International News Roundup 20 June 2024
Hope is the last thing to die
I am certain the Biden admin was embarrassed from being outed when they want Biden to be reelected
Antony Blinken runs away from reporters’ questions on plot against Palestinians | Janta Ka Reporter
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was left exposed on Tuesday when Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu revealed how the former had promised to work day and night to remove the US ban on the supply of deadly weapons to Israel.
A visibly embarrassed Blinken ran away from answering reporters’ questions on the new revelation.
Rifat Jawaid in his analysis says that this is the most explicit evidence to conclude that Blinken and USA simply can’t be trusted as honest brokers of peace in the Middle East.
Washington scolds Netanyahu over video 🤡
White House cancels meeting, scolds Netanyahu in protest over video 🤥
The White House canceled a high-level meeting with "Israel" on Iran, scheduled for Thursday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video on Tuesday saying the US was withholding military aid, two US officials tell Axios.
According to two US and Israeli sources, President Biden's top advisors were infuriated by the video. US envoy Amos Hochstein conveyed this anger directly to Netanyahu during a meeting hours after the video's release. Subsequently, the White House escalated its response by canceling the meeting scheduled for Thursday.
"This decision makes it clear that there are consequences for pulling such stunts," a US official said, while a senior Israeli official said, "The Americans are fuming. Bibi's video made a lot of damage." It is worth noting that some Israeli officials were already en route to Washington when the meeting was canceled.
ICYMI
Ouch! Predicted by Russia, Israel busts US lies on Gaza in UN Security Council | Janta Ka Reporter
all articles can be read in full at corresponding link
Palestine
Live Updates Uncensored
In Arabic (translation available) Direct Uncensored Updates from Gaza
just a side note this a Palestinian who was kidnapped and used as bait in the tunnels by israel
Palestinian refugees' right to return 'sacred, non-negotiable': Hamas
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood has brought global attention back to the Palestinian refugee issue, highlighted its justice, and thwarted attempts to obscure it, Hamas said Thursday on World Refugee Day, calling for enabling the Palestinian people's rights to freedom, independence, and the end of the occupation.
In a statement, the movement hailed the active role of Palestinian refugees in their rallying behind the Resistance during Al-Aqsa Flood, emphasizing that the epics written by the Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied al-Quds' camps are evidence of the deep-rootedness of Palestinian refugees in their land, their commitment to their rights, and their embrace of the Resistance until the occupation is defeated.
Day 258 in Gaza: 'Israel' kills 37,431, injures 85,653
The number of Palestinians killed since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza on October 7 has risen to 37,431 and those injured to 85,653, the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip confirmed on Thursday.
In its daily report, the Health Ministry mentioned that the Israeli occupation forces committed four massacres in the past 24 hours, killing a total of 35 people and injuring 130 others.
It noted that many victims remain under the rubble and on the roads, as ambulance and civil defense crews are unable to reach them.
Deadly Airstrikes – Multiple Casualties Reported in Israeli Attacks Across Gaza
n the early hours of Thursday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a residence in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, resulting in multiple casualties among the occupants.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Strip reported that two women were killed and twelve others were injured when the airstrike struck the home of the Jadallah family in the Al-Husayna area of the camp.
In addition to the airstrike in Nuseirat, Israeli artillery targeted areas east of the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in central Gaza.
Further strikes were reported in central and western Rafah, as well as east of Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza.
Palestinian families in Rafah dismantled their tents and moved to what they hope will be safer areas
Moment Israeli strike hits Gaza Az-Zawayda beach in central Gaza Strip
‘Beyond Imagination’ – Lawyer Hears Testimony of Torture, Rape at Israeli Detention Camp
Reports of abuse at Sde Teiman have already emerged in both Israeli and Arab media, following outcries from local and international rights groups about the horrific conditions there.
A detained Palestinian journalist from Gaza has described multiple instances of torture, abuse and rape that he and other detainees endured at the Israeli Sde Teiman detention camp in the Naqab (Negev) desert.
Mohammed Saber Arab, 42, detailed his harrowing experiences to his lawyer, Khaled Mahajneh, during a recent visit to the detention center. Mahajneh is reportedly the first Palestinian lawyer to be granted access to the interrogation facility since October 7.
Netanyahu Plots More Illegal West Bank Colonies
The Israeli prime minister’s statement on Sunday was presented as a retaliation against countries that recently joined the majority of the international community in recognizing Palestinian statehood.
UN investigator calls Israeli army one of the most criminal armies in the world | Janta Ka Reporter
IOF forced to withdraw from al-Far'a camp due to explosives detonation
The al-Aqsa Brigades – al-Far'a Camp announced that the Resistance successfully detonated an explosive device targeting the invading Israeli occupation vehicles in the market area of the al-Far'a camp, disabling a vehicle.
Hamas Official: Hagari’s Admission of Resistance Invincibility Confirms “Israel’s” Defeat in Gaza 🔗
Yemen
Military Media Releases Video of Sinking Ship Violating Ban on Entry to Occupied Palestinian Ports
The military media of the Yemeni Armed Forces released a video depicting a fatal attack on a ship that had violated their ban on entering the ports of the occupied Palestinian territories.
The video was released on Wednesday, less than a week after the operation against the vessel "Tutor," belonging to Evalend Shipping Co. S.A., a Greek company.
American-British warplanes bomb Yemen
HODEIDA, June 19 (YPA) – The American-British fighter jets waged on Wednesday a series of strikes on Hodeida province, west of Yemen.
A security official said that the fighters jets launched three raids the Taif area of Al-Durayhimi district.
US pier used to deliver destruction to Gaza, al-Houthi says
On another note, Sayyed al-Houthi criticized the United States for constructing a maritime dock under the guise of humanitarian concern, which he claimed is actually intended to serve as a base for occupation and support for the enemy.
He stated that the US pier played no role in delivering aid or meeting essential needs, and that during a time of severe famine, the US relocated it to Ashdod.
The Yemeni leader also praised Hezbollah's significant escalation on the Lebanese front, asserting that political pressures cannot sway Hezbollah's stance, underscoring the group's steadfastness.
Sayyed Al-Houthi reported that the US and UK carried out 24 airstrikes on Yemen this week, which he claimed had no impact. He emphasized that the American forces were in a real predicament and were facing a significant failure in countering Yemen's support for Gaza.
Abdulsalam: Washington is trying to drag Saudi Arabia into a battle that distracts Yemen from supporting Gaza 🔗
Sayyed Abdulmalik: Saudi regime is not worthy of serving Hajj
SANAA, June 20 (YPA) – The Leader of the Yemeni Revolution, Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, confirmed that the Saudi regime is not worthy of serving Hajj and achieving its goals, and that negligence in doing so has caused hundreds of victims during the current Hajj season.
In his weekly speech on the developments of events on Thursday, the Leader of the Revolution extended his condolences and sympathy to the Egyptian and Indonesian peoples and to all the people who suffered casualties during the Hajj season as a result of the negligence of the Saudi regime.
He stressed that the Saudi regime blackmails pilgrims with huge sums of money under the pretext of providing services, and then its deliberate negligence leads to hundreds of victims, noting that the Saudi regime has shifted its interest in promiscuity and debauchery parties, while its interest in pilgrims to the Sacred House of Allah has declined.
Syria/Lebanon
Hizballah's historic drone footage sends warning to Israel, with Jon Elmer
Hezbollah Amplifies Attacks on Israeli Sites, Unwavering Support for Gaza
Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance showed unwavering support for the people and resistance in Gaza, reaffirming its firm stance to respond to any attack on Lebanese territories by intensifying its meticulous and strategic operations on Thursday.
The group’s military media issued a series of statements outlining the attacks and their outcomes:
Hezbollah declares targeting the Al-Naqoura Israeli naval site with artillery shells, achieving a direct hit 🔗
Iran/Iraq
Iraqi resistance announces end of truce with Americans
BAGHDAD, June 20 (YPA) – The “Iraqi Resistance Coordination” has announced the end of the deadline for the American withdrawal from the country and said that it seeks to close this file “using all available means.”
Activists close to the ruling Shiite alliance spoke of “resuming operations” against the American presence.
The position of the “resistance” came last night (Wednesday), just hours after the speech of the leader of the Lebanese “Hezbollah,” Hassan Nasruallah, in which he warned of a “war without controls” and vowed to open the “Mediterranean Front.”
Iran slams Canada blacklisting IRGC, reserves right to respond
On Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani condemned Canada's "political, unconventional and unwise" decision to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
However, he stressed that the label would not impact the Corps' operations, saying "The reprehensible move of the Canadian government against the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps will have no impact on [the force] generating legitimate and deterrent power."
Iran Refutes US Baseless Accusation on Yemen
Referring to our previous correspondences, including the letters dated January 15, February 19, March 18, and May 15, 2024 (S/2024/64- S/2024/175- S/2024/244- S/2024/389), I would like to address another claim made by the US representative against the Islamic Republic of Iran about the situation in Yemen during the open session of the Security Council held on June 13, 2024 under the agenda of the situation in the Middle East (S/2024/9654), Iravani said in his letter.
The Iranian envoy stated: “Unfortunately, the representative of the United States, in line with his country's usual approach, has misused the podium of the Security Council to accuse other independent nations”.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects these baseless accusations as it has stated on many occasions about its commitment to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council regarding the situation in Yemen and has not participated in activities that violate these resolutions", he added.
Africa
Egyptian soldiers say their country has failed Gaza
“We've been watching and hearing how intense the Israeli bombing in Rafah is.”
Egyptian soldiers at the Sinai-Gaza border said they feel “helpless” due to their government's non-confrontational stance towards Israel since the beginning of the Israeli onslaught on neighbouring Gaza in October.
Egypt's North Sinai region, along the border with Gaza's Rafah, is part of a demilitarised zone, in accordance with security pacts between Egypt and Israel, and only soldiers with light weapons can be deployed there.
The killing of two Egyptian soldiers from Fayoum at the hands of Israeli soldiers earlier this month received little recognition by the Egyptian army. The soldiers did not receive a military funeral or any high-level recognition and state-linked media did not report on their deaths.
War on Gaza dealt blows to Israeli-Moroccan normalization
The public opinion survey highlights a steep decline in popular support for normalization between the Israeli occupation and Arab countries, including Morocco. Support has dropped dramatically from 31% in 2022 to just 13%, reportedly due to the ongoing war on Gaza.
Hundreds Gallop Into Centuries-old African Equestrian Festival
Hundreds of revellers were seen riding horses, playing musical instruments and wearing colourful traditional clothing during this year's Durbar Festival in central Nigeria's Kaduna on Wednesday as locals celebrated Eid al-Adha.
North America
Judges Unmoved in Biden Genocide Complicity Case
The administration didn’t dispute there’s an ongoing genocide, writes Marjorie Cohn. But the three-judge appeals panel appeared unmoved by the plaintiffs’ contentions the Biden administration is complicit in Israel’s genocide. 🤡
Wildfires prompt mass evacuations, state of emergency in New Mexico, US
Two Dead in New Mexico Wildfires, 500 Homes Destroyed 🔗
Central/South America
Chaos erupts as Ecuador suffers nationwide blackout
Decades of underinvestment in the power system have caught up with the country, its acting energy minister has said.
Iran Condemns US Move to Auction Venezuela’s Citgo Refining Company
In a statement on Wednesday night, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani condemned the illegal move by the US to confiscate and sell shares of the Citgo refinery, which is part of the assets of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as a violation of international law.
He said the courageous and intelligent resistance and persistence of Venezuela against the cruel unilateral sanctions of the US, which foiled the political schemes of the White House in international circles against Venezuela, prompted Washington to exact revenge on Caracas and steal the property of the Latin American country that belongs to the Venezuelan people, the ministry’s website reported.
Europe
Ione Belarra exposes Spanish-Israeli contracts, labels Israeli actions 'genocide'
France Equips Israel’s Killer Drones Amid Gaza Genocide: Report
The French government has authorized the sale of electronic equipment for drones used by Israel to bomb civilians in the Gaza Strip, an investigative report says.
The French nonprofit media outlet Disclose said in a recent report that the export license for this war equipment “approved by the upper reaches of power” in the country.
As revealed in a dozen confidential documents obtained by the outlet, the equipment in question is the TSC 4000 IFF transponder that is used in the construction of Israel's Hermes 900 armed drones.
Switzerland could distribute cocaine to addicts
The proposed measure is aimed at alleviating the country’s growing crack epidemic.
Asia/Australia/Oceania
Cyprus, after Nasrallah's warning: We will not participate in any war
In response to Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah's warning to Cyprus, the Cypriot government spokesperson firmly stated that no country would be allowed to use Cyprus for conducting military operations.
Despite Cyprus President Denial, Small Island Certainly Involved in Israeli Plots against Lebanon (Video)
Despite this denial, facts prove that the small island hosted Israeli military drills which simulate a war on Lebanon. Among numerous proofs, what follows is a clear Zionist source which highlight the issue.
On June 2, 2022, The Times of Israel posted an article titled, “In Cyprus, IDF runs drills for potential war with Hezbollah, Lebanon ground assault”.
“The Mediterranean island was chosen both for its Lebanon-like terrain — mountainous along a coastal plain — and its proximity to Israel,” the report mentioned.
Russian tit-for-tat: Western assets could be seized in Russia
Russia has threatened to seize Western assets under its jurisdiction if the West goes ahead with its plot to allocate frozen Russian funds to Ukraine.
Police arrest pro-independence leader in New Caledonia 🐩
A mass arrest campaign has been launched in New Caledonia citing involvement in the deadly protests that overtook the archipelago in May.
Heatwave Kills Dozens in India’s Capital, Reports Times of India
Islam Times - An unrelenting heatwave sweeping across northern India has killed at least 52 people in New Delhi, the Times of India reported on Thursday, as the country grappled with record temperatures this summer.
At least 52 bodies were brought to hospitals in the past two days, the Times of India said, most of them destitute and poor people who lived and worked in the open, Reuters reported.
India has recorded more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases this summer and at least 110 confirmed deaths between March 1 and June 18, when northwest and eastern India recorded twice the usual number of heatwave days.
No, israel Does Not Have the Right to Self-Defense In International Law Against Occupied Palestinian Territory
By : Noura Erakat A state cannot simultaneously exercise control over territory it occupies and militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. In doing precisely that, Israel is asserting rights that may be consistent with colonial domination but simply do not exist under international …
Thank you, Carina. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your reporting.
The whole situation remains untenable. Just awful. The lies, the brutality, are no longer surprising. Just horrifying. Thanks for keeping up your reporting, Carina!