USA and Gaza
Israel’s brutalization of the Palestinian population in Gaza has gone on too long. These are unspeakable — and, more important, indefensible — crimes. We cannot be complicit in minimizing them or pretending that they are not happening. Because they are. Enough.
I still hope for peace!
President Trump
I had high hopes that Donald Trump would take meaningful steps to end the wholesale killing of Palestinians (genocide) and help bring an end to ongoing wars. In my view, he has often been misunderstood and unfairly targeted by mainstream media—and to some extent, that criticism is valid.
However, one thing remains unchanged: his unwavering support for the Israeli regime, which I view as brutal and oppressive. This factor weighs heavily in my evaluation of his leadership. As a result, despite my concerns about President Biden—whom I see as complicit in policies that enable mass suffering—Trump’s alignment with this regime places him even lower in my estimation.
Senator Bernie Sanders Delivers Strong Rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRrHfsqg990
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlRA1P5_se8
Senator Van Hollen condemns Gaza blockade
US will have administrative responsibilities in Gaza:
The notion that the people of Gaza—who have resisted Israeli occupation for decades—would now welcome a U.S. occupation is simply absurd. Since October 7th, many have warned that if the goal is to stop Hamas, then creating the very conditions that gave rise to it will only lead to a more extreme resurgence—Hamas 2.0, or worse.
Reports that the U.S. and Israel are considering a U.S.-led transitional administration in Gaza show a deep misreading of the political reality. Imposing foreign control on Gaza risks fueling even greater resistance. Without genuine Palestinian leadership, any such plan is not a path to peace—it’s a recipe for prolonged instability.
This Israeli Government Is Not Our Ally
Thomas Friedman (Nytime) argue that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ultranationalist Israeli government is undermining long-standing U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East and should no longer be treated as a reliable American ally. He praises President Trump for excluding Netanyahu from upcoming regional talks and pursuing independent diplomacy with Arab states and adversaries like Iran.
Friedman asserts that this Israeli government prioritizes annexation and expulsion of Palestinians over peace and regional stability. Netanyahu’s refusal to pursue a two-state solution in exchange for Saudi normalization — largely to preserve his fragile coalition and avoid prosecution — has damaged U.S. diplomatic goals and derailed a potential U.S.-Saudi-Israeli security alliance.
Friedman warns that Netanyahu’s Gaza strategy, including permanent military occupation and population displacement, could lead to massive civilian deaths, war crimes, and regional destabilization in Egypt and Jordan. He concludes that such policies risk turning Israel into a pariah state and urges President Trump to stay the course in resisting Netanyahu’s agenda.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/opinion/trump-iran-israel.html
Zionism Today
For decades, Zionism has relied on a familiar script: invoking antisemitism, the Holocaust, Hamas, and terrorism to justify its actions. But that narrative is unraveling. A new generation sees the reality for what it is — and they're no longer convinced by slogans or historical deflections.
The truth about Zionism is clearer than ever, and clinging to old justifications only exposes how deeply rooted they were in misinformation. That script no longer works — it’s outdated, full of contradictions, and morally bankrupt.
If supporting Zionism today means turning a blind eye to the massacre of innocent children, then we must ask: what does that say about us? True morality demands we speak up — not in defense of power, but in defense of humanity.
Gaza death toll
How many Palestinians has Israel's offensive killed? More than 55 thousands
Israel has killed over 18000 Palestinian children in Gaza as of May 2025
As the Economist recently reported, new research suggests that as many as 109,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel — which would represent about 5 percent of the prewar population. Even the lower-bound estimate — 77,000 killed — is 44 percent higher than the Gaza Ministry of Health’s figure of 55,500 dead.
Key Takeaways from Trump’s Three-Nation Middle East Visit
Lavish Reception and Business Deals: Trump received grand welcomes in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The trip featured announcements of business deals reportedly worth up to $4 trillion, including a major Boeing order. However, many of the deals lacked clear details and included pre-existing agreements.
Policy Shift on Syria: Trump held a groundbreaking meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara — a former Al Qaeda leader who replaced Bashar al-Assad. He also announced plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a major policy reversal.
Iran Diplomacy Hints: Trump signaled openness to diplomacy with Iran, citing progress and praising Qatar for its mediating role. He shared an Iranian official’s comments about improved U.S.-Iran relations and suggested he might ease the U.S. stance on Iran’s nuclear program.
Gaza Acknowledgment: While avoiding a visit to Israel, Trump made a rare public comment on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting suffering and starvation — a subtle but notable shift in tone given his close ties to Netanyahu.
Avoided Ukraine-Russia Talks: Though high-level talks were underway in Turkey, Trump opted not to attend, saying meaningful progress with Russia would only come from a direct meeting with Putin, which he said he is open to arranging.
Overall, the trip combined diplomatic surprises, business promotion, and subtle shifts in regional stances.
A drone view shows houses and buildings lying in ruins, following a ceasefire n the northern Gaza Strip, www.reuters.com