Security deployed as wartime Bethlehem readies for another sombre Christmas

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has announced the holding of a congress in Iraqi Kurdistan from May 5-7, where it likely decided to dissolve itself and end its armed campaign against Turkey, which has lasted four decades. This development follows a call from the PKK's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, on February 27, urging the group to disband, as he believes the insurgency has outlived its purpose. Ocalan's appeal came after months of secret talks with...

The Bolivian government has condemned Israel's recent military campaign in the Gaza Strip, labeling it a "massive invasion" and a serious violation of human rights. In a statement, Bolivia reiterated its support for the Palestinian people, urging the international community to take immediate action against what it calls a potential genocide. This condemnation follows Bolivia's history of severing diplomatic ties with Israel due to its military actions, with officials describing Israel's conduct as "crimes against...

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq's stance on designating the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as a banned organization during a press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. He emphasized Iraq's commitment to preventing any group from using its territory to attack neighboring countries and highlighted the importance of security cooperation while respecting national sovereignty. Additionally, Al-Sudani addressed water management issues, noting ongoing discussions to establish a fair mechanism that benefits...

US President Donald Trump is set to announce a US-supervised plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, which includes a ceasefire and a reconstruction program, featuring US-managed humanitarian aid centers in coordination with the Israeli military. The main challenge lies with Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, which refuse disarmament, despite pressure from Arab nations to accept the proposal. The plan may complicate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position, as it offers Hamas a role in Gaza's...

SummaryTwo Israeli soldiers were killed and four injured in clashes with Palestinian resistance in Rafah, southern Gaza, bringing the total Israeli military fatalities to 856 since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The ongoing Israeli military campaign has resulted in nearly 52,800 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes, and a genocide case is pending against Israel at the...

Killing civilians wholesale, starving them to convince those unaffected to change course, and shepherding whole populations like livestock into conditions of further misery would all qualify as heinous crimes in international law. When it comes to Israel’s war in Gaza, this approach is seen as necessary politics, unalloyed by the restraints of humanitarianism. When confronted with these harsh realities on the ground, unequivocal denials follow: This is not happening in Gaza; no one is starving....