Author: MEE staff

MEE Staff is a team from Middle East Eye (MEE), a UK-based digital news media founded in 2014. MEE covers mainly the Middle East news and North Africa, as well as international stories making headlines.

A Pakistani-American political action committee, PakPac, has endorsed former US President Donald Trump for the upcoming November presidential election. Despite not agreeing with Trump on every issue, PakPac believes he is the best candidate to improve US-Pakistan relations, a key concern for the Pakistani voting population in the US. PakPac’s endorsement stems from Trump’s perceived commitment to securing the release of political prisoners in Pakistan, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. During Trump’s presidency, Khan and Trump had warm ties, with Trump inviting Khan to the White House for an official visit. In contrast, PakPac fears a Harris presidency would…

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The Israeli military is mourning the loss of Colonel Ehsan Daqsa, commander of the 401st Armoured Brigade, who was killed during a military operation in northern Gaza. His tank was hit by an explosive device in Jabalia refugee camp, also injuring another soldier. Daqsa, a respected field commander, became the brigade commander just in June. With over 750 troops killed in the ongoing conflict, Daqsa’s death is a significant loss for the Israeli army. Meanwhile, the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, with over 42,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed since the conflict began. The UN has called…

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An Israeli attack on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 73 people, with numerous others injured and missing. The airstrikes targeted residential areas, including a multi-floor building and nearby houses, causing widespread destruction and casualties among women and children. The government media office in Gaza condemned the attack as a “war of genocide and ethnic cleansing,” highlighting the devastating impact on the local community. Al Jazeera reported that buildings collapsed with people inside, trapping many under the rubble without any prior warning to evacuate. The intensity of the Israeli bombardment hampered rescue efforts,…

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, referring to him as his “dear friend”, despite their differences on Israel’s Gaza conflict. Scholz, during his visit to Turkey, rejected Erdogan’s claims of genocide in Gaza and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense while urging for a ceasefire for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Although Erdogan supported the International Court of Justice’s investigation into Israel for genocide in Gaza, he also appreciated Scholz’s efforts to ease German restrictions on arms sales to Turkey. Ankara aims to secure 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets following delays in receiving American F-16 fighters.…

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Over 100 Muslim Labour councillors have united in a letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for an immediate halt to arms sales to Israel. The letter, organized by the Labour Muslim Network, highlighted Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law, citing recent attacks on Palestinian children and families. The councillors emphasized the need for the UK government to suspend all arms sales to Israel until international humanitarian law is upheld. Signatories include mayors such as Shakil Ahmed and Usman Ahmed, showing widespread support within the Labour Party. The pressure on the government to take action against Israel is mounting,…

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Israel bars access to medical aid missions in Gaza, affecting emergency medical teams and worsening the region’s already strained healthcare system. At least six aid missions received orders this week to stop their work in the enclave, affecting groups like Fajr Scientific and Glia. The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concerns about the repercussions of this decision, citing the urgent need for medical aid in Gaza, where hospitals are already overwhelmed. Israel did not provide reasons for this ban. WHO emphasized the critical importance of allowing Entry Medical Teams (EMTs) to access Gaza, as malnutrition and disease are rampant. With…

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A recent investigation by French media outlet Le Media has revealed that non-profit organisations in France are illegally soliciting tax-free donations to fund military equipment for Israeli soldiers. The report, titled “How our taxes finance drones for the Israeli army,” exposes how these organisations are exploiting fiscal legislation meant to encourage philanthropy for humanitarian, social, and cultural causes. The investigation focuses on Tipat Mazal, an organisation created near Paris, which has been redirecting donations intended for the elderly, orphans, and single women towards the purchase of military gear for Israeli soldiers. This includes helmets, tactical vests, and thermal drones valued…

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Breaking news out of Gaza: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed in combat against the invading Israeli army, confirmed by senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya on Friday. Sinwar’s death in battle was praised by Hayya, who vowed to continue fighting until the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Hayya emphasized that Sinwar’s death will only strengthen Hamas’ resolve, as they continue on their path and spirit of resistance. In response to Sinwar’s killing, Israeli captives held by Hamas will only be released under specific conditions, including a ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, and the release of…

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In a shocking turn of events, counter-terrorism police recently conducted a raid at the London home of Asa Winstanley, a prominent journalist covering the occupation of Palestine and Israeli influence in the UK. The raid, part of an operation codenamed “Operation Incessantness”, was initiated based on alleged social media posts that could potentially violate sections 1 and 2 of the Terrorism Act. Although Winstanley was not arrested or charged, the police confiscated his electronic devices during the raid. The Electronic Intifada, a US-based independent news publication focusing on Palestine, stated that Winstanley, as an associate editor, has been a regular…

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In a decisive move on Wednesday night, the US targeted five underground storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen using B-2 stealth bombers for the first time. This strike showcased Washington’s ability to hit hard-to-reach facilities, emphasizing its global strike capabilities. President Joe Biden ordered the attack to further degrade the Houthis’ capability after their attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Despite the aggressive response, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported no casualties from the strikes which targeted areas in and around Sanaa and eastern Saada. The US and UK air forces conducted nine airstrikes in eastern…

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