Elderly Palestinian man forced to live in scrapped minibus after Israel rips up major refugee camps
Seventy-one-year-old Abdul Salam Awda and his wife now shelter in the converted vehicle, while their six children remain scattered across the city since being displaced by Israeli forces in February.
Footage shows the makeshift home, equipped with a water tank and electricity, which Awda says he draws from a neighbour. It's only enough to power a light and a fan.
'The situation is very hard. Our children haven't paid rent for four or five months. How can they earn money? There's no work. This is the kind of displacement we're facing,' Awda said.
The UN says Israel 's West Bank offensive has caused the biggest Palestinian displacement since 1967.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
4 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Gaza aid drop kills 15-year-old boy
A 15-year-old boy has been killed by an air-dropped aid package in central Gaza. Muhannad Eid was running towards the heavy packages as they were parachuted into the territory when one crushed him, his brother said. Footage shows five or more large pallets slamming into the ground in front of the ruins of buildings in Nuseirat as Gazans try to reach the aid. The body, believed to be of Muhannad, is then seen in footage being dragged from underneath the crate and carried away from the crowds. In March 2024, falling aid pallets were reported to have killed five Palestinians after parachutes used to slow the crates down failed to open properly. The US and Jordan were among the countries taking part in aid drops at the time, but both of their militaries denied involvement in the deaths. The UN and other aid groups have frequently criticised the aid drops, which are far more costly than trucks and deliver much less food, as being insufficient. They have also warned that they risk killing the Palestinians they are intended to help. Instead, UN agencies and other relief groups have for months been pushing Israel to allow more aid into Gaza by land on trucks and open up access to the territory to prevent starvation among its 2.2 million people, most of whom are displaced. More than 1,300 people have been killed trying to receive aid in the enclave since the US backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began operating in May 2025, the UN has said, most of them shot by Israeli forces operating near GHF sites. Israel denies having a policy of starvation in Gaza, and says Hamas could end the crisis by surrendering. It also says Hamas and other groups are behind the killings. The death of Muhannad comes as at least 18 people were killed across the enclave on Saturday, including civilians waiting to collect aid, Gaza's civil defence agency said. At least six people were reportedly killed and 30 wounded after Israeli troops were accused of targeting civilians assembling near an aid point in central Gaza. The other deaths were caused by airstrikes elsewhere in central Gaza. Israeli restrictions on supplies into Gaza since the start of the war nearly two years ago have led to shortages of food and essential supplies, including medicine and fuel, which hospitals require to power their generators. Despite mounting international pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government to end the war, the Israeli security cabinet approved plans early on Friday to seize Gaza City, moving towards a full takeover of the Strip. Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry, figures the UN says are reliable. However, they do not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The Nazis would have been proud of Hamas's vile propagandists
Desperate people clamouring around a truck begging for food. An emaciated child on death's door. Women, girls, children, babies: no innocent is immune from Israel's psychotically cruel campaign of bloodlust in Gaza. It is unbearable to see. Who can stand by and watch such crimes? This, at any rate, is what most of the world's media, from the most respectable broadcaster to the grimiest freesheet, is eager for you to think. It is also what Hamas wants you to think. As long-term masters of some of the most cynical propaganda the world has ever seen, Hamas is succeeding in its plan with resounding success. Keir Starmer last week appeared to speak for the whole of Britain when he said that scenes from Gaza fill us with 'revulsion' – against Israel, of course. Largely because of such images of suffering, Starmer wants to reward the forces of Palestinian terror with the recognition of a state. 'I think people are revolted at what they are seeing on their screen,' he said. The next day he spoke of 'starving babies, children too weak to stand, images that will stay with us for a lifetime'. Pictures. Images. Screens. These are what appear to be deciding Israel's – and the Palestinians' – legal status on the world stage. It is not that there isn't immense suffering in Gaza. There is. Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are in dire straits, have lost family members, are in pain, injured, hungry, homeless, desperate, scared, the terrorist group's blood-soaked grip always around their necks. It's a tragedy. But a lot of what sets the world alight is massaged, manipulated and in many cases downright fake. One of the most iconic images of the last few weeks, which helped consolidate the false worldwide consensus that Israel has become a rogue, genocidal state while the Palestinians deserve a state, was the skeletal boy allegedly nearly starved to death by an Israeli blockade, held in his mother's arms. What the great and the good left out in their haste to publish this picture, posed as a tableau reminiscent of Mary holding Jesus, was that the boy suffered from a congenital disease. It was later quietly acknowledged by The New York Times – way too late – that he had pre-existing health problems and they would have highlighted this if they had known before publication. We see lots of pictures of desperate people clamouring for food banging pots and pans. Some of these might represent the strangled reality on the ground. But as the German tabloid Bild bothered to discover, one of the most prominent pictures of such clamouring hunger in recent weeks has photographer Anas Zayed Fteiha, a freelance journalist commissioned by the Turkish news agency Anadolu, snapping the photos in the manner of a director. Fteiha, as Bild reveals, isn't quite the impartial documentarian suggested, but an activist whose agency answers straight to Turkey's Hamas-sympathising president, Recep Erdoğan. Fteiha's social media profile is informative. His Instagram page includes a video captioned 'F** Israel' plus a painting by an arch-anti-Semite. He is publicly committed to the 'free Palestine' end game. But his pictures, notable for their perfect lighting and close-ups of idealised suffering, especially of children and mothers, were swallowed without question, disseminated in New York Magazine, CNN, the BBC, plenty of German papers and more. The wildfire success of such lies tells you much less about people's gullible compassion than about how far Hamas now rules the global playbook of anti-Semitism, Israel-hating and Israel-blaming. Let us be clear. For the terrible suffering in Gaza, the blame falls squarely on Hamas's manifold crimes. Hamas invaded Israel, knowing that, with its tunnels, weaponry and soldiers embedded in homes, schools and hospitals and behind civilians, Gazan civilians would take the brunt of Israel's inevitable response. The terror group's continued stranglehold in the Strip and refusal to hand back the hostages is the only thing prolonging the war and suffering, all of which could have ended long ago. Aid distribution systems have been corrupted, smashed or perverted, keeping food from some who badly need it, and ensuring it goes to those with the right connections. None of this is because of Israeli cruelty. All of it is because of Hamas's cruelty and infinite scheming. The truth has never mattered, though. Hamas knew Israel would be blamed, ostracised, and punished on the world stage on a scale never seen before, its very legitimacy called into question amid irreparable diplomatic crises. It was easy; Hamas was just kicking at a door its own predecessors helped kick open. Hamas is finessing and darkening a tradition of propaganda built by Yasser Arafat, a master of the fabricated sympathetic picture, such as that during Israel's 2002 operation in the West Bank that showed him alone and besieged in his compound. He sat at his desk with only candlelight to see by – an image the world lapped right up – only for lights to go right back on after the shoot. As the historian Richard Landes describes in his essential book, Can the Whole World Be Wrong? Lethal Journalism, Antisemitism and Global Jihad, one of the defining images of the 21st century, the signal 'icon of hatred' against the Israel and the Jews, was the 'eyewitness' film apparently capturing Muhammad al-Dura, a defenceless 12-year-old boy, being shot in cold blood by the IDF, while held in his father's arms, on September 30 2000. It spread like wildfire. Analysis of the footage later contradicted this narrative. The IDF didn't kill the boy. But by the time it was corrected, the damage had been done. Nobody cared, then, or now. This laid down a grotesquely immoral media-age template that has been used ever since. Those of us who have followed media bias against Israel for many years are well versed in the absolutely central role of 'Pallywood' – the well-known industry in the Palestinian territories that oversees the staging of fake news footage of Palestinian children and women suffering at the hands of Israel, producing a stream of emotive imagery for the world's media. No true imagery produced by Israel, or even the true, boastful footage from Hamas of the Israeli hostages it has starved and murdered at close range, can even begin to counter Pallywood's work. The use of emotive imagery to peddle genocidal ideology is hardly new. Leni Riefenstahl, the director of the Third Reich's propaganda films (who lived to the age of 101), offers an interesting comparison. Whereas Pallywood stages suffering, Riefenstahl's art pretended that even those bound for Auschwitz were just fine and dandy. She cast gypsies as frolicking extras, then said they all survived the Holocaust. Not only were they sent to Auschwitz, Riefenstahl was thought, in some cases, to have helped them on their way though she denied it all. While people were tortured, executed after show trials, or sent to the gulag, the Soviet propaganda department ensured a constant flow of idealised images of healthy, happy, sturdy people: courageous, righteous, industrious, reproductive and the biggest lie of all: finally free. What makes the global hook, line and sinker acceptance of Hamas propaganda so surreal is that it comes a century after Stalin took power, and nearly a century after Hitler did. What has history taught us? Sadly, those in Israel who know the answer are ignored and vilified, and those outside Israel who know the answer are now too old to provide it.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg among 200 arrested in police crackdown on Palestine Action supporters at Parliament Square
Police have made more than 200 arrests at protests across the country today as the UK was engulfed by a wave of pro-Palestine and anti-migrant demonstrations - with former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzem Begg among those held. In London, the Metropolitan Police have cracked down on protesters after they swarmed Parliament Square holding placards in support of the proscribed terror group Palestine Action. Chaos ensued shortly after the protest began just before 1pm, as officers were seen lifting protesters - some sitting and some lying flat - off the ground before escorting them away. A video shared by protest organisers Defend Our Juries appeared to show a blind man in a wheelchair being arrested by officers as he was escorted from the area to chants of 'shame on you' from other protesters. The group claimed between 600 and 700 people are participating in the protest today and claimed the Met were preparing for 'the largest mass arrest in their history'. At around 4pm, the force said it had arrested 200 people so far, having vowed to make further arrests for 'anyone expressing support for Palestine Action'. The ban means that membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000. Mr Begg previously spent almost three years in US custody at Guantanamo and other detainment camps on suspicion of terrorist affiliations between 2002 and 2005. Palestine Action supporters have swarmed London's Parliament Square as hundreds of police officers have begun carrying out arrests He was never charged and was eventually released in 2005 after an intervention by the British government. He was among the demonstrators in London today holding signs and campaign group Defend The Juries has now said Mr Begg was among those arrested. He said in a statement: 'This action is not about Palestine Action, but wider issues of how anti-terror legislation curtails basic freedoms and undermines the rule of law which CAGE International has highlighted over 22 years. 'There can be no doubt that such laws have been, and continue to be abused and exploited, to suppress free speech and put in place an oppressive infrastructure that represents a danger to our civil liberties.' A wide variety of messages were seen on display today, with some activists wearing signs saying 'I am on duty to stop genocide', while others held placards that read: 'Our right to non-violent protest.' One woman in her 50s attending the protest told the Mail: 'It's a disgrace. They should hang their heads in shame. It's an outrage. We're a police state.' Another woman, in her 40s who gave her job as a teaching assistant, said: 'I don't care about prison. I don't care about losing my job. I'm on the side of history.' Martin Drummond, a 76-year-old retired research scientist from Norwich, was among the demonstrators in Parliament Square today. He said he was prepared to be arrested as he was 'outraged' by the restriction on 'free speech' created by Palestine Action's proscription. He said: 'I'm here to protect our free speech - it's absolutely crucial. 'Our forefathers fought for free speech and I'm bloody well going to defend it. He did say he was 'unenthusiastic' about the prospect of being detained by police, adding: 'I'd like to go home today. 'I'm not regarding it as a badge of honour. I have never supported anything like this before.' In response to the video of a blind man being arrested, a Met Police spokesperson told the Mail: 'The law applies to everyone in the same way. 'If someone who is arrested has a disability then officers will take care to understand any limitations, to make sure that person is moved safely and to risk assess any subsequent detention.' Among counter-protesters was Jan Bowman, a 69-year-old illustrator from Scotland, who claimed a pro-Palestine activist tried to snatch an anti-Hamas placard she was carrying. She said: 'It was just so childish. We have to stand up for free speech. They won't allow it, they won't debate. 'I'm a non Jewish supporter of Jewish people. I think Zionism is just the wish for Jewish people to have a homeland after centuries of persecution.' Before today's protest, more than 200 people had been arrested at other Defend Our Juries protests across the UK since the ban was implemented by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last month. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: 'The Met is very experienced at dealing with large-scale protests, including where the protest activity crosses into criminality, requiring arrests. 'While we will not go into the specific details of our plan, the public can be assured that we will have the resources and processes in place to respond to any eventuality. 'Anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested. I would once again urge people to consider the seriousness of that outcome. 'An arrest under the Terrorism Act can have very real long-term implications - from travel, to employment, to finances. Also, as we have seen this week, it is very likely an arrest in these circumstances will lead to a charge.' Two marches organised by the Palestine Coalition and pro-Israeli group Stop the Hate, respectively, will also be held on consecutive days in central London. The coalition's supporters will march from Russell Square to Whitehall followed by an assembly with speeches. The Met said one person had been arrested at the march for 'a placard showing support for Palestine Action '. Public order conditions have been imposed on the march which means it must not form or begin before noon, protesters must not deviate from or stop to form assemblies along the agreed route and the protest must end by 5.30pm, the Met said. Other major events in London this weekend include the Community Shield match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley, which will require sizeable police resources. Meanwhile, police up and down the country are also preparing for a series of anti-migrant protests - and counter-demonstrations by opposing campaigners - outside hotels and council offices including in Bristol and Nuneaton. There had been particular concern about a protest planned in Nuneaton which comes amid claims Warwickshire Police held back information over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl. Scuffles broke out between protesters and police in the town after the protest outside the Nuneaton Town Hall got underway on Saturday afternoon. One group of shirtless protesters appeared to get into a confrontation with one officer amid a large crowd of people waving Union flags and St George's Cross flags. Saturday's policing operation is well underway. Officers are at the form up of the Palestine Coalition protest in Russell Square and in Parliament Square ahead of the anticipated protest in support of Palestine Action. — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 9, 2025 A group of Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters have also gathered outside the Town Hall with yellow placards and a banner which read, 'Stop the far right'. The two groups are being separated with police officers and police vehicles near the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council building, where protesters started chanting 'Who are you?' at the group of Stand Up To Racism demonstrators. A woman could be heard saying to the anti-racism group, 'We are not neo-Nazis', while a Stand Up To Racism protester was holding a handwritten sign reading: 'Why do fascists only care about women when they can use our stories and pain to oppress others?' A red and white sign in the crowd stated 'This is England', with another saying 'UK first' - while another banner saying 'What about our girls' human right to safety' was displayed near a protesters with Union flags. Restrictions have also been put in place by police in at least 12 towns and cities - with rival demonstrations also seen taking place today outside migrant hotels in Bournemouth and Newcastle. In the southern seaside town, more than 250 people protested outside two controversial migrant hotels to demand they be shut down. The anti-immigration protesters gathered directly outside the Roundhouse Hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, and yards away from the Britannia Hotel. Both venues have been taken over by the Home Office for the exclusive use of male asylum seekers who have arrived in the UK on small boats. There was a large police presence in the centre of Bristol, as protest was advertised to take place in front of a hotel on Welsh Back, near Bristol Bridge. A counter-protest, gathering from 11.30am, was also being organised and publicised, and police have obtained special powers in response. Avon and Somerset police announced yesterday that they had obtained extra powers under two different sections of the Public Order Act. The first is the creation of a Dispersal Zone - which covers a wide area of the city centre from Temple Meads to the western end of the Floating Harbour. Police have the powers to order people to disperse or face arrest if they do not. The second power is to require people to take off any face coverings they have, if asked by the police, and again face being detained if they refuse. In London, the Met Police has also been bracing for protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Canary Wharf and Islington. Mr Adelekan said ahead of today's activities: 'This is going to be a particularly busy few days in London with many simultaneous protests and events that will require a significant policing presence.' 'I'm grateful not just to the Met officers who will be working incredibly hard over the coming days but to those colleagues from other forces who have been deployed to London to support us.' Meanwhile, another group the Palestine Solidary Campaign has today shared images of pro-Palestine activists out in force across the country. The group posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'People are starting to gather - all the war from Durham to Cardiff - ready to march for Palestine!' Last week Palestine Action received permission to challenge its banning after the High Court ruled it had an arguable case. The ban came after two military aircraft were vandalised at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in June, causing damage worth £7million. A judicial review will take place in November, with protests set to continue on a rolling basis until then. A Home Office spokesperson today said: 'The Home Secretary has been clear that the proscription of Palestine Action is not about Palestine, nor does it affect the freedom to protest on Palestinian rights. 'It only applies to the specific and narrow organisation whose activities do not reflect or represent the thousands of people across the country who continue to exercise their fundamental rights to protest on different issues. Palestine Action demonstrators may never be able to visit the US or work in education if they take part in this weekend's protest, the Met Police have warned (file photo) 'Freedom to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy and we protect it fiercely. 'The decision to proscribe was based on strong security advice and the unanimous recommendation by the expert cross-government proscription review group. 'This followed serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage. 'It also followed an assessment from the joint terrorism assessment centre that Palestine Action prepares for terrorism, as well as worrying information referencing plans and ideas for further attacks, the details of which cannot yet be publicly reported due to ongoing legal proceedings.'
