Author: MEE staff

MEE Staff is a team from Middle East Eye (MEE), a UK-based digital news media founded in 2014. MEE covers mainly the Middle East news and North Africa, as well as international stories making headlines.

The Biden Administration’s Report on Israel’s Use of American-Supplied Weapons The Biden administration recently released a report highlighting concerns that Israel may have used American-supplied weapons in a manner inconsistent with international humanitarian law. While the US was unable to verify these claims due to a lack of personnel on the ground in Gaza, the implications are significant. President Biden’s national security memorandum prompted this evaluation, with the possibility of suspending military assistance to Israel if violations are confirmed. The report outlined incidents like the “Flour Massacre” and attacks on aid workers, raising serious concerns about Israel’s actions. Despite the…

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Far-right Israeli groups are obstructing aid trucks destined for Gaza, claiming the aid supports Hamas. Demonstrators blocked roads, punctured tires, and scattered rocks to prevent aid delivery, demanding the release of Israeli captives in Gaza. The UN reports that Gaza’s 2.3 million population faces food insecurity due to an Israeli siege. Despite international condemnation, Jordan labeled the attacks as a violation of legal obligations. Crossings Closed Israel sealed the Karem Abu Salem crossing after a rocket attack, leading to a ground invasion of Rafah. This closure exacerbates the humanitarian crisis as available aid routes diminish. The ongoing conflict has caused…

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A group of Israeli settlers attacked the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) in East Jerusalem, setting fire to the perimeter of the building. The attack caused extensive damage, with no reported injuries. Despite Unrwa staff members working to put out the fire, Israeli security forces did not intervene. The incident led Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of Unrwa, to close down the compound due to ongoing security risks. This attack comes after months of protests by far-right Israeli settlers and a previous attack on the same headquarters just two days prior. Lazzarini called for an investigation…

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A recent poll reveals a significant divide between the Biden administration and its voters regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. The survey indicates that a majority of Democrats believe Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians, contrary to the US government’s stance. On the other hand, Republican voters largely align with the administration’s position. The poll, conducted by Data Progress, also highlights a strong desire among voters for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with overwhelming support across party lines. Key Findings: 56% of Democratic voters disagree with US administration views on Israel 39% of all likely voters believe Israel is committing genocide…

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In a groundbreaking move, US President Joe Biden has declared that he would halt offensive weapons transfers to Israel if they were to launch a full-scale invasion of Rafah in Gaza. This bold statement, made in an interview with CNN, signifies a significant shift in the approach towards Israel and its military operations. Biden’s remarks underscore his willingness to use the leverage of billions of dollars in US weapons transfers to influence Israel’s conduct in its conflict with Gaza. The President also acknowledged the civilian casualties caused by US weapons in Gaza, labeling it as “wrong” to continue such support.…

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The Biden administration’s decision to halt a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, amid concerns over the Gaza conflict, has been met with mixed reactions. While rights advocates acknowledge it as a step in the right direction, they believe it may be too late to reverse the damage caused by the conflict. The pause in arms shipments, linked to fears of an Israeli invasion of Rafah, has sparked debate over the US policy on weapons transfers to Israel. The move comes after Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, raising concerns over civilian casualties. While some see…

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A shocking revelation has emerged from the rubble of Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital – a third mass grave unearthed, holding the remains of at least 49 bodies. The government media office in Gaza announced the ongoing recovery efforts, expecting to find dozens more bodies as exhumation continues. Footage from the site shows civil defence teams uncovering bodies amidst the destruction caused by Israeli attacks. The siege on al-Shifa left the facility in ruins, with hundreds of casualties as Israeli forces left claiming to have arrested 900 people and killed 200 “terrorists”. However, medical organizations and eyewitnesses dispute the claims. Medical officials…

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The Biden administration orchestrated the largest repatriation from camps in northeast Syria, bringing back 11 US citizens, five of whom were minors, along with citizens from Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, and a non-US minor for the first time. Among them was the family of Brandy Salman, who had been working on repatriation for some time. The US State Department emphasized the need for other countries to follow suit in repatriating citizens from Syria for a lasting solution to the humanitarian crisis. With over 55,000 people still detained in northeast Syria, including many children, concerns over torture and inhumane treatment persist.…

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A tragic incident unfolded in the heart of Erbil, Iraq, as a devastating fire ravaged through the iconic Qaysari bazaar, leaving over 200 shops and depots in ruins. The bazaar, nestled south of Erbil’s ancient citadel, faced an inferno on Sunday night that shook the community to its core. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani expressed his concern and support for the affected individuals, acknowledging the courageous efforts of the firefighting teams working tirelessly to contain the blaze. As the flames were eventually subdued after three arduous hours, the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remained shrouded…

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