Qubba is considered one of the founders of the RSF and played a prominent role in the war that began on 15 April 2023. He was among the commanders involved in

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  Emirati academic says UAE no longer needs US protection; bases a burden, not an asset

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  An Emirati academic has called for a reassessment of the United States’ military presence in the UAE, arguing that the country no longer needs direct American protection due to its growing defence capabilities. Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a political science professor, said in remarks reported by Reuters that the UAE had demonstrated its ability to defend itself efficiently during the recent Iranian attack without relying on foreign forces. He stressed that the current phase requires serious consideration of the future of US military bases on Emirati soil. He added: “The UAE no longer needs America to defend it. It has proven during the Iranian attack that it is capable of defending itself effectively. What the UAE needs is to acquire the

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  Brazilian president slams war on Iran, criticises UN Security Council

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has condemned the war being waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, describing it as “madness”. Speaking at the opening of the Hannover Industrial Fair in Germany, Lula delivered a speech in which he sharply criticised global military spending and the inability of the UN Security Council to act. He said it was unacceptable in the 21st century that crises such as hunger, illiteracy and lack of electricity continue to affect billions of people, while 2.7 trillion dollars are spent on wars. Lula called for modern technology to be used not for warfare, but “for a more sustainable and safer world”. READ: Iran top official says Control of Hormuz would neutralize sanctions

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  Israeli soldier smashes statue of Christ in southern Lebanon

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  An Israeli soldier filmed himself smashing a statue of Jesus Christ in a village in southern Lebanon, in an incident that sparked widespread condemnation and was later acknowledged by the Israeli army. Following the incident, the army said it was “conducting an investigation”, but did not provide clear details about the circumstances or any concrete steps for accountability. An image circulated on social media showed the soldier striking the statue with a heavy hammer. The Israeli army spokesperson wrote on platform X that the army was currently reviewing the image, before confirming hours later that one of its soldiers had destroyed a statue of Christ in Lebanon. In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said: “Following the completion of

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  Iran top official says Control of Hormuz would neutralize sanctions

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  Iranian First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref said that “there is no need to wait for sanctions to be lifted if Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz,” emphasizing that the country’s negotiating team is “courageously defending national interests.” The Iranian First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, added in statements carried by Sputnik News Agency that “the positions of the opposing side in the negotiations are inconsistent,” noting that they shift between de-escalation under pressure and hardline positions. He affirmed that “Iran will maintain its achievements,” stressing that the management and control of the Strait of Hormuz should be in Tehran’s hands. “If Iran assumes control of the Strait, there will be no need to wait for the lifting of sanctions,”

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  Lebanon after the ceasefire – Power recalibrated, law further eroded

  by MI on April 20, 2026

  “Pity the nation that is divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.” The ceasefire in Lebanon is not a diplomatic success. It is a political admission. What has unfolded in recent months has forced a reckoning long deferred: the limits of American power, the vulnerability of Israeli military doctrine, and the emergence of a new regional balance in which resistance—long dismissed as marginal—has asserted itself with unexpected force. For decades, the United States positioned itself as the ultimate guarantor of order in West Asia. Its alliances, particularly with Israel and the Gulf states, rested on a simple premise: that American power could deter escalation, absorb shocks, and ultimately dictate outcomes. That premise now stands shaken. The ceasefire is