Moon of Alabama Brecht quote
February 16, 2025
Palestine Open Thread 2025-034

News & views related to the war in Palestine …

Comments

Rubio is avoiding Egypt and Jordan during his 6-days visit. Briefed by Netanyahoo, their focus is on the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, this seems quite ironic to say the least. The US of A along the IOF have been fighting in Gaza for the last 15-long months. Yet Hamas has not been defeated and remain the strong dominant party in historical Palestine. In fact, you can see Hamas every week as they released captives in a big show of force, which drives the right wing in Israel crazy. The resistance group say after all the fighting, the Israeli military could not achieve its goals.

Posted by: pepe | Feb 16 2025 14:37 utc | 1

I read somewhere the other day that Nutty is going to go ahead & attack Iran.
I can’t help but wonder if that’s what the 2,000 lb bunker busters, etc, promised to them is about.
Dumfuks.

Posted by: Mary | Feb 16 2025 15:29 utc | 2

It is nice to see that hamas hasn’t been broken by 15 months of genocidal assault.
You cannot stop what fights on the side of truth.
You can kidnap and rape them,
You can destroy their homes and starve them, you can treat them worse than assholes treat animals and they still have love and compassion in their midst.
Seems pretty obvious to me what side is right and what side is wrong.
You can’t hide light in darkness, you can only tell people they are crazy for seeing it.
We will never eliminate evil, for it is truly a part of all us. I know this because of the things parts of me desire to do to evil people and entities.
We must face the fact that we all have a brutal ugly side within us. It’s what allows these monsters to continue their brutal murder.
We must control it and harness it, and never allow
Ourselves to be corrupted and use that ugly side for anything other than defense of the innocent and the pursuit of true justice.
Those that kill for the sake of killing are a disease that we must try with all of our being, to eliminate from our midst.
Killing should be done with compassion and a reverence for the sacred value of life, not with malevolence or hatred fueling it.
Sady death is a big part of life, but what we have allowed to fester in that region is not a good thing and the people perpetrating it do not have good in their hearts, they are consumed by evil and proclaim to act on behalf of good, the very worst amongst us, telling us they are above the rest.
Simply disgusting, and a tiny bit lives in all of us.
Careful with that seed.

Posted by: Northern Savage | Feb 16 2025 15:35 utc | 3

@ Mary | Feb 16 2025 15:29 utc
I saw similar.
Amb Chas Freeman/Nima saying the mother of all bombs only obvious use is Iran.
CIA alleged to have briefed similar but no confirmation from Tulsi as yet.
If IDF use Saudi airspace, do the Houthi attack Saudi Aramco and crash the world economies????

Posted by: necromancer | Feb 16 2025 15:42 utc | 4

If IDF use Saudi airspace, do the Houthi attack Saudi Aramco and crash the world economies????
Posted by: necromancer | Feb 16 2025 15:42 utc | 4
They won’t need to if Nutty attacks Iran. If Ansar Allah can shut down access to the Red Sea for specific countries, Iran can shut down the Strait of Hormuz.

Posted by: Mary | Feb 16 2025 15:54 utc | 5

Released Mk84 2000lb arrive
“To date, over 76,000 tons of military equipment have been delivered to Israel through 678 flights and 129 sea shipments, making it the largest air and sea transport operation in the country’s history…” Web
…presumably over the previous year or so.
Over 40000 recently displaced in West Bank, today in Nablus students being shot:
https://t.me/youseffares19/67978

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 16 2025 15:55 utc | 6

I assume that if Nutty is nutty enough to attack Iran, he would need bunker busters to penetrate the ground and then the concrete that protects underground nuclear facilities. The Russians have not gone nutty and are not making hazelnuts available to the marketplace.
Big bombs exploding on the surface have a large blast radius and could be considered antipersonnel weapons. I’ll wait for Milites, Newbie and Unimperator (and more) to weigh in.

Posted by: Acco Hengst | Feb 16 2025 15:56 utc | 7

Mary@1529 Feb16
Should the ingrown cabal running things in Occupied Palestine go ahead with plans and employ those bunker-buster bombs upon Iran; could we assume that there is some kinda death-wish within that circle around Bibi?
Obviously. Izzy intel is world-class. They certainly KNOW the power and the numbers of Iranian missilry is more than sufficient to obliterate the entire military and economic infrastructure in that intruder state. Will voices of reason prevail in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem…or will they succeed in provoking massive Iranian retaliation?

Posted by: aristodemos | Feb 16 2025 16:19 utc | 9

“I saw similar.
Amb Chas Freeman/Nima saying the mother of all bombs only obvious use is Iran.
CIA alleged to have briefed similar but no confirmation from Tulsi as yet.
If IDF use Saudi airspace, do the Houthi attack Saudi Aramco and crash the world economies????
Posted by: necromancer | Feb 16 2025 15:42 utc | 4”
All Syrian AD is destroyed. This means the tankers can loiter over northwest Syria now. Syria and Iraq airspace will be the only ones used.

Posted by: bugaboo | Feb 16 2025 16:41 utc | 10

Posted by: Mary | Feb 16 2025 15:54 utc | 5
######@@
Iran and Oman have been doing naval drills together precisely for that purpose.

Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 16 2025 16:46 utc | 11

@3 Northern Savage
“I know this because of the things parts of me desire to do to evil people and entities.
We must face the fact that we all have a brutal ugly side within us.”
Alternatively, we are essentially pure or innocent and granted the ability to act in whatever way, and the temptation to do harm to others is introduced/offered to us.
Either way, we must use our better judgement.
Even in a circumstance of self defense, there are those who would not react to harm the other, who prefer the shield, or flight. There are also those who prefer to use their attentiveness or intelligence to peacefully outwit any attempt against them.

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 16 2025 16:54 utc | 12

Morocco signs an arms deal with Israeli Elbit Systems. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-841321
Morocco has decided it will go all out to please international capital and attract investment. The country has seen a surge in new factories, bringing some economic benefits to ordinary citizens. However, it is disheartening to see a country compromise itself like this because it needs jobs. I hope Algeria wins in its long standing competition against Morocco.

Posted by: jungleserpent | Feb 16 2025 17:07 utc | 13

Is it possible that these 2000lb bombs are more likely for a renewed assault on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon?
If they are meant for Iran, what delivery platform will be used? Even with mid-air refuelling, the F-35 is range-limited as it is, start strapping 2000lb bombs underneath it and the range gets drastically shortened, as well as negating whatever dubious stealth capabilities exist.
I honestly can’t see them getting anywhere close to dropping on Iranian territory without suffering a catastrophic level of losses.
And we don’t have any visibility about the Su-35 package provided by Russia to Iran. Does it include the R37M air-to-air missile, for example?

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 17:11 utc | 14

Posted by: aristodemos | Feb 16 2025 16:19 utc | 9
Time will tell.
Just read that MacGregor says BB 2 is needed for the 2,000bb. And Israel lacks B2s. If so, then why send the BBs, unless US plans to use them?

Posted by: Mary | Feb 16 2025 17:12 utc | 15

“Here Is The Truth” Telegram Ch.
1800 MK84 bombs

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 16 2025 17:31 utc | 16

“WRSA-I Explained
WRSA-I is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) stockpile located in Israel, and the equipment stored in it is available for use by DoD or transfer to a foreign country. Although transfers from the stockpile are generally understood to be intended for times of war or emergency, there is no specific legal requirement to that effect. There is no unclassified, publicly available itemization of what is in the stockpile, which is reported to consist of multiple warehouses. When adding equipment to WRSA-I, DoD can consider potential partner requirements, although DoD does not procure new equipment to maintain the stockpile, instead replenishing it from existing stocks.”
https://www.justsecurity.org/91213/the-war-reserve-stockpile-allies-israel-explained-why-congress-should-not-expand-it/

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 16 2025 17:42 utc | 17

Netanyahu is portrayed as having lost in Gaza and in Lebanon, with Israel’s accession to South Lebanon occuring as a result of the ceasefire which Hezbollah has honored and USIS has not. The MOAB’s represent Israel’s attempt to “win” in these venues. In US parlance – “shock and awe”. Hopefully, the destruction and devestation will by brute force, coerce submission of the remainder of West Asia countries who are refusing to align with Israel goals re Trump/US Gaza take over, genocide/eviction of Palestinians in Gaza/West Bank with elimination of Hamas/Hezbollah as an added bonus. Also, coerce acceptance of expansion of Israel territory into Lebanon and Syria. Pushing the Abraham accords at the point of a MOAB. Also, consider extension to Yemen which has and does pose very real threats to Israel.
Iran presents very different issues. With Yemen, Oman and Iran prepared to close the straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab, the world economy, already tenuous. can be prepared to be more severely depressed. Also, Iran now closely allied with Saudi’s, BRICS, India and Russia through intersecting trade agreements. China is heavily invested in Iranian oil and has developed several large oil fields. Essentially, US/UK/IS stand alone on this issue and Trump’s actions would suggest he is aware of the perils of attacking Iran. Inquiring minds would wonder if the MOAB were sent with stringent caveats on where they could be used?

Posted by: abierno | Feb 16 2025 18:20 utc | 18

While Ukraine garners the attention ahead of the upcoming US-Russia meeting, the event is happening in Saudi Arabia, MBS is included in the discussions, and the Russian read-outs mention regional (i.e. Mid-east) matters as part of the agenda.

Posted by: jayc | Feb 16 2025 18:36 utc | 19

CrossTalk: Owning Genocide
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/612670-trump-gaza-peacekeeper-genocide/
“Donald Trump risks repeating Joe Biden’s disaster in Gaza by allowing genocide. Trump returned to office claiming he is a peacemaker – but his words and actions on Gaza demonstrate the opposite.
CrossTalking with Mohammad Marandi, Ramona Rubeo and Esteban Carillo.”

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 16 2025 18:41 utc | 20

Also, reports that Israel is sending negotiating team to Cairo for talks on 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire – as instructed by US envoy Witkoff.

Posted by: jayc | Feb 16 2025 19:13 utc | 21

Ornot@1742 Feb16
Thanks for the info on those U.$. bomb warehouses in Occupied Palestine. If Iranian satellite (perhaps even Russian) flyovers are maintained on a regular basis; then it is logical to assume that any observed and not ordinary activity around those sites would rapidly be messaged to the commanders of Iranian missile systems to be on standby alert to launch on signal.
In other words, the Iranians might opt to strike before stricken…even though the sites would technically be American. If the Trump regime considers that is reason enough to assume a casus belli…then a worst case scenario would commence.

Posted by: aristodemos | Feb 16 2025 19:36 utc | 22

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 16 2025 17:42 utc | 17
Thanks for your comments on Trumps ethnic cleansing from the previous thread. Seeing Rubio meet with Netanyahu in Israel so soon after Trumps visit is ominous and gives me with the impression that you are right and a military incursion is being planned.

Posted by: Deniz 152 | Feb 16 2025 20:38 utc | 23

https://x.com/swilkinsonbc/status/1890785767028392402
Sarah Wilkinson @swilkinsonbc
333 of the 369 Palestinians, kidnapped from Gaza, released by the israelis today have been held WITHOUT charge —some for longer than 16 months
english(dot)almayadeen(dot)net/news/politics/-israel–must-fully-withdraw-on-february-18–sheikh-qassem-s
‘Israel’ must fully withdraw on February 18, Sheikh Qassem says
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem stresses the need for the Israeli occupation to withdraw from southern Lebanon, discouraging it from violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
…..He also addressed the occupation’s planned withdrawal from Lebanese territory, emphasizing that the occupation must end. “Israel must fully withdraw on February 18, and it is primarily and exclusively the responsibility of the Lebanese state to ensure this happens,” Sheikh Qassem stressed.
Warning of consequences if the Israeli occupation fails to comply, he added, “If the Israelis remain and do not implement the agreement, we will not spell out how they will be dealt with.”….
https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/1890795789766602938
MenchOsint @MenchOsint
US-funded Lebanese army is the same as the US-funded Palestinian Authority security forces.
They’re only good at doing Israel’s job

Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 16 2025 20:39 utc | 24

https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/15651
— 🇵🇸/🇮🇱 NEW: Al-Qassam Brigades have released official photographs from today’s prisoner exchange, the sixth to occur in the first phase of the ‘Al-Aqsa Flood Deal’
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s displacement and ethnic cleansing plans, one of the billboards behind them reads, ‘No Migration Except to Jerusalem.’
@Middle_East_Spectator
https://x.com/RamAbdu/status/1890879856688111680
Ramy Abdu| رامي عبده @RamAbdu
The horrifying scenes of released Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons keep unfolding.
No one in the world comments.
It’s Israel—the Western world’s project in the heart of the Arab world.
https://x.com/PalestineChron/status/1890755513077342610
The Palestine Chronicle @PalestineChron
🚨 Statement from Ahmed Al-Qudra, Director of the Prisoners’ Media Office: The severe condition In which the prisoners are released exposes the scale of crimes and violations inside prisons, as the marks of torture and oppression are evident on their bodies. This demands a firm stance to hold the occupation accountable for its crimes.

Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 16 2025 20:52 utc | 25

Israel is threatening to murder 10.7 million Egyptians by destroying their dam.
https://youtu.be/aOV9sgHDfxI?si=e8MpTqP59LzrQ84u
The Egyptian Military has warned that they could be in Tel Aviv within one day should a conflict start.
I don’t don’t doubt that Egypt was aware of this vulnerability. It’s clear they need to have plans to rapidly evacuate the population and Military along the river.
So we can add this to Israel’s threats to use nukes in the region. They truly are a menace that, when the time comes, should be dealt with decisively.

Posted by: David G Horsman | Feb 16 2025 21:09 utc | 26

Yahoo has threatened to destroy Iran’s nuclear sites. It is another war crime. Iran should increase its missiles arsenal particularly ones carrying cluster munitions. Iron Dome intercepts missiles over Israel. Cluster munitions can scatter before that to cause widespread damage though not targeted. Iran should also use missiles to scatter radiation waste over Israel if its nuclear sites are attacked.
Russia Iran defense deal does not cover mutual defense so Iran stands alone. No help from anyone else. Russia can do the role of a facilitator by supporting Iran get nuclear tech from DPRK. A rail and Caspian Sea link to Iran should be operating by now.

Posted by: Jason | Feb 16 2025 21:15 utc | 27

Mary@15…..two B 52s are headed to Europe atm, may even be there by now. If I remember 2 were already there. The US had many KC 135s up over the Atlantic all the way to the ME. That’s indicitive of Jet fighters mid air refueling enroute to the ME. The pieces are in place.
Trumpian guess; from the moist, oh so moist, chocolate cake moment…just as the Russians are signing the Trump Peace Accords, the US will attack Iran.
Cheers M

Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 16 2025 21:18 utc | 28

https://x.com/RyanRozbiani/status/1891075542025166877
Ryan Rozbiani @RyanRozbiani
This is a dark day to be an American
The Trump Administration has released a shipment of 1800 MK-84 2,000-pound bombs, which have arrived in Israel.
We should not arm countries that kill civilians.
https://x.com/ME_Observer_/status/1890856238025441307
Middle East Observer @ME_Observer_
⚡️Lebanese soldier tells the Sheikh to not go to his village in southern Lebanon because Israelis are “firing at us”. The Shekhs tells him, they’re firing at you ? Go hide and let us pass.

Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 16 2025 21:34 utc | 29

You must paid for all the people.
The pain that you have donne to all the sapiens is some thing that only you can enyoy in the hell: There’s no pain, there’s when you are strict in your mind:
There’s no difference between you and I.
I am loving this so called reality, and you are dying for make you who you are from the core.

Posted by: ComeOn | Feb 16 2025 21:45 utc | 30

You think that you are better than me.
But, is floracing out my mind. I give a fuck of all of you because you are old SOB people who are old man unable to engage the future. You are done.
If you were aunthentic, you were doing what I’m doing: help to the people. SOB
Help the fucking people in the facts.

Posted by: ComeOn | Feb 16 2025 21:56 utc | 31

We are doing the integration of the childs and all the family. All the childs who are born are integrated in the culture of theirs and ours.
We gonna make them people who knows their past, but that in this place they must feel right.
We have no problem to recognize the people that are returning to our bad…
No body has to go to any place if before Someone make a mess: It’s very clear that the people move because they do not feel right in their life.
The people migrant because their country is a mess by us. Nonbody goes triyng to live bette in another country, it’s for their country is a mess. Now, ask yourself why is this.
America, the marvellous one, has destroyed all the regional lives of the people in order to make all of noble, valuable, moral and rational a mess, because America was a hope when the people were free.
And, there’s no doubt: if you get out the bad interests of the Oligarky, the american people is honest and real.
Because they try to be as we are: we work for our family and to make this real.
WE don’t have a problem with this muricans: we have a problem with those fanatics who think that can make their ilussion a problem.
I have a problem because I thing that there is place when the next existence will be because all the people will be:

Posted by: ComeOn | Feb 16 2025 22:48 utc | 32

@22 aristo
Knowing what I know (which is not all that much either), I tend to avoid guessing on capabilities or outcomes. In short, the militaries will game out a thousand scenarios with known or near certain inputs, and come up with a hundred outcomes. We, on the other hand, are limited to guessing inputs and capabilities, and tend to be able to think of two or three scenarios and one outcome (the victory we would prefer).
So I follow indicators. “Israel” now has enough munitions and US support for a large war, for example. Iran has capability to retaliate harshly and over a long period . “Israel” has the potential to neutralise that.
The evolution and outcome ?
Unknown.
I just try to clarify or make known what is actually occuring as best as I am able to, so that others are better able to find some broader understanding.
Occasionally I will have a strong sense of the direction, in which case I sometimes allow myself to express that. If you ask me though, apart from maybe pulling down a weak idea, I will just say I don’t know, because I don’t.
@23 Deniz
I try to follow all the different strings of presentation and perception that are offered. Many are contradictory even using the same sources. For example “Hamas offers this but US does that” vs “US is doing this, Hamas has offered that”.
It is almost impossible to tell if something is purely a bluff, a bluff that has a believable threat, or a bluff calculated to mislead that there is no real threat involved.
So it is like my reply to aristo above. I just go by what is obviously in place to be able to occur, or is actually occuring. Then I apply criticism to all the different strings of intent or eventuality presented, and what is left is more of a sense of the true direction.
For example, is it possible to imagine “Israel” accepting Arab states rebuilding Gaza from as stands, along with claims for recognition of nation state, and without visible “Israeli” direct authority over how that all evolves ?
It is possible, but difficult to imagine.
Balancing off these reduced different realities we sense which direction the picture is tilting, but unless I have a very strong intuition , I have to always say that I don’t know, because I don’t.
The background picture presented seems to be one of a larger conflict now, it seems to be the pivot around which various (hypothetically speaking) lesser resolutions (for example the direction of events in Gaza) are being compared, aired, or attempted.
That would include efforts to force an “Israeli” compliant Arab reply.
That would include a ‘resolution’ of forced displacement via a total destruction of Gaza (in the name of pursuit of Hamas or tunnel infrastructure) , with neighbouring countries under maximum threat of wider escalation to encourage them to show restraint in their own reply to that.
I don’t know, there are also possible acceptable peaceful routes imaginable, but I am not very positive at all on the direction all seems to be going.
On the other hand I feel more positive for there actually being a ceasefire in place and a reappraisal of the whole circumstance.
We might only hope, but looking beyond that to gain a better sense of the realities, and the picture is fearful.

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 16 2025 23:11 utc | 33

“Ahmed Shaqoura lost more than 60 kilos of his weight. Anyone who knew the creative designer and programmer before his arrest would think that he was sitting with someone else, not only because of the sharp change in his appearance and looks that tell of the amount of deprivation, torture and oppression he experienced in Ofer prison for 15 months, but also because of the high spirit and unparalleled strength he shows: “They tortured us with all kinds of torture, and we no longer fear them” said Abu Al-Hassan, who remained confident of imminent relief since the first moment of his arrest. He came out of his prison with his head held high, rising above the torture, to the point that we were ashamed to tell of the torture we experienced during the war.”
With (a normal) picture…
https://t.me/youseffares19/68012

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 17 2025 0:02 utc | 34

Drop Site
@DropSiteNews
WATCH | Israeli forces directly fired upon Palestinian school students during the ongoing storming of the Old City of Nablus, in the illegally occupied West Bank. 17 Palestinians are reported injured.
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/1891168501592633753

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 0:30 utc | 35

Drop Site
@DropSiteNews
A senior Israeli officer reportedly tied an elderly Palestinian man in his 80s to an explosive belt and forced him to clear booby-trapped houses in Gaza’s Zeitoun neighborhood. After eight hours as a human shield, he and his wife were shot dead, shortly after being ordered to leave. Full report linked below 👇🏼
Quote
Nicola Perugini
@PeruginiNic
·
16h
Additional details of the methods of warfare used in Gaza by the Israeli military and the deployment of civilians as human shields, then executed. The amount of evidence on the use of the practice in Gaza is unprecedented. It is clearly a military policy. https://x.com/ha_makom/statu
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/1891041169708061005

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 0:32 utc | 36

sarah
@sahouraxo
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blasts Trump:
“No real estate operation can cover up the evil, disgrace, and crimes against humanity that we have seen in Gaza in recent years. We should not allow it. And from Spain, we will not allow it.”
https://x.com/sahouraxo/status/1890867065868689847

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 0:33 utc | 37

sarah
@sahouraxo
·
7h
BREAKING:
Israel is on a rampage, blowing up civilian homes in multiple villages across South Lebanon and shooting Lebanese civilians returning to their homes—while also dropping bombs on the Bekaa Valley.
All under a “ceasefire.”
Not a peep from the international community.
https://x.com/sahouraxo/status/1891168428154613778

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 0:35 utc | 38

Ornot 33
share your concerns… Israel’s crazy faction have no limits and no brake.
Due to the willingness of Israel and its American sponsor to commit extreme “total war” violence against its perceived regional opposition, coupled with the US Security Council veto, there has been little the international community could do which would be effective in the short term other than meeting the fire with fire. There is no viable coalition willing to do that. Other responses – legal challenges, political isolation, boycotts, etc – could be eventually effective, but the process moves slowly.
However, the Americans remain intent on establishing “normalization” with Israel in the region, with the most important pivot being the Saudis. This regional imperative provides the only immediate leverage which might yet blunt the intended population transfers and other malign plans. If the Arabs’ firm rejection of Israel’s current plans is sincere and steadfast, a results-based transactional negotiation with the Trump admin might yet produce something approaching a way forward. One bottom line – Israel’s administrative control over Gaza and West Bank must be removed (this will likely be traded for existing settlements), and Israel must accept legal borders.

Posted by: jayc | Feb 17 2025 0:57 utc | 39

abierno 18
” Pushing the Abraham Accords at the point of a MOAB. ”
Every act of political force will inevitably be countered by an equal or more powerful act of political force.
There must be some human beings somewhere in the USUKIS system , not addicted to computer garbage in garbage out predictions, that understand the effect on humans of being compelled by force against their Faith/ Will to run their own lives according to their own ideals.
Hegemony is the logic of Mafia turf war, petty crime. It can never the defeat the institutions of Humanity, Socialism , Christianity, real Judaism or Islam.
Those who operate Mafia Turf War end up living inside heavily fortified prisons , followed by the heavily fortified prison of Hell.
Do I think that Trump , who took the risk of assassination at an open , public rally or convention, but was saved by turning to address another side of his audience, is a man who wants to live in a heavily fortified prison, either in this life or eternity? No.
He seems to understands that these Nihilist Neocon Mafia mentalities are
attracted to WMD, in the same way as you zap flies with blue light in a kitchen. Imho the purpose of the MOABs is as a lure for these flies.

Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 1:11 utc | 40

We must control it and harness it, and never allow
Ourselves to be corrupted and use that ugly side for anything other than defense of the innocent and the pursuit of true justice.
@Northern Savage | Feb 16 2025 15:35 utc | 3
But maybe the Israelis think they’re innocent, and all Palestinians are guilty?
Crazy, but maybe they’ve been indoctrinated that way?
Anyway, it doesn’t matter. If the US and other Western governments weren’t so blatantly corrupt, and such hypocrites about human rights, they would be stopping it.

Posted by: Antiwar7 | Feb 17 2025 1:12 utc | 41

How many MOABs would Iran have to hit in this Israeli depot to knock out Bibistan for another two Millennia? This is getting boring. Zapped in 600 BC. Zapped in 73 AD. Zapped again in 600 AD . Zapped again in the Middle Ages.
Zapped again in 2025.
According to Surah Isra, every time they try to get the better of God, God ends up getting the better of them.
Tough job , being the Chosen.

Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 1:44 utc | 42

Northern Savage
Antiwar7
My understanding of the Gospels and the Qur’an is that our actions are decreed by God, based upon our recognition of His Omnipotence, Omniscience and Overwhelming Mercy.
That’s the only available tool for us to control our susceptibility to temptation. Lead us not into temptation.
When God gives a way to achieve a useful outcome, why do we persist in refusing to comply?
It is not so onerous a task to Love others as we love ourselves.
Nah, not havin that , said the Talmuduc Rabbis. We’d rather change our religion to polytheism , sit in Rome and teach Trinity, God is Three.
Or so onerous a task to pray five times a day, go to Hajj, fast in Ramadhan, give to charity and guard our chastity.
Nah, not havin that, say the Revisionist Zionist Nazis. We would rather clock up some of this Divine Wrath of Hell. Yeah.

Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 2:09 utc | 43

@39 jayc “One bottom line – Israel’s administrative control over Gaza and West Bank must be removed (this will likely be traded for existing settlements), and Israel must accept legal borders.”
That would be a way forward. Not to be cynical at all, but I find so many difficulties even with this. The level of trust…there is none. “Israel” would want guarantees that Hamas (or similar) did not then end up in charge of the new territory. This would mean amongst other:
-That some form of international oversight of political reality were part of the agreement. That is difficult enough to imagine without legitimate elections being held alongside, which might equally be in favour of a new Hamas.
-There would be a call for renunciation of Palestinian claims to original Palestine/full recognition of “Israel” . From who though, as there is no recognised Palestinian authority given Hamas is denied its legitimate recognition. Fatah/PA are not considered legitimate, nor would necessarily be able to win an election unless, or even if, it was completely rigged (especially as it would be about renouncing original Palestine and accepting genocidal “Israel”)
So even there there are major difficulties, the previous non recognition by “Israel” of Hamas electoral win / legitimacy leaves no one to realistically bargain with. In fact all those that take any stance that is in contest of “Israel’s” are assassinated. Alternatively, how is “Israel” to know that once the new territory assumes full nation rights, that it will not from that position of security calculate and work towards the destruction of “Israel” unhindered.
Add to this that previous agreements with “Israel” had all turned into some kind of ruse for Palestinians. International backing to a new one…international backing to previous ones existed , ‘international’ just sat and watched tens or hundreds of thousands of Palestinians get slaughtered non stop for a year .
I could think of more, but just say the most obvious for not wanting to project negativity onto the idea.

Posted by: Ornot | Feb 17 2025 2:19 utc | 44

UPDATES: Israel, US Share ‘Common Strategy’ on Gaza
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/2/17/live-trump-says-israel-to-choose-path-for-gaza-ceasefire-with-his-help
At presser with ‘little Marco’ Rubio, Netanyahu says ‘President Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had’ and threatens to ‘open the gates of hell’ on Gaza.
The Hostages Are Being Horrifically Tortured ( & vid)
https://x.com/AliAbunimah/status/1890765891777810861
Statement from Ahmed Al Qudra, Director of the Prisoners Media Office:
“The severe condition in which the prisoners are released exposes the scale of crimes and violations inside prisons as the marks of torture and oppression are evident on their bodies. This demands a firm stance…”
Why is Arab Media Ignoring Gaza’s Resistance and Amplifying Trump’s Dangerous ‘Project’? (& vid)
https://x.com/RamzyBaroud/status/1891240580119753179
“Ramzy Baroud demands an end to the fearmongering and calls for centering Palestinian voices…”
‘It’s all about the Benjamins’

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 17 2025 3:15 utc | 45

UAE’s Secret Role in Arab League To Advance Trump’s Plan For Gaza Displacement
https://emiratesleaks.com/uaes-secret-role-in-arab-league-to-advance-trumps-plan-for-gaza-displacement/
“Arab diplomatic sources have revealed details of the UAE’s conspiracy within the Arab League to push through the US President Donald Trump’s plan in coordination with Israel, to displace Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Perhaps Afshin Rattansi’s UAE-based ‘Going Underground’ should do a story on this?

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 17 2025 3:27 utc | 46

ZH has a posting up about Rubios’s meeting with Netanyahu
Netanyahu To Rubio: Let’s ‘Finish the Job’ Against Iran
quote

Rubio called the Islamic Republic the greatest source of instability in the region, and as a longtime supporter of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
“Hamas cannot continue as a military or a government force… they must be eliminated,” Rubio additionally stated alongside Netanyahu, warning that the “gates of hell” could once again be opened against Hamas.
As for Netanyahu, he affirmed: “We discussed Trump’s bold vision for Gaza’s future and will work to ensure that vision becomes a reality.”

Part of me wants to see this attempt to attack Iran go forward so we see more serious pushback from the axis of resistance to end the aggression.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 17 2025 3:41 utc | 47

Some of Judge Nap guests said a few weeks ago that one of the secret clauses in the so-called ceasefire agreement is to allow Pegasus be deployed on US devices and servers. This would mean that most of the planet would be spied on by USIS, even more than now.
https://theintercept.com/2024/10/21/pegasus-spyware-nso-israel-lobbying-republicans/

Posted by: Tom | Feb 17 2025 3:45 utc | 48

https://caitlinjohnstone.com.au/2025/02/17/i-write-about-israel-all-the-time-because-i-have-to-not-because-i-want-to/
I Write About Israel All The Time Because I Have To, Not Because I Want To
So Israel held a bunch of Palestinians in concentration camps without charge just for being Palestinian, and then they not only starved and tortured them but actually made them wear a Star of David on their prison garments. But remember kids, it’s evil and wrong to compare Israel to Nazi Germany — no matter how cartoonishly blatant they make the similarities.
According to an Israeli media report, last May IDF troops strapped explosives to the neck of an 80 year-old Palestinian man in Gaza and used him as a human shield for hours. They then shot and killed him and his wife.
When the Gaza holocaust first started I used to read headlines like this and go “Holy shit that must be an exaggeration,” and then I’d read up on it and go “Fuck, nope, that’s exactly what happened.” Now I read them and sigh and just sort of wilt inside…..
…..People who are medically evacuated from Gaza are reportedly being forced to sign paperwork at exiting checkpoints saying they cannot return to the enclave. This revelation comes shortly after Doctors Without Borders informed us that Israeli forces have been entering hospitals in Gaza and methodically destroying all the medical equipment inside them. This is a cold, calculated move to facilitate the ethnic cleansing of Gaza…..

Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 17 2025 4:32 utc | 49

This would mean that most of the planet would be spied on by USIS, even more than now.
https://theintercept.com/2024/10/21/pegasus-spyware-nso-israel-lobbying-republicans/
Posted by: Tom | Feb 17 2025 3:45 utc | 48
No.
Because most of the world is not running on “US devices”.
Most of the world is running on “Chinese made” devices.
Unless, by “World” you mean the Yanqui Empire.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 4:49 utc | 50

John Gilberts 45
Muhammad Dahlan , mentioned in your link as UAE ‘s special advisor on Palestine is Netanyahu’s right hand man, in production of weaponry for Israel in Serbia.

Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 6:00 utc | 51

Marco Rubio visits Israel.
Forget about “giving Peace a Chance”, give Ethnic Cleansing a Chance.
Trump’s Middle East Riviera must be built!
Visiting Netanyahu, Rubio Says Hamas Must Be ‘Eradicated’
https://news.antiwar.com/2025/02/16/visiting-netanyahu-rubio-says-hamas-must-be-eradicated/

Posted by: ak74 | Feb 17 2025 6:12 utc | 52

@ak74
no wonder he passed senate with cum laude

Posted by: AG | Feb 17 2025 6:36 utc | 53

Hezbollah gives an ultimatum for the IOF to leave Lebanon by 18 February 2025:

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Sunday that Israel “must withdraw from all of the Lebanese territory that it has occupied” on Feb. 18. It is the deadline for implementation of a ceasefire agreement that ended the latest war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group. “There can be no excuses, no five points or other details under any pretext or any title. This is the agreement,” he said.

(Source: https://youtu.be/QReU_zkBljQ?si=Gq_pnyXyvpGvuEod)

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 7:00 utc | 54

Muhammad Dahlan , mentioned in your link as UAE ‘s special advisor on Palestine is Netanyahu’s right hand man, in production of weaponry for Israel in Serbia.
Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 6:00 utc | 51
True Dat, he has always been a snake!
The UAE’s shadowy dealings in Serbia:
Over the past two years the UAE has invested billions of dollars in Serbia.
The Emirati leadership has agreed lucrative deals to develop the Serbian arms industry; bought a significant stake in its national airline; and handed out multibillion dollar loans to the government.
The reasons for UAE investment in Serbia are shrouded in secrecy, although Serbian sources have revealed to MEE that they go far beyond any potential financial rewards.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan has been accused of acting as a proxy for the US and Israel in Eastern Europe while also attempting to exploit a loosely regulated Serbian arms market to distribute weapons across the Middle East.
Behind the huge investment lies the shadowy figure of exiled Palestinian strongman Mohammed Dahlan. He is said to be at the centre of a web facilitating communication between the UAE with American and Israeli intelligence figures while also aiding corrupt Emirati investments in Serbia that have lined the pockets of their political leaders.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uaes-shadowy-dealings-serbia
Israel,Middle East,News,Palestine
Israel considering Dahlan for potential leadership role in post-war Gaza, report says
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241015-israel-considering-dahlan-for-potential-leadership-role-in-post-war-gaza-report-says/

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:01 utc | 55

‘Death to the Arabs’ in Miami
https://x.com/RT_com/status/1891367020240814379
“Florida man shoots at car 17 times, thinking victims were Palestinian. Mordechai Brafman was arrested for attempted murder over the weekend. He told police he targeted the vehicle believing the occupants were Palestinians. They were Israeli tourists.”
Toronto Synagogue Member Accused of Arson
https://x.com/timand2037/status/1890996455726325778
“Every synagogue fire should be suspected as an act of zionist arson like this one in Toronto. There have been so many like this…”
‘Free Palestine’ (& vid)
https://x.com/RT_com/status/1891261677452062881
“Jerry Seinfeld: ‘I don’t care about Palestinians’. What do you think of Seinfeld’s response?”
jerry.seinfeld@gmail.com

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 17 2025 7:17 utc | 56

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 7:00 utc | 54
A day and a half or the fireworks begin. Interesting to see how the orange one reacts.

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:17 utc | 57

Drop Site
@DropSiteNews
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem said Israeli troops must withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, warning that any remaining forces would be considered occupiers, “And everyone knows how occupiers are dealt with.”
In a recorded televised speech on Sunday, Qassem said: Israel must withdraw completely in two days, “it has no pretext, no five points or other details… this is the agreement.”
Under a truce brokered by Washington in November, Israeli forces were given 60 days to withdraw after invading southern Lebanon in early October. The deadline was later extended to February 18, but Israel’s military has indicated it plans to keep troops in five positions. Israeli media reported that the U.S. had authorized this indefinite unlawful occupation of Lebanese land.
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/1891388206463004858

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:29 utc | 58

Drop Site
@DropSiteNews
Some new details from Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya on Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction plan:
➤ Egypt plans to establish several safe zones within the first six months.
➤ In these areas, rubble will be cleared, and hospitals and schools will be set up to allow residents to return.
➤ New housing units are expected to be built within 18 months.
➤ 24 international companies and 18 consulting firms would be involved, with Arab and European support.
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/1891307259084570861

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:29 utc | 59

Kashif Chaudhry
@KashifMD
BREAKING: Mordechai Brafman, 28, a pro-Israel fanatic, fired 17 shots at a father and son in Miami Beach, injuring both. Believing he had killed them, he smiled and told police, “I killed two Palestinians.”
Where was he radicalized? And where are the congressional hearings to address this rising hate against Palestinians and Arabs?
https://x.com/KashifMD/status/1891289023932428604

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:31 utc | 60

Fake News?
Drop Site
@DropSiteNews
🚨Exclusive sources for Sky News Arabia: Hamas expressed in a message to the PLO its readiness to hand over the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority and the government committee to administer Gaza
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/1891259326003651053

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:34 utc | 61

HOT SPOT
@HotSpotHotSpot
🇺🇸🇮🇱📱 U.S. Senator Mark Warner admitted at the Munich Security Conference that Israel played a role in pushing the TikTok ban through Congress:
“The bill was dead until October 7th. After people saw anti-Semitic content on TikTok, it gained momentum”
https://x.com/HotSpotHotSpot/status/1891230732955111628

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:37 utc | 62

A day and a half or the fireworks begin. Interesting to see how the orange one reacts.
Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 7:17 utc | 57
However he reacts, Hezbollah now has the power to dictate the next four years of Trump (America’s) destiny.
Trump is just the right lever required to move the world. Lebanon is the perfect place to stand.
I believe I see now why Hezbollah has been so quiet up until now: They were waiting for Trump to play his cards …

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 7:53 utc | 63

“Jerry Seinfeld: ‘I don’t care about Palestinians’. What do you think of Seinfeld’s response?”
jerry.seinfeld@gmail.com
Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 17 2025 7:17 utc | 56
I’m glad he’s honest. I just wonder what would happen if any other celebrity said the same about Israelis.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 7:55 utc | 64

Jerry whom?

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 8:09 utc | 65

Seyed Mohammad Marandi
@s_m_marandi
Just as we’ve been saying all along, the US has been funding ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS-K, and many other terror groups.
They use them to devastate Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Central Asian countries, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Yemen, Cameroon, Mali,…
Video (1:53)
https://x.com/s_m_marandi/status/1891152377442382192

Posted by: Menz | Feb 17 2025 8:11 utc | 66

Israeli Finance Minister Says He Hopes The Displacement Of Gazans Can Be Started Within ‘Weeks’
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/02/17/nrnr-f17.html
“As Rubio and Netanyahu discuss Trump’s ‘vision for Gaza’ – ‘Its a process I hope will begin in the coming weeks’, Snotrich told Israel’s Channel 12 news.
In recognition of the complete criminality of their plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza, Rubio and Netanyahu spent a significant portion of their remarks condemning the International Criminal Court, the United Nations and all other institutions of international law.
The central target of both Netanyahu and Rubio, however, was Iran…

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 17 2025 8:13 utc | 67

11 MOABs
Source is “Amb. Chas Freeman: Europeans Furious over JD Vance’s Shocking Comment” by “Dialogue Works” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pXiLe_f_Ws )
I disagree, in my opinion the MOABs are far more likely for use in Gaza against Hamas tunnels which are far softer/easier targets than anything inside Iranian mountains.
It would dovetail with threats made by Trump against Hamas.

The MOAB is not really a bunker buster but against Hamas it could make sense.
I realize Wikipedia is always a bit behind the times (and other criticisms) but I’ll use it for ease of reference.
The GBU-43/B MOAB: 21,715 lb – 9,850 kg and 18,739 lb – 8,500 kg of H-6 yielding 11 tons of TNT – 46 GJ.
Quoting snippet from Wikipedia:

“The MOAB is not a penetrator weapon and is primarily an air burst bomb intended for soft to medium surface targets covering extended areas and targets in a contained environment such as a deep canyon or within a cave system.”

Here’s the Wikipedia link to the 2017 Nangarhar airstrike in Afghanistan (Trump was president but plan started under Obama, both can be irrelevant) when the MOAB was first used in combat.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Nangarhar_airstrike
That page doesn’t actually say it was the first (unless I missed it) but the MOAB page does:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GBU-43/B_MOAB
Quote:

“The MOAB was first deployed in combat in the 13 April 2017 airstrike against an Islamic State – Khorasan Province tunnel complex in Achin District, Afghanistan.”

The tunnels that was targeted by MOABs in Afghanistan seem like they were not that deep or advanced.
Btw usually if one talks about US “bunker busters” it would be the GBU-72 (also used by “Israel”).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GBU-72
· · · · · ·
Gulf of Aden vs. strait of Hormuz
What Ansar Allah did is more impressive than if they had denied access to all ships since it takes much more effort to be selective.

Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Feb 17 2025 8:25 utc | 68

Forgot to add:
My opinion is also based on the fact that MOABs are pushed out the back of transport aircraft, not dropped or launched by bombers or fighter jets.
That would likely be suicide over Iran but much easier over Gaza.

Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Feb 17 2025 8:29 utc | 69

English News at almayadeen news/politics/african-union-summit-denounces-plans-to-ethnically-cleanse-g
African Union summit denounces plans to ethnically cleanse Gaza
The African Union summit in Ethiopia condemns the Israeli aggression on Gaza and any plans to displace the people of Gaza from their homeland.
The African Union summit strongly condemned the Israeli occupation’s war on Gaza, denouncing what it described as “brutal aggression” against Palestinian civilians and infrastructure. In its concluding statement, the summit rejected the Israeli occupation’s violations of international law and called for accountability.
Held in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, the summit declared that “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people and must be prosecuted internationally.” It also demanded the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners and affirmed that the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land is unacceptable and violates international law……
https://x.com/AssalRad/status/1891205038648779245
Assal Rad @AssalRad
There’s barely any media coverage of Israel’s escalating assault in the West Bank that has already displaced over 40,000 Palestinians.
Will they also ignore Israeli forces using live ammunition on Palestinian school kids?

Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 17 2025 8:41 utc | 70

Also a thank you both to Mary and to necromancer for making me aware of the Dialogue Works video 🙂
I hope I am wrong about Gaza :I

Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Feb 17 2025 9:04 utc | 71

Three weeks of fake ‘ceasefire’.
The London Palestine protest Saturdays CONTINUE.
About 150,000 on a cold winter day.
The BBC having had a solitary report a few weeks ago – totally ignores it!
As do the rest of the msm- they just hope it will go away!
We are not letting it.
It won’t be swept under the carpet. It won’t be ignored like a beggar in the street or as starving children and grownups are in the U.K. nowadays. As the country is being driven to fascism and war daily by more austerity and turning of the screw.
The propaganda machinery and shock to the public that makes them do self harmful fascism is being applied.
Starmers jackboot army is readied to roll.
Boots on the ground.
Bagged up bodies to drum.
From ukropia to palesburg.
But one thing is for sure Palestine will be deimperialised.
De-colonised of the white supremacist, illegal apartheid ‘Settler’ land grabbers and serial killers.
It will be FREE.
From The River To The Sea.

Posted by: DunGroanin | Feb 17 2025 10:16 utc | 72

Ps has no one including b, posted Craig Murray’s great interview with UNFIL director ?
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2025/02/un-peacekeepers-watch-civilians-massacred/
They admit the fascists entities army killing of returning civilians in Lebanon under their and Lebanese army’s approving eyes.
With all their manpower and armour they let it happen!

Posted by: DunGroanin | Feb 17 2025 10:30 utc | 73

One more …
On researching the BBC site – the ONLY – result for ‘Palestine’ in the last week is this
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cx2plj4j927o
“Super Bowl dancer tackled for waving Sudan-Palestine flag.
A dancer in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime show was tackled to the ground and removed from the show for waving a Sudanese-Palestinian flag. Roc Nation, who organised the performance, said that the protest was “neither planned nor part of the production and was never in any rehearsal.”
The NFL have since banned the protester from its stadiums for life, saying the dancer had hidden the flag.
They also praised security for “quickly detaining the individual”. “
That’s all of it! Fucking clowns of the Collective Waste …
If you are a U.K. resident just stop paying for this shit! It’s all ziofascist propaganda.
The News, The Views, The ‘Entertainment’.
It was only worth having for sport! Besides from 6Nations and FA cup there is not much of that either!
But hey you can get the yankeedoodle Super Bowl on terrestrial but not International (or domestic) cricket!
🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

Posted by: DunGroanin | Feb 17 2025 11:06 utc | 74

Israel won’t allow establishment of Palestinian state
TEL AVIV, February 17. /TASS/. Israel will not agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state as it would endanger its own existence, Defense Minister Israel Katz said at a meeting with an American delegation.
“Israel will never agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger its (Israel’s – TASS) existence. Israel’s priorities are clear: preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, the release of all hostages, the elimination of Hamas in Gaza, and then an agreement [on normalization] with Saudi Arabia,” Katz said. The top defense official added that “[US President Donald] Trump’s [Gaza] plan is the only one that can guarantee the security of Israel’s residents after the events of October 7 [2023].”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that Palestinians living in Gaza should be allowed to leave the enclave voluntarily if they choose to do so.

Posted by: JB | Feb 17 2025 12:00 utc | 75

The top defense official added that “[US President Donald] Trump’s [Gaza] plan is the only one that can guarantee the insecurity of Israel’s residents after the events of October 7 [2023].
Sitting ducks. Why would they want to remove their human shields?

Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 12:53 utc | 76

Talks about the rapid collapse Assad Iranian allies. And how the Russians are better liked than Iran at the moment in Syria.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjw4egp7lwno

Posted by: Ed4 | Feb 17 2025 13:00 utc | 77

How is this not evil? Has all humanity been sucked out of Israelis?

“❗️After kidnapping and destroying the bodies of martyrs in south Lebanon…
…the Jewish army is planting fake bodies around the town like they did today in Hula to lure people and the civil defense to kidnap them.
This was found today in Hula. Imagine!”

Mina✨
@lionne998

Occupation forces are preventing the Lebanese Army or Red Cross from retrieving the body of a 13-year-old girl they murdered in South Lebanon. Many people, including the wounded, are now besieged in Hula, surrounded by the IOF. The Lebanese state has completely abandoned them.

@VintageVault8

Posted by: Georgie | Feb 17 2025 13:05 utc | 78

Posted by: Ed4 | Feb 17 2025 13:00 utc | 76
If you want to be taken seriously try not to post links from the BBC without a giant “bullshit” warning.
Just sayin’

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 13:38 utc | 79

That would likely be suicide over Iran but much easier over Gaza.
Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Feb 17 2025 8:29 utc | 69
Exactly.
Which means they’re there to bomb the rubble of Gaza.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 13:40 utc | 80

I’m fed up with people calling the Jews antisemites because the Arabs are also semites from Abraham AS.
Ethnicity is a very small part of homo sapiens. We have brains. A Jew can be a Christian, a Communist, a Buddhist. Only our physical appearance is affected by our DNA, according to Islam.
What some Jews in Israel hate about the Palestinians is that the Palestinians practice something very similar to the practice of Judaism, but these modern Jews want to be secular and free from Judaism. The Palestinians are a constant reminder of what they should be doing in the Holy Land of Sham.
Removing the Palestinians and widening the borders of Israel will simply mean that they take offense with their new Muslim neighbours, the Somalis, the Turks, the Kurds, the Syrians and Lebanese, Iraq and ultimately all.of Islam. Their aim.is to destroy all of Islam , tobthe Pacific Ocean.
Trump and Netanyahu are, for septagarians , in infantile dotage to imagine that their psychotic hatred of the inherited religion of Judaism will be solved by the removal of the Palestinians because it isn’t Palestinians they hate.
The thing they hate is Judaism , the Mosaic, pre- Islamic comprehension of what is now known as Islam.

Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 13:53 utc | 81

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 13:40 utc | 80
Which means they’re there to bomb the rubble of Gaza
Or perhaps, more specifically, the tunnels under the rubble of Gaza?

Posted by: john | Feb 17 2025 14:02 utc | 82

Or perhaps, more specifically, the tunnels under the rubble of Gaza?
Posted by: john | Feb 17 2025 14:02 utc | 82
Of course. I’m just saying that because by and large, just as they end up bombing mostly women and children, they will inevitably end up *mostly* bombing the rubble [in their attempts to bomb Hamas tunnels].
Of course, this is a serious threat to Hamas. Those bombs are no joke.
Nothing worked from flooding, to gassing, to US Special Forces and “Rabbis Militans” but carpeting the length and breadth of Gaza with MOABs is sure to get results.
What the fallout will be, I don’t know. Seems kind of desperate. Seems like the kind of final mask-pulling act that shows the World beyond all shadow of doubt that someone needs to off these psychopaths before the rest of us get sacrificed on the altar of Remphan.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 14:15 utc | 83

John 82
It means that the bombs are there because these two dogs are in a rage about Muslims not being intimidated by all the evil the US has done to them.
It’s not a good idea to use MOABs near an oil or gas seam.They already saw what happened in California when the forest fires ignited the gas mains.
But there again for those who don’t mind
messing with God and International Law, what could possibly go wrong?

Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 14:15 utc | 84

I’m fed up with people calling the Jews antisemites because the Arabs are also semites from Abraham AS.
Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 13:53 utc | 81
I’m fed up with people who believe religion has gene-altering powers.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 14:17 utc | 85

….. BREAKING: Mordechai Brafman, 28, a pro-Israel fanatic, fired 17 shots at a father and son in Miami Beach, injuring both. Believing he had killed them, he smiled and told police, “I killed two Palestinians.”……
Definitely IDF trained – wildly shooting in spray and pray mode.

Posted by: Exile | Feb 17 2025 14:34 utc | 86

Mordechai Brafman, 28, a pro-Israel fanatic, fired 17 shots at a father and son in Miami Beach, injuring both. Believing he had killed them, he smiled and told police, “I killed two Palestinians.”……
Turned out that the victims were fellow Jews.

Posted by: chakakhagan | Feb 17 2025 14:42 utc | 87

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 14:15 utc | 83
What the fallout will be, I don’t know. Seems kind of desperate
Yeah, in a world of common sense it would be wishful thinking, but in a world where it’s the wishful thinking of psychopaths in power, well, I guess anything’s possible.

Posted by: john | Feb 17 2025 14:54 utc | 88

Turned out that the victims were fellow Jews.
Posted by: chakakhagan | Feb 17 2025 14:42 utc | 87
Three birds with one shot.
Quite the marksman …

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 15:01 utc | 89

but in a world where it’s the wishful thinking of psychopaths in power, well, I guess anything’s possible.
Posted by: john | Feb 17 2025 14:54 utc | 88
This sums up the reality quite well. Despite the change of faces in the White House, with new jesters and viziers in tow (Elon et. all) the one thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that The Empire is still run by psychopaths.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 15:06 utc | 90

Caitlin, on the origin of fresh white-hot hatred of Jews:

Israel apologists conflate all Jews with the actions of the state of Israel. They will deny that they do this, but they indisputably do. That is the message they are circulating when they accuse anyone who criticizes Israel’s actions of hating all Jews. They create antisemitism.

Posted by: Aleph_Null | Feb 17 2025 15:14 utc | 91

“… He [Trump] seems to understands that these Nihilist Neocon Mafia mentalities are
attracted to WMD, in the same way as you zap flies with blue light in a kitchen. Imho the purpose of the MOABs is as a lure for these flies.”
Posted by: Giyane | Feb 17 2025 1:11 utc | 40
That is very perceptive, Giyane; bravo.
I have been mulling over a recent essay by Alistair Crooke – I would say that even more so than how you perceive it here is the Old Testament of the Bible. It presents the good and the bad of human relationships with God; it is left to us to discern, as some posts here have already recognized, how to deal with all of it. The deepest parts of Creation have the element of Chaos intermingled. Without a doubt, Trump remembers the slight turning of his head, which is like the zen concept of a butterfly’s wing. He also remembers in the depth of his heart that people died on that day.
Christians see Christ in the Genesis texts, as did the evangelist John. Creation is ongoing, in all its mystery. It is still unfolding; we are still on day one, but already light is being separated from darkness. We gravitate — to one or the other, but all are in motion.
That’s how I see it. Dimly.

Posted by: juliania | Feb 17 2025 15:41 utc | 92

The Orange Yankee POTUS and Zionist – allows heavy bombs to be delivered to the evil Zio-Nazi regime.
“The United States delivered a shipment of 1,800 heavy MK-84 bombs to the Israeli regime.
The shipment was withheld in May 2024 by the administration of former US president Joe Biden due to its concerns over potential use in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, where Israel was waging a genocidal war.
Last month, however, Biden’s successor Donald Trump lifted the ban on the export of the unguided 2,000-pound (900-kilogram) bombs to the occupying regime.”

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 17 2025 16:16 utc | 93

The Zio-Nazi’s are building more illegal apartments in the West Bank.
“Israeli authorities have issued a tender to build hundreds of new settler units in the West Bank, irrespective of the international outcry against the Tel Aviv regime’s land grab policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now, the tender is for constructing 974 additional housing units in the Efrat settlement south of Bethlehem.
It warned that the construction of an entire neighborhood in the Efrat settlement expands the settlement by 644 dunams, and will increase the number of illegal settlers there by approximately 40 percent.”

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 17 2025 16:18 utc | 94

Note that Egypt/Israel relations are heating up: Israel military news source “Nizf” has a report on ai modeling of Israel bombing the Aswan dam, with predictions of one to ten million killed. Egypt Independent as well New Arab have the story. Comments?

Posted by: abierno | Feb 17 2025 16:23 utc | 95

It appears that its becoming illegal in Germany to speak out against the Zio-Nazi’s and their genocide.
“A group of prominent German scholars have criticized lawmakers over a controversial resolution to combat antisemitism, warning that it threatens the academic liberties of the country.
The German lower house of parliament on Wednesday passed the resolution “Opposing Antisemitism and Hostility Towards Israel in Schools and Universities and Securing Free Discourse”, despite vocal opposition from university scholars, legal experts, and civil rights advocates.
Prof. Michael Zurn from the Berlin Social Science Center WZB sounded the alarm once more at a press conference in Berlin on Thursday, warning that the controversial antisemitism resolution could restrict academic freedoms and criticism of the Israeli regime’s actions.
“Firstly, it infringes on academic freedom. Secondly, it formulates a German special path in the international discussion. And thirdly, it opens up possibilities for political influence,” Zurn said.”
And if you dare protest again the Zio-Nazi genocide you’ll be arrested.
“Police have arrested protesters at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the German capital city, Berlin, forcing them to stop playing music and chanting Arab slogans against Israel.
Several pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested by police dressed in anti-riot gear at the square near the Wittenbergplatz metro station on Saturday.
Law enforcement officers disrupted the hundreds-strong rally of protesters who had gathered at the square to show support and solidarity with the Palestinians.
Demonstrators were playing music and chanting Arab slogans against the Israeli regime under the slogan “Stop the aggression in the West Bank—Do not supply weapons to Israel.”
Some of the protesters delivered speeches in Arabic during the rally and chanted anti-Israeli and anti-US slogans to the tune of the Arabic music.
Law enforcement officers demanded that the music be stopped and protesters leave the square.”

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 17 2025 16:26 utc | 96

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 17 2025 15:06 utc | 90
…one thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that The Empire is still run by psychopaths
I still don’t believe that Trump wants to be distinguished as the one who oversaw the annihilation of the Palestinians of Gaza. However, he’d willingly oversee their displacement. Trump’s not a psychopath, but the Gazan’s ain’t going nowhere. It’s a dicey situation.

Posted by: john | Feb 17 2025 16:50 utc | 97

Trump’s not a psychopath…
Posted by: john | Feb 17 2025 16:50 utc | 97

Please show your work/proof to convince us as;
He, like pretty much all of the Oligarch/Carpetbagger/Politician class, certainly show all the defining traits of psychopath;
Wiki and several other places: Psychopathy, or psychopathic personality, is a personality construct characterized by impaired empathy and remorse, in combination with traits of boldness, disinhibition, and egocentrism. These traits are often masked by superficial charm and immunity to stress, which create an outward appearance of apparent normalcy.
Fits like a glove to me.

Posted by: saner | Feb 17 2025 17:04 utc | 98

If its Morocco there will be many Palestinians who will choose relocation. Will Hamas stop them? Once the token relocations are undertaken Gaza can proceed.. Its been the theme from the beginning. Go here. Go there. We dropped leaflets. They didnt go. Their choice so oh well. No one is going to cough up housing $ for the 1.8 million Palestinians left. Maybe 10,000 will be preserved in the (Morocan?) reserve. Palireserve 1.0 is why the cease fire is occurring. A nice movie set where Palestinians will be filmed happily living in their new housing. IDF pulls back Hamas plays rough. Why do you think the food entering Gaza is all low calorie? Why do you think hamas noticed the food entering was all canned fruit and vegetables not storable grains? Even the Viet Cong had to have a ball of rice every day. Gaza is rather in the worlds view right now. While the Palireserve 1.0 movie set is bought plenty to do in west bank. The MOABs can only be deployed from slow heavy lifter aircraft. Not anywhere there is AD. Their weight alone creates payload constraints for deployment in Iran. Really I think those MOABs are destined for new Israel north not south. New Israel south is totally sealed off. The food entering will get halfed then halfed again then halfed again. First the “beautiful beautiful” Palireserve 1.0 movie set must be created.
Trump just keeps on saying its all beautiful and its going to work great alternating or MAGA “hell to pay”. Ditto for west bank. This is the binary theme he has selected. Events on the ground just dictate which binary mode is selected.
Trump never indicated anything different in regard to Israel. His domestic and European foreign policy transformation reflects much needed change for a unsustainable empire. Where these changes will lead is unknown. This is emergency surgery. Triage. China and Russia seem willing to participate. Trump might keep the deals he brokered with Russia and China. In the end however its triage and things change. Everyone looks the other way in regard to Palestine. Everyone.

Posted by: Food | Feb 17 2025 17:13 utc | 99

Posted by: saner | Feb 17 2025 17:04 utc | 98
Please show your work/proof to convince us
No thanks. The broader definition of psychopathy is, any mental disease, and I ain’t going there.
Let’s wait and see how much shit he blows up.

Posted by: john | Feb 17 2025 17:26 utc | 100