Waleed Shaath is the two millionth reason for ending the siege on Gaza

First published by the Middle East Monitor on 31/10/2016 Waleed Shaath, held by his mother, is the two millionth person born in Gaza on 12th October 2016 [Abed Rahim Khatib/Apaimages] The news that the population of Gaza has reached the 2 million mark was reported widely in the media but has stirred hardly any real …

Continue reading Waleed Shaath is the two millionth reason for ending the siege on Gaza

What Brexit should mean for the Arab world

First published by the Arab Weekly on 30/10/2016 June 23rd marked a turning point in Britain’s relationship with the European Union when the British people voted to leave the union, triggering a process known as Brexit. This quickly brought about the resignation of the prime minis­ter, David Cameron, who was replaced by Theresa May. In …

Continue reading What Brexit should mean for the Arab world

TV Interview: Israel Suspends UNESCO Ties

I contributed to the Press TV programme 'On the news line' about the UNESCO resolution confirming that East Jerusalem including the religious sites is illegally occupied. This was broadcast on 20/10/2016. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4y6rhb_on-the-news-line-us-elections-intervention-saudi-s-loosing-support-israel-suspends-unesco-ties_news  

Redefining anti-Semitism will not silence Palestinians’ struggle for justice

First published in the Middle East Eye on 19/10/2016 The UK home affairs select committee has fallen for the Israeli lobby's attempt to conflate criticising Israel with anti-Semitism I would not be writing this column in this way if the UK Parliament’s home affairs select committee had not dragged my homeland, Palestine, into the controversy surrounding …

Continue reading Redefining anti-Semitism will not silence Palestinians’ struggle for justice

TV Interview: Jordanians protest natural gas deal with Israel

I was interviewed by Press TV on 14/10/2016 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4xjjv0_jordanian-protest-natural-gas-deal-with-israel_news

Rolls Royce, pants and sand: What Boris Johnson said to the Arab ambassadors

First published by the Middle East Eye on 13/10/2016 The foreign secretary's candid speech reveals an opportunity to influence UK policy in the Middle East - Arab ambassadors should seize it Away from the endless discussions on Brexit at this year’s Conservative party conference in Birmingham, there were the usual fringe meetings and receptions that complement …

Continue reading Rolls Royce, pants and sand: What Boris Johnson said to the Arab ambassadors

Israel trumps Arab and Muslim world’s influence on US presidential candidates

First published by the Middle East Monitor on 10 October 2016 image from the Middle East Monitor showing Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, the two US presidential candidates. As the United States’ presidential race enters its final stage, with elections due on 8 November, the two candidates have been making their final pitches to woo …

Continue reading Israel trumps Arab and Muslim world’s influence on US presidential candidates

TV interview: Israel arrests over 50 Palestinians in the West Bank following attack in Jerusalem

I was interviewed by Press TV on 10 October 2016. I tried to explain that the illegal occupation is to blame for the continuing violence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovg1TaKDr2A

East Jerusalem is occupied but the hearts and minds of the children are not

This column first appeared in the Middle East Eye on 6/10/2016 Jerusalem has a special place in the hearts of people all over the world. I was fortunate to visit it again recently, or rather “return”, as my parents were both born in this great city. My first sighting of the Dome of the Rock …

Continue reading East Jerusalem is occupied but the hearts and minds of the children are not

TV interview: US condemns Israel’s new settlement plan

I was interviewed by Press TV on 6/10/2016 about US unhappiness with the announcement of anew Israeli settlement despite 'understandings' with Netanyahu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWgebQCtRAs