Note: CONTENT WARNING - some of this content is about upsetting, disturbing or triggering events & attitudes. Seek competent help - including professional - if you need it. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that linked
articles may contains names and/or images of deceased people. READER CAUTION IS RECOMMENDED! For
anyone distressed by anything in this post, or for any other reason considering
seeking support, resources are available in Australia here, here, and here. In other nations, you will have to do an Internet search using terms such as “mental health support - <your nation>” (which, for instance, may lead to this, this, and this, in the USA, or this, this, and this, in France [biased towards English-language - my apologies]), or perhaps try https://www.befrienders.org/.
Note: in my “from the news” posts, quotes are shown italicised and blue, my comments are in a different shade of blue, and “good” items are shown in green. I have loosely grouped the posts where such seemed reasonable, but that is subjective (i.e., my opinion - others are free to disagree), and challenging, as some posts belong in multiple “groups”.
Reporting on recent and currrently ongoing war in West Asia (I object to the colonial term “Middle East”), in imperialistic Israel, Gaza, and adjoining nations, includes the following:
Note: as with other mass murderers/serial killers/and the like, violent extremists crave publicity, so I refuse to give that to them - I will avoid using their names (which is a policy adopted by good law enforcement and media for other mass murderers), and I will not give them the satisfaction of being described with the T word.
This is explained further in my post at https://politicalmusingsofkayleen.blogspot.com/2023/10/from-news-on-war-in-west-asia-content_25.html.
Note also that the genocidal intent of the VE group I refuse to name is, and has been for some time, clear, according to this
from experts in that topic. Information suggests that several thousand
of the Palestinian deaths to date are likely to be from that group -
maybe up to 20% (as a maximum) of the total: the rest - more than 80% -
are innocent civilians, including babies, toddlers, and children. The images of starving children ([Content Warning! Disturbing images] e.g., here, here, here, here) are already haunting the world.
In my opinion, a safe place for Jewish people has to exist because of the world’s collective failures in the 1930s and 40s (the problem was not only Germany, but every nation that rejected Jewish asylum seekers/refugees [including my nation - although Yorta Yorta man William Cooper was a notable “upstander”] or allowed antisemitism - and that continues now) ... but
the Arab nations’ proposal for a single nation with Arab and Jewish
provinces should have been given more consideration, IMO, and now that MUST be as part of a two state solution, lest Israel’s foundation and existence be inherently based on an injustice - which, as part of correcting an injustice, intrinsically morally weakens that foundation and existence.
Note also: this, on when criticism of Israel becomes antisemitism; and Israel’s conduct since the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the collapse of the Oslo Accords has - in addition to devastating and often displacing and killing its victims - been damaging of its standing (and devastating to those people on the receiving end), and its conduct now risks an even more self-damaging Pyrrhic “victory”. One day Israel will collectively recover enough from the events of 7th October to look around and grieve, shocked, at what they have done ...
- “Israel alone? Allies’ fears grow over conduct – and legality – of war in Gaza” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/31/israel-alone-allies-fears-grow-over-conduct-and-legality-of-war-in-gaza As I have written a few times now, Israel is creating a Pyrrhic victory: every starved, wounded, or dead civilian - especially every child - is a bullet Israel has put through the foot of its own international reputation ... “The young Israelis who are risking prison time rather than fighting for the IDF in Gaza” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-02/young-israelis-risking-prison-time-rather-than-fighting-idf-gaza/103619582 an opinion: “The legal case for imposing embargoes on Israel | Opinions | Al Jazeera” https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/4/3/the-legal-case-for-imposing-embargoes-on-israel See also “Western allies face genocide complicity if support for Israel continues | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/3/western-allies-face-threat-of-complicity-if-support-for-israel-continues
- “The ICJ’s Modified Provisional Measures Order in South Africa v. Israel” https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-icj-s-modified-provisional-measures-order-in-south-africa-v.-israel “The Court’s March 28 order finds that the exponentially deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza constitute a change in the situation and warrant additional measures” The modified ICJ order can be found at: “Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip” https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240328-ord-01-00-en.pdf This decision states that the Court cannot order a cessation of hostilities or military support or the commission of other actions by others for this interim decision, but Israel’s claims with regard to its humanitarian actions appear to have been discounted, and ordered “Israel shall: (a) take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza, including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary; and (b) ensure with immediate effect that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group under the Genocide Convention, including by preventing, through any action, the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.” (emphasis added by me), and reiterated the Courts previous order. See also: “Starvation in Gaza: The World Court’s Latest Intervention” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/starvation-courts-intervention.html and of the gravest concern - and horror: “GOP Congressman[, a former pastor,] calls for Gaza genocide: “It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima: Get it over Quick”” https://www.juancole.com/2024/03/congressman-genocide-hiroshima.html
- “Israel must allow ‘quantum leap’ in aid delivery UN chief urges, calling for change in military tactics” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148266 “Israel to reopen Erez crossing into Gaza after Biden sounds warning over protecting civilians” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/05/israel-reopen-erez-crossing-gaza-biden-warning-war-netanyahu-palestine “Steps
approved in Israel to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza
include temporary reopening of crossing in the north” Here’s hoping that leads to the provision of aid “at scale”, as the ICJ termed it “Joe Biden calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza and says Israel must protect civilians to keep US support” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/israel-us-gaza-joe-biden-benjamin-netanyahu-phone-call “US
president also said Israel must implement a series of specific steps to
address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid
workers”
- “Watching the watchdogs: Israel’s attacks on journalists are backfiring | Freedom of the Press | Al Jazeera” https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/4/2/watching-the-watchdogs-israels-attacks-on-journalists-are The article comments that Israel i destroying its credibility
- “The US Administration’s Hypocrisy and Israel’s Cockiness” https://www.juancole.com/2024/03/administrations-hypocrisy-cockiness.html “Could the Israeli Supreme Court’s decree that ultra-Orthodox be Conscripted bring Down Netanyahu?” https://www.juancole.com/2024/03/orthodox-conscripted-netanyahu.html “‘I will never join the army’: ultra-Orthodox Jews vow to defy Israeli court orders” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/israel-ultra-orthodox-jews-haredim-benjamin-netanyahu-court-military-conscription-gaza-war “As their military exemption ends, tensions divide the country and threaten to topple Netanyahu’s government” “Israel on the Brink as Ultra-Orthodox Exemption from Military Service is Set to End” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/orthodox-exemption-military.html “Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s top rival, calls for early elections after protests in Israel” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/israel-benny-gantz-benjamin-netanyahu-rival-early-election-calls-protests “Gantz says government ‘must set a consensual date for September’ while Netanyahu’s popularity continues to decline amid the ongoing war in Gaza” “Israel’s PM to have surgery as strikes kill scores” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/middle-east-news/2024/04/01/netanyahu-surgery
- “The Gaza War at Six Months: Top 5 Recommendations for Ending the Fighting and Ensuring Human Security” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/recommendations-fighting-ensuring.html By the Centre for International Policy, which, for nearly 50 years, has been a “woman-led,
progressive, independent non-profit centre for research, education, and
advocacy working to advance a more peaceful, just, and sustainable U.S.
approach to foreign policy. Our work spans six regions and covers
issues ranging from U.S. security assistance, nuclear disarmament, and
corruption to climate change and emerging technology” https://internationalpolicy.org/ I have subscribed to their emails
on peace/ceasefires:
- “Gaza ceasefire talks stall as Israel and _____ dig in | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/3/gaza-ceasefire-talks-stall-on-return-of-displaced-army-withdrawal There are some reports talks will resume in Egypt: if that does happen, it will be in next week’s post
on human rights and human suffering (on both sides) aspects:
- “People in northern Gaza forced to survive on 245 calories a day, less than a can of beans – Oxfam” https://theaimn.com/people-in-northern-gaza-forced-to-survive-on-245-calories-a-day-less-than-a-can-of-beans-oxfam/
- “Gaza: Israeli strike on NGO aid team condemned as humanitarians renew access call” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148161 “Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen Accuses Israel of “Targeted Attack” on 7 of its Aid Workers” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/central-kitchen-targeted.html “World Central Kitchen founder says aid workers were targeted 'car by car' by Israel | SBS News” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/world-central-kitchen-founder-says-aid-workers-were-targeted-car-by-car-by-israel/at811ra40 “Biden rebukes Israel, says he’s ‘outraged’ over deaths of Gaza aid workers” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/3/biden-rebukes-israeli-says-hes-outraged-over-deaths-of-gaza-aid-workers “Outrage grows over Israel’s deadly attack on Gaza aid convoy | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/3/outrage-grows-over-israels-deadly-attack-on-gaza-aid-convoy “Zomi and her colleagues were saving lives. Their deaths deserve our outrage” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/03/zomi-and-her-colleagues-were-saving-lives-their-deaths-deserve-our-outrage “Israel’s
prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has offered a full investigation of
this tragedy but accountability must mean more than just a ‘war
defence’” “Charities halt Gaza aid after drone attack that killed seven workers” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/charities-halt-gaza-operations-after-israeli-drones-kill-aid-workers “Humanitarian groups say they cannot operate safely after Israeli targeting of food charity convoy prompts international outcry” “Aid has 'ground to a halt' after the killing of Gaza humanitarian workers. What happens now? | SBS News” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/aid-in-gaza-has-ground-to-a-halt-after-the-killing-of-humanitarian-workers-what-happens-now/ylu2t47fu “Gaza: Aid worker killings prompt temporary halt to UN operations after dark” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148211 but later “Gaza: Resuming night-time aid deliveries, UN reports ‘dire’ conditions” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148236 “Killing Humanitarians: Israel’s War on Aid Workers in Gaza” https://theaimn.com/killing-humanitarians-israels-war-on-aid-workers-in-gaza/ “Israel’s rules of engagement seem looser than ever – if they are followed at all” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/israels-rules-of-engagement-seem-looser-than-ever-if-they-are-followed-at-all “The
deaths of seven aid workers add credence to allegations by observers
that commanders on the ground in Gaza may ‘do as they please’” “‘The machine did it coldly’: Israel used AI to identify 37,000 _____ targets” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/israel-gaza-ai-database-_____-airstrikes “Israeli
intelligence sources reveal use of ‘Lavender’ system in Gaza war and
claim permission given to kill civilians in pursuit of low-ranking
militants” “Gaza aid worker deaths heighten scrutiny of Israel’s use of AI to select targets” https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240403-gaza-aid-worker-deaths-scrutiny-israel-use-ai-select-targets “Israel’s Lavender [AI programme] is Programmed to Kill up to a Third of all Palestinian Civilians in Gaza” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/murderbot-programmed-palestinian.html “The
incredibly brave and resourceful Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham
revealed Wednesday in a hard-hitting piece of investigative journalism
that the Israeli military has used two artificial intelligence programs,
“Lavender” and “Where’s Daddy,” to target some 37,000 alleged members
of the military wings of _____ and I_____c J___d. The programs used GPS
to discover when a _____ member had gone home, since it was easiest to
hit them there, ensuring that his wife and children would also be
killed. If he lived in an apartment building, which most did, then all
the civilians in neighbouring apartments could also be killed– children,
women, non-combatant men.” “‘Misidentification’ was behind Gaza air strike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, Israeli military says” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-03/world-central-kitchen-blast-australian-dead-netanyahu-reacts/103660170 “Israel blames ‘misidentification’ for deadly aid worker strike” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2024/04/03/israel-aid-workers-dead Hmm “Australian aid worker killed in Gaza identified” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/middle-east-news/2024/04/02/zomi-frankcom-aid-gaza-die “Prime
Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, and Israel’s
ambassador to Australia was ordered to front bureaucrats to explain” “PM speaks with Netanyahu to demand investigation into Australian’s death” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2024/04/03/albanese-netanyahu-frankcom “Netanyahu promises Albanese a full investigation into Australian aid worker’s death, as Israel accepts responsibility” https://theconversation.com/netanyahu-promises-albanese-a-full-investigation-into-australian-aid-workers-death-as-israel-accepts-responsibility-227050 “Albanese
also used the conversation to express Australia’s concern about a
potential ground invasion of the Gazan city of Rafah and the
consequences for civilians there” “Zomi Frankcom is a tragic victim in the stalemated Israel-_____ war, but don’t expect Australia’s approach to change much” https://theconversation.com/zomi-frankcom-is-a-tragic-victim-in-the-stalemated-israel-_____-war-but-dont-expect-australias-approach-to-change-much-227045 “Killing of Australian aid worker in Gaza tragic and preventable” https://theaimn.com/killing-of-australian-aid-worker-in-gaza-tragic-and-preventable/ “Australian Council for International Development Media Release” “Zomi Frankcom fed people around the world. Her final job was in Gaza” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/zomi-frankcom-fed-people-around-the-world-her-final-job-was-in-gaza/76n8kt6se This may have a larger impact than the images of starving children ... which, while understandable (sort of),
is disappointing - why not commensurate outrage over the images of
starving children? Is it easier to be outraged over something that is
quick than something that takes time to effect evil? Or is the problem media bias in reporting? I have published my personal opinion on Australia’s changed stance at “Post
No. 2,751 - A personal opinion on Australia’s changed attitude towards
Israel and Gaza [Content Warning - discussion on atrocities, language;
for Indigenous people - mention of a deceased Indigenous person]” https://gnwmythr.blogspot.com/2024/04/post-no-2751-personal-opinion-on.html “Officers sacked, drone strike findings revealed” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/2024/04/06/israel-officers-dismiss “Israel fires two military officers over ‘mistakes’ in strikes on WCK aid workers” https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240405-%F0%9F%94%B4-live-israel-says-will-allow-temporary-aid-through-northern-gaza-border Are they scapegoats - even if they did the actions? Who else shares in responsibility for this?
- “Israel continues to block aid into northern Gaza; UN sending team to shattered Al-Shifa Hospital” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148141
on military aspects:
- “Israel to ‘adjust’ tactics after aid worker deaths” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/middle-east-news/2024/04/05/israel-tactics-change
- “US reportedly sending Israel fighter jets, thousands of 900-kilogram bombs in new weapons transfer” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-03/drt-us-weapons-to-israel/103653536 This is despite concerns in the USA and international calls to ban arms supplies (and some nations have implemented such bans), and includes large, unguided bombs of great concern
- “Millions of dollars needed to make Gaza safe from unexploded bombs” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148021
regionally:
- “United Nations secretary general condemns explosion that injured UN observers in southern Lebanon” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/31/united-nations-secretary-general-condemns-explosion-that-injured-un-observers-in-southern-lebanon
- “[West Asia]: Suspected Israeli warplanes bomb Iran’s embassy in Syria” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/2024/04/02/embassy-bombing-syria “Iran says response will be 'harsh,' claiming Israel bombed its embassy in Syria” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/iran-says-response-will-be-harsh-claiming-israel-bombed-its-embassy-in-syria/2q9o9w4n8 “The Israeli raid on Damascus, an ‘unprecedented’ escalation of tensions” https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240403-the-israeli-raid-on-damascus-an-unprecedented-escalation-of-tensions “UN calls for restraint following Iran consulate attack in Syria” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148191 “Was Israel’s Strike on Iranian Embassy in Damascus an attempt to draw the US into the War?” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/israels-iranian-damascus.html “Aside from possible Iranian retaliation against Israel embassies, it seems unlikely to me that even these brazen assassinations will change the Iranian calculus. They believe that slow and steady wins the race and that revenge is a dish best served cold. The Iranian leadership will not blithely put itself in a position where it has to try to take on Israel and US in a conventional war. It has been goaded but hasn’t lost its common sense.”
- “With Its Deterrence Strategy Weakened, Iran Faces Pressure To Hit Israel” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/deterrence-strategy-weakened.html but “Iran-US secret Backchannel Talks Suggest that for Both Sides Pragmatism beats Ideology” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/backchannel-pragmatism-ideology.html
internationally:
- “Poll: Most Americans don’t agree with Biden Administration’s support for Israel’s Military Campaign” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/americans-administrations-military.html “The surge in Islamophobia on Biden’s watch is unprecedented | Islamophobia | Al Jazeera” https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/4/2/the-surge-in-islamophobia-on-bidens-watch-is-unprecedented
- “‘We Jews are just arrested; Palestinians are beaten’: Protesters in Germany” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/1/we-jews-are-just-arrested-palestinians-are-beaten-german-protesters “In Germany, phrases including ‘from the river to the sea’ are banned and police are arresting people for using them” This
clear, violent pro-Israel bias is, given the genocide now clearly
happening, of great concern. In my opinion, this is Germany repeating,
not learning from, past mistakes
- “A fresh Jewish voice: the new Australian group opposing antisemitism – and Israel’s conduct” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/progressive-australian-jews-opposing-antisemitism-israel-gaza-war “The Jewish Council of Australia hopes to offer an alternative view to the conservative organisations that claim to speak on behalf of a diverse community” See also https://www.jewishcouncil.com.au/ I have subscribed to their emails, and thus was advised when, a few days later, they issued the following press release/statement: “Australia must cut all military ties and place sanctions on Israel” https://www.jewishcouncil.com.au/media/australia-must-cut-military-ties-sanctions-israel
My links for activism post may aid any activism you may decide to do on any/all of these. If you do, don’t get too fixated on specific instances of problems - important though they may well be: take a moment to also consider the broader issues these incidents and groups of incidents may suggest/reveal.
Assumptions / basis
In writing this, I have assumed / started from the following:
- this blog states quite clearly that it is about political and human rights matters, including lived experience of problems, and thus I will assume readers are reasonable people who have noted the content warning in the post header;
Possible flaws
Where I can, I will try to highlight possible flaws / issues you should consider:
- there may be flawed logical arguments in the above: to find out more about such flaws and thinking generally, I recommend Brendan
Myers’ free online course “Clear and Present Thinking”;
- I could be wrong - so keep your thinking caps on, and make up your own minds for yourself.
If they are of any use of interest, the activism information links from my former news posts are available in this post.
If you appreciated this post, please consider promoting it - there are some links below.
Copyright © Kayleen White 2016-2024 NO AI
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