news

David Frum is on CNN and besides ridiculously spinning Biden's numbers to make them seem not that bad - he actually just said "Maybe there's something in the voters and not the candidate."

Do Hamas and Hezbollah have any real reason to play ball with the "pause" Biden is proposing? My thought is that the Ghouls in DC know that Hamas and/or Hezbollah will ignore any ceasefire without meaningful concessions and will use that as PR. "See? We declared timeout and they still attacked. That means genocide is okay now."

More from former UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness

Gunness has said there is a very real prospect of communicable diseases spreading in Gaza amid widespread displacement and the lack of clean water and other critical supplies.

“That’s the prospect, and let’s be clear, this is a matter of political choice,” he told Al Jazeera.

“This is a humanitarian catastrophe which world leaders in giving Israel a greenlight to continue … the war, they are responsible for this.”

-Al Jazeera

IDF spokesman Eddie Evil: "It wasn't gluten free therefore it was a legitmate target."

WATCH: Exclusive Al Jazeera video shows aftermath of Israeli bombing on Gaza City bakery

An exclusive Al Jazeera Arabic video shows the destruction following an Israeli bombing that hit a bakery on al-Nasr Street in Gaza City.

According to the report, there were dozens of casualties from the attack on the bakery, in the vicinity of al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza.

Israeli forces have previously targeted another bakery in central Gaza, adding to the food shortage in the Palestinian territory.

Nitter

Israel’s UN ambassador said Sunday that he wore a yellow star at a recent Security Council hearing to “shock” the body into condemning Hamas, after his action drew rebukes even from home.

Gilad Erdan’s choice a week ago to wear the badge, which has come to symbolize the oppression of Jews since its imposition in Nazi-occupied Europe, was swiftly criticized by Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, which urged him to wear the Israeli flag instead.

“This act disgraces the victims of the Holocaust as well as the state of Israel,” the memorial’s chair Dani Dayan said in a Hebrew-language post on X, formerly Twitter.

Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Erdan defended the move and denounced the Security Council again for its “silence” over the unprecedented attacks by Hamas Palestinian militants against Israel on October 7.

“I just want to emphasize that my goal was to first of all shock the Security Council,” Erdan said of his controversial choice to wear the star.

The deeply divided 15-member body has yet to adopt a single resolution on the attack or on Israel’s decision to launch a retaliatory war against Hamas.

“I wanted to shock them. I wanted to remind them of their silence and I wanted to convey a message that we - not like in the past - we are not weak as we were during the Holocaust,” Erdan said Sunday.

That's The Guardian quoting Agence France-Presse.

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I'd like to meet Gilad Erdan in private. And have a pleasant discussion about the yellow star and Minecraft.

In less than a week, we went from "let's turn Gaza into Dresden" to "let's turn Gaza into Hiroshima."

The deranged Zionist libertarian is back: https://nitter.cz/moshefeiglin/status/1719605249806135439

Iraq's PMF on maximum alert amid concerns of regional escalation over Israel's war on Gaza

The chief of staff of Iraq's PMF's says the current conditions in the region are alarming for a war as a consequence of Israel's relentless war on Palestine and the Gaza Strip.

Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were set on maximum alert on Thursday, 2 November, as concerns grow that Israel's brutal war on Gaza will expand into a regional conflict.

Deputy commander and PMF chief of staff Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi, also known as Abu Fadak, on Thursday held an urgent security meeting with PMF's top commanders in which he stressed the current conditions in the region are alarming for a war as a consequence of Israel's relentless war on Palestine and Gaza strip.

He also said that they should support the Palestinians and protect the sovereignty of Iraq. He also said the PMF forces went on maximum alert since early Thursday.

https://nitter.net/ME_Observer_/status/1720049308660076765

⚡️Yesterday::Secretary General of the
Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Sheikh Akram
Al-Kaabi:

The Iraqi resistance decided to liberate
Iraq militarily from America and the
matter was settled, and what is coming
is greater

"We are passing through hard and sensitive conditions that the country and the area one hundred per cent depends on our abiding on what we agree on," Abu Fadak told the attendees, according to a video published by PMF's official media.

His statements come just one day after Akram Al-Kaabi, head of the Iran-backed al-Najaba militia, announced that the so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq had decided to liberate Iraq [from the US existence] militarily.

It also comes as the head of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to speak on Friday afternoon, the first time the leader will appear in public since the beginning of the fighting with Israel on 7 October. He is expected to announce a major escalation with Israel that might also include Iraq.

"The Iraqi Islamic resistance decided to liberate Iraq militarily; this matter has been settled, blessed be the Mujahideen. There will be no stopping, no ceasefire, and no retreat," Al-Kaabi said in a post on the X platform, previously known as Twitter.

Immediately, Ashab Al-Kahaf, another Iraqi militia that had announced multiple drone and missile attacks targeting bases hosting US forces in Iraq, joined Al-Kaabi's call to fight against the US and the coalition forces in Iraq.

On the other hand, an official source within PMF told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, The New Arab's Arabic sister website, that the directive from Abu Fadak to raise the state of maximum alert and prepare for any emergency "Was due to real American threats to respond to the airstrikes that the US army has been subjected to in Iraq and Syria, in addition to the possibility of Iraqi factions escalating their military operations against the American presence in the coming days."

The source, who requested not to be named, also stated that the PMF forces have been on high alert since Thursday morning in all operation areas, with a particular focus on desert regions, as well as border areas with Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

"Security measures have been taken at some locations, which could be targeted by US forces since they are outside residential areas, as well as other security measures that cannot be disclosed due to their sensitivity and confidentiality," the source added.

Hezbollah has announced their new gaming console, it would seem

UNICEF chief: Lack of clean water in Gaza is on the verge of "becoming a catastrophe"

The chief of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issued a stark warning regarding water supply in Gaza on Monday, stressing that the situation is on the verge of “becoming a catastrophe.”

Catherine Russell, whose agency provides humanitarian aid to children, outlined to the UN Security Council the devastating impact of heavy bombardment of civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

“What little clean water remains in Gaza is quickly running out, leaving more than 2 million people in dire need. We estimate that 55% of the water supply infrastructure requires repair or rehabilitation,” Russell said.

“Only one desalination plant is operating at just 5% capacity, while all six of Gaza’s water-waste treatment plants are now non-operational due to the lack of fuel or power.”

She described the current situation as being on the “verge of becoming a catastrophe,” stressing that more civilians will likely die from dehydration and waterborne illnesses unless clean water supply is restored.

In addition to the difficult environmental conditions, Russell drew attention to the “terrible trauma” being experienced by both children in Israel and Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

“We are doing our best to reach every child in need, but the delivery of humanitarian aid – especially Gaza – is now extremely challenging. This is due to both the current siege conditions imposed on Gaza, and the highly dangerous circumstances under which our staff are operating,” Russell continued.

The official said that without “an urgent end” to hostilities she fears “deeply” for the fate of the region’s children.

“I implore the Security Council to immediately adopt a resolution that reminds parties of their obligations under international law … calls for a ceasefire … demands that parties allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access … demands the immediate and safe release of all abducted and detained children … and urges parties to afford children the special protection to which they are entitled,” she added.

“Children do not start conflicts, and they are powerless to stop them. They need all of us …to put their safety and security at the forefront of our efforts,” she concluded.

https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-10-30-23/h_b8d088017d4456bef8706ddd2fbc537a

Israel's defence minister says 'this will not be an easy war' Ahead of a news conference by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is speaking.

"This will not be an easy an war," he says. "For the sake of our hostages we are determined to win. We are fighting for our hostages."

- BBC

folks, this operation was massive, yuge

Israeli military yet to comment on explosion in refugee camp

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the blast at the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has blamed an Israeli air strike for the blast, saying at least 50 people were killed.

Photos filed by by a Reuters photographer at the scene show levelled buildings and bodies being carried out of rubble.

BBC News has contacted the IDF for comment.

- BBC

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Edit

Red Crescent trying to transfer casualties, situations ‘absolutely horrific’

A spokesperson from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society says teams are working on the ground to try and transfer the casualties to hospital following the attack on the Jabalia refugee camp.

“The situation is absolutely horrific,” Nebal Farsakh told Al Jazeera from Ramallah. “We have been witnessing this increasing number of casualties among Palestinian civilians in Gaza due to attacks against residential buildings, homes, streets, as well as places of worship and hospitals.

“Hospitals are already overwhelmed, and they barely can deal with the increasing number of casualties they are dealing with every single hour,” Farsakh said.

“[They] are working on full capacity. This comes at the same time all hospitals are literally collapsing due to shortages [of] medical supplies as well as medicines, and they are running out of fuel, which is urgently needed”.

-Al Jazeera

The attempted trial of French leftists for a 'terrorist conspiracy' seems to be falling apart, but knows if that matters or it's just a show trial by the state. Jacobin

Reading a document co authored by Antony Blinken and a bunch of other ghouls in 2008 titled "Strategic Leadership: Framework for a 21st Century National Security Strategy" Because let's face it, Blinken is basically the president now, and I'm looking for insights as to how the USA will proceed. Some interesting excerpts about Israel and the Middle East.

Middle East

• Develop a comprehensive, integrated strategy for the entire region.
• Draw down militarily and build up diplomatically in Iraq.
• Pursue a dual-track strategy of deterrence and engagement towards Iran.
• Ensure a high-level and sustained diplomatic role in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
• Develop mechanisms and structures for regional security cooperation as well as economic modernization and democratic reform.

Reaching a full Arab-Israeli peace — a two-state, security-enhancing agreement between Israel and Palestine; an Israeli-Syrian peace treaty; and Arab League recognition of Israel — is a high and pressing priority. Roles can be usefully played by key neighboring states such as Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia as well as by the EU, UN and Arab League. None of this will suffice, though, without an active U.S. role and full clarity both in the peace process and more broadly on the inviolability of America’s commitment to Israel’s security and survival as a homeland for the Jewish people. Within these parameters, as with other vital allies, any U.S.-Israeli policy differences are to be worked out constructively.

So no US mass troop deployment to Israel, but full support for Zionism, as well as manipulating neighbouring countries. Already seen that in Egypt and Jordan. Security enhancing agreement probably means the attempted elimination or removal of political power from Hamas, for a two state solution involving a subdued Palestinian authority subservient to Israel.

Iran

With regard to Iran, the overall strategy should be along two tracks: maintaining deterrence and containment by reinforcing defense commitments to regional allies and increasing economic pressure, while also actively engaging Tehran in an effort to resolve particular issues and transform relations. The threats that Iran poses should neither be underestimated nor overhyped. Iran must be convinced, and others in the region must be reassured, both of America’s resolve and its capacity to provide leadership in meeting threats — and of a new administration’s genuine commitment to pursue directly, and without precondition, opportunities for mutually beneficial improvements in relations.

Within this overall strategy, remaining concerns about Iranian nuclear proliferation need first to be addressed diplomatically. While no action can be categorically ruled out, the decision to use force must weigh possible damage inflicted on Iranian nuclear facilities against the potential costs incurred and the risks of Iranian retaliation, increased terrorism, global political fallout, and strengthening of the hardliners within the Iranian regime. The United States must also follow the lead of courageous Iranian reformers in devising an effective strategy to encourage democratic progress in Iran. Engagement between the U.S. and Iranian governments can potentially create a more favorable environment for democratic change within Iran, whereas confrontation likely serves to strengthen the opponents of political change.

Seems like the Iranian nuclear deal was extremely important to the US foreign policy, and that regime change is the goal, not outright war now that Iran can't make nukes. As further suggested by this paragraph:

Prospects for diplomatic progress with Iran need to be assessed, not dismissed out of hand. We can be tough negotiators, but still negotiate. Past experience with Pinochet’s Chile, Marcos’s Philippines, and the Soviet Union show that careful and firm diplomacy with autocratic regimes can not only help to change regime behavior but also foster a permissive environment for democratic change.

Disgusting I know, but it's always insightful to see how the ghouls think.

Israel bombs UN school in third major attack on Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp | Israel-Palestine conflict | Al Jazeera

There's a 1 minute video.

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Israel bombs the Jabalia refugee camp with a 2,000 pound bomb for the 27th time and a talking head on CNN says "Some may say yet again that this is excessive but the IDF located a Hamas leadership war council meeting room under the school. The Israelis say a meeting was in progress and war is a dirty business..."

---

Edit

The BBC has an Onion-like headline about it.

UN agency: Another sad day as school hit

This update is aggravating.

Egyptian state media reported that some wounded Palestinians would be able to leave the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Wednesday and seek treatment in Egypt. Gazan officials said in a statement that they had been notified that Egypt would accept 81 seriously injured people for treatment in Egyptian hospitals.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/31/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news/57dab29a-7a97-5f57-abce-364c0ebf3a9e?smid=url-share

I wonder how they decided on 81. Also - where are the people now? I assume they must be already very close to the border. But how will they get to the crossing? Do the people around them have cars? Is there gas? I assume Egyptian ambulances will not enter Gaza to pick them up.

Hundreds gather in Ramallah’s Manarah Square to support Gaza

Imran Khan reporting from Ramallah, occupied West Bank

Emotions are running incredibly high and there is a pattern developing. Every time we see something like the Jabalia refugee camp bombing, or indeed the bombing of a hospital, people come out on the streets in the Manarah Square in Ramallah.

Just two hours ago, there were about 300 to 400 people out on the streets, chanting in support of the people of Gaza. What they do is they normally kind of walk into the square, they gather – this was during the prayer time – so they actually pray in Manarah Square and then they walk around the square and then they come back.

In the distance I can still hear people chanting … As more and more details of this Jabalia refugee camp bombing come out, we were expecting people to come out on the street despite the late hour.

People want to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza, with the Palestinians there.

Oftentimes, there are familial connections there, as well. People from the occupied West Bank have families, uncles, aunts, et cetera, within Gaza, that they can’t get a hold of, so emotions [are] running incredibly high.

-Al Jazeera

Islamic Resistance in Lebanon targets all Zionist military sites along the Lebanese-Palestinian border with ATGMs and missiles

The speech isn't until tomorrow and already big operations are underway

Does anyone know where I can watch all the Hezbollah trailers

Three people were killed in an Israeli strike on a car in southern Lebanon on Sunday, Reuters reports four security sources in Lebanon saying. According to Lebanon’s state-owned National News Agency, the Israeli strike hit the car between the villages of Aianata and Aitaroun near the border with Israel. Since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7, Israel’s military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah have exchanged frequent fire across the border.

- The Guardian

Here's a pretty long Twitter thread of Zionist lies/projections paired alongside what the Zionists have actually done: https://nitter.cz/shxmsm/status/1719178733943222399#m

Jerusalem Post - Netanyahu backed down from firing minister who called to nuke Gaza

I don't know much about Israeli internal politics but I know Netanyahu has no support so maybe too beta to get anything done? Or lame duck and can do whatever he wants and what he wants is for ministers to go nuclear? IDK.

Also lol "Benjamin Netanyahu was convinced against firing Eliyahu by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is Eliyahu's faction leader, who claimed in private conversations that firing the heritage minister is "unnecessary and disproportionate."" They think they have a right to say what is necessary and proportionate anymore!

Sounds like the hezbollah drone attack on the barracks has done some damage.

Al-Mayadeen:

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"Israeli" helicopters evacuate a large number of wounded people inside the Zebdine barracks, which was targeted by the resistance on the border in the south of [Lebanon]

Wonder Woman Actress Gal Gadot Dead At 42

This is chilling: "What is unclear now is what could happen to civilians." And "Now it would seem that those in Gaza City could be stuck there."

Israeli tanks move steadily towards Gaza City

There have been only brief comments from the Israeli military, saying it's expanding ground operations.

But what we're hearing from inside Gaza is that tanks and armoured vehicles are moving steadily towards Gaza City - where the IDF says Hamas has a network of tunnels used as a command and control centre.

We understand from colleagues that Israeli forces have penetrated the northern neighbourhoods of Gaza City - and that there are armoured vehicles on both of the main north-to-south roads.

One goes along the coast from the north of Gaza City, and the other runs through the middle of the Strip to the south of the city.

What is unclear now is what could happen to civilians. We know that there are hundreds of thousands of people who have not heeded the Israeli military's call to move from the northern half of the Gaza Strip south.

Now it would seem that those in Gaza City could be stuck there.

-BBC