Author: MEE staff

Israeli politician Avigdor Lieberman recently declared that defeating Iran is crucial before Israel can claim a victory over Hezbollah and Hamas, hinting at potential military action against Iran’s nuclear program. Lieberman emphasized the need to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, warning that conventional methods may not be sufficient to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Despite Israel’s unofficial nuclear capabilities, Lieberman’s remarks reflect the escalating tensions in the region, especially amidst the US’ negotiations with Iran to rejoin the 2015 nuclear agreement. The risk of a broader regional conflict looms, with Russia also considering arming Houthi rebels, adding fuel to the…

The Israeli government’s recent massive land grab in the West Bank has sparked concern and condemnation. Peace Now, an anti-settlement group, revealed that over 2,300 hectares of land have been seized this year alone, the largest such action since the Oslo Accords in 1993. This latest land seizure in the Jordan Valley amounts to over 1,200 hectares, opening the door for more settlement construction. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has been at the forefront of this aggressive land appropriation, with plans to annex the West Bank without overtly annexing it. The surge in land seizures and settlement expansions under his…

Israel’s Mossad is carefully analyzing Hamas’s response to a proposed ceasefire, aiming to end the conflict in Gaza and prevent further escalation with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, speaking on behalf of Mossad, confirmed that the proposal includes releasing hostages and implementing a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas insists on a complete end to the war, demanding Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza. Conversely, Israel seeks temporary truces, vowing to persist until Hamas is eradicated. Despite some progress in negotiations, full resolution may still require additional weeks. Israel-Hezbollah Tensions The ceasefire efforts coincide with heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.…

In a bold move, Maryam Hassanein, a political appointee in the Biden administration, has resigned from her position in protest of US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Citing the complicity in the ongoing war that has led to the death of thousands of Palestinians and the displacement of many more, Hassanein joined two other officials who also resigned for the same reason. Expressing her concerns as a Muslim American, Hassanein stated, “I cannot continue working for an administration that ignores the voices of its diverse staff by continuing to fund and enable Israel’s genocide of Palestinians.” The resignations reflect…

**Expanding Luxury Living in Saudi Arabia with the Trump Organization** The Trump Organization recently inked a new deal to construct a luxury residential tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This move reinforces the business ties between the former US president and the oil-rich Gulf region, strategically positioned ahead of the 2024 US elections. Partnering with Dar Global, a prominent real estate developer in Saudi Arabia, the Trump Organization will lend its distinguished name and brand to a lavish high-rise tower. Eric Trump expressed excitement about broadening their presence in the Middle East and maintaining a strong partnership with Dar Global. Dar…

Clashes erupted in Jerusalem as ultra-Orthodox Jews protested against plans to conscript community members into the Israeli army. The rally in a Jerusalem neighborhood, followed by clashes in the city center, included pelting a cabinet minister’s car. The protest escalated with fires, barricades, and skunk water being used by police. Historically exempt from military service, the ultra-Orthodox face new rulings against draft avoidance. Amid increased tensions over patriotic duty, the Israeli High Court ordered the draft of ultra-Orthodox men from religious seminaries. Political parties in opposition denounced the ruling, while secular groups supported it, pushing for equal military service burden.…

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s detention has been deemed arbitrary and a violation of international law by a group of United Nations experts, who are calling for his immediate release. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Khan’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, leading to his unjust imprisonment. Khan, who had already been serving a jail term, was sentenced to an additional 10 years for allegedly leaking state secrets. He has consistently maintained his innocence, attributing the charges to political motives orchestrated by the country’s powerful military and his rivals. Despite being acquitted of the state secrets…

Authorities in Pakistan are preparing to enforce the second phase of their plan to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan, disrupting the lives of families who have called Pakistan home for many years. Reports indicate that around 800,000 Afghans will be forced to leave Pakistan, following the initial expulsion of 541,000 individuals last November. Rights groups have expressed concerns over the safety of the refugees being sent back to Afghanistan, particularly due to the influence of the Taliban in the region. Amnesty International has criticized Pakistan’s plan, citing violations of refugee and international human rights laws,…

Renowned Israeli historian Benny Morris has stirred controversy by urging Israel to consider launching a military attack on Iran, advocating for the use of both conventional weaponry and potentially nuclear weapons. In a recent column for Haaretz, Morris criticized Israel’s response to Iranian missile attacks on April 13 as “weak” and called for a more aggressive approach to dealing with Iranian threats. Highlighting the escalating tensions between the two nations, Morris warned of Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities and the potential danger it poses to Israel’s security. He argued that Israel’s superior military strength should be utilized to prevent Iran from…

Violence erupted in Kayseri, Turkey, as residents attacked Syrian refugees’ properties following allegations of sexual abuse by a Syrian man. Chaos unfolded as locals destroyed vehicles, businesses, and homes owned by Syrians, leading to clashes with security forces. Calls for President Erdogan’s resignation were heard amidst the turmoil. Anadolu Agency reported injuries to 14 police officers and a firefighter during the unrest, sparked by the abuse of a seven-year-old girl by a 26-year-old Syrian man. The police chief reassured the crowd of safety measures and announced the child’s nationality to quell tensions. The incident triggered investigations, with some individuals sent…