Naoise Dolan: Images of starving children in Gaza cannot be denied, try as some people might
'There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel [in Gaza], everything is closed,' the then Israeli Minister for Defence Yoav Gallant said on October 9, 2023. 'We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly.'
At the time, Israel's defenders dismissed this senior cabinet minister's statement as the rogue ramblings of a bad apple. It wasn't the government pursuing a campaign that would meet the legal definition of genocide, they said – just a cherrypicked quote from a random nutjob who just happened to oversee the Israel Defence Forces.
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The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Hundreds of Israeli former security officers urge Trump to push Netanyahu for a Gaza ceasefire
HUNDREDS OF RETIRED Israeli security officials, including former heads of intelligence agencies, have urged US President Donald Trump to pressure their own government to end the war in Gaza. 'It is our professional judgement that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel,' the former officials wrote in an open letter shared with the media today. 'At first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war,' said Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet security service. The war on the Palestinian territory, nearing its 23rd month, 'is leading the State of Israel to lose its security and identity,' Ayalon warned in a video released to accompany the letter. Signed by 550 people, including former chiefs of Shin Bet and the Mossad spy agency, the letter called on Trump to 'steer' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards a ceasefire. In recent weeks, Israel has come under increasing international pressure to agree a ceasefire that could see Israeli hostages released from Gaza and UN agencies distribute humanitarian aid. But some in Israel, including ministers in Netanyahu's coalition government, are instead pushing for Israeli forces to expand the offensive and for Gaza to be occupied in whole or in part. Advertisement The letter was signed by three former Mossad heads: Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy and Danny Yatom. Others signatories include five former heads of Shin Bet – Αyalon as well as Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri and Carmi Gilon – and three former military chiefs of staff, including former prime minister Ehud Barak, former defence minister Moshe Yaalon and Dan Halutz. The letter argued that the Israeli military 'has long accomplished the two objectives that could be achieved by force: dismantling Hamas's military formations and governance.' 'The third, and most important, can only be achieved through a deal: bringing all the hostages home,' it added. 'Chasing remaining senior Hamas operatives can be done later,' the letter said. In the letter, the former officials tell Trump that he has credibility with the majority of Israelis and can put pressure on Netanyahu to end the war and return the hostages. After a ceasefire, the signatories argue, Trump could force a regional coalition to support a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of Gaza as an alternative to Hamas rule. - © AFP 2025
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Belfast Gaeilge org rejects funding from US union over its leader's praise for bombing Iran
A WEST BELFAST Irish language organisation has said its new youth a community hub will no longer bear the name of a prominent American trade unionist after he praised US President Donald Trump's recent bombing of Iran. Glór na Móna said that the comments made in a letter sent to Trump by the International Longshoremen Association president, Harold Daggett, do not represent the values and principles of the organisation. For this reason, the organisation said it had ended the funding agreement with the association. Daggett had congratulated Trump for joining in the Israeli attacks on Iran in June of this year, which targeted the country's nuclear energy facilities and high-ranking members of its military, 'while defending Israel, one of our nation's most faithful and supportive allies'. The Israeli attack on Iran was widely condemned around the world. However, it was supported by most Western countries, including the US, who said Israel had a right to defend itself, despite it being Israel that instigated the conflict, which lasted 12 days and killed hundreds of Iranians and at least 28 Israelis. Advertisement Glór na Móna said it was proud of its 'long-term commitment to solidarity and internationalism' and that the people of West Belfast 'have suffered grievously because of the conflict in our country and have a natural affinity with other oppressed peoples in struggle against colonisation'. 'This solidarity has always extended to the people of Palestine, particularly at this time, in the context of the genocide and mass starvation being perpetrated by the Israeli government.' Glór na Móna said the loss of the finding was 'undoubtedly a setback' for its Croí na Carraige project . 'Naturally, this presents Glór na Móna with a fresh challenge in providing our community with the facilities it sorely needs and deserves,' it said. 'Twenty-seven years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, our young people are still being forced to avail of programmes in temporary mobiles. This is unacceptable and intolerable. 'The ongoing failure to treat our young people as equals will be met with the same determination and resolve that has fuelled the growth of Glór na Móna and the revival of the Irish language.' Harold Daggett has been contacted by The Journal and asked for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Call at Palestinian rally in Sligo for Israel to be held to account
'All nations must cry out for Gaza and feel with those starved by the occupation,' was the message from Yasser Saleem Mahmoud Abu Sinieh to the crowd who attended the event at O'Connell Street/Hyde Bridge. Yasser and Imad Emad lawabneh, spoke on behalf of the Palestinian community living in Sligo at the event organised by the Sligo Palestine Solidarity Committee. Amongst the participants were elected representatives led by the Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Gino O'Boyle alongside Councillor Declan Bree. Also in attendance were activists from Craftivism for Palestine, who unfurled a 40 metre blanket, stitched by a collective of women from all 32 counties of Ireland. Each of the 2,300 hand-crocheted square blanket represents ten children killed in Gaza. Speaking to The Sligo Champion after the event, local spokesperson Chris MacManus said: 'Irish people see clearly what is happening - Gaza is being reduced to rubble, and its people starved as Israel purposely denies access to food, aid and electricity. "This out-of-control Israeli regime continues at will, as many Western governments and the EU churn out mealy-mouthed platitudes with little actual sanction. For many of us, that is horrendous and unjustifiable. This failure to hold Israel to account, effectively green lights Benjamin Netanyahu to continue implementing genocide. ' The international community has to step up and ensure that there are meaningful sanctions for Israel's war crimes, at both national and international level. Here at home, our Government must pass a comprehensive Occupied Territories Bill without further delay and adopt all other possible sanctions against Israel.'
