November 21: Today’s news on Palestine & Israel – Day 46 [email protected] November 21, 2023 evacuation, friendly fire, Gaza, genocide, hamas, hostage, humanitarian aid, Israel, israeli bombardment, journalist November 21: Today’s news on Palestine & Israel – Day 46 Under Israel's bombardment, over 43,000 housing units in Gaza have been destroyed, according to OCHA (photo) Humanitarian, hospital, & evacuation updates, journalists targeted, hostage news, Israel wants apology from BBC, struggles with friendly fire, finances Find previous daily casualty figures and daily news updates here. For more news, go here and here. Live broadcast news from the region is here. Some people are led to be skeptical of the Al Jazeera news network. However, the network has won several Emmys, a Peabody and the Overseas Press Association’s Edward R. Murrow award, among many other honors. The New York Times reports that “its reporting hews to international journalistic standards and provides a unique view on events in the Middle East.” it’s important to remember that all news sources may potentially have bias. For example, CNN uses anchors who used to work for the Israel Lobby, who have lifelong attachment to Israel, and who often exhibit pro-Israel spin and omission in their broadcasts. Similarly, Fox News is strongly influenced by Rupert Murdoch, who has a similarly strong attachment to Israel, and who may have fired Tucker Carlson, the network’s most popular host, in part due to the host’s opposition to war and his pattern of failing to exhibit sufficient devotion to Israel). Latest statistics: Palestinian death toll: 13,044* (~12,829 in Gaza** (including at least 5,000 children and 3,300 women), and at least 215 in the West Bank). *IAK does not yet include 471 Gazans killed in the Al Ahli hospital blast since the source of the projectile is being disputed; although much evidence points to Israel as the culprit, experts are still looking into the incident. Israel is blocking an international investigation. Palestinian injuries: 35,111** (including at least 32,300 in Gaza** and 2,811 in the West Bank). **NOTE: it is impossible to offer an accurate number of injuries in Gaza due to the ongoing bombardment and communication disruption. It remains unknown how many Americans are among the casualties (State Department has said there are a more than 1,200 Americans, legal permanent residents and family members still in Gaza) . About 1.7 million people have been displaced; 6,500 are missing (4,400 children) and presumed to be under rubble. Israel has now killed more Palestinians in a little over a month than in all the previous 22 years combined. Reported Israeli death toll has been reduced to ~1,200*** (The Israeli spokesman said the original figure of deaths on March 7 was an “initial estimate” – 4 killed in West Bank, 71 in Gaza), including 32 Americans, and ~5,400 injured). The names of the 1,213 identified (about 33 of them children) are here. RECOMMENDED READING: Israel has lost control of the narrative – October 7 truths coming out ***NOTE: It is unknown at this time how many of the deaths and injuries in Israel may have been caused by Israeli soldiers; additionally, since Israel has a policy of universal conscription, it is unknown how many of those attending the outdoor rave a few miles from Gaza on stolen Palestinian land were Israeli soldiers. Hover over each bar for exact numbers. Source: IsraelPalestineTimeline.org Humanitarian update: In recent days, UNRWA, in cooperation with the ‘Humanity and Inclusion’ NGO, has provided 3,830 persons with disabilities, injured people, children and the elderly with hygiene kits, assistive devices, eyeglasses, first aid kits and baby kits. On 20 November, about 40 trucks carrying the medical equipment, alongside 180 doctors and nurses, have entered Gaza from Egypt. This equipment and medical personnel are intended for the establishment of a second Jordanian field hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, with a capacity of 150 beds. On 20 November, two trucks carrying about 67,000 liters of fuel entered Gaza from Egypt, as part of an Israeli decision on 18 November to allow the daily entry of small amounts of fuel for essential humanitarian operations. Fuel is set to be distributed by UNRWA to support food distribution, and the operation of generators at hospitals, water and sanitation facilities, shelters, and other critical services. Additionally, 51 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered on 20 November. Overall, since October 21, 1,320 trucks of humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza (excluding fuel). Prior to the start of hostilities, an average of 500 truckloads entered Gaza every working day. Another crossing to Gaza needed: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees says the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza cannot accommodate a large number of aid trucks and calls for the opening of other border crossings. Karem Abu Salem aka Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel is the only crossing equipped to take enough trucks, UNRWA said, but it has been closed since October 7. (16:35 GMT) Indonesian Hospital update: Health ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra stated that the Israeli military was firing nonstop at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, and that drones were shooting at anyone who moved in the hospital courtyard. He added that, since Monday morning, no one had been allowed to leave or enter the hospital. What the Israeli occupation are doing to the Indonesian Hospital is exactly what they did to al-Shifa Hospital. We are concerned and worried that they commit a massacre there like they did at al-Shifa.[The Israeli military] are ending the last hope that anyone in northern Gaza has for treatment. That means that 800,000 to 900,000 people will end up without any hospital. This will lead to the death of many people who are suffering from long-term diseases or are injured. (21:40 GMT) 200 patients were evacuated from the Indonesian Hospital with the help of the Red Cross just hours after it was hit by a deadly Israeli strike. (00:02 GMT) The Health ministry says all hospitals in northern Gaza are now out of service. Evacuation update: An estimated 25,000 people evacuated northern Gaza yesterday, headed south. The movement of unaccompanied children and separated families, including women who were ordered to leave their children, and wounded people, has been increasingly observed. Intensive bombing was heard multiple times in the vicinity of the corridor. Americans in Gaza: State Department spokesman Matthew Miller has said there are a little more than 1,200 Americans, legal permanent residents and family members still in Gaza. He added that about 800 Americans, legal permanent residents and family members had left Gaza via the Rafah crossing to Egypt since October 7. Sites of recent Israeli bombardment and casualties include: Nuseirat refugee camp – 17 killed Jabaliya – at least 3 killed Heavy airstrikes and shelling on Indonesian Hospital – at least 12 killed Western Khan Younis – at least 5 killed UN school in Bureij camp – at least 10 killed Al-Falujah school – dozens killed The houses of a nurse, a doctor and a civil defense staff in Nuseirat refugee camp – at least 20 killed Near An Najjar hospital, in southern Gaza – 17 killed Among today’s deaths was journalist Ayat Khadura. She was the second Palestinian journalist killed in 24 hours The home of a Health Ministry official – at least 17 killed 83 mosques have been destroyed by Israeli air raids across Gaza,and an additional 170 have sustained damage RECOMMENDED READING: ‘No end in sight’: Gaza’s traumatized children need psychological aid Journalists at risk: The death toll of media workers has risen to 50 since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Of those killed, 45 were Palestinians, four were Israelis and one was Lebanese. It was already the deadliest month for journalists since CPJ began gathering data in 1992. (00:02 GMT) Journalists in Lebanon attacked: Another attack has targeted journalists in southern Lebanon, killing a reporter and a cameraman who worked for the pan-Arabic channel Al Mayadeen. Their management issued a statement saying it was a deliberate targeting of their crew. They are believed to have been hit by an Israeli armed drone. A third person, who was with them, was also killed. This was the third attack against journalists in southern Lebanon since October 13. (11:10 GMT) Hostage update: A Qatari official has confirmed that negotiations to free captives taken by Hamas are at their “closest point” and have reached the “final stage.” “We are at the closest point we ever had been in reaching an agreement,” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said. (11:15 GMT) The Hamas resistance group is currently holding about 240 prisoners, captured on October 7th for the purpose of a prisoner swap. Israel currently holds 7,000 Palestinians as political prisoners, and has agreed to such a swap in the past. RECOMMENDED READING: What Israel’s video of ‘Hamas tunnel’ under al-Shifa tells us Palestinian prisoners: At least 8,000 Palestinians in Israeli custody. More than 3,000 Palestinians, including dozens of children, have been arrested in the occupied West Bank since the war broke out on October 7. Prisoners include at least 95 women and 37 journalists. There are currently more than 200 children held in Israeli prisons, including 26 held without charge or trial. (07:40 GMT) Israel expected to follow the law: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has said that Washington expects Israel to follow the law of armed conflict and take account of civilians during its war in Gaza. 01:45 GMT) He said, We have said every step of the way that our expectation is that the Israelis conduct their operations in accordance with the law of armed conflict. And we have made sure that we continue to emphasize to the Israelis that they must account for civilians in the battle space. And not only that, but they must do everything – or should do everything that they can to get humanitarian assistance in to the people in Gaza. Congressional calls for ceasefire: US Senator Jeff Merkley has joined his fellow Democrat Richard Durbin in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, becoming only the second legislator in the 100-member US Senate to do so. (00:02 GMT) Aid from France: France has sent helicopter carrier Dixmude, which will arrive in Egypt in the coming days, video from the French armed forces shows. It also dispatched a military Airbus A400 with more than 10 tonnes of medical supplies and will contribute to European Union medical aid flights on November 23 and 30. RECOMMENDED READING: Tel Aviv police ban World Children’s Day event supporting “children living in the shadow of the war” Israeli deaths: The Israeli military has identified two more soldiers killed in the fighting in the Gaza Strip. At least 68 Israeli soldiers have now been killed since ground operations began in Gaza. Israeli friendly fire: The Israeli army today revealed that since the beginning of the ground attack, there have been several cases in which soldiers were killed by friendly fire. Most of these “friendly fire” incidents occurred during joint combat between armored and infantry forces. The military said it is learning lessons, including that every force entering the building must specify its position inside the building, and that tanks must take more caution when firing at buildings. Israel wants an apology: An Israeli army spokesman has asked the BBC to apologize for questioning the army’s “evidence” of a Hamas presence at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. Jeremy Bowen questioned the evidence presented that Al-Shifa Hospital had been used as Hamas’ “headquarters”. He also criticized the army’s restrictions on foreign journalists, saying that “there is no independent scrutiny inside the hospital; journalists cannot move freely into Gaza, and any who are reporting from the site are working under the aegis of the Israeli military.” The BBC has reported that Israeli occupation forces have tampered with alleged “evidence” at Al-Shifa before allowing reporters to enter. How will Israel pay for war? In order to reallocate funds to support Israel’s aggression on Gaza, Israeli Finance Ministry employees have recommended shutting several ministries, including the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, as well as the Ministries of Jerusalem Affairs, Heritage, Settlement and National Missions, Regional Cooperation, and Social Equality. Since 7 October, Jewish Federations of North America have raised $638 million. The Israeli army also held a ‘fundraiser’ in the US and raised nearly $10 million. Earlier this month, the Calcalist financial newspaper reported that the cost of Israel’s attack on Gaza will cost $51 billion. The firing of rockets by Palestinian armed groups towards Israeli population centres has continued over the past 24 hours, with no reported fatalities. (Information on rocket attacks is here.) It appears that the last time a rocket killed an Israeli was October 7-8, as reported by Ha’aretz and the Times of Israel. 15 Israelis were killed – 10 of them Palestinian Israelis who reportedly had no access to bomb shelters. Rockets have killed a total of 45 people over the 22 years they’ve been fired. https://israelpalestinenews.org/november-21-todays-news-on-palestine-israel-day-46/

The Zionists Have Exposed Themselves as Genocidal Monsters (Ofogh TV interview) Kevin Barrett15 hrs ago In the Islamic Republic of Iran, there are different gatherings in support of Palestine. And not only in Iran, a supporter of the resistance, but all over the world, people are gathering and going into the streets. Do you think these gatherings and these demonstrations have an important influence in the Palestinian issue? Yes, the popular gatherings and protests all over the world are putting pressure on the Western governments, especially the United States, to stop supporting the Zionist genocide against Gaza and Palestine. Never before in world history has there been this kind of non-stop broadcasting of a genocide consisting of ongoing atrocities. And the reaction against this genocide is also unprecedented. And the effects will be long lasting. Whether this saves the lives of people in Gaza really depends on the decision makers, how quickly they react. But regardless of what happens in the next few days and weeks, the world will be different in the future because of this. Exactly. I agree with you. A world that will be different in the future. You talked about a different world. What do you think? Will it be a world without the Zionist regime or it will be something else? I think the Zionist regime has essentially put the last nail in its own proverbial coffin. It has finished itself off. They have exposed themselves as what they really are. In the past, they hid behind false slogans about democracy and freedom and humanitarianism. And today, the whole world can see that they are genocidal monsters. They could hide it in the past. They can't hide it anymore. And that means that the majority of the world is definitively turning against the continued existence of the Zionist entity. And it will only be a matter of time before Palestine is free. That's right. Mr. Barrett, one point. Until very recent years, we couldn't see such gatherings, especially in Paris, in London, a hundred thousand people in Washington and in New York. And it is unprecedented that the Japanese people come to the streets. What is happening in the world? The difference is that the communications technology has changed. There have been many atrocities and genocides in the past, but they haven't been broadcast on live television 24 hours a day. People are able to see what's happening at the moment that it happens. They can see the Zionists attacking hospitals. Hospital after hospital after hospital has been bombed and shelled and attacked with artillery fire and Zionists have gone into the hospitals shooting people. They've destroyed the electricity and the water. They've taken out all of the services for these hospitals. And we can all watch it happen. And we can watch the Zionists lie about it with the most transparent, ridiculous lies. It's almost as if they think it's funny. Well, the world doesn't think it's funny. And we're seeing the reaction around the world right now. It's very interesting, Mr. Barrett. As you are speaking, we see the pictures and images of people gathered all over the world, and people all over the world can watch them. These things are happening in European countries and the United States. What's your take Mr Barrett? This is a case of the people versus the oligarchy. The Western countries pretend to be democracies. But their real rulers are billionaires with connections to the powerful officials and government offices. In these countries, the people are out in the streets protesting and the oligarchies are trying to stop them. And the reason for that is that the Western oligarchies are disproportionately made up of people who are ethnically Jewish and ideologically Zionist. So these Jewish Zionist billionaires own the media, they own the political system, they dominate the financial system, The United Nations? The United States has consistently vetoed resolutions that Israel told it to veto. And the reason for that is that the Jewish Zionist oligarchs dominate the United States, especially its media. And so the United States has been a slave of Israel. Mr. Barrett, one issue that is very important to me is that the Americans, you said that America is the slave of Israel. Very silently, they are sending arms to Israel. The United States, in order to reach a ceasefire and for its human rights gesture, its foreign minister and different delegations have traveled to Israel. On one side they are negotiating for peace and on the other side they are sending arms. Yes, of course. The Americans are genocidal war criminals, just like their Israeli partners are. And they should all be charged with genocide and put on trial in The Hague, and if found guilty, executed. The United States has created this problem by allowing itself to be taken over by Zionists, and pretending to be a neutral arbiter, which it is not. So the United States needs to withdraw from the region, and we need fair-minded neutral arbiters, perhaps China, perhaps Russia, as well as the regional countries, to decide the future of a free Palestine. The United States has destroyed its credibility on this issue and it needs to withdraw and apologize and pay at least two or three trillion dollars in reparations to the Palestinian people, because that's about how much money it has paid to the Zionists and funded their genocide of Palestine. Mr. Barrett, I want to ask you one more question. The role of the United Nations, it seems that the Gaza story is the last seal on the United Nations, an organization that lost 100 of its forces in Palestine. For example, the WFP is useless anymore. We can say that these organizations are just a theater and they are not real. If our people are being killed so easily, so they are useless, what do you think about this? Yeah, the United Nations has outlived its usefulness in its current form. It was created after World War II to reflect the world power structure that was led by the United States and the European countries that it was occupying. And that world power structure has changed. So the United Nations needs to be democratized and the Security Council needs to be either abolished or restructured to reflect the reality of today’s countries and their places in the world. The two-state solution that is always discussed. They charge Palestinians with not negotiating with Israelis. How many thousand people should be killed until Palestinians come to negotiations and talk about a two-state solution? It seems that they have forgotten that in different agreements from Oslo I, Oslo II, Camp David, it should have been taken place, but the Zionist regime only kills people and broadens its settlements, nothing else. Do you think that the two-state solution is possible in Palestine, after 75 years of struggle? The two-state solution is dead because the Zionists killed it. They could have withdrawn from the land that they stole and occupied in 1967, but they refused. And they've never been willing to accept the United Nations resolutions on the two-state solution, which require full withdrawal and recognition of the right of return. If they wanted the two-state solution, they could have had it, but they refused it And now there are 500,000 settlers on the (Palestinian state’s) land and they're not going to leave. So the only real solution now is the one state solution, and that means one Palestine where everyone is equal. I agree with you. I say the same thing. If the two state solution, if it was possible, the Zionist regime is now sending the people to the Gaza Strip and other parts of the region. We think it's a lie that they are saying to the people of the world. Yes, I agree. The United States leadership keeps talking about the two-state solution as a way of covering up the Zionist war crimes and their attempts to finish the Nakba, or Palestinian Holocaust. The two state solution at this point is just a smokescreen for genocide. https://open.substack.com/pub/kevinbarrett/p/ofogh-tv?r=29hg4d&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post

Essential facts about the Hamas-Gaza-Israel war [email protected] October 26, 2023 Gaza, hamas, justice, occupation, resistance, terrorist, zionism Essential facts about the Hamas-Gaza-Israel war One of thousands of buildings in Gaza that were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in the last two weeks. (photo) The current situation in Gaza and Israel did not come out of the blue. Read critical background left out of breaking news alerts… by Kathryn Shihadah On Oct 7, the resistance group Hamas did not invade a peace-loving country. To Israelis, it may have felt tranquil and carefree – they were dancing, raising families on tree-lined streets, planning vacations abroad. Palestinians are pretty much invisible, locked as they are behind high concrete walls and electrified, fortified, barbed wire barriers. Israelis have never experienced the kind of invasion they got that day. The roles are usually reversed. This time some Palestinians were killing, kidnapping, and causing panic, trauma, and unconscionable violence. Usually it is some Israeli soldiers and settlers that perpetrate such acts. The Israelis’ experience – and that of their loved ones – is real and significant. But many of us are dismissing Gazans’ experience out of hand. If we believe in equality, in the presence of the imago dei in everyone, we ought to be troubled by this. Are Israeli sins forgivable, but Palestinian sins somehow unforgivable? We ought to make sure we have true and accurate information, and are responding to it responsibly. If we detect any bigotry in our perspective, we must work diligently to weed it out. What you didn’t know you didn’t know History did not begin on October 7, 2023. If it had, Hamas militants would have no pertinent reason for the rage they displayed. Their only excuse would be hatred for Jews. We must acknowledge that each of the young Gazan fighters has experienced a lifetime under a brutal Israeli blockade and multiple major Israeli operations – it’s a stretch to call them “wars,” as the weaponry and the casualty figures were so lopsided (for example, in the 2008-2009 hostilities, 9 Israelis were killed, vs 1,400 Gazans; in 2012, 6 Israelis vs 174 Gazans; in 2014, 72 Israelis vs 2,200 Gazans). These experiences shaped every Gazan (Israeli journalists Amira Hass and Gideon Levy recognize the significance of this fact). Each fighter in Gaza likely grew up not just fearful and angry, but hungry, malnourished, growth-stunted, and anxious. He has likely seen dead bodies, amputated limbs, and blood. He has likely lost loved ones and played in the shells of bombed-out houses. The violence against him has not stopped long enough for him to get PTSD. There has been no “post” to his trauma. (We must also recognize that the United States and Israel helped create and sustain Hamas, and one day decided that Hamas was now the enemy.) Hamas fighters, like all young people in Gaza, struggle to hold onto hope for the future. Israel’s brutal blockade, plus its destruction of factories, shops, and other businesses, has left an unemployment rate hovering around 45%. How to restore hope? Not by committing murder, but by winning freedom. That is what every Palestinian wants. Not revenge, not the eradication of Jews. Freedom and hope. How to achieve freedom? Obviously, killing hundreds of Israelis is not moral or productive, and will not lead to freedom – at least, not directly. Similarly, bombing Gaza to rubble is not the way for Israel to gain security. That has been proven again and again, at great cost to Palestinians. These are irrational actions on both sides, horrible acts. For years, Palestinians have tried rational, peaceful methods of achieving justice: they have petitioned the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. They have held thousands of peaceful protests. In the ICC and ICJ, the United States always exercises veto power in Israel’s favor. When it comes to peaceful protests, Israeli soldiers shoot to kill. (The UN Security Council voted on a resolution Wednesday, October 18, merely calling for Israel to pause its bombing to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza – the United States vetoed it. That is not contributing to anything but carnage.) When Palestinians are quiet, the world forgets them, leaving them to Israel’s whims; when they protest peacefully, they are killed. Only when they make a lot of noise does the world finally wake up. October 7th was about as noisy as it gets – and millions are now rallying for a ceasefire and Palestinian rights. The international community carries some of the blame for allowing Israel to oppress Palestinians to the breaking point. That is to say that while each individual member of Hamas is responsible for his own actions – and some or many may have committed atrocities – Israel’s policies of brutal starvation, suffocation, and airstrikes, pushed them into a corner. Israel must own up to that. American foreign policy allowed it, and we must own up to that. The current situation is by no stretch of the imagination all Hamas’ fault. In every war, individuals commit atrocities that are inexcusable. The members of Hamas had just broken out of the world’s largest prison, where they had been brutalized every day by Israel. Violent retribution on the part of some should not surprise us. It is also worth noting that at least some of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas were treated well and with respect – so well that some Israelis wished the truth hadn’t been made public. It is understood that they were not captured to be killed, but to be bargaining chips for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners wrongly held by Israel. One possible culpability loophole for us everyday folks: if you are one of the millions who know nothing about Palestinians except the October 7 massacre, realize this: our mainstream media has for years been working to keep you in the dark (see this, this, and this, for example). Zionism So. Why did they do it? Do Hamas militants have a deep, inbred hatred of Jews? The one thing most Palestinians know for sure about Jews is that they come in two types: those who embrace Zionism and those who don’t. The people who took over the Palestinian homeland in 1948 and sent 700,000 Palestinians to refugee camps – those were Zionists. The people who, ever since, have dropped bombs, withheld human rights, and stripped Palestinians of their humanity – those are Zionists. Palestinians hate Zionism. Not Judaism. Not Jews (in fact, in the decades before Israel was born, the majority of Jews were against the very idea of a Jewish state; many were anti-Zionist). Palestinians are highly intelligent, highly educated – and their education did not include being “taught to hate Jews.” They didn’t need to be taught to hate their occupier – each boy and girl from Gaza to the West Bank, from East Jerusalem to Israel, figured out all by themselves that the ones shooting their family members and withholding blankets and baby food are despicable. Nor is the distinction between “Jew” and “Zionist” too hard for Palestinians to comprehend. (For some Israel apologists, including but not limited to Jonathan Greenblatt, the distinction between Jew and Zionist is lost. Wait…does that mean Palestinians are smarter than Zionists?) October Seventh The whole world is aware of Hamas’ October 7th attack – its brutality is already legendary. People who should know better are publicly calling them “animals” and “barbarians.” “These are not human beings! They killed babies, raped women.” Look, several thousand militants entered Israel that day. If they were all animals, killing babies and raping women, there would have been a lot more victims (I have yet to see actual evidence of a rapes of Israeli women that day – if you have, please share it with me). Governments lie during wars, and this appears to be one of those times (that said, there is documentation of Israeli soldiers raping Palestinian women (and men, and children) that stretch from Israel’s founding to the present). Members of Hamas and other resistance groups in Gaza absolutely have a cruel streak. Would anyone expect them not to? Israel and its self-proclaimed “most moral army in the world” reinforce their cruel streak with one of the most powerful militaries in the world and (apparently) complete exemption from international law. Key questions Palestinians really have two choices: resist and be labeled “terrorist/subhuman,” or sit quietly and let Israel starve and shoot and humiliate them. There are no good options. (Most can not afford to emigrate, nor do they want to leave their homeland.) Here are the questions we must grapple with. Do Palestinians have the right to be free of Israeli occupation? Do they have the right to self-determination? Do they have the right to a dignified life? These are yes/no questions. They are unrelated to Hamas. Do Palestinians have these rights? If you are grieved by the loss of Israeli life – in spite of Israel’s many sins – but Palestinian casualties still do not move you, what you are feeling is probably not righteous anger, but prejudice. Cleanse your palette of judgmentalism toward two million people for the faults of a few, for being born Palestinian, for desiring a better life. Understand that legitimate grievances, left to fester, will beget hostility and violence. Discern the difference between recognizing these grievances and approving the violence. Acknowledge that America has been complicit in the carnage we’ve witnessed in the past weeks. As long as we cheer for Israel – or stay silent about the slaughter of Palestinians – we are part of the problem. Palestinians are people, and that’s the bottom line. Kathryn Shihadah is an editor and staff writer for If Americans Knew. This is reposted from Patheos – Grace Colored Glasses – Kathy’s blog on Patheos, an online destination to engage in the global dialogue about religion and spirituality. She also occasionally blogs at Palestine Home. RELATED READING: Gaza-Israel: Latest news and statistics (ongoing updates) Sec’y Blinken (indirectly) calls Israel’s treatment of Gazans “barbaric” It’s not just Gaza – Israel is also killing scores in the West Bank Palestinian-American child killed in Illinois: this is what media reports left out In Gaza, she now inhabits a solitary space between life and death VIDEOS: WATCH: What was happening in Gaza BEFORE the Hamas attack that the media didn’t tell you Congress gives 29 standing ovations for president of foreign nation that harms the US Joe Biden: Career Defender of Israel’s Crimes and Impunity Hover over each bar for exact numbers. Source: IsraelPalestineTimeline.org https://israelpalestinenews.org/how-to-make-sense-of-the-palestinian-call-for-freedom-and-justice-gaza/

The Enchanting World of Tulip Flowers: History, Meaning, and More!!🌷💗 Tulips, with their vibrant colors and graceful petals, have captured the hearts of flower enthusiasts and gardeners around the world for centuries. These enchanting blooms have a rich history, deep symbolism, and a unique allure that makes them a favorite in gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements. In this post, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of tulip flowers, exploring their history, meanings, and more. Historical Roots: Tulips have a long and illustrious history that traces back to the Ottoman Empire, where they were cultivated as early as the 10th century. The name “tulip” itself is believed to have been derived from the Turkish word “tülbent,” which means turban, a reference to the flower’s resemblance to a turban’s shape. Tulips were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, igniting a craze known as “Tulip Mania” in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age. At the peak of the tulip frenzy in the 1630s, tulip bulbs were sold at exorbitant prices, and they even became a form of currency in speculative trading. Though the bubble eventually burst, tulips remained an enduring symbol of beauty and luxury. Symbolism and Meanings: Tulips are rich in symbolism, with different colors carrying distinct meanings. 1𖠵 Red Tulips: Often associated with love and passion, red tulips convey deep romantic feelings and are often given as a declaration of love. 2𖠵 Yellow Tulips: Symbolizing cheerful thoughts and sunshine, yellow tulips represent happiness and positivity. 3𖠵 White Tulips: White tulips are emblematic of purity and forgiveness, making them a common choice for weddings and as gestures of apology. 4𖠵 Purple Tulips: Regal and elegant, purple tulips signify royalty and admiration. They can also symbolize a sense of calm and tranquility. 5𖠵 Pink Tulips: Pink tulips are a symbol of affection and caring, making them suitable for expressing admiration and appreciation. 6𖠵 Orange Tulips: Vibrant and energetic, orange tulips represent enthusiasm, desire, and passion. Cultural Significance: Tulips have left their mark on various cultures and have been featured prominently in art, literature, and festivals. In the Netherlands, the Keukenhof Gardens host an annual tulip festival, showcasing millions of tulips in breathtaking displays. Tulips have also been celebrated in the poetry of Persian and Dutch poets, adding to their cultural significance. Growing and Caring for Tulips: Tulips are relatively easy to grow, making them a popular choice for gardeners. They thrive in well-drained soil and require a period of cold dormancy to bloom. Planting tulip bulbs in the fall allows them to establish roots before the winter chill sets in. Come spring, these resilient flowers burst forth with a riot of color. In conclusion, tulips are more than just beautiful blooms; they are a testament to history, a language of emotions, and a source of inspiration. Whether you’re tending to a garden, sending a bouquet, or simply admiring their beauty, tulips continue to enchant us with their timeless elegance and symbolism that transcends borders and generations. So, the next time you encounter a tulip, take a moment to appreciate its rich heritage and the myriad of meanings it can convey. #Tulips #Knowledge #LouisKim

 ___ ___ When I shared the drawing I made of Maisie Williams yesterday, I stated that I made another the first day I drew her and that it was a boy. Well, I was able to with ease this evening spot the drawing of the boy in my gallery and here you have it. ___ Apologies for the little steps which are not per usual... ___ ___  ___ ___ ___ ___ these are the outlines....  ___ ___  ___ ___  ___ ___  ___ ___  ___ ___ **Thanks for making me a part of your weekend.**

 ___ ___ The reference of this drawing happens to be an artwork in a peculiar manner. One which I coveted and would've replicated if not that I called myself to order. It is always beautiful seeing an artist signature style that you can relate with. ___ Around this time one month back, I paid a visit to my uncle. It's been two years since I last saw him and I was glad I visited. Cause on my way, I called to inform him and to my surprise, he'd moved. It really felt great seeing him again. ___ The last time we saw, he told me to try integrate myself into society as he noticed my beards were overtly grown and not well kept. From that time till now, I've been able to keep a tidy beard and to also integrate myself into society. ___ This portrait was made while I was having a conversation with my brother so I apologize for skipping this much steps.... ___ ___  ___ ___ ___ ___ The process......  ___ ___  ___ ___  ___ ___  ___ ___ **Thanks for the visit folks.**

Shitposting is a difficult skill to learn and sharpen, it must flow from within, without thought or intent, never serious, always sincere, pure unapologetic spontaneity

Zelikow assembled a group of 34 academic, medical, and government apologists — the “Covid Crisis Group” — to write the authoritative report on the US handling of the “Covid 19 pandemic.” Once again.

Shiv (Historical Story) Shiv ji was an Aghori monk. Who used to do penance in the forests of Kailash. He carried a trident with him and wore tiger skin as a garment. He used to wear many types of Rudraksha beads and kept his favorite snake kept by him hanging around his neck and spent most of the time in penance. He had a cow whom he named Nandi. He used to travel to far-flung areas many times and help people and do good deeds for them. Gradually they became prevalent and popular among the people. Brahma's son Daksha had a daughter named Sati who loved Shiva and wanted to marry him. Daksha considered himself greater than Shiva, that is why he did not listen to Sati. Shiva and Sati got married without Daksha's wish. One day in a ceremony, Shiva did not bow down to Daksha while standing in front of him. Daksh felt very insulted. He decided to take revenge. Daksha performed a yajna and invited many kings and sages except Shiva. Sati felt very bad. She went to meet her father. Daksha insulted Shiva in front of everyone. Sati could not tolerate this and she gave her life by jumping in the sacrifice of Yagya. Enraged, Shiva started the dance orgy. After that they reached there to kill Daksha. But after Brahma Dev apologized, he left King Daksh. After that Shiva left from there with the dead body of Sati. At that time tears were flowing from his eyes. Sati's body was cremated. For many days he got engaged in penance with such a sad heart. King Himwant and his wife Menadevi were devotees of Lord Shiva. King Himwant and his wife Menadevi had a daughter named Parvati. When Parvati started speaking, the first word that came out of her mouth was Shiva. She grew up to be a very beautiful girl. Meanwhile, Shivji, saddened by the death of his wife, had started a long meditation. Himwant was apprehensive that Lord Shiva might not accept Parvati as his wife because of being in deep meditation. He called Narada to solve the problem. Narad told him that Parvati could win Shiva's heart through penance. Himwant sent Parvati to Shiva only. Parvati worshiped and served him day and night. Shivji was very pleased with Parvati's devotion, but he decided to test her. He sent one of his devotees, a young Brahmin, to him. Devotees went to Parvati and said that it would not be right to marry Shiva who lives like a beggar. Parvati got very angry hearing this. She clearly said that she will not marry anyone except Shiva. Satisfied with his answer, Shiva agreed to marry Parvati. Himwant got both of them married with pomp. After a few years they had two sons. Whom he named Ganesh and Karthik.