when peaceful opposition to US foreign policy becomes an accusation – Middle East Monitor

Egypt has dismissed concerns that a recent court ruling regarding the land use of Sinai's Saint Catherine monastery jeopardizes its UNESCO heritage status, despite warnings from Greek and church authorities. The ruling affirmed the monastery's right to use the land, prompting criticism from Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, who claimed it infringes on religious freedoms and could lead to the property's confiscation. The Egyptian government, however, pledged to uphold the monastery's sacred status and rejected rumors...

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is set to sail for Gaza on Sunday aboard a humanitarian ship organized by the Freedom Flotilla, aimed at protesting the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007. The mission, which includes European Parliament member Rima Hassan, seeks to denounce the humanitarian blockade and raise international awareness regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. Thunberg's previous attempt to sail to Gaza was thwarted when her ship was struck by a drone...

SummaryLast month, Saudi Arabia's defense minister conveyed a warning to Iranian officials in Tehran, urging them to take President Trump’s nuclear negotiation offer seriously to prevent potential war with Israel. During the April 17 meeting, Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized that the U.S. administration desires a swift agreement, as the diplomatic window is closing. Iranian officials expressed a willingness to negotiate for economic relief but voiced concerns about the unpredictable nature of U.S. demands regarding...

In Gaza City, chaos has erupted due to food shortages and a breakdown of security, with reports of looting and violence as desperate residents search for aid. An Israeli airstrike killed seven Hamas police officers attempting to restore order amidst increasing lawlessness, while at least 44 people died across the territory, including during a clash at a UN food warehouse. Witnesses described scenes of thousands rushing aid distribution centers, leading to further desperation as many...

SummaryA senior Hamas official announced rejection of a new US ceasefire proposal which includes the exchange of hostages for a 60-day truce, claiming it does not address key demands like ending the war. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly accepting the plan, he maintains Israel will continue military operations until all hostages are released. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 54,249 people killed in Gaza since the war began in October...

SummaryGaza is facing forced starvation, according to a top UN official, Tom Fletcher, who spoke to the BBC. He emphasized the global responsibility to increase aid efforts in Gaza and to take action to prevent genocide. In response, Israel has accused Hamas of stealing food aid and claimed that the UN has not cooperated with their military-organized aid distribution efforts. Full Article