First, links to commentary from Middle East Eye and to a report from the Cradle; other published material is accessible by clicking on their names. (Scroll down for today’s LEBANON, MEDIA, UKRAINE and IRAN so far, and for GAZA 5-19-26.) — MCM

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How Israel’s war has made Hajj an unreachable dream, by Sara Awad | Middle East Eye  While thousands of Muslims prepare to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, Palestinians in Gaza have been deprived yet again of the opportunity to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam, as Israel retains control over the Rafah border. READ MORE . . .

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FROM MAY 19  Israel expands occupation by over 1,000 square km since Oct. 7: report. From the Cradle. The Israeli military has “seized” 1,000 square kilometers of territory across the region since Oct. 7, 2023; the Financial Times wrote in an article released on Tuesday, pointing to Tel Aviv’s “new, more aggressive military doctrine” since the fateful Hamas attack. READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED