French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for France to recognize a Palestinian state within months, potentially at a UN conference in June. This move could prompt some Middle Eastern countries to recognize Israel. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement. Amid Israel’s conflict with Gaza, 10 countries, including Mexico and Ireland, recognized Palestine, reflecting growing international support. Currently, 147 UN member states and the Holy See recognize Palestine. The recognition strengthens Palestine’s global standing and pressures Western powers on the two-state solution. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 4:00 pm
Microsoft terminated software engineers Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal after protests against the company’s AI products being used by the Israeli military. Aboussad interrupted a speech at Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, accusing the company of enabling genocide in Palestine. She was fired for “wilful misconduct.” Agrawal, who planned to resign later, was terminated immediately. Microsoft has not commented on the terminations. Sophia Prescott 07/04/2025 9:00 pm
Mobile phone footage challenges Israel’s account of a March 23 incident where IDF soldiers fired on a convoy of ambulances, killing 15 rescue workers. The video, released by the Palestine Red Crescent Society, shows the vehicles with lights on before being attacked, contradicting IDF claims that the vehicles approached without signals. A surviving paramedic confirmed the ambulances were clearly marked. The footage, found on a deceased paramedic’s phone, was shown to the UN Security Council. Israel maintains militants were targeted but hasn’t provided evidence. Ava Sinclair 05/04/2025 1:30 pm
Nine Palestine Red Crescent medics and Civil Defence workers disappeared on March 23 in Rafah, Gaza, after Israeli forces attacked them. Despite a week of Israeli obstruction, international teams eventually accessed the area, finding evidence of direct attacks on the humanitarian workers. One medic remains missing. The medics, including three ambulance officers and five first responder volunteers, were killed while attempting to aid injured individuals. The PRCS lost contact with their teams, who were dispatched to assist during daylight hours. Noah Prescott 01/04/2025 6:30 pm
More than a dozen aid workers’ bodies were found in a “mass grave” in southern Gaza, a week after Israeli forces’ attacks. Eight were Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) members, five civil defense, and one a UN employee. PRCS condemned the attacks as a “war crime.” Israel claimed ambulances were used by militants. The UN and aid groups expressed outrage, calling it the deadliest incident for IFRC workers in a decade. A complex rescue operation unearthed the bodies, highlighting the dangers faced by health workers in conflict zones. Ava Sinclair 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
Press freedom organizations condemned the killing of journalists Hossam Shabat and Mohammed Mansour in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes. Shabat, an Al Jazeera correspondent, was killed in Beit Lahiya, while Mansour, from Palestine Today, died with his family in Khan Younis. The Committee to Protect Journalists urged international action to protect journalists. The IDF claimed both were affiliated with Hamas, labeling them terrorists, a claim denied by Al Jazeera and Shabat. The IDF had previously accused Shabat of ties to militant groups, which he refuted. Noah Prescott 25/03/2025 10:00 pm
In August 2024, Rachel Zegler thanked fans for 120 million views of the “Snow White” trailer, then added “free Palestine” in a post, sparking controversy. The political statement shocked Disney, leading to discussions with Zegler, who refused to retract it. The post led to increased security for co-star Gal Gadot due to threats. Later, Zegler’s anti-Trump posts further strained relations with Disney, prompting them to hire a social media expert to manage her posts before the film’s release. Disney and Zegler did not comment on the situation. Amelia Kensington 25/03/2025 9:00 pm
Despite US airstrikes, the Houthis claim their missile capabilities remain intact and continue attacks on Israel. A Houthi official stated their military strength is growing, and they remain committed to supporting Palestine. The Houthis have launched missiles almost daily since US strikes began, with some failing to reach Israel. They assert defending Palestine is akin to defending themselves and the Islamic Ummah, and they support Hezbollah. The Houthis warn regional countries about Israeli and US plots. Penelope Kingsley 25/03/2025 6:30 pm
The detention of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Green Card holder, highlights a troubling crackdown on free speech. Khalil, known for his Gaza solidarity efforts, was arrested by US immigration enforcement, seen as a politically motivated act amidst accusations against anti-Israel protesters. Critics argue the Trump administration exploits antisemitism concerns to undermine democracy, despite its own ties to antisemitic elements. Khalil’s arrest reflects broader global authoritarianism and efforts to silence pro-Palestine voices, with pro-Israel groups lobbying to amplify antisemitism claims. This situation underscores the complex dynamics of power and ideology. Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 12:30 pm
Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler attended the “Snow White” premiere at El Capitan Theatre, posing together despite reportedly clashing over politics. Zegler, playing Snow White, wore a pink gown, while Gadot, the Evil Queen, donned a black lace dress. Despite smiling for photos, sources claim they aren’t friends due to differing political views and a significant age gap. Zegler supports Palestine, while Gadot, an Israeli native, supports her home country. Tensions also arose from Zegler’s criticism of the original Disney film’s portrayal of romance. Amelia Kensington 16/03/2025 8:00 pm
