Israel

By Muhammad Abubakar

The world’s foremost body of genocide experts has declared that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide.

In a resolution issued this week, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) urged Israel to “immediately cease all acts that constitute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza.”

The association cited starvation, the blocking of humanitarian aid, and forced displacement among the practices that, in its view, fulfill the criteria set out under international law.

The resolution adds to growing international pressure as civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis continue to draw condemnation from human rights groups and global leaders.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A new survey published by The New York Post has revealed that more than 60 per cent of Generation Z in the United States sympathise with Hamas over Israel in the ongoing conflict.

The findings highlight a significant generational divide in perspectives on the Middle East, with younger Americans expressing stronger support for Palestinians compared to older demographics who largely align with Israel.

Analysts suggest that Gen Z’s views may be shaped by social media narratives, human rights advocacy, and growing criticism of U.S. foreign policy in the region. The data underscores shifting attitudes that could have long-term implications for American politics and international relations.

The survey has sparked debate across the political spectrum, with some commentators arguing that the results reflect rising awareness of Palestinian suffering, while others warn of increasing radicalisation among youth.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A U.S. congressional committee is investigating the Wikimedia Foundation, demanding it hand over data on contributors who edited articles critical of Israel, a move the nonprofit is calling an “act of government overreach.”

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability claims the probe is necessary to examine “potential misinformation and anti-Israel bias” on the online encyclopedia. 

In a letter to the foundation, lawmakers requested internal communications and, crucially, the identifying information of volunteer editors.

The Wikimedia Foundation has vowed to reject the request for user data. “We will not comply,” a foundation spokesperson stated, arguing the demand jeopardises free speech, privacy, and the project’s neutral model. 

Digital rights groups have also condemned the investigation, calling it an attempt to intimidate and identify anonymous critics.

The standoff sets the stage for a significant legal battle over congressional power, free speech, and the independence of digital platforms.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Canadian photojournalist Valerie Zink has announced her resignation from Reuters, accusing the news agency and other Western outlets of “justifying and enabling the systematic assassination of 245 journalists in Gaza.”Zink, who contributed to Reuters for eight years with her photographs widely circulated across the globe, said she could no longer remain linked to the organisation.

She argued that Reuters had failed in its journalistic duty by amplifying Israeli narratives while neglecting the plight of reporters under attack in Gaza.In a statement shared on social media Tuesday, she criticised Reuters’ coverage of the August 10 killing of Palestinian journalist Anas Al-Sharif.

“When Israel murdered Anas Al-Sharif, together with the entire Al-Jazeera crew in Gaza City on August 10, Reuters chose to publish Israel’s entirely baseless claim that Al-Sharif was a Hamas operative – one of countless lies that media outlets like Reuters have dutifully repeated and dignified,” Zink said.

She noted that Reuters’ stance had not shielded its own staff from Israeli attacks.“Reuters’ willingness to perpetuate Israel’s propaganda has not spared their own reporters from Israel’s genocide.

Five more journalists, including Reuters cameraman Hossam Al-Masri, were among 20 people killed this morning in another attack on Nasser hospital.

“It was what’s known as a ‘double tap’ strike, in which Israel bombs a civilian target like a school or hospital; waits for medics, rescue teams, and journalists to arrive; and then strikes again.”

Zink said responsibility for such killings also rested with Western outlets that repeated official talking points without scrutiny.

She referenced journalist Jeremy Scahill’s assessment, stating that “every major outlet – from the New York Times to the Washington Post, from AP to Reuters – has served as a conveyor belt for Israeli propaganda, sanitizing war crimes and dehumanizing victims, abandoning their colleagues and their alleged commitment to true and ethical reporting.”

According to her, this failure of duty has directly contributed to the unprecedented number of journalist deaths in Gaza.

“By repeating Israel’s genocidal fabrications without determining if they have any credibility – willfully abandoning the most basic responsibility of journalism – Western media outlets have made possible the killing of more journalists in two years on one tiny strip of land than in WWI, WWII, and the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and Ukraine combined, to say nothing of starving an entire population, shredding its children, and burning people alive,” she said.

She also accused Reuters of turning its back on Al-Sharif despite his Pulitzer-winning work for the agency.

“The fact that Anas Al-Sharif’s work won a Pulitzer Prize for Reuters did not compel them to come to his defence when Israeli occupation forces placed him on a ‘hit list’ of journalists accused of being Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants,” she said.

“It did not compel them to come to his defence when he appealed to international media for protection after an Israeli military spokesperson posted a video making clear their intention to assassinate him following a report he did on the growing famine. It did not compel them to report on his death honestly when he was hunted and killed weeks later.”

Zink added that she now felt only grief and shame in carrying a Reuters press pass.

“I have valued the work that I brought to Reuters over the past eight years, but at this point I can’t conceive of wearing this press pass with anything but deep shame and grief,” she said.

She vowed to dedicate her future work to honouring Gaza’s fallen journalists. “I don’t know what it means to begin to honour the courage and sacrifice of journalists in Gaza – the bravest and best to ever live – but going forward I will direct whatever contributions I have to offer with that front of mind.”

At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed on Monday after Israeli strikes hit al-Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials.

The Guardian reported that the dead included Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters cameraman; Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance journalist with the Associated Press; Mohammed Salam of Al Jazeera; and Moaz Abu Taha, who worked with NBC. Another Reuters photographer, Hatem Khaled, was severely injured.

Footage aired by al-Ghad TV showed civil defence workers and journalists in orange vests attempting to recover al-Masri’s body when they themselves came under fire. In their final moments, the rescuers raised their hands for protection before being struck.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has condemned the reported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and the State of Israel on security cooperation, describing it as “a dangerous and insensitive diplomatic move.”

In a statement signed by its Convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, and Secretary, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, the Forum accused the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, of unilaterally engaging Israel despite global outrage over its alleged genocide against Palestinians.

“At a time when the world of conscience is against Israel, Nigeria should be at the forefront of supporting South Africa’s genocide case at the International Court of Justice, not courting a state increasingly isolated for human rights violations,” the statement read.

The Forum warned that involving Israel in Nigeria’s internal security would erode national sovereignty, risk human rights abuses, and entrench dependence on foreign powers. It argued that “internal security issues require homegrown solutions that prioritise community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusive governance.”

Instead of seeking external assistance, the group urged the government to strengthen security institutions, address poverty and corruption, and ensure justice for offenders. It further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “call the erring minister to order” in the interest of national unity and public sensitivity.

The Forum reaffirmed its confidence in Nigeria’s security personnel and pledged continued prayers for “Allah’s guidance and support to our gallant forces.”

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a stunning act of political defiance, nine Dutch ministers have resigned en masse, declaring they could not be complicit in what they described as the “silent endorsement of a humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

The resignations have sent shockwaves through the Netherlands’ political establishment, shaking the foundations of the coalition government and igniting fierce debate across Europe. In their fiery joint statement, the departing ministers condemned the West’s “selective morality” and accused their own government of “turning a blind eye to mass suffering.”

Crowds gathered outside parliament in The Hague to applaud the move, with activists hailing it as an unprecedented moral stand in modern European politics. Critics, however, warned the resignations could plunge the government into chaos at a time of deepening international tensions.

“This is not about politics; it is about conscience,” one of the resigning ministers declared. “History will not forgive silence in the face of Gaza’s devastation.”

Analysts say the mass resignation marks a rare moment where political survival has been sacrificed for principle—an act many believe will reverberate far beyond Dutch borders.

By Muhammad Abubakar

President Donald J. Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Congressman Buddy Carter, following a historic ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel.

Carter praised Trump’s role in ending the conflict and preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, calling his leadership “bold and decisive.” The congressman credited Trump with promoting peace and stability in a volatile region.

Now serving as the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s efforts, Carter said, “exemplify the very ideals that the Nobel Peace Prize seeks to recognize.”

By Muhammad Abubakar

Leaders and foreign ministers from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are gathering in Istanbul this Saturday for a high-stakes summit overshadowed by escalating tensions in the Middle East, most notably Israel’s war with Iran and the ongoing devastation in Gaza.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to attend, as many of his counterparts are expected to call for an immediate ceasefire. Yet the OIC, long criticised for its limited political clout, is unlikely to shift the course of either conflict.

The situation in Gaza—now in its 21st month—remains dire. Humanitarian workers report that more Palestinians are killed by the Israeli army while trying to collect food than in actual combat. 

On June 17th, at least 59 people were killed when Israeli tanks reportedly opened fire near an aid distribution centre run by the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israel’s military has pledged to investigate the incident.

Despite repeated condemnations and emergency meetings, the OIC has remained largely powerless in stemming the violence in Gaza. With tensions now spilling into a broader regional confrontation, the summit is expected to issue a familiar call for peace that few expect to alter the course of events.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A provocative billboard has appeared in Tel Aviv, calling on United States President Donald Trump to take military action in support of Israel amid rising tensions with Iran.

The sign boldly reads, “Mr President, finish the job!”

The call comes as pressure mounts for the United States to play a more active role in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Although President Trump has reportedly approved a series of military plans — including the potential use of bunker-buster bombs — officials say he has not yet made a final decision on whether American forces will be directly involved in the conflict.

The situation remains tense as Washington weighs its options while closely monitoring developments in the Middle East.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The U.S. Army has suspended Colonel Nathan McCormack following controversial remarks in which he described Israel as “our worst ‘ally,’” igniting a firestorm of political and military reaction.

In a statement made during a closed-door security forum that was later leaked online, Col. McCormack reportedly said: “Israel is our worst ‘ally.’ We get literally nothing out of the ‘partnership’ other than the enmity of millions of people in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.”

The Pentagon confirmed McCormack’s suspension on Tuesday, stating that the remarks are under formal review for possible violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Department of Defence policies on political expression.

“While service members are entitled to personal opinions, public statements by active-duty officers that could affect diplomatic relations are taken seriously,” a Defence Department official said on condition of anonymity.

Col. McCormack, a senior officer with experience in multiple overseas deployments, has not yet commented publicly, but sources close to him say he stands by his critique and views it as a matter of strategic honesty.

His suspension has drawn sharply divided reactions. Critics called his comments inflammatory and damaging to U.S.-Israel relations, while supporters praised his candour, arguing that Washington’s unconditional support for Israel has long gone unquestioned within military circles.

The incident adds to a broader debate in Washington over the costs and consequences of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, especially amid ongoing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran.