The World Health Organization on Tuesday offered reassurances about HMBV, a respiratory infection spreading in China, saying the virus is not new or particularly dangerous.

A WHO spokeswoman said the organization was in contact with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. She said the WHO had been informed that several respiratory infections were circulating in China, as is typical in winter, including “influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and HMBV.”

In early December, Chinese media began reporting on the rise in cases of human papillomavirus (HMPV), raising global health concerns five years after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in China.

But Beijing and the World Health Organization have been trying to calm concerns in recent days.

Margaret Harris, a spokeswoman for the World Health Organization in Geneva, said HMBV attracts a lot of attention because it is not a household name, but was discovered in 2001.

She explained that HMBV is a common virus that spreads in winter and spring.

“The levels of respiratory infections reported in China are within the normal range for the winter season,” Harris added. “Authorities report that hospital use is currently lower than it was at this time last year, and there have been no emergency announcements or responses.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is insisting on continuing the war in the Gaza Strip even after a deal, while Hamas is demanding a complete withdrawal from the Strip in any deal, making negotiations over a potential deal complicated before US President Donald Trump arrives in the White House on January 20.

Hamas leader Osama Hamdan said that the experience of negotiating with Israel “proved that the only solution to restore the rights of the Palestinian people is to engage with the Israeli enemy and force it to retreat.”

Hamdan said in a press conference in Algeria on Tuesday that the occupation was working to disrupt the negotiations at every moment, stressing that the movement's position in the negotiations is clear, and that it is represented by a ceasefire and the withdrawal of the occupation. He added: "Our clear position in the negotiations is a ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation, the exchange of prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza, without Israeli conditions."

Hamdan said Trump was hasty in saying there would be a “heavy price” if the hostages were not released by his inauguration. “He should be more disciplined and diplomatic and work to stop the war instead of threatening,” he said.

Hamdan's comments came as Israel stressed that it would not end the war until Hamas was eliminated and all the hostages were released. Israeli Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamaliel, of the ruling right-wing Likud party, said that there would be no Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip before all the kidnapped soldiers were returned.

Hamas and Israeli officials are holding talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar amid months of intense efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden has called for an effort to reach a deal before he leaves office, and many in the region now view Trump’s inauguration as an unofficial deadline.

But as the deadline approaches, both sides are accusing each other of sticking to conditions that have stymied all previous attempts to reach an agreement over more than a year. On Monday, Israel postponed the trip of Mossad chief David Barnea to Qatar, awaiting answers from Hamas about the fate of the kidnapped soldiers on the list of 34 names that Israel had previously presented to Hamas and which the movement finally agreed to release.

The current disagreements raise concerns that reaching an agreement will be complicated before Trump arrives in the White House, especially with Netanyahu insisting that he will return to war.

Netanyahu refuses to stop the war in the Gaza Strip, and does not have a plan for the day after there. There is controversy in Israel about this. Senior officials in the Israeli security establishment have demanded finding an alternative to Hamas rule even before reaching a deal; because without it, Israel will lose “the gains of the war, and we will not achieve one of the main goals of the war: the collapse of Hamas.”

This view is consistent with the position of senior officials in the Israeli army and the General Security Service (Shin Bet), who believe that despite the near-total destruction of Hamas’s military capabilities, its ability to manage the Strip remains. However, a political source confirmed that Netanyahu will return to war after any deal, and that he does not accept dealing with a fait accompli that keeps Hamas in Gaza, and therefore believes that “the plans for the ‘day after’ in Gaza cannot be implemented until the movement is completely destroyed.” The source went on to stress that “the policy led by the prime minister in Gaza is that in any case, neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority can control Gaza or the distribution of humanitarian aid. Therefore, various alternatives are being examined in this context.”

Netanyahu's insistence on returning to fighting after the deal is one of the obstacles to reaching an agreement, along with the issue of the 34 names, the withdrawal, and the fate of Palestinian prisoners.

In a remarkable development, Natan Eshel, one of Netanyahu's aides, called for an immediate cessation of fighting in Gaza, saying that the continuation of the fighting was "unnecessary" and "brings no hostages or military achievements," and that it "results in heavy losses in the lives of soldiers and wounded."

In private correspondence, excerpts of which were published in Israeli newspapers, Eshel presented an alternative strategy based on a blockade and the monitoring of humanitarian aid, in addition to providing the option of exit for residents who wished to do so. Eshel said: “Whoever does not want to live and does not leave in an organized and disciplined manner will either die by an Israeli soldier’s bullet or die of hunger... This method has proven its effectiveness throughout history.”

Referring to US policy, Eshel claimed that the Biden administration was not interested in reaching a full agreement on Gaza, but in preserving its ability to manipulate Israel. He suggested waiting another two weeks until the Trump administration enters the White House, and then implementing the proposed strategy. According to him, such a move would be “good for Israel and good for the citizens of Gaza who are not participating and who have lives.” Netanyahu and his office did not immediately respond to Eshel’s call.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army continues its operations in the Gaza Strip on almost all fronts, stressing that it will continue until “the elimination of Hamas.” However, a senior Israeli official warned (Tuesday) in an interview with the Ynet website that “Hamas is frustrated by the situation and is looking for achievements elsewhere.” The official said that “Hamas is pushing to carry out attacks against targets outside the country’s borders.” According to him, there is growing concern in Israel about attempts by Hamas and Islamic Jihad to carry out attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets abroad.

The website said that during the long war in the Gaza Strip, many attacks against Israeli targets around the world were thwarted. It added: “Iranian-inspired organizations seek to harm individuals, embassies and other Jewish targets.”

Four children were killed on Tuesday evening in an Israeli occupation forces' bombardment of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.

According to local sources, an Israeli drone bombed a tent housing displaced people west of Khan Yunis, killing four children.

The Israeli occupation continues its aggression on the Gaza Strip, by land, sea and air, since October 7, 2023, which resulted in the death of 45,885 citizens, the majority of whom are women and children, and the injury of 109,196 others, in an incomplete toll, as thousands of victims are still under the rubble and in the streets, and ambulance and rescue crews cannot reach them.

Lebanese army units continued to deploy in the Naqoura border area and towns in the western and central sectors, after the Israeli army withdrew from it, while the Lebanese Prime Minister sent a “clear message” that Israeli violations must stop and that there must be a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The Lebanese Army Command said in a statement: “Army units have begun deploying to position themselves in Ras al-Naqoura, Alma al-Shaab, Tyre Harfa - Tyre, Beit Lif - Bint Jbeil and other towns in the western and central sectors, after the Israeli enemy withdrew from them, while deployment in Naqoura is being completed.” It added: “Specialized units are continuing the engineering survey with the aim of removing unexploded ordnance, opening roads and removing rubble, in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the five-member committee supervising the ceasefire agreement, and in conjunction with a tour of the region by the head of the committee, the American general, and its two members, the French general and the commander of the South Litani sector in the army.”

The army command called on citizens not to approach the area and to adhere to the instructions of the military units until the end of the deployment. On Monday, the southern Lebanese border witnessed important developments represented by the withdrawal of the Israeli army from several areas in the western sector, especially the town of Naqoura, before the end of the ceasefire period set at sixty days.

This step came after a meeting of the five-member committee in Ras al-Naqoura, in the presence of US envoy Amos Hochstein.

"Clear message"

For his part, Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed that he “sent a clear message to the international sponsors of the ceasefire agreement that violations must stop and there must be a complete withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories, and that commitment to implementing 1701 is not only Lebanon’s responsibility but is also binding on the Israeli enemy.”

He added: "We warned against continuing to violate the ceasefire understanding, because it threatens the entire understanding, and I do not think anyone wants to happen." He expressed his hope that "this opening will be a sign of a final and comprehensive cessation of aggression and its repercussions, the completion of the army's deployment throughout the south, and the return of all displaced Lebanese."

Almost complete destruction

For the first time since the outbreak of the Lebanon war, fishermen entered the port of Naqoura accompanied by the Lebanese army, and inspected their boats with the mayor, Abbas Awada. Some boats were seen sunken in the port as a result of their collision with the dock, and some of them were damaged.

Naqoura Mayor Abbas Awada confirmed that “the town of Naqoura is almost completely destroyed.” Awada called on the town’s residents to “wait before returning, awaiting a field inspection for fear of the presence of unexploded ordnance.”

On Monday, the Naqoura Municipality announced that the Lebanese army had begun deploying to its positions inside the town, noting that “to facilitate the passage of army vehicles and their logistical and engineering teams to the town, and in coordination with the army and the relevant official authorities, the residents will be informed of the timing and plan for the return if the necessary serious information is available.” The municipality confirmed that “the safe return will be exclusively with the support of an army force and civil defense teams, after ensuring that there is no potential danger.”

Israeli reminder to the residents of the south

The invitation of the mayor of Naqoura was preceded by a “reminder” from the Israeli army to the residents of southern Lebanon. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said via the “X” platform: “A new reminder to the residents of southern Lebanon that until further notice, you are prohibited from moving south to the village line and its surroundings.”

US Embassy Statement

In addition, the US Embassy announced in a statement that “the Chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism Committee, US General Jasper Jeffers, and French General Guillaume Ponchamp, joined this morning in a visit to the headquarters of the Lebanese Army’s Fifth Brigade in the western sector of southern Lebanon.”

The headquarters is located five kilometers northeast of the town of Naqoura, which is now under the control of the Lebanese Army after the first phase of the Israeli withdrawal was implemented on Monday. The embassy statement noted that “as part of the transition process enabled by the committee, the Lebanese Army immediately deployed its forces to the area to clear roads, remove unauthorized munitions, and provide security for the Lebanese people.” According to the statement, Generals Jeffers and Bonchamp “were briefed on the weapons stockpiles that will be destroyed in the coming days, which the Lebanese Army seized from unauthorized armed groups.”

Jeffers praised the work of the Lebanese army, stressing that "the Lebanese army is the legitimate institution that provides security for Lebanon, and it continues to prove to me and the rest of the committee that it has the ability, the intention, and the leadership to secure and defend Lebanon. It acted decisively, quickly, and with clear expertise."

“Today we saw an example of that with the soldiers of the 5th Brigade,” he added. “The engineering regiment in particular is full of true professionals who remove hundreds of pieces of unexploded ordnance every week and make them safe.”

Settlers attacked citizens' vehicles in the town of Huwara, south of Nablus, on Tuesday evening.

According to local sources, dozens of settlers gathered at Salman al-Farsi roundabout north of the town and attacked citizens' vehicles with stones, causing damage to a number of them.

Families of Israeli prisoners in Gaza demonstrated on Tuesday in front of the Israeli Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv (center), demanding a prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas.

Dozens of Israelis participated in the demonstration.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz said that the demonstration was organized in conjunction with a meeting of the Israeli Security and Political Affairs Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement and the situation in the West Bank.

She explained that the meeting was held at the "Kirya" military base, which includes the ministry's headquarters in the region.

The newspaper pointed out that the demonstrators closed one of the entrances to the base using a large banner bearing the names of the 100 Israeli prisoners in Gaza.

In recent weeks, the families of the Israeli prisoners have stepped up their activities demanding a prisoner exchange agreement and a ceasefire in Gaza.

The opposition and the families of Israeli prisoners accuse Netanyahu of obstructing an agreement to preserve his position, as extremist ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, threaten to leave the government and bring it down if it accepts an end to the genocide in Gaza.

On Friday, the Israeli delegation returned to Doha to resume indirect negotiations with Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

The prisoner exchange negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, have stumbled more than once due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor on the border between Gaza and Egypt, and the Rafah crossing in Gaza, and preventing the return of Palestinian faction fighters to northern Gaza by searching returnees through the Netzarim corridor in the middle of the Strip.

For its part, Hamas insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a complete cessation of war, in order to accept any agreement.

On Tuesday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, through the sponsors of the ceasefire agreement, sent a "clear message" to Israel, including 3 demands.

This came in a statement by Mikati during his patronage of the opening of the "Nuhad Al-Saeed Cultural Wing" at the National Museum in Beirut, at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture and the National Heritage Foundation.

Mikati called on "everyone (in Lebanon) to join hands to extinguish all signs of moving sedition and hateful divisions that we follow daily, and the fate of the Lebanese remains that we live together under one roof."

He added: "Today we commemorate an occasion that was postponed since September 18th due to the (recent) Israeli aggression on Lebanon."

He continued: "We look forward to this opening being a sign of a final and comprehensive cessation of aggression and its repercussions, the completion of the army's deployment throughout the south, and the return of all displaced Lebanese to their homes."

Since November 27, a ceasefire has been in place, ending the exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah that began on October 8, 2023, and then turned into a full-scale war on September 23.

Mikati said: "We sent a clear message to the international sponsors of the ceasefire understanding (the United States and France)."

He explained that the message includes "the necessity of stopping the (Israeli) violations, and a complete withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories, and that the commitment to implementing Resolution 1701 is not only Lebanon's responsibility, but is also binding on the Israeli enemy."

Under the pretext of "confronting threats from Hezbollah," the Israeli army committed 395 violations of the ceasefire until Monday afternoon, leaving 32 dead and 39 wounded, according to a tally by Anadolu Agency based on official Lebanese data.

On August 11, 2006, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1701, which called for a complete cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

He also called for the creation of an area between the "Blue Line" (between Lebanon and Israel) and the Litani River in southern Lebanon, free of any armed men, military equipment and weapons, except those belonging to the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Mikati warned against "continuing to violate the ceasefire understanding (by Israel), because it threatens the entire understanding, which is something I don't think anyone wants to happen."

Under the ceasefire agreement, a five-member committee was formed to monitor its implementation, including Lebanon, Israel, the United States, France and UNIFIL.

The most prominent provisions of the agreement include Israel's gradual withdrawal to the south of the Blue Line (the line marking Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000) within 60 days, and the deployment of Lebanese army and security forces along the border, crossing points, and the southern region.

Under the agreement, the Lebanese army will be the only entity allowed to carry weapons in the south of the country, with the dismantling of infrastructure and military sites, and the confiscation of unauthorized weapons.

President-elect Donald Trump said Monday he is Israel's "best friend" ever and repeated a threat that there would be "hell to pay" if Hamas did not release the hostages by the time he is inaugurated.

Trump made the comments when asked by radio host Hugh Hewitt if he would provide “uninterrupted” military aid to Israel, saying: “I am the best friend Israel has ever had. Look at what happened with all the things I did for Israel, including having Jerusalem as its capital, building the embassy.”

The president-elect, who will take office in less than two weeks, said that anything “big” that has happened to Israel in recent years “has been done through him,” including the normalization deals with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, known as the Abraham Accords.

Trump was then asked what he meant when he said there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released, a threat he first made more than a month ago. “If those hostages are not released by the time I take office (at noon on Jan. 20), there will be hell to pay,” he told Hewitt. “I don’t think I have to get into that anymore.”

In his original threat, Trump appeared to suggest that the United States might take direct action against Hamas. “Those responsible will be hit harder than anyone in the long and storied history of the United States of America,” he wrote on Truth Social on December 1. “Release the hostages now!”

Hardliners in Israel celebrated Trump’s victory and view his next term as an opportunity to annex the West Bank. In a sign that the Trump administration is likely to back such a move, Trump appointed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a strong supporter of settlements and annexation of the occupied West Bank, as U.S. ambassador to Israel.

“I believe that Israel has a title to Judea and Samaria,” Huckabee said during a visit to a West Bank settlement in 2017. “There are certain words I refuse to use. There is no such thing as the West Bank. It is Judea and Samaria. There is no such thing as settlements. They are communities, they are neighborhoods, they are cities. There is no such thing as occupation.”

This evening, Tuesday, four citizens were injured by Israeli occupation bullets during clashes that erupted in Al-Fawar camp, south of Hebron.

According to Red Crescent sources, its crews dealt with four injuries, three of which were in the foot and one in the back, and were described as stable.

Local sources indicated that the occupation forces stormed the center of the camp, which led to the outbreak of clashes between the occupation forces and citizens, during which live bullets, toxic gas bombs and sound bombs were fired.

Today, Tuesday, the Israeli occupation forces arrested a citizen and his son from Tamoun, south of Tubas.

The director of the Prisoners Club in Tubas, Kamal Bani Odeh, reported that the occupation forces arrested citizen Muhammad Basharat and his son Moamen from Tamoun after raiding his home in the town.

Today, Tuesday, the Israeli occupation forces arrested a number of workers from occupied Jerusalem.

Eyewitnesses said that the occupation forces arrested a number of workers from the towns of Beit Hanina, north of Jerusalem, and Al-Issawiya, northeast of the governorate, and assaulted citizens.

With a unique and complex surgery amidst poor health conditions, an Iraqi surgeon succeeded in renewing joy in the heart of the child Maryam Sabah (9 years old) in the middle of the Gaza Strip, by reattaching her amputated hand, which was found with difficulty from under the rubble 3 days after a violent Israeli bombardment.

God’s grace, which preserved the amputated hand under the rubble, enabled the Iraqi doctor, consultant peripheral nerve surgeon, Mohammed Al-Tahir, from the “Fajr Scientific” Foundation, to reattach it in a unique and complex surgery that lasted hours despite the weak medical capabilities in the sector.

Al-Taher said in a video recording that he arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip with many injuries as a result of a series of raids launched by Israeli occupation aircraft on the area.

The Iraqi surgeon added that during his inspection of the reception and emergency department, he found a 9-year-old girl whose hand had been amputated and who had suffered a severe stomach injury. He quickly asked her father about the location of the limb (the amputated hand), and the father told him that it remained under the rubble.

"I asked them, 'Can you bring me the limb?'" Taher continued, adding that the father "was surprised and said, 'We'll try.'"

After a while, the girl's family was able to bring the amputated limb, where the Iraqi surgeon performed an autopsy and found that it could be reattached.

The surgeon said: “The weather was freezing, the hand was cold, and when I dissected it, I found it ready to be reattached.”

Despite the success of the operation, which took hours, there are concerns that the limb may become infected, especially given that it was contaminated with chemicals as a result of the missile explosion, according to what the surgeon indicated.

During the previous days, the Gaza Strip witnessed intensive Israeli raids on various areas, which resulted in massacres that claimed the lives of dozens of martyrs and wounded.

These raids coincided with extremely cold weather, frost waves and heavy rains that hit the Strip, causing the death of a number of citizens, especially children, and the drowning and drifting of hundreds of displaced people’s tents.

The same sources indicated that the Iraqi surgeon Taher worked for 5 months during the genocidal war committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip without "tiring or getting bored" to save the wounded.

She continued: "He concluded his operations with a special operation during which he brought a girl's hand back to life after it was amputated due to the occupation's bombing of her home."

The Iraqi surgeon said that he "witnessed many difficult cases during his work in the northern Gaza Strip, which could have been saved, but lost their lives either due to a shortage of specialized medical staff, or treatment and medical supplies."

Al-Tahir pointed out that the remaining health facilities in northern Gaza "lack the minimum surgical tools and supplies."

He called on medical cadres with various surgical specialties around the world to come to the sector, in order to save the lives of the wounded.

He also called on international and UN institutions to work on bringing in medical supplies to save the wounded.

The official spokesman for the presidency, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said that the publication of maps of the region by official accounts affiliated with the occupation authorities, including Palestinian and Arab lands, and the publication of racist statements calling for the annexation of the West Bank and the establishment of settlements in the Gaza Strip, are condemned and rejected calls, and constitute a flagrant violation of all international legitimacy resolutions and international law.

Abu Rudeineh added that these extremist Israeli policies are what ignited the region and led to the wars we are currently witnessing. Therefore, the priority now is an immediate ceasefire in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2735, the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and the State of Palestine assuming its full responsibilities in the Strip, as a prelude to implementing international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative to achieve peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

He called on the next US administration to work to stop all Israeli policies, actions and procedures that do not serve security and peace in the region.

The official spokesman for the presidency pointed out that these provocations carried out by the occupation authorities, which are accompanied by settler attacks in the West Bank, the ongoing incursions into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the ongoing incitement against the Palestinian people and their leadership, require an urgent international stance to stop the war, destruction, and killing that the Palestinian people are being subjected to, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of our people.

Today, Tuesday, the Israeli occupation forces arrested four brothers after raiding their family home in the town of Tamoun, south of Tubas.

The director of the Prisoners Club in Tubas, Kamal Bani Odeh, said that the occupation forces arrested the brothers: Mujahid, Iyad, Zakaria, and Ahmed Abdel Rahman Bani Odeh, after raiding and searching their family home in the town.

He added that the occupation forces raided a number of homes and caused damage to them.

Since midnight last night, the town of Tamoun and the Far'a camp have been witnessing aggression by the occupation forces, which led to the martyrdom of two young men and the injury of five others in Tamoun, and the destruction of the infrastructure in the camp.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that the Israeli occupation committed 3 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 31 dead and 57 injuries arriving at hospitals during the past 24 hours.

The ministry confirmed that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 45,885 dead and 109,196 injuries since October 7, 2023.

It pointed out that there are still a number of victims under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them.

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip warned, on Tuesday, of a real disaster that is threatening hospitals, oxygen stations, medicine refrigerators, and nurseries in all health facilities that remain operational in the Gaza Strip.

The ministry said in a statement, "There is no fuel stock in hospitals due to the dripping policy followed by the occupation in bringing in fuel since the beginning of the war on Gaza."

She stressed that the occupation forces aid convoys, including fuel trucks, to take roads full of thieves and bandits to steal them under its protection, noting that yesterday the last shipment of fuel was stolen while it was on its way to hospitals through international organizations.

The Ministry called on all concerned international and humanitarian institutions to urgently intervene to provide and secure fuel to operate generators in hospitals and health centers in the Gaza Strip.

This morning, Tuesday, Israeli occupation authorities' vehicles demolished the tents of the residents of the unrecognized village of Al-Araqib, which is threatened with uprooting and displacement in the Negev region in the occupied interior.

This is the 234th consecutive time since it was first demolished on July 27, 2010, under the protection of police forces and their affiliated units.

This is the first time in the new year 2025 that the Israeli authorities have demolished the tents and modest homes that house the people of Al-Araqib, after demolishing them 11 times in 2023, 15 times in 2022, and 14 times in 2021, in its repeated attempts to push the villagers into frustration and despair and displace them from their lands.

The Israeli government and settler leaders exploited the shooting that took place yesterday afternoon in the village of Al-Funduq, east of Qalqilya Governorate, which led to the killing of two settlers and a policeman, to spread the poison of hatred and incitement against innocent citizens in the West Bank, in order to wage a war of extermination against them, as is the case in the Gaza Strip.

The armed operation was a national response to what Israel and its army were doing to execute and annihilate Gaza, in a criminal war unprecedented in history, with its violent seismic repercussions, which left tens of thousands of martyrs, wounded, disabled, injured, bereaved, oppressed, displaced, refugees, detainees, and those deprived of water, medicine, food, and electricity, and those who are helpless in the face of the stinging cold that has claimed the lives of eighteen citizens so far, and those who cannot sleep for a single moment, under a roof whose sky is the roar of noisy planes and incendiary shells, whose land is deadly cannons, and whose sea is deadly salvos.

The operation was an embodiment of the meaning of the feeling of national unity and brotherhood, in light of the ongoing massacres against the citizens of Gaza, and the successive and frenzied attacks against the citizens of the West Bank, in order to draw the attention of the world and its silent bodies to the necessity of moving urgently to stop the war of extermination, so that Israel would be deterred and retreat from its arrogance, pride and vanity.

The statements of Israeli officials and ministers were not surprising. In every operation that came in response to the violations of the occupation, they would appear from the windows of threat to impose more punitive measures against the Palestinians. However, the new statements made by the extremist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, that the village of Al-Funduq and the cities of Nablus and Jenin must become as Jabalia currently appears, are very dangerous statements, because they represent an explicit call to expand the war of extermination in Gaza and the operations of ethnic cleansing and forced displacement in the northern Gaza Strip, to include the cities, camps and villages of the West Bank. All of this comes within the framework of numerous Israeli plans to tighten control and impose sovereignty over the West Bank in order to deport and displace its people, under the influence of weapons and by giving settlers free rein to carry out acts of sabotage, burning and looting of Palestinian property and attacking unarmed civilian citizens.

Netanyahu responded to Smotrich’s call to convene the Israeli security cabinet today to combat what they claim is West Bank terrorism and to develop a plan to combat it. This was indicated by the Chief of Staff of the Army Herzi Halevi and the Minister of Defense himself, Yisrael Katz, who allowed the army commanders in the so-called Central District to apply the harshest punishment against the Palestinians, including closing cities, villages and camps and preventing movement, in response to repeated calls from the so-called extremist Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and imposing a military cordon on Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya and the villages and camps affiliated with them.

The statements of Israeli officials and the calls of settlers to demonstrate and storm Palestinian villages are considered a declaration of a large-scale war on the citizens of the West Bank, and require urgent intervention and action from the United Nations and its bodies to stop this racist campaign of incitement against the Palestinians in the West Bank, end the war of extermination in the Gaza Strip, and hold the criminals and their practices accountable, which repeatedly violate international laws and treaties.

In a world filled with injustice, we often find ourselves watching what happens, without doing anything, or in some cases justifying gross injustice, in defense of the oppressors. From bleeding Palestine to the victims of oppression in other parts of the world, the question remains urgent: Is silence about injustice deliberate complicity, or is it the result of systematic brainwashing that makes injustice acceptable and even justified?

Brainwashing: Reshaping Consciousness

Brainwashing is not just a passing idea in psychology, but rather a systematic process that aims to reshape the consciousness of individuals so that their beliefs are in line with the interests of certain powers. This term first appeared in the 1950s by psychologist Edward Hunter, when he observed the methods used by oppressive regimes to impose their dominance over minds. The process is not superficial; rather, it involves several steps that begin with intellectual isolation, where individuals are denied access to free and independent information, thus reinforcing only one point of view.

Then comes the intellectual repression and the prevention of critical thinking, where a repetitive discourse is spread that portrays submission as a virtue. By repeating propaganda messages and repeating lies until they become indisputable “facts,” the silent victim becomes an indirect partner in his own repression.

Silence in the face of injustice is not merely the absence of expression; it represents a complex psychological state in which feelings of fear, denial, and adaptation to painful reality intertwine. Cognitive distortion is one of the most prominent psychological phenomena that occurs when individuals justify the actions of oppressors. Here, the oppressor becomes the protector of security, while the victim is blamed for his or her suffering.

When injustice persists for long periods, people begin to engage in defense mechanisms such as denial or normalization of the painful reality. The person begins to accept the status quo as inevitable. Collective fear also plays a crucial role, as fears of expressing dissent increase, and the vicious cycle of silence and submission continues.

Psychological alienation is represented by the feeling of helplessness in the face of an oppressive authority, which leads to the loss of the ability to resist, and submission becomes the only option.

If we look at history, we find many examples of how colonial and oppressive powers have used brainwashing to ensure the continuation of their oppression.

In the New World, psychological and religious methods were used to justify slavery, where slaves were misled into believing that they were less human and that their submission was divinely willed. Through religious indoctrination and forced abandonment of their cultures and names, a distorted consciousness was built about slavery to the white Christian master, its significance, and its relationship to religion.

In Algeria during the French colonization, France sought to instill a sense of inferiority in Algerians through radical changes in educational curricula that portrayed France as a civilized nation, while Algerians were considered backward and primitive. In addition, France imposed laws such as “Indigene” that turned Algerians into second-class subjects.

In Palestine, the global media machine has been used to brainwash Palestinians by portraying them as terrorists and creating justifications for the Israeli occupation under the banner of the Promised Land and the Chosen People. This propaganda seeps into the collective consciousness of the world, making many sympathize with the oppressors and ignore the suffering of the victims.

One of the most egregious examples of global silence on injustice is what is happening in Gaza now. Although information about what is happening is available, televised and documented by all Western governments, most of these governments, and even many international institutions, have chosen to remain silent or ignore these atrocities. Despite having accurate information about the mass killing and torture of the people of Gaza, the world’s response has been slow and limited. World powers have failed to act quickly and effectively to stop it, which shows a painful aspect of global complicity and willful ignorance.

The world between silence and collusion

Silence about injustices in the world is often the result of intense and systematic brainwashing. Injustice is sometimes justified under false slogans such as “peace” and “development.” Directed media, biased educational curricula, and false political discourses contribute greatly to this distorted perception of reality. But complicity is not just silence; it is a conscious attitude that reflects the fear of losing personal privileges or interests.

Sultans’ scholars play a major role in strengthening oppressive regimes by giving religious or moral cover to unjust actions. These scholars work to instill the idea that submission to oppression is inevitable, and that resisting it is disobedience to God. They contribute to the perpetuation of people’s suffering by exploiting religion to serve the interests of tyrannical regimes.

To combat this phenomenon, we must first understand why people remain silent. Is it a complete ignorance of the truth, or the influence of media disinformation? Is it a fear of punishment or repression? Or is it simply an internal acceptance that change is impossible?

Therefore, we must work on education and culture to promote critical thinking and uncover the truth. We must dismantle these lies that are being spread globally. It is also necessary to expose the complicity that protects the interests of oppressive powers, while shedding light on the hidden interests behind international positions that remain silent about injustice. Finally, we must reconsider the role of religion, by restoring its essence that calls for the support of the oppressed, instead of allowing it to be used as a tool to justify injustice.

Silence in the face of injustice is not just the absence of expression; it is a complex psychological state, where fear overlaps with denial, and submission with loss of hope. This silence distorts human consciousness, and pushes the person to become part of the machine of injustice, rather than being an active agent of change.

To remain silent about injustice is to become alienated from the human self. It is a true test of consciousness: either we break this vicious cycle of fear and inertia, or we sink into negativity and become part of the oppressive force that perpetuates injustice.

Silence may provide temporary relief, but it becomes a burden that weighs down the soul. Resistance, on the other hand, is the soul’s battle with its fear, but it is also the first step to true liberation.

US Senator Bernie Sanders called on Washington to stop arms and ammunition sales to Israel, in light of the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which is being subjected to a genocidal war.

“The United States should not be sending more bombs to the extremist Netanyahu government, which has already killed 45,000 people; destroyed Gaza’s housing, health care, and education systems; and caused famine by blocking humanitarian aid,” Sanders said in a post on Twitter on Monday.

He stressed that he would do everything in his power to prevent US arms sales to Israel.

In parallel with Washington's unconditional support for the genocide in Gaza, US officials informally informed Congress on January 4 of a proposed $8 billion arms deal for Israel, including warplanes and artillery ammunition.

The proposed deal, which requires congressional approval, includes critical defense equipment and munitions such as drones, 155mm artillery shells, small-sized bombs, 500kg warheads, bomb detonators, as well as air defenses such as AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles.

With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving about 155,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 11,000 missing, amid massive destruction and famine that killed dozens of children and the elderly, in one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.

Israel continues its massacres, ignoring two arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court on November 21 against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinians.

Chinese authorities announced that 53 people were killed and 62 others were injured in the earthquake that struck the Tibet region at dawn on Tuesday, in a toll that remains preliminary so far.

According to the Chinese news agency "Xinhua", the authorities said that the earthquake, which measured 6.8 on the Richter scale, shook the northern slopes of the Himalayas in the Tibet region, and caused human losses and shook buildings in Nepal, Bhutan and neighboring India.

For its part, the US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale.

The China Earthquake Networks Center said the quake's epicenter was at a depth of 10 km (6 miles) in Tingri, a rural Chinese county known as the northern gateway to the Everest region.

Xinhua said local government officials are contacting nearby towns to assess the impact of the quake and verify losses.

Southwestern parts of China, Nepal and northern India are subject to frequent earthquakes caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Today, Tuesday, the Israeli occupation forces launched an arrest campaign in the West Bank.

In Nablus, an occupation army force stormed several neighborhoods of the city at dawn today, raided two houses in the two electricity neighborhoods west of the city, searched them and wreaked havoc before arresting the two young men, Wajdi al-Qaddoumi and Saeed al-Qutb.

In Ramallah, extensive raids and searches were carried out, and three citizens were arrested, including a female university student.

The raids, according to security and local sources, included Jabal al-Tawil, Saht Marhaba, the al-Bireh industrial zone, al-Masyoun neighborhood, Ramallah al-Tahta, and al-Tira.

The Israeli raids and incursions also included the town of Beitunia, west of Ramallah, the Jalazone and Amari camps, and the villages of Deir Qadis and Barqa.

Local sources reported that the occupation forces arrested Birzeit University student Ruba Firas, after raiding her family's home in the village of Deir Qadis, west of Ramallah.

The sources added that the occupation forces stormed the village of Barqa, east of the governorate, and arrested the two young men, Muhammad Faris Nawabit and Haroun Hijazi Mu'tan, and investigated others in the field.

In Salfit, the occupation forces stormed the village of Marda and raided a number of homes, searched them and vandalized their contents. The owners were identified as: Muhammad Mahmoud Suleiman, Osama Muhammad Taher Suleiman, Rasmi Samih Khafash, Bahjat Khafash, and Ahmad Hosni, before arresting the young man Qutaiba Rasmi Khafash (33 years old).

While the freed prisoner Firas Qadri and the citizen Imad Qablawi Al-Hawari were arrested.

The occupation forces continued to close the two main entrances to the village, and also closed all dirt and side roads around the village.

In Qalqilya, the occupation forces stormed the town of Azzun from its main northern entrance, and arrested: Saeed Radwan and his two sons, Ansar and Tamer, Jamal Adwan, and Ahmed Shabita, after raiding and searching their homes.

In Hebron, the occupation forces arrested two citizens from Beit Ula after raiding a number of neighborhoods in the town, without being able to identify them.

The occupation forces also stormed the city of Hebron, and reinforced their presence at Ibn Rushd roundabout, and a number of streets and neighborhoods in the center of the city.

In Tubas, Red Crescent sources indicated that their crews dealt with the injury of two citizens after the occupation soldiers beat them in the town of Tamoun, and they were transferred to the hospital.

Three citizens were killed this morning, Tuesday, one of them in Israeli occupation forces' shelling and the other by live bullets in Tubas and Nablus.

In Tubas, security sources reported that a young man (whose identity is unknown) was killed as a result of targeting a group of young men’s march, and the occupation kidnapped his body, bringing the number of martyrs in the town to two.

Meanwhile, Red Crescent sources reported that its crews transferred a person in critical condition from the bombing site to the hospital, while local sources from the town confirmed the death of the young man, Suleiman Mustafa Qteishat, as a result of the bombing.

In Nablus, security sources reported that a special Israeli force, "Musta'ribeen", infiltrated Al-Badhan at dawn and opened fire on the citizen Jaafar Ahmed Dababseh (40 years old), while he was in front of his house, which led to his serious injury, and then his death was announced.

The Israeli occupation forces continue their aggression on the Gaza Strip, leaving more victims, most of whom are children and women.

Local sources reported that two citizens were killed and others were injured when the occupation aircraft bombed the house of the Al-Ubaid family near the Ain Jalut Towers, south of Al-Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip.

It added that four citizens were martyred after the occupation aircraft targeted the house of the Sahweil family on Hamid Street in the Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza Governorate.

It pointed out that a number of citizens were injured as a result of the occupation aircraft bombing a displaced persons' tent belonging to the Ismail family near the entrance to Al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.

The occupation forces have continued their aggression by land, sea and air on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of 45,854 citizens, most of whom are women and children, and the injury of 109,139 others, while thousands of victims are still trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.

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Support is absent from Gaza at the moment when they need it most, as people die individually and collectively, morning and evening, from murder, hunger and freezing cold in the streets and roads, in homes and tents, in hospitals, and among the lines of the hungry in front of what remains of the charitable hospices.

But the sun of “support,” with its false warmth, did not set for a moment on the chatterboxes searching for roles and tasks, amidst the rubble of buildings, and the wreckage of schools, universities, and hospitals.

The "talk of slander" is back in circulation again about forming support committees, and others for reconstruction and removing rubble, while the occupiers continue to impose harsh facts with brute force; they kill, destroy, starve, burn, blow up, and arrest, without anyone moving to stop the massacre, or providing what would keep the victim alive.

Representatives of the Authority and Hamas arrived in Cairo yesterday to discuss the roles, tasks, personalities, references, salaries and budgets of the Support Committee. These are tasks that successive governments have always undertaken before and after the division.

People do not need a support committee whose roles are undertaken by municipalities and service committees in the camps. People need a single, unified government that assumes tasks and responsibilities under the umbrella of authority, representing all colors of the national spectrum, without quotas, disputes, outbidding, or political intrigues, born from years of loss and hostility that led us to the catastrophes that befell us.

People need support today, not the “next day,” which only God knows when it will be.

How many wise decisions have lost their effectiveness, due to the early or late date of their adoption?! There is something in politics called the "historical moment". Yesterday was early, tomorrow is late.

Stop the genocide now...!

Dr. Hassan Ayoub: The leadership’s communication with the Trump administration is important, but within a clear position that rejects attempts to impose solutions such as the “Deal of the Century”

Khalil Shaheen: The Palestinian issue will remain on the margins of Trump’s priorities, and his policy may be an extension of the Deal of the Century

Dr. Hussein Al-Deek: The Palestinian cause will face serious challenges under the second Trump administration and its support for annexation

Dr. Dalal Erekat: Trump’s vision may aim to establish a Palestinian entity that is consistent with Israel’s economic and security interests

Dr. Jamal Harfoush: Trump’s orientations may bring about changes in the balance of power in the region and put the Palestinians in front of fateful challenges

As US President-elect Donald Trump's second term approaches, radical changes are looming on the horizon at the regional and international levels, as his expected policies have serious repercussions on the Palestinian cause.

In separate interviews with “I”, writers, political analysts, specialists and university professors indicate that the features of Trump’s foreign policy are based on the influence of multiple circles of influence, most notably the growing influence of Christian Zionism within his administration, the regional adaptation of Arab countries to his policies, and his approach to imposing “peace by force.”

They point out that these policies could lead to the legitimization of the Israeli annexation of large parts of the West Bank, and reinforce the geographical and political separation between Gaza and the West Bank, which threatens to liquidate Palestinian rights.

On the Palestinian side, writers, analysts, specialists and university professors stress the need to confront these challenges through strategic steps that begin with unifying the national ranks and investing in international and legal platforms to establish Palestinian rights. They also stress the importance of building strong relations with global powers that support Palestinian rights and pressuring Arab countries to assume their responsibilities away from narrow interests.

President Trump's policies are shaped by three main circles

The writer, political analyst and specialist in American affairs, Dr. Hassan Ayoub, believes that the features of the policies of President-elect Donald Trump are shaped according to three main circles that will determine his positions towards the Palestinian issue and the region in general.

Ayoub explains that the first circle of influence by Trump’s policies is “Christian Zionism” and its influence on the Trump administration, as the unprecedented growth of its influence, whether through prominent figures who hold this ideology or its control over both houses of Congress, will make the Trump administration an administration that supports Israel in an unprecedented way. This support will extend to include strengthening the occupation’s policies, including the legitimization of annexation and the expansion of settlements, and imposing new facts that greatly threaten the two-state solution, which deepens the gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and eliminates any hope of achieving peace.

The second circle of influence on Trump’s policies, according to Ayoub, is regional trends and the adaptation of Arab countries, as the countries of the region, especially the Gulf states and Egypt, have abandoned the idea of confronting Washington’s policies, and have instead moved to adapt to them.

Ayoub points out that these countries seek to please the Palestinians with useless formal measures, such as verbally supporting the two-state solution, while opening the door to normalization with Israel wide open.

Ayoub highlights the danger of these policies, which include an implicit acceptance of the annexation of the West Bank and the separation of the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian territories.

Ayoub points to the third circle, which controls Trump’s approach and his administration’s tendency toward what is known as “peace of power,” which exploits regional data to impose a political settlement based on the minimum of Palestinian rights.

Ayoub believes that the US administration, led by Trump, is seeking to implement the “self-rule enclaves” model, whereby Palestinians are confined to isolated areas without any sovereign rights, while promoting the idea of a “Gaza State” as part of this plan. This model will perpetuate the geographical and political separation between Gaza and the West Bank.

Ayoub stresses that the only way to confront this difficult stage is to build a unified Palestinian position, which seems unattainable in light of the ongoing political division.

Ayoub believes that the Palestinian leadership, represented by the PLO, must take practical steps that include launching an integrated project for popular, diplomatic and legal work, which mobilizes the public energies internally and internationally to confront American and Israeli policies.

Ayoub stresses the need to publicly embarrass some Arab regimes and push them to assume their responsibilities towards Palestinian rights, and not to be satisfied with slogans and refusing to pressure the Palestinian Authority to accept unfair settlements.

He points to the importance of enhancing recourse to international forums by accelerating steps in the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to confront the occupation's policies.

Ayoub believes that the Palestinian leadership's communication with the new US administration led by Trump is important, but within a clear and explicit Palestinian position that rejects any attempts to impose solutions similar to the "Deal of the Century."

Ayoub warns of the danger of adapting to the Trump administration and handing over pre-accredited papers at the expense of Palestinian rights, believing that the waiting position that the Palestinian leadership is currently experiencing is the most dangerous, because it gives the occupation and the American administration an opportunity to establish new facts.

Ayoub stresses that steadfastness in rejecting unfair projects, such as the “Deal of the Century,” remains the best option, warning that any new concession could lead to greater losses in the long run.

The Middle East is undergoing geopolitical transformations that are taking shape.

Writer and political analyst Khalil Shaheen believes that the second term of US President-elect Donald Trump may carry a continuation of some of the policies of his first term, but it will be conditional on regional geopolitical changes, especially in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, in addition to relations with China and Iran.

According to Shaheen, the Middle East is undergoing geopolitical transformations that are taking shape, as a result of regional wars, especially the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the Israeli intervention in southern Syria, and attempts to weaken Hezbollah in Lebanon. These changes will cast a shadow over the priorities of the Trump administration, as Israel will be the primary beneficiary of these changes, as it seeks to enhance its geopolitical and economic gains through coordination with the US administration.

Shaheen believes that Trump will prioritize domestic issues, such as strengthening the American economy and deporting immigrants. Externally, his policy will focus on confronting China, by escalating the economic war and imposing harsh tariffs on Chinese products. Trump will also try to reduce the role of NATO, demanding that European countries bear a greater share of financial and military obligations, which could weaken the European Union.

Shaheen believes that the Palestinian issue will remain on the margins of Trump's priorities, as his policy may be an extension of the Deal of the Century launched by his first administration, but with minor modifications that take into account the new facts at best, without resolving the Palestinian issue from a political standpoint.

According to Shaheen, Trump will focus on promoting normalization between Israel and Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, on economic grounds rather than political solutions.

It is believed that the Trump administration will seek to continue Israeli military operations in Gaza, in line with Netanyahu's interests, in parallel with establishing a fait accompli in the West Bank, including expanding settlements and reducing Palestinian sovereignty, while strengthening Israeli sovereignty.

According to Shaheen, the Trump administration may support Israeli projects in the northern Gaza Strip and annex the area to the occupying state.

Meanwhile, Shaheen believes that Trump's strategy to confront China economically intersects with Israel's plans to continue its military control over parts of the Gaza Strip, especially northern Gaza, which is being subjected to displacement and total destruction, and may in the future be one of the corridors of the Indian road project to the Mediterranean Sea, and the main goal is to block the Chinese "Belt and Road" project, and to ensure Israeli and American hegemony over regional projects.

Shaheen stresses that the Palestinians need a unified national strategy to confront these challenges, stressing the need to achieve Palestinian national unity and end the political division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and implement what was agreed upon in the recent Beijing Agreement, including forming a national consensus government and reviving the PLO.

Shaheen stresses the need to reject separatist ideas by confronting any proposals to form an administrative committee in Gaza separate from the Palestinian Authority, because they may perpetuate separation and serve American and Israeli plans.

Shaheen stresses the need to adopt policies that protect the Palestinians and support them in the face of settlement and aggression, as well as working with Arab countries to reject normalization without a just political solution, strengthening relations with countries that oppose American hegemony, such as China and Russia, and working to prevent the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.

Internal obstacles may affect Trump's smooth entry into the White House

The writer and political analyst specializing in American affairs, Dr. Hussein Al-Deek, believes that the second term of US President Donald Trump, which will begin in two weeks, will witness major political transformations on the domestic and foreign levels, with direct effects on the Palestinian issue.

Al-Deek points out that there are internal American obstacles that may affect Trump’s smooth entry into the White House, most notably the anticipation of the New York court issuing a ruling against Trump on the tenth of this month, despite the fact that the ruling is not expected to include any type of arrest or detention against Trump.

Al-Deek points out that Mike Johnson, Trump’s nominee for Speaker of the House, faced great difficulties in obtaining the support of Republican representatives, despite the party’s majority in the House, and Trump’s personal intervention to convince representatives, which led to a re-vote and the election of Johnson, which reflects the possibility of internal opposition within the Republican Party, which may lead to complicating Trump’s relationship with Congress, especially in light of the accusations directed at Johnson of excessive flexibility with the Democrats.

According to Al-Deek, despite the Republicans’ control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, passing major bills, such as the budget, requires consensus between the two parties. Passing the budget requires, specifically, 60 votes in the Senate, which is not available to either party, which may impose temporary political agreements.

On the other hand, Al-Deek believes that Trump will focus in his second term on economic issues and international strategy, while continuing his confrontational approach.

Al-Deek refers to Trump's threat to impose customs duties on Canada and the European Union, and his controversial statements about the possibility of annexing Canada as a US state or purchasing the island of Greenland from Denmark.

Al-Deek notes that Trump will continue to try to end the war in Ukraine in ways that reduce US commitments, while focusing on containing China amid rising tensions over Taiwan and the ongoing trade war.

In the Middle East, Al-Deek explains that Trump's second term will witness unprecedented support for Israel, while regional conflicts continue to be fueled.

He stresses that the Palestinian cause will face serious challenges under the second Trump administration, as the Trump administration is expected to support the plan to annex Area C, which constitutes 60% of the West Bank, to Israel, in implementation of pledges made by Trump to Jewish donors in his election campaign.

According to Al-Deek, the Trump administration will work to obstruct Palestinian moves at the United Nations and international courts, and is expected to exert pressure on the International Criminal Court to halt investigations into Israeli war crimes, including attempts to withdraw arrest warrants issued against Netanyahu and Israeli officials.

As for the aggression on the Gaza Strip, Al-Deek explains that the Trump administration will continue its absolute support for Israeli policies in Gaza, including military operations aimed at destroying Hamas’s military capabilities and ensuring continued Israeli control. Trump may push for a temporary truce during which Israeli and American prisoners will be released.

Meanwhile, Al-Deek points out that the Palestinians need comprehensive strategic steps to confront the upcoming challenges, calling for rebuilding the institutions of the Palestine Liberation Organization through new elections that include the Palestinian National Council, with the participation of Palestinians at home and abroad.

Al-Deek proposes declaring Palestine a state under occupation, which would hold the United Nations responsible for administering the occupied territories and increase international pressure on Israel.

Al-Deek points out that the PLO can adopt an international administration model similar to East Timor, whereby the United Nations will administer the Palestinian territories until the end of the occupation.

Al-Deek stresses the need to end the Palestinian division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and to form a national unity government that represents all Palestinian factions.

Al-Deek stresses the importance of strengthening relations with friendly countries and pressuring the international community to confront American and Israeli policies seeking to liquidate the Palestinian cause.

Dr. Dalal Araikat, Professor of Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at the Arab American University, confirms that changes in US administrations directly affect US foreign policy, especially with regard to the Palestinian issue.

Erekat explains that these changes are not driven by the realization of Palestinian rights, but rather by the aim of supporting Israel without conditions, which was evident in previous administrations, especially the previous administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Erekat points out that Trump's entry into the White House represented the adoption of a more rigid approach in supporting Israel, with a clear tendency to ignore international laws.

She explains that this approach could lead to a more obvious bias towards Israel, and undermine any attempts to revive the traditional peace process.

Erekat points out that the Palestinians may face more political and economic pressure under the Trump administration, which is focused on imposing unbalanced solutions that aim to achieve purely Israeli gains at the expense of Palestinian rights.

Erekat believes that Trump is seeking to achieve specific goals in the region, including reaching an agreement in Gaza aimed at releasing Israeli prisoners held by Hamas.

Erekat points out that this scenario may have a positive side for the Palestinians, represented in stopping the bloodshed in Gaza and allowing humanitarian aid to enter, but in return it keeps dealing with the Palestinian issue within an economic, security and humanitarian framework, far from just political solutions.

Erekat warns that Trump, after recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and imposing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, may abolish the term “West Bank” and adopt the language of the extreme right by using the term “Judea and Samaria.”

Erekat points out that this trend may translate practically into support for the Israeli annexation policy, even if Trump does not explicitly announce it.

Erekat asserts that the Trump administration may continue to undermine any international efforts to support the Palestinian cause, including Saudi and French initiatives, by marketing “deals” based on an economic vision and new borders, without regard to political rights or UN resolutions.

Erekat points out that the likely scenario may include deepening the internal Palestinian division, as the Trump administration may exploit this division to weaken the Palestinian position in any future negotiations. The Trump administration may also work to promote a scenario of complete political separation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, through a deal that includes a ceasefire and the release of Israeli prisoners.

Erekat believes that Trump may pressure the international community, especially European countries and international organizations, to end their support for the Palestinians.

Erekat points out that this pressure may aim to close major files, such as the refugee issue, and end the role of UNRWA, with the aim of relieving Israel of its historical responsibilities towards these issues.

Erekat pointed out that Trump seeks to achieve his dream of being known as the "peacemaker" in the region, by concluding economic deals aimed at improving political relations in the Middle East.

Erekat stresses that these deals may completely deviate from the concept of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, which is the solution adopted by the Palestine Liberation Organization based on international legitimacy.

Erekat believes that Trump's vision may aim to create a Palestinian entity that is consistent with Israel's economic and security interests, without providing the Palestinians with their political rights or achieving human justice.

Erekat stresses the need for the Palestinians to prepare proactively to deal with Trump’s approach, suggesting that President Mahmoud Abbas form a Palestinian team that includes figures who enjoy broad popular and organizational acceptance, with the aim of communicating with the Trump administration and the Gulf states.

Erekat explains that this team must be efficient, knowledgeable, and able to negotiate pragmatically, while adhering to a clear political reference based on national rights.

Erekat calls for adopting a multilateral diplomatic strategy to strengthen relations with influential countries in the international arena, such as the European Union, China, and Russia.

Erekat stresses the importance of investing in the international media to present the Palestinian narrative in an open and realistic language, highlighting human justice and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Erekat stressed that intensifying media efforts using modern tools represents an effective means of confronting American policies biased towards Israel, stressing that the current situation requires the Palestinians to overcome internal divisions and work to build a unified front capable of facing challenges.

She points out that achieving this goal requires a comprehensive national vision based on democratic partnership and effective communication with the international community to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause in the face of attempts at marginalization and exclusion imposed by the Trump administration and its policies.

Dr. Jamal Harfoush: Trump’s biased tendencies towards Israel may cause radical changes in the balance of power in the region and put the Palestinians in front of fateful challenges

Professor Dr. Jamal Harfoush, Professor of Scientific Research Methods and Political Studies at the University of the Academic Research Center in Brazil, believes that Trump’s orientations, known for their bias towards Israel, may bring about radical changes in the balance of power in the region and put the Palestinians before fateful challenges.

Harfoush explains that Trump, who is known for his close relations with influential Jewish circles in the United States, adopts a pragmatic approach that combines achieving his personal interests with serving the agendas of his main allies, most notably Israel.

Harfoush believes that Trump may push policies that strengthen Israel's expansionist positions at the expense of Palestinian rights, which portends dangerous shifts in the regional scene.

Harfoush points out that Trump may work to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a move that would deal a devastating blow to Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem and undermine any hope for a two-state solution.

According to Harfoush, Trump may support settlement expansion by giving Israel the green light to accelerate settlement construction, which deepens the occupation and threatens the possibility of establishing a geographically contiguous Palestinian state.

He points out that Trump may seek to reduce international support for the Palestinians by disrupting the role of international institutions, such as UNRWA, tightening the financial and diplomatic noose on the Palestinians, or imposing the “deal of the century” that ignores basic Palestinian rights and focuses on superficial economic solutions that serve Israeli interests without achieving justice for the Palestinian people.

Harfoush believes that the Trump presidency may witness an escalation in other issues related to the Middle East, such as trade and political relations with China and Iran, which may lead to indirect effects on the regional situation. In addition, the Trump administration may adopt domestic policies that promote economic nationalism and populism, which may rearrange the United States’ foreign priorities in a way that serves its own interests at the expense of human rights issues and world peace.

Harfoush asserts that these trends will put the Palestinian cause at risk of marginalization, as the US administration seeks to reformulate the political situation in the region in a way that serves Israel's agenda.

Harfoush stresses the need for Palestinians to adopt a conscious and thoughtful policy to confront the repercussions of Trump’s presidency by strengthening national unity and ending the Palestinian division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and working to unify political and popular efforts under a unified strategy that enables Palestinians to confront challenges.

Also, according to Harfoush, resorting to international legitimacy by continuing to approach the international courts and institutions, and activating the decisions that condemn the Israeli occupation and enhance Palestinian rights.

Harfoush points to the need to build Palestinian alliances by working to strengthen relations with global powers, such as China, Russia, and the European Union, to ensure strong international support in the face of American bias toward Israel.

Harfoush confirms that among the plans to confront any policies of the Trump administration against the Palestinian cause is the escalation of popular and diplomatic resistance and the activation of peaceful popular resistance movements against the occupation and settlements, in conjunction with intensive diplomatic campaigns aimed at exposing the policies of the Israeli occupation and its supporters.

Harfoush points to the importance of strengthening Palestinian steadfastness by supporting Palestinians in areas threatened with confiscation, especially in Jerusalem and the West Bank, by providing material support and infrastructure to enhance their survival on their land.

Harfoush stresses the importance of investing in international media by exploiting international media outlets and social media platforms to convey the Palestinian narrative in a professional and effective manner, focusing on human justice and legitimate rights.

Harfoush believes in the importance of addressing American society by building a strong Palestinian lobby in cooperation with Palestinian and Arab communities in the United States, to pressure Congress and the American administration and change public opinion.

Today, Monday, the Israeli occupation authorities seized 262 dunums of occupied Jerusalem land for the expansion of a colonial road.

The Jerusalem Governorate reported in a statement that the occupation authorities announced the "expropriation" of more than 262 dunums of land in Jaba', Al-Ram, Kafr Aqab and Mikhmas in occupied Jerusalem, for the benefit of the colonial Route 45 that extends from Mikhmas to the new tunnel under Qalandia Airport, and implementation will take place within 60 days.

In a related context, the Israeli human rights organization "Ir Amim" revealed that the occupation government is seeking to annex lands from the village of Jaba, northeast of Jerusalem, to the area of influence of the "Geva Binyamin" settlement, after the settlers seized them and forced Palestinian citizens to leave them by force.

The association stressed that "this step threatens the rights of Palestinian landowners, restricts their access to them, and exposes Palestinian lands to the risk of being transformed into illegal construction areas for the colony or for its public uses."

She pointed out that "the citizens of the village of Jaba, in cooperation with the organization (Bimkom - Planning and Human Rights) and the organization (Yesh Din), submitted an urgent objection to the Civil Administration's announcement issued on December 9, 2024 regarding its intention to expand the area of influence of the settlement of Geva Binyamin (Adam)."

She stated that "this expansion, if approved, includes adding about 1,107 dunams of land east of the colony, which are lands that were declared (state lands) during the year 2023."

The lands to be annexed include the “illegal colonial outpost of Sneh (Bani Adam), which was built on public and private lands owned by Palestinians and extends beyond the scope of the planned expansion.”

If implemented, this expansion “will create two enclaves of privately owned Palestinian land within the colony’s jurisdiction, preventing the landowners from freely accessing their property. According to military orders, the owners will be required to obtain special permits and prior coordination to enter their land, bureaucratically complex procedures that often result in the loss of land ownership.”

According to the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, the occupation authorities seized 46,597 dunams last year under a series of military orders, including 35 orders to seize about 1,073 dunams to establish 12 buffer zones around the settlements, 5 “expropriation” orders that ended with the seizure of about 803 dunams, 8 decisions to declare state lands that targeted 24,597 dunams, and 6 orders to modify the borders of a nature reserve, under which the occupation seized about 20,000 dunams.

The Commission indicated in a report issued on Sunday that the "planning committees" of the occupation authorities studied a total of 173 plans targeting settlements established on the lands of the West Bank and Jerusalem.

She added that these committees studied the plans for the establishment of 23,461 colonial units, which resulted in the approval of the construction of 8,800 new colonial units, and the deposit of a total of 14,661 colonial units for subsequent approval. These plans targeted a total of 14,982 dunums of citizens’ lands.

The Israeli occupation continued its aggression on the Gaza Strip, leaving more victims, most of whom were children and women.

In its latest crimes, its warplanes targeted the home of the Abdul Hadi family in the Bureij camp in the middle of the Strip tonight, which resulted in the death of 4 citizens, including children, and the injury of 13 others with varying injuries, according to what was announced by Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat.

Earlier today, a citizen was killed by an Israeli quadcopter drone that targeted him in the Al-Maqousi area, northwest of Gaza City.

The death toll from the ongoing Israeli bombardment of various areas of the Gaza Strip throughout Monday has risen to more than 19, according to medical sources.

The total number of dead since the start of the Israeli aggression on October 7, 2023, has reached 45,854, the majority of whom are women and children, in addition to 109,139 wounded, while thousands of victims are still trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.

The US Congress on Monday ratified Republican Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, making him the country's 47th president, after its members counted and confirmed the results of the Electoral College vote.

“Donald J. Trump of Florida received 312 votes...and Kamala D. Harris of California received 226,” said Vice President Kamala Harris, who faced Trump in the November election, adding that was “sufficient proof” that Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were qualified to take the oath of office on Jan. 20.

Congress met in a snow-covered Washington on Tuesday to formally certify Trump's election as US president, four years after a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Trump has continued to claim that his 2020 defeat was the result of widespread fraud, and he has warned throughout his 2024 campaign that he has similar concerns, even as he beat Democratic rival Harris and Vice President Joe Biden in last November's election.

Hochstein confirmed that the Lebanese army is implementing the ceasefire agreement by deploying in southern Lebanon to be the only entity that provides security for the people.

The US envoy's statements come after Israel threatened to remain in southern Lebanon beyond the 60 days stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.

Avoiding talking about Israel's threat to remain in southern Lebanon beyond the 60-day deadline set by the ceasefire agreement, US envoy Amos Hochstein said, "The Israeli army will continue to withdraw from all Lebanese territories, but the mission is difficult and not easy."

Hochstein's remarks came after he met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, after arriving on Monday for a two-day visit during which he will meet with Lebanese officials to discuss implementing the ceasefire agreement with Israel.

In a statement to reporters after the meeting, Hochstein noted that before arriving to meet Berri, he went to Naqoura (southern Lebanon) where he participated in the third meeting of the mechanism for monitoring the cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon.

The US envoy's statements come a day after Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz threatened to blow up the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon if the party did not withdraw beyond the Litani River.

The official Israeli Broadcasting Corporation also reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources, that "Israel is preparing to remain in Lebanon for a very long period, exceeding the 60-day period stipulated in the agreement that entered into force on November 27."

She added: "According to Israeli sources, the desire is to remain even after 90 days, as the Israeli army sees the need to remain in a number of military sites in Lebanon."

The body also said on Saturday that Israel is expected to inform the United States that it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon at the end of the 60-day period, claiming that "the Lebanese army does not meet the terms of the agreement and that Hezbollah is trying to reorganize its ranks in the region."

Since November 27, 2024, a fragile ceasefire has prevailed, ending the mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that began on October 8, 2023, and then turned into a full-scale war on September 23.

The most prominent provisions of the ceasefire agreement include Israel's gradual withdrawal to the south of the Blue Line separating it from Lebanon within 60 days, and the deployment of Lebanese army and security forces along the border, crossing points, and the southern region.

According to the terms of the agreement, the Lebanese forces will be the only party allowed to carry weapons in southern Lebanon, with the dismantling of infrastructure and military sites and the confiscation of unauthorized weapons, while "these obligations do not cancel Israel's or Lebanon's inherent right to self-defense."

"I am very pleased to say that before the meeting began, the Israeli army began withdrawing from Naqoura, and from most of the western sector... The Israeli withdrawal will continue from all Lebanese territory," Hochstein said.

He added: "This is not an easy process, it is a difficult process... The Lebanese army is implementing the agreement by deploying in the south to be the only entity that provides security for the people and allows the residents of the south to return to their homes."

For his part, the media office of the Lebanese Parliament Presidency said that Berri, during his meeting with Hochstein, "followed up on the developments of the general situation and political and field events in light of Israel's continued violations of the ceasefire terms."

As of 18:50 (GMT), the Israeli side has not commented on the US envoy's statements.

According to official Lebanese data, 398 violations by Israeli forces have been recorded since the signing of the agreement, resulting in the killing of 32 people and the injury of 38 others.

The Israeli aggression on Lebanon resulted in 4,063 martyrs and 16,663 wounded, including a large number of children and women, in addition to the displacement of about 1,400,000 people. Most of the victims and displaced persons were recorded after the escalation of the aggression on September 23.