Pope Francis Calls for Investigation of Israel to Determine if It Is Committing Genocide

‘Last year, Pope Francis met separately with relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinians living through the war. His use of terminology such as “terrorism”, and, according to the Palestinians, “genocide”, set off a firestorm. In any case, the Pontiff now says in his book: “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”’

Hezbollah fighters carry out a training exercise in southern Lebanon, on 21 May 2023 ahead of 'Liberation Day', the annual celebration of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon on 25 May 2000.

Israel’s Ceasefire with Hezbollah: A Strategic Reset Ahead of the Second Trump Presidency

‘The ceasefire is a development that aligns with the Trump administration’s anticipated foreign policy approach, which is expected to support Israel’s military objectives while facilitating diplomatic resolutions to regional conflicts. The ceasefire may also pave the way for expanding the Abraham Accords, with potential new agreements involving countries like Saudi Arabia.’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) speaks to Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (L) at the opening of the 25th Parliament session in Jerusalem on October 28, 2024.

The Context of the Israeli Ban of UNWRA: What Is Left Out of Liberal Press Reports

On 28 October, despite international opposition, Israeli lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to approve two bills that essentially ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East from operating in Israel and severely restrict its activities in Gaza and the West Bank, due to certain staff members’ direct ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell gestures as he speaks during an interview with AFP in Kyiv on 11 November 2024.

Crowning His Anti–Israel Legacy, Josep Borrell Calls for Suspension of EU–Israel Dialogue

Reflecting the way the mainstream in the EU confronts the ongoing Gaza crisis, its outgoing foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has once again taken a hard line on Israel, proposing a suspension of EU–Israel political dialogue over humanitarian concerns. Known for his blunt criticisms of Israel, Borrell’s latest move aligns with his stance that the EU must hold Israel accountable, yet it may also be his last major act on the issue as he prepares to step down, making way for Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.

Ambassador Yacov Hadas-Handelsman speaks at the March of the Living in Budapest on 5 May 2024.

‘To say that Hungary is not a democracy is nonsense’, Israeli Ambassador Declares in Interview

In a recent interview with The Jerusalem Post, Israeli Ambassador to Hungary Yacov Hadas-Handelsman argued that as opposed to its frequent portrayal as an anti-democratic and antisemitic country, the reality about Hungary is quite different. He highlighted the Orbán government’s steadfast support of Israel at international forums and the fact that Hungary is one of the safest countries in the world for Jewish people.

Protesters with Palestinian flags take part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration ahead of the UEFA Europa League football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam on 7 November 2024.

Israeli Football Fans Attacked by Antisemitic Mob in Amsterdam

On the evening of 7 November 2024, following a UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, Israeli football fans were subjected to violent attacks by pro-Palestinian assailants. The incidents resulted in at least ten injuries, with three individuals reported missing. Videos circulating on social media depict attackers wielding knives, clubs, and vehicles, while shouting anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian slogans.

The flag of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) flies over their West Bank Field Office in Jerusalem on 29 October 2024.

Israel’s UNRWA Ban: A Step Towards Real Solutions in Palestinian Aid?

The new legislation that bans UNRWA from Israel follows extensive debates within the country. Members of the Knesset in favour of the ban have pointed out a disconnect between UNRWA’s mission and the agency’s actual impact. Israeli officials have described UNRWA’s operations in Gaza as ‘rotten’, underscoring doubts about the agency’s ability to provide impartial and effective services while the agency has long become corrupt, involved in the spread of radical ideas and terrorism.

WSJ Calls Out UN Peacekeepers for Hindering Israel War Effort

A recent The Wall Street Journal’s editorial argues that UNIFIL, the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in operation since 1978, has been allowing Hezbollah to stockpile weapons and build up infrastructure in southern Lebanon, the very place UNIFIL is supposed to keep safe from terror groups.