Trump Shares AI Video of Gaza as Luxury Resort, Drawing Scorn

A recent poll by the Pew Research Center reveals that over half of Americans, specifically 53%, hold unfavorable views of Israel, a significant rise from 42% in March 2022. This shift in sentiment coincides with Israel's renewed military actions in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the proportion of respondents expressing very unfavorable views towards Israel has nearly doubled to 19%, with notable partisan divides, as Democrats are more likely to view Israel unfavorably. Full Article

Following the assassination of key leaders, Hamas has appointed new commanders while keeping their identities secret to avoid further attacks, diverging from the charismatic leadership model seen in Hezbollah. Despite Israel's intense military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas after the October 7 attack, experts suggest that the group remains resilient, operating through a collective leadership structure and facing internal discussions about power transfer amidst growing dissent among Gazans frustrated with ongoing violence and devastation. While...

The UN reported that Israeli authorities have denied 68% of its attempts to coordinate humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip since March 18, with operations described as "severely constrained" due to military actions and a blockade lasting over five weeks. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted the deadly attacks on aid workers and facilities, emphasizing the dire situation. Recently, Israeli authorities denied eight out of 14 attempts by UN aid workers to reach those in need,...

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy to screen immigrants' social media for "antisemitic" content, which could impact visa and residency applications. This measure, effective immediately, targets those applying for permanent resident status, foreign students, and individuals linked to educational institutions allegedly associated with antisemitic activities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated this initiative aims to enhance national security against individuals supporting antisemitic violence or terrorist organizations. Full Article

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France may recognize a Palestinian state by June, suggesting that this could encourage some Middle Eastern countries to recognize Israel as well. During an interview with France 5, he emphasized that he is not acting to please anyone but believes it is the right step forward, aiming for a collective movement towards mutual recognition between Palestine and Israel. Currently, while Palestine is recognized by nearly 150 countries, most major...

BBCPalestinian detainees released back to Gaza have described mistreatment and torture by Israeli military and prison staff, including physical abuse and being held without charge under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law. They were among those exchanged for hostages following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, and reported severe abuses during their detention, which contradict international law. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied systematic abuse but stated that allegations would be examined. Full Article