For today, links to reports from Middle East Eye, the Associated Press, National Public Radio, and Middle East Monitor, and to commentary from MEMO and the Moscow Times; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (UKRAINE entry for this date is HERE.) — MCM
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ICC seeks arrest of Israel’s Netanyahu over war crimes in Gaza. From Middle East Eye. The International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three leaders of Hamas, on the grounds of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the prosecutor’s office announced today. READ MORE . . .
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Israeli defense minister says the military will expand operations into Rafah. From AP. Israel’s defense minister said today the military would expand its operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, while the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced he’s seeking arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders in connection with their actions during the seven-month war. READ MORE . . .
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FROM MAY 19 Israel’s growing isolation. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR Despite widespread condemnation, Israel appears intent on pushing further in Rafah. That’s raising questions of whether it’s slipping toward international isolation. Click HERE to listen and read.
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FROM MAY 19 Anger at Netanyahu cuts through a somber Tel Aviv rally to bring home the hostages. Reported by Hadeel Al-Shalchi | NPR The families of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack held a rally Saturday night. A number of Western ambassadors attended. Click HERE to listen and read.
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Int’l community extends one hand with aid to Gaza, other with weapons to bomb it, Al-Azhar says. From Middle East Monitor. The world is suffering from “schizophrenia”, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, said Sunday, adding that countries are providing aid to help Palestinians in Gaza while also providing Israel the weapons it is using to strike and kill civilians. READ MORE . . .
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Nakba commemoration is taking on a new meaning, by Amira Abo el-Fetouh | MEMO We must never forget that 15 May, Nakba Day, is when the heart of the Arab people was torn away from us and our land in Palestine was stolen from us before the eyes of the entire world, which . . . READ MORE . . .
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Russian liberal media isn’t telling the full story about Gaza, by Alexandra Lisogor | The Moscow Times Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack against Israel and the subsequent assault on Gaza by the Israeli Defense Force has ostensibly divided the world into two adversarial camps. Russian liberal media have almost unanimously adopted a pro-Israeli stance, portraying . . . READ MORE . . .