Author: Sharon Zhang
Sharon Zhang is a contributor for the Truthout news media. She has a vast journalistic experience in politics, climate & labour, having worked for several news outlets.
Israeli forces have repeatedly attacked UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, causing injuries and damage, including the use of white phosphorus which is banned in populated areas. The attacks have raised concerns about potential war crimes and violations of international law. Human Rights Watch has called for a UN investigation into Israel’s aggression against UNIFIL peacekeepers. The attacks, which have targeted UN infrastructure and personnel, are seen as a deliberate attempt to limit documentation of Israel’s actions in the region. Despite criticism from 40 countries and calls to halt offensive weapons shipments to Israel, some US officials have downplayed the concerns. However,…
House Democrats Push Biden to End Israel’s Ban on Foreign Journalism in Gaza Amid Israel’s brutal ethnic cleansing campaign in Gaza, House Democrats are urging President Biden to lift the ban on foreign journalists and stop attacks on media personnel. The lawmakers highlighted the dangers faced by journalists documenting the genocide, with over 140 journalists and media workers killed in Gaza, accounting for more than 10% of the field’s workforce. The Democrats, led by Rep. Jim McGovern, called for greater U.S. pressure on Israel to allow independent access to foreign journalists in Gaza. They emphasized the vital role of press…
The recent deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Israel by the U.S. is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Israel’s ability to strike Iran without fear of retaliation. The system, valued at up to $1.8 billion, will provide Israel with enhanced defense capabilities against ballistic missile threats, notably from Iran. This escalation comes in light of recent tensions in the region, including Iran’s missile attack on Israel, prompting the U.S. to bolster its support for Israeli forces. The deployment of THAAD, along with additional troops, signifies a notable increase in U.S. involvement in Israel’s…
In the midst of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved a policy to allow Israeli forces to target humanitarian aid convoys. The plan, developed by the Israeli Security Cabinet, aimed to hinder aid reaching Palestinians in Gaza, leading to a collapse of civil society. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the policy, stating that aid reaching Hamas would be “thwarted.” This resulted in attacks on aid trucks by Israeli forces, causing famine and scarcity in Gaza. Despite Blinken’s claims of allowing aid to Gaza, reports indicate a different reality. The Biden administration, led by Blinken, endorsed Israel’s…
Last October, a US bureau objected to sending arms to a unit that later carried out Israel’s deadliest attack on Gaza. Despite objections raised by a State Department division regarding the human rights violations of the unit receiving arms, over a dozen shipments to Israel were not halted. This unit, known as Yamam, was later involved in a massacre in Nuseirat refugee camp that killed 274 Palestinians during the Gaza genocide. The State Department has faced recommendations for the suspension of arms sales to Israel under US and international laws prohibiting weapons transfers to human rights violators. The department has…
Heartbreaking statistics reveal the true toll of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, with over 118,908 Palestinians likely killed, according to American health workers who volunteered in the region. As the anniversary of the devastating conflict in Gaza looms, 99 health care workers penned a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris, estimating that Israel’s actions have wiped out entire families and resulted in the deaths of at least 118,908 Palestinians, a figure that is likely to be much higher than official reports suggest. The workers, who spent a combined 254 weeks in Gaza, highlighted the impact of the conflict on…
Israel’s history of assassinating key ceasefire figures in Lebanon Hezbollah leader agreed to a ceasefire hours before Israel assassinated him, says Lebanese official. Hasan Nasrallah notified Lebanon of the ceasefire acceptance before being targeted by Israel in Beirut. The ceasefire proposal was put forth by U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emanuel Macron, aiming for a 21-day truce between Hezbollah and Israel. Despite the agreement, Nasrallah was assassinated, showcasing Israel’s pattern of sabotaging peace talks. Historically, Israel has targeted figures involved in diplomatic negotiations, such as Hamas leaders in the past. The U.S. remains supportive of Israel amidst escalating…
A group of over 100 Democrats in Congress is urging the Biden administration to investigate the killing of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi by Israeli forces in the West Bank. They believe failing to investigate gives Israeli forces an unacceptable license to act with impunity. In a letter sent to the White House, State Department, and Justice Department, the lawmakers are calling for an independent investigation to determine if Eygi’s killing could be classified as a homicide. They demand a report on the evidence found, methodology used, and a response from the administration on their knowledge of Eygi’s death and…
Progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups are criticizing the Biden administration for deploying additional troops to the Middle East amid Israel’s escalated attacks on Lebanon. Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush argue that increasing US military presence worsens the situation and supports Israeli war crimes. They call for an arms embargo to de-escalate tensions. Tlaib emphasizes that more troops and bombs will lead to more suffering. Bush echoes the need for a ceasefire to prevent more death and destruction. The Pentagon’s decision to send more troops reflects US support for Israel’s attacks, despite claims of working on de-escalation. Critics warn that…
Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces calls for resignation or impeachment after lying to Congress about suspending military aid to Israel. Despite findings of human rights violations and obstruction of aid in Gaza, Blinken continued funding, leading to demands for accountability and legal repercussions. The Biden administration’s complicity in Israel’s actions has sparked outrage among Muslim and Arab advocacy groups. The reported bypassing of domestic and international laws to maintain military aid has raised concerns about government accountability and adherence to legal mandates. Source link