Israel vs Palestine/Lebanon/Iran/Yemen/Syria: a New Middle East War

https://x.com/MiddleEastEye/status/1757390054773731407

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https://english.almayadeen.net/news/...ic-blow--axios

How war on Gaza dealt ‘Israel’ mighty economic blow: Axios

Israel's" funding of the war on Gaza has resulted in its first-ever credit downgrade.

Given the expense of the war, "Israel" will need to borrow almost $58 billion this year, according to Bloomberg, which equates to nearly $23,000 per household, and 3 times the amount of the fiscal deficit in 2022.

Moody's cut "Israel's" credit rating one notch, from A1 to A2, and noted the entity's poor finances, as well as the ongoing war on Gaza's potential to "weaken its executive and legislative institutions."

Earlier today, Moody's took further action and downgraded the deposit ratings of five Israeli banks, from A2 to A3, designating the outlook on long-term deposit ratings as negative.

The Israeli media reported that these banks are "Hapoalim Bank, Leumi International, Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot, Israel Discount Bank, and First International Bank of Israel."

The action from Moody's was predicted by the markets, as the agency has been reviewing the entity for a possible downgrade since October. However. the Israeli government's reaction to the rating may have surprised some.

"Israel's" Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, stated that the downgrading was "not based on serious economic arguments and is entirely a political manifesto" and that it was rooted in "a lack of confidence in the righteousness" of the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the rating downgrade is unrelated to the economy, but the occupation's public finances have taken on an unavoidable religious component.

Smotrich stated upon entering office that his economic plan would be "infused with religious beliefs laid out in the Torah," according to Reuters.

On X, Netanyahu biographer Anshel Pfeffer described Moody's downgrading as "an indictment of Finance Minister Smotrich's God-fearing economic policy."

"Israel" pays close attention to where its dollar-denominated bonds trade on foreign markets, as well as the message the bond price conveys about the entity's economic health.

As a result, Bloomberg reported that most of its 2024 budget shortfall would be funded domestically, with dollars borrowed solely through covert private placements.

These borrowings are often more expensive than bond issues, but they have the advantage of not bearing any public interest rate, which might result in cost savings for Israeli enterprises, whose borrowing costs are tied to the entity's public bonds.

War on Gaza to cost 'Israel' about 10% of 2024's GDP: Central Bank

In January, the Israeli Central Bank governor supported a cabinet-approved budget based on claims of delivering sufficient fiscal amendments that could stabilize the growing debt the occupation has collected since waging a genocidal war in Gaza.

According to Amir Yaron, the budget would plateau public debt at an estimated 66% of the gross domestic product for the foreseen years, compared to 2023's 62%.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Yaron told Bloomberg TV, “Steps taken to stabilize Israel’s future debt are a very important statement to the markets.”

Referring to calculations, Yaron stated that the war on Gaza will cost the Israeli economy 10% of the 530 billion dollar GDP, and revenue will shrink by 2%.

The Israeli Central Bank also made interest cuts last month, reducing them to 4.5% when markets stabilized for a while. “We lowered the interest rate after we saw markets stabilize and inflation decelerating — it has just landed at 3%, the top of our target range,” Yaron said.

Moreover, he added that unprecedented negative demand for construction was the primary factor for the inflation shock. Yaron stated that in case the genocide financial spillover reintensifies, the bank's monetary policy will have to be more cautious.

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https://english.almayadeen.net/news/...e--internet-ca


Sayyed al-Houthi: No intention to cut submarine, internet cables

The leader of the Ansar Allah movement in Yemen, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, said that the United States, the United Kingdom, and "Israel" are attempting to liquidate and end the Palestinian cause, adding that they have previously reckoned with the actions they are witnessing today in support of the Palestinian people.

Speaking on the anniversary of the assassination of the former President of Sanaa authorities martyr Saleh al-Sammad, according to the Hijir lunar calendar, Sayyed al-Houthi emphasized the strategic and financial importance of the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait to the aforementioned regimes.

"The enemies want puppets in the leadership in Sanaa" to protect American and Israeli ships and award them safe passage, the leader explained, as the Israeli genocide on Gaza persists.

He explained that such a "puppet" government's top priority and mission would be guarding American and British facilities and bases and protecting Israeli ships.

In this context, he pointed out that the Prime Minister of the occupation, Benjamin Netanyahu, previously spoke about the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the danger Yemen poses to the occupation, being led by someone with a "liberation-oriented direction, [who supports] the Palestinian people."

Additionally, Sayyed al-Houthi said that Sanaa's enemies are deeply concerned about Yemen's proactive and revolutionary population, which adheres to its national interests and the interests of the Ummah, especially the Palestinian issues. These concerns are multiplied due to Yemen's geographical importance, as the country lies on the main body of water that links the globe.

Read more: Sanaa will stand by Egypt if it stands with Rafah people: Al-Houthi

"[They] are disturbed by the mobilization and awareness of our people and their aspirations to fulfill their legitimate rights," he underlined.

"We achieved an important victory in preventing Israeli ships from passing through the Red Sea," despite the renewed American-British aggression on Yemen, Sayyed al-Houthi stated.

The leader of Ansar Allah also affirmed, on the 130th day of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, that the movement remains committed to the stance it took in support of the Palestinian people, adding that, contrary to expectations, it tends to escalate its naval actions.

He emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces' (YAF) naval campaign is "effective and impactful."

"The mother of terrorism, the roots of terrorism, and the source of terrorism is the Zionist lobby and its three arms, the triad of evil, Israel, America, and Britain," Sayyed al-Houthi underlined.

Sayyed al-Houthi revealed that not one ship affiliated with the Israeli occupation passed through the Red Sea in recent weeks, saying that this is "an important accomplishment and a victory over the Israeli-American-British trio."

In this context, the leader of the Yemeni Ansar Allah movement reiterated to all other countries that their ships can safely and securely sail through the Red Sea. He stressed that the YAF will not and does not intend to target submarine cables that extend through the Red Sea's floor, including internet cables.

On the assassination campaigns launched by Western countries and "Israel", targeting the leaders of the Resistance in the region, like martyr al-Sammad, Sayyed al-Houthi said that the Yemeni people's stance in support of Palestine bears witness to the "failure" of these actions.

He also highlighted the aspect of the Anar Allah's organizational structure, which demands the "integration" of members and their "comprehensive action in all fields," making the movement immune to the aftermath of assassination plots.

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BREAKING! From MOH Gaza just now 12:37pm Oslo, 130224:
"The occupation forces are demolishing the northern wall of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis now. The warehouses in the hospital are burned. They call via Quadcopter for the necessity of evacuating the hospital, which now contains more than 350 patients... without giving safe corridor to the patients, and the first person to leave the hospital was targeted."

https://x.com/DrMadsGilbert/status/1757378279172919314

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https://x.com/MaxBlumenthal/status/1757457393225547788

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https://x.com/Timesofgaza/status/1757368691493044435

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PRCS calls for global action after Israel targets ambulances

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) says it is ‘horrific’ to see paramedics losing their lives while they are trying to save lives in Gaza. The PRCS called on the international community to act as Israel continues to kill aid workers, target ambulances and destroy hospitals.

https://x.com/MiddleEastMnt/status/1757485478641860667

This is a very striking analysis by Ron Unz about how the richest man in the world, and one of the most powerful - Elon Musk; was compelled to back down, abase himself, apologize humbly, engage in public rituals of expiation - and presumably pay large amounts of money - because of a four word "tweet" that was indirectly critical of Israel's current actions: https://www.unz.com/runz/elon-musk-goes-to-canossa/ .

As powerful and wealth as Musk apparently is; there are more-powerful and much-wealthier interests that are both able and willing to shut him up (or else shut him down) for criticizing Israel's current policy.

It seems to me that anyone (and any organization or corporation) who wishes to remain rich and powerful in the West today, MUST refrain from criticizing Israel -- it is an either/ or situation: either comply, or be ruined.

(And we are expected/ demanded Not to notice this!)

Wasn't it coverage such as this that brought down both Bradley Manning and Julian Assange?
Off topic for which apologies, but worth mentioning, is that Russian-born artist, Andrei Molodkin, has threatened to destroy £45million worth of masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt and Warhol with acid should Julian Assange die in prison.
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/artist-...ies-in-prison/

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Posted by Ravenlocke

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ISRAEL BOMBED 3 CIVILIANS TO PIECES FOR STARTING THEIR MOTORCYCLE

https://x.com/angeloinchina/status/1757369558728634633

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Note to Mods: Please remove if you feel this doesn't belong here.

https://x.com/anadoluagency/status/1757521294868758838

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east...-media/3136686

4-way Cairo meeting on Gaza truce 'positive': Egyptian media


CAIRO

The first day of a four-way meeting in Cairo attended by officials from Qatar, Egypt, Israel, and the US to discuss a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip ended on a "positive" note, with the parties agreeing to continue consultation to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis, Egyptian media close to the government reported.

''The consultations will continue over the next three days,'' Al Qahera News channel said, citing a well-placed source.

However, none of the officials who attended the meeting have made any comments as of yet.

Earlier in the morning, an Israeli security delegation arrived in Cairo to attend the meeting with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and the US to discuss the prospects of reaching a cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage swap with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.

Earlier last week, a Hamas delegation paid a visit to Cairo to discuss a possible hostage swap and Gaza cease-fire.

Hamas proposed a three-stage cease-fire plan that included a 135-day pause in fighting to allow hostage swap, according to a Palestinian source.

The original framework agreement for the Gaza cease-fire was worked out during a Paris meeting last month by top officials from the US, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, rejected Hamas's cease-fire offer and vowed to continue bombarding Gaza until a “crushing victory” over the Palestinian group is achieved.

Israel believes that 134 Israelis are being held in Gaza after the Israeli army managed on Monday to free two hostages in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, killing at least 28,473 people and injuring 68,146 others, while nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in an interim ruling this January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

https://x.com/MSF_canada/status/1757482248734130236

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🇮🇪🇮🇱 Irish airline Ryanair no longer wants to fly to Israel

The Irish took the fight against Israel's genocide very seriously.

The Irish airline Ryanair has canceled all flights to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, scheduled for March and April, citing high terminal costs.

http://t.me/megatron_ron

https://x.com/Megatron_ron/status/1757541975035719944

https://x.com/QudsNen/status/1757497119974240433

https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status...39203833889145

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/...odeidah--yemen


New US-led aggression targets Rass Issa in Hodeidah, Yemen

A new US airstrike targeted the area of Rass Issa in al-Salif District, northwest of the coastal city of Hodeidah, located on the Red Sea coast in western Yemen, as confirmed by Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Yemen.

This marks the second aggression against Yemen yesterday, as our correspondent earlier reported a joint attack by the United States and the United Kingdom targeting al-Tuhayta District in Hodeidah.

This attack comes days after the two allies carried out over 10 strikes between Thursday and Friday last week, targeting several areas across Yemen.

Among the targeted areas were the Rass Issa area in al-Salif District, al-Shabakah area, south of al-Salif port, the Jabbanah area, north of Hodeidah city, and the Taif area, in al-Durayhimi District, west of Yemen.

Earlier on Tuesday, the leader of Ansar Allah affirmed, on the 130th day of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, that the movement remains committed to the stance it took in support of the Palestinian people, adding that, contrary to expectations, it tends to escalate its naval actions.

He emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces' (YAF) naval campaign is "effective and impactful."

"The mother of terrorism, the roots of terrorism, and the source of terrorism is the Zionist lobby and its three arms, the triad of evil, Israel, America, and Britain," Sayyed al-Houthi underlined.

The Yemeni leader revealed in this context that not a single ship affiliated with the Israeli occupation passed through the Red Sea in recent weeks, saying that this is "an important accomplishment and a victory over the Israeli-American-British trio."

Yemeni Armed Forces target US ship Star Iris

Yemeni Armed Forces (YAS) Spokesperson, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announced in a brief military statement on Monday that American bulk carrier Star Iris was targeted in the Red Sea with several naval missiles, confirming that it was hit directly.

According to the statement, this operation comes in solidarity with the people of Palestine and in response to the US-British aggression against Yemen.

The Yemeni Armed Forces confirmed that they would continue operations to prevent Israeli ships or ships heading to the ports of occupied Palestine until the aggression against the Gaza Strip stops.

Saree said Yemen's forces will not hesitate to carry out more operations in response to the Zionist crimes against people in the Gaza Strip.

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Prisoner exchange draft sparks dramatic divide among Israeli officials
Israeli media revealed, on Tuesday, that consultations took place a day before between Israeli officials from the political, security, and military leadership regarding a new draft for a prisoner exchange deal with the Palestinian Resistance that could result in the release of the Israeli captives still held in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Channel 13 reported that the head of the Mossad, David Barnea, and the Army Reserve Major General, Nitzan Alon, believe that "Israel should present new proposals in the discussions taking place in Cairo."

Meanwhile, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his Security Minister, Yoav Gallant, and the Army's Chief of Staff, Hertzi Halevi, "opposed this step."

Furthermore, the Israeli political leadership officials were cited as saying that they "cannot come up with a fourth initiative within a short period of time, especially as Hamas constantly violates the agreements reached with mediators."

According to reports, the stance of the Prime Minister, which opposed the introduction of new proposals during the discussions in Cairo, was adopted. It was emphasized that the delegation dispatched to Cairo today was explicitly instructed to listen rather than propose.

However, Channel 13 reported that the Army Reserve General "decided not to attend the talks today in protest," and Netanyahu "sent his political advisor Ophir Falk to ensure that Israeli powers are not deviated from."

Meeting on hostage talks in Cairo ends

Earlier, Israeli media reported that the Israeli delegation was on its way back from Cairo after meeting with CIA director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian officials for talks on a truce framework.

Another official said the Israeli delegation, led by Mossad head David Barnea and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, was “there to listen” and that they did not put a new offer on the table.

On its part, Egypt said the meeting with senior officials from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and "Israel" on captives talks have ended with “keenness to continue consultation and coordination” on the key issues, according to the country’s state information service.

The meeting focused on a framework hammered out in Paris last month by CIA Director Bill Burns, his Israeli counterpart David Barnea of the Mossad, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

“The meeting witnessed a review of the developments of the current situation,” according to the announcement, and “confirmed the continued consultation and intensive coordination to achieve the goals of the ceasefire, the protection of civilians and [work toward a] two-state solution, in a manner that enhances efforts to establish security and stability in the region.”

Egyptian officials say mediators have made progress in talks aimed at a truce in Gaza. Representatives from the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar are meeting in Cairo, as international calls grow for Israel to halt plans for an assault on the southern city of Rafah.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed concern over Israel's planned offensive in Rafah. At a news conference with the Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki, Baerbock said that Israel had a duty to guarantee "safe corridors" for civilians in Rafah.


Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks continue in Cairo | DW News

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=r3DVBUEeNHI

• Imagine if Israel 🇮🇱 would choose to do the "Authentic Christian" and/or the "Genuine Spiritual" way (and both are not "vague"):

Admitting that, Israel 🇮🇱 have to make an honest, open transparent & fair deal/agreement so that BOTH sides can profit from the Gas coming from the Palestine Area of the Sea!

Just like what happened in Norway 🇳🇴 where the Gas from the Sea was "Nationalized" so much so that almost all the wealth/profit that came out of that endeavor/project benefits ALL people of Norway! >>> Thus, they had one of the best living standards for all Norwegian citizens on the whole planet for a long time! ... Similar, what Gaddafi wanted to do for Libya, what so many people do not even know about.

But a big (corrupt) part of Israel 🇮🇱 do not want to share the profit/wealth, but rather steal it. Their lust for power and being extremely greedy is just another chapter of their collective Karma. Then gaslighting anyone, calling you an "antisemite" for pointing out the obvious. :facepalm:

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

• source

The mother of all massacres
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3cyWBxCTqq0 (19:52 in entirety although only the first 8.32 minutes are about Gaza)
"Water, water everywhere but not a clean drop to drink. Killing Gaza, bombing tents. And Britain’s acquiescent Labour Party, outsourced to Israel"
George Galloway talking about the bombing of Rafah and the growing number - now more than 100,000 - of dead, mutilated or missing (under the rubble)

"Former US Marine Corps Officer and UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter discusses the latest developments relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and how Israel's refusal to conduct diplomacy is set to backfire, and badly."

Scott Ritter: Israel will be DEFEATED as IDF Loses Control of its War in Middle East
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EZgfRAtNZuM

https://x.com/QudsNen/status/1757919871965515814

https://x.com/HadiNasrallah/status/1757880865307173298

🇮🇱⚔️🇱🇧🇵🇸💔The infant, Amir Mohsen, 6 months-old, was killed in the raids carried out by the genocidal Israeli occupation aircraft on southern Lebanon.

Let us not forget the pain and suffering being inflicted on those who recover and rescue victims of these attacks. Bless them for the work they do. The pain seen on this rescuers face is apparent.



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🇮🇱⚔️🇱🇧‘It won’t go unanswered’: Hezbollah vows retaliation after Israel kills civilians

A senior Hezbollah official has slammed Israel’s latest airstrikes on southern Lebanon that killed two children, vowing that the Lebanese resistance movement’s response is sure to come.

https://presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/14...rael-civilians

PressTV

https://x.com/dana916/status/1757949100685693231

https://x.com/dana916/status/1757943060854382899

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https://x.com/ytirawi/status/1757843145176313922

As the USA government passes bills funding the wars in Ukraine and Israel, it becomes complicit in the crimes committed by these countries.

Phil Giraldy mentions accounts of Israeli civilians participating in the torture of Palestinian civilians rounded up by the IDF and detained without charges in Israeli prisons , even recording the tortures on their cell phone, and sharing such videos with their families.

Phil Giraldi: #Congress Wants to Kill / In Depth Analysis
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kdi2hM1Iyus

Just my personal note here, but let's be clear about one thing. The Israelis have gone mad. Their behavior can no longer be explained by 'previous trauma' or 'entitlement' or 'arrogance' anymore. It's way beyond that. What in the world is the source of such monstrosity... Israel is about to invade Rafah and slaughter that population as well. This must be stopped.

We look at the killing, arrests and attacks on Palestinian Americans both in the Occupied Territories and in the United States. We speak with the son of Palestinian American Samaher Esmail, who was detained in the West Bank by the Israeli military last week, beaten in custody and denied medication, according to her family. "They came in the middle of the night, raided our home, dragged her out of the house in her pajamas, didn't even give her a chance to wear her hijab," says Suliman Hamed, who says Israeli forces are persecuting Palestinians like Esmail for social media posts. We also speak with Edward Ahmed Mitchell, civil rights attorney and national deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, about other cases, including 17-year-old Palestinian American teenager Mohammad Ahmed Mohammad Khdour, who was shot dead on Saturday in the town of Biddu in the occupied West Bank; 17-year-old Palestinian American Tawfiq Ajjaq, who was fatally shot in the head in January in the West Bank; and the stabbing of Zacharia Doar, a 23-year-old Palestinian American in Texas. "There is a war happening against Palestinian Americans, a war on their right to free speech, a war on their culture," says Mitchell.


"A War Against Palestinian Americans": Jailed, Attacked, Killed in West Bank and U.S.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=II9vMBkF3lk

https://x.com/ejmalrai/status/1758129724805820908

https://x.com/angeloinchina/status/1758004454862037101

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This is incredible. Rob Oliphant, whose job is to defend Canada's foreign policy in Parliament, got recorded in a private phone call admitting how disgusting Canada's de-funding of UNRWA is, and that he does believe Israel is committing genocide.
https://cbc.ca/news/politics/rob-oli...nrwa-1.7115468

Here what he said on the leaked recording of the call:

"When I read that we were pausing money to UNRWA — I'm going to be very clear — it was political. And I don't just mean domestic politics. It has to do with our allies. I thought it was the wrong decision."

In short: nothing to do with the allegations against UNRWA (which to this day are still unproven), everything to do with the US pressuring Canada to de-fund it.

Oliphant also said on the call that, even if the Israeli allegation is true, he doesn't agree with the Trudeau government's response: "You don't stop aid to Gaza because of 12 or 13 employees out of 13,000. It drives me crazy. It is opportunistic, it is unfair, and it is maligning the operation of a UN organization that is doing, not perfect work — there's no organization that's made of human beings that's perfect, UNRWA has its faults. But it is the best we have for education, for medical care, for food, all of those things.

My heart falls down in my body. My heart hurts, because the only way to get that aid there is UNRWA.

We can't have 200 trucks a day. We need 800 trucks a day. We need more entry points. We need water access from the Mediterranean. And we need to push on those points. But we also need UNRWA, which is the only body that has the infrastructure to deliver the aid."

Oliphant said that any decision to divert UNRWA aid to other channels likely would be symbolic, because "the reality is that UNICEF or World Food Program or other agencies are going to have to use the same people that work for UNRWA. It's political and it's driving me crazy."

He added: "I will defend UNRWA forever. Their work in Lebanon, their work in Jordan, I've been there, I've been to the refugee camps. I've examined the curriculum that people have gone crazy about, saying it's antisemitic. I don't believe it is. I think UNRWA is maligned every day."

On the call he also said he does believe Israel is committing "genocidal activity": "Do I believe there's genocidal activity on the part of Israel? Probably yes, from what I have seen."

He says Netanyahu is hurting not only Gaza but Israel too: "Netanyahu is hurting Israel. Not only killing Gazans, but hurting Israel. So for the love of Israel, tell him to stop."

Lastly he said that Israel — not other countries — should be made to pay the cost of the war: "Israel needs to pay for rebuilding the country it destroyed. I don't want to pay for that," he said, before acknowledging that Canada likely will be called on to contribute something, along with Gulf Arab nations...

https://x.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1758166164113621236