Israel welcomes Trump’s win with new anti-Palestinian laws

First published by the Arab Weekly on 20 November 2016 The election of Donald Trump as president of the United States seems to have emboldened Israeli politicians, who clearly feel their strongest ally will provide them with the chance to end any hope of freedom or independence for the Palestinians. Soon after Trump’s win, the …

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Empty condemnation of Israeli settlements doesn’t work: We need action

Firs published by the Middle East Eye on 10/11/2016 Instead of finding creative language of condemnation, the international community should declare that settlements are illegal and prohibit trade _____________________________________________________________ Israel is the only state in the world that believes that it can continue to build settlements only for Jews in East Jerusalem, the West Bank …

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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 …

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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 …

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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  

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 …

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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 …

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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

Palestinians do not mourn the passing of war criminal Peres, even if Mahmoud Abbas does

I write on the eve of the burial of a war criminal. Shimon Peres, former Israeli Prime Minister and President died on the 28th of September at the age of 93. I mourn the fact that he never faced justice to answer for his crimes against Palestinian and Lebanese innocent civilians. I also mourn the truly nauseating …

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Israel’s attack on democracy for non-Jews form the river to the sea

First published by the Middle East Monitor on 26/9/2016 Member of the Knesset Haneen Zoabi If Israel is not lauding its army, the Israeli Defence Force, as the self-proclaimed “most moral army in the world”, it is claiming to be the “only democracy in the Middle East”. The IDF’s oppressive treatment of Palestinians in the …

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