Author: MEE staff

Great news for British-Palestinian doctor Ghassan Abu Sitta as Germany overturns travel ban! The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) successfully challenged the travel ban imposed on Abu Sitta, allowing him to travel to Europe once again. This victory marks a significant turning point in the fight against the harassment faced by Palestinian human rights advocates. Abu Sitta was detained at a German airport and barred from entering the country after receiving an invitation to a conference on Palestine. The imposed Schengen-wide travel ban restricted him from 29 European countries and even prevented him from virtually attending the conference…

The UK’s minister for the Middle East and North Africa raised concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as on the “brink of famine” with clear evidence of malnutrition. Following a Hamas-led attack in October, Israel halted essential supplies to Gaza, affecting 2.2 million Palestinians. Although limited aid has been allowed into the region under pressure, the situation remains dire. Sources report that only a week’s worth of food remains in some parts of Gaza, urging immediate action. While some countries have conducted air drops of supplies, the risks and limitations of this method pose challenges.…

The UK’s Labour Party is urging the government to halt arms sales to Israel amid a new offensive on Rafah in southern Gaza. Close to 1.5 million Palestinians in Rafah are facing displacement as Israeli forces advance, following warnings to evacuate the area. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy is echoing US President Joe Biden’s threat to stop exports if Israel proceeds with the offensive. The potential assault on Rafah would exacerbate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, leaving the enclave without essential infrastructure to support its 2.3 million residents. Lammy stated that the UK government should align with the US in suspending weapon…

An Egyptian tribal group closely tied to the military is urging the presidency to open a new Gaza crossing after Israel’s invasion of Rafah and control of its border. The Arab Tribes Union (ATU) is calling for the creation of an alternative crossing until Israel leaves Rafah, raising concerns about breached treaties and the blocking of aid to Gazans. The ATU is also pushing for Egypt to secure its borders with Gaza and impose sovereignty. Comprised of five Bedouin tribes, the ATU was formed to support the state against security threats, led by businessman and militia leader Ibrahim al-Organi. Under…

The Israeli military has reportedly shot and killed a foreign NGO worker and injured another in Rafah, Gaza. The victims were traveling in a UN-marked vehicle when they were targeted, sparking condemnation from Palestinian officials. The government in Gaza condemned the violence, calling it an atrocity against both the Palestinian people and foreign aid workers. They have urged nations to denounce these acts as well. Israeli officials acknowledged the incident, stating that they were aware of the killing and injury. The Israeli military is currently investigating the situation. This is a developing story… Stay tuned for updates. Stay informed with…

Tunisian authorities have recently made headlines by arresting three political commentators for their outspoken criticism of the government. The arrests of lawyer Sonia Dahmani, TV and radio presenter Borhen Bssais, and political commentator Mourad Zeghidi have sparked outrage and concern among legal circles and human rights organizations. Dahmani’s lawyer reported her arrest after she voiced her opinions on television, highlighting a troubling trend of silencing dissent in Tunisia. Bssais and Zeghidi were also detained for their critical remarks, with Zeghidi facing charges for supporting an arrested journalist and making controversial statements on various media platforms. President Kais Saied’s administration has…

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has expressed concerns over Israel’s planned escalation in Rafah but stated that it would not be wise to suspend arms sales to the country. In response to comments made by US President Joe Biden suggesting restrictions on weapon exports, Cameron emphasized the potential consequences of such a decision on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite the escalating violence in Gaza, Cameron believes that changing the UK’s approach to arms exports would only strengthen Hamas and complicate efforts for a hostage deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s determination to invade Rafah to uproot Hamas has…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has firmly stated that it will not be involved in the administration of the Gaza Strip following the current war, rejecting any notion of providing “cover” for Israel’s actions in the region. UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks suggesting UAE involvement in overseeing Gaza after Israel’s assault. Bin Zayed emphasized that the UAE does not support any plan to aid Israeli presence in Gaza and will only support a Palestinian government that truly represents the aspirations of the people. The minister is set to attend a summit in…

Jordanian security forces recently shut down Al-Yarmouk TV, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, as part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism in the Kingdom. The closure was due to unauthorized broadcasting without official approvals. The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists urged authorities to reopen the channel, highlighting a crackdown on journalists in Jordan. Al-Yarmouk had aired content from Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV, but faced previous shutdowns for broadcasting without a permit. Despite seeking licenses and facing delays, the channel continued operations with local partnerships. The restrictions imposed by the Jordan Media Commission on unlicensed channels led to Al-Yarmouk’s suspension in…

Israeli forces in Rafah issued new evacuation orders despite international warnings, prompting around 300,000 people to flee to a designated humanitarian area. The military prepared for a ground invasion, capturing border crossings and urging more departures from the city. Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military spokesperson, called for residents to evacuate high-risk areas to shelters in Gaza City. The UN reported over 100,000 evacuations, with thousands killed and injured since the conflict began. International actors cautioned against the planned invasion, fearing a humanitarian disaster. The US President hinted at withholding military aid, while the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to…