israeli lawmaker smashes
|

Israeli lawmaker smashes Palestinian memorial

Israeli far-right lawmaker Tzvi Succot smashed a memorial listing the names of Palestinians killed in Madama, a village south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Israeli media reported Tuesday.

Succot, a member of the Religious Zionism party, shared a photo on X showing him using a large hammer to destroy the memorial. He said he had repeatedly urged the Israeli army to remove what he called “terror memorials” across the area.

Video footage circulating online also showed Succot damaging the monument while Israeli soldiers stood nearby.

According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Succot had sought permission more than a month earlier to visit Palestinian villages, and authorities approved his request several days before the visit. The lawmaker spent about 30 minutes in Madama and damaged the memorial during his visit.

The Israeli army said it had not received prior notice that Succot planned to destroy the monument.

Meanwhile, attacks by Israeli settlers across the occupied West Bank rose sharply during the first seven months of the year, according to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission.

The commission recorded 4,113 attacks from January through July, compared with 2,524 during the same period last year, marking a 63% increase.

It linked the rise to the expansion of illegal settlement outposts, particularly pastoral settlements, along with the increased arming of settlers and their integration into security formations. The commission also pointed to Israeli military protection and a lack of accountability.

The agency warned that weak international action had allowed settler attacks to grow from isolated incidents into a broader means of pressuring Palestinian communities and driving displacement.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Daniel Siad, modelling scout with ties to Epstein,…

    Daniel Siad, a modelling scout whose name appeared nearly 2,000 times in the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice, was found dead at his home outside Paris on Wednesday, prosecutors said. His body was reportedly discovered in the kitchen by a woman staying with him, and a neighbor reportedly attempted CPR without success. Siad’s death comes amid a wide-ranging probe into human trafficking and tax fraud opened in February following the release of the Epstein files. Since the investigation began, 24 women have come forward as victims or witnesses of alleged acts committed by Siad or others, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement. As part of the probe, Siad had been subjected to special scrutiny, though he had repeatedly proclaimed his innocence. Siad’s lawyer, Arab-Tigrine, told Reuters that Siad had asked on several occasions to be heard by French judicial authorities, but that no action was taken. She confirmed that Siad had died of a heart attack. Siad is the second man publicly linked to Epstein who has died in France. In 2020, French authorities arrested modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel after allegations he procured women for Epstein. Brunel was found hanged in his prison cell in 2022, having spent 14 months in custody awaiting trial on charges of rape of minors and sexual harassment. He denied the charges, along with any participation in Epstein’s sex trafficking. The Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice, have revealed extensive connections between the late financier and individuals in the modelling and entertainment industries. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had a long history of exploiting young women and maintaining a network of powerful associates. The release of these documents has reignited debates about accountability and the extent of Epstein’s influence. Siad’s death raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his passing and the ongoing investigation into his activities. His lawyer’s statement that he had sought to be heard by authorities suggests a desire to clear his name, but his sudden death has left many unanswered questions. The French authorities have not yet released further details about the investigation into Siad’s activities, but the probe continues as more victims and witnesses come forward. The deaths of Brunel and Siad have drawn attention to the high-profile individuals connected to Epstein who have died under unusual circumstances. While both men denied the allegations against them, their deaths have fueled speculation about the extent of Epstein’s network and the pressure faced by those connected to him. As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely for any further developments in the case. Siad’s death marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Epstein scandal, which has exposed the dark underbelly of the modelling and entertainment industries and raised questions about the accountability of those who enabled Epstein’s crimes. The investigation into Siad’s activities and the broader network of individuals connected to Epstein is likely to continue, with the hope of bringing justice to the victims and shedding further light on the extent of Epstein’s influence.

  • |

    Beijing battles torrential rain as flood threat gr…

    BEIJING: Beijing was thrown into weather-alert mode on Wednesday as torrential rain linked to Typhoon Dolphin disrupted transport, closed tourist attractions and forced authorities to evacuate people from areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides. The Chinese capital suspended 250 bus routes and ordered trains on 10 subway lines to operate at reduced speeds as heavy rain turned several roads into virtual rivers. Authorities also halted sightseeing boat services and temporarily closed tourist and camping sites, according to state media. The downpour was part of a wider weather system generated by the remnants of Dolphin, the strongest typhoon to hit China this year. Although the storm weakened after making landfall, its vast moisture system continued moving inland, bringing intense rainfall to northern and central parts of the country. Beijing’s Changping district recorded 90.7 millimetres of rain in just one hour after 9am on Wednesday, highlighting the intensity of the storm. Floodwaters left vehicles stranded and disrupted traffic on major roads. Authorities moved residents from mountainous villages, low-lying communities and other locations considered vulnerable to flooding and geological disasters. More than 5,000 elderly people were also evacuated from care facilities as officials stepped up emergency preparations. Construction work across thousands of sites was suspended, while reservoirs were releasing water in advance to create additional capacity for incoming rainfall. The National Meteorological Center renewed an orange rainstorm alert, warning that heavy rain would continue across a broad area of China through Thursday morning. The latest weather emergency has revived concerns over the growing impact of extreme rainfall and flooding in China. Scientists have increasingly linked more intense weather events to climate change, while the 2026 El Niño pattern is also contributing to warmer conditions and stronger tropical systems. For Beijing residents, the immediate priority remains staying away from flooded roads, rivers and mountainous areas as authorities monitor rainfall and prepare for further disruption.

  • | |

    Katy Perry slams Trump administration over ‘Fire…

    WASHINGTON: Pop star Katy Perry has sharply criticized the Trump administration after the White House used her hit song “Firework” in a social media video showing US military strikes on Iran, saying the use of her music was completely contrary to the message behind the song. The White House’s official TikTok account shared a video on Thursday featuring footage related to US attacks on Iran. The clip used the familiar “boom, boom, boom” lyrics from Perry’s 2010 hit alongside images of military strikes. The post carried a blunt warning directed at Iran, adding a strikingly confrontational tone to a song that Perry has long described as being about hope, confidence and personal strength. Perry responded on social media on Saturday, making clear that she had not authorized the use of the song and did not support the way it had been presented. “I’m deeply shocked and angry,” Perry said in her statement, objecting to the song’s appearance alongside images of destruction and military action. She emphasized that no permission had been sought from her for the video and that she did not endorse its message. For Perry, the controversy goes beyond the question of whether her music was used without authorization. She argued that the video fundamentally changed the meaning of a song intended to encourage people facing difficult moments. “Firework,” released in 2010, became one of Perry’s biggest international hits. Its message centers on self-belief, resilience and finding inner strength during challenging periods. The song has also become closely associated with celebrations and inspirational moments. That made its use in a military video particularly jarring for the singer. Perry said her music was created to bring people together rather than celebrate war, arguing that pairing an uplifting song with images of destruction undermined its original purpose. The dispute comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain extremely high, with military action and threats dominating international headlines. The White House has not been reported as having received Perry’s approval for the video, while her comments have reignited a wider debate over the use of popular music in political and military messaging. The incident also highlights the complicated relationship between artists and governments when copyrighted music is used in political communications. Musicians have repeatedly objected when their songs appear in campaigns or political videos without their consent. For Perry, however, the central issue appears to be the message. A song written to tell people to find their light in dark times was suddenly placed against scenes of war — a contrast she clearly believes turns its meaning upside down.

  • |

    North Korean missile unit reportedly deploys to Russia for Ukraine war

    Ukraine’s military intelligence claims that a North Korean missile unit has started deploying to western Russia, marking what could become a major expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. According to Ukrainian officials, the unit may eventually be equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for use in attacks against Ukraine. Andrii Cherniak, an official with Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, said around 90 North Korean personnel are expected to be stationed in Russia’s Voronezh region as part of the Russian military’s 112th Missile Brigade. He added that discussions between senior Russian and North Korean officials next month are expected to determine the final deployment plan and missile numbers. Ukraine says North Korea has already delivered another batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles along with military personnel. These missiles reportedly have a longer range and larger payload than Russia’s Iskander missiles, although Ukrainian military sources believe they are less accurate and have caused significant civilian casualties during previous strikes. The reported deployment comes as Russia has resumed using North Korean-made ballistic missiles after nearly a year. Ukrainian authorities say two such missiles were launched last week, including one that struck the village of Radushne in central Ukraine, reportedly killing at least five members of the same family. Ukraine remains heavily dependent on advanced air defence systems, particularly US-made Patriot batteries, to intercept ballistic missiles. Military analysts warn that an increase in North Korean missile supplies would place additional pressure on Ukraine’s already stretched air defence network, especially ahead of the winter months when Russia has previously targeted the country’s energy infrastructure. Cherniak said intelligence suggests Russia intends to integrate North Korean missile forces into its operations, although the exact role of North Korean personnel has not yet been confirmed. He also stated that about 9,500 North Korean troops remain in Russia’s Kursk region, though they are not currently taking part in direct combat operations against Ukraine. Russia and North Korea have strengthened military ties since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The two countries signed a mutual defence agreement in 2024, while Kyiv accuses Pyongyang of supplying millions of artillery shells, ballistic missiles and thousands of troops to support Russia’s war effort.

  • |

    Japan protests as Putin visits disputed Kuril Islands

    Japan issued a strong protest on Thursday following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iturup, an island within the disputed Kuril Islands chain claimed by both nations. According to Russian state media, the visit represents Putin’s first in-person trip to the archipelago. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated Tokyo’s position, stating that the islands are inherently Japanese territory under both historical context and international law. The territorial row over the four southernmost islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories and Russia calls the Southern Kurils, has prevented the two countries from signing a formal World War II peace treaty. The Soviet Union seized the chain in 1945 and subsequently expelled roughly 17,000 Japanese residents. During his itinerary on Iturup, known in Japan as Etorofu, Putin inspected a local fish-processing plant and sampled regional seafood following his observation of naval drills in Russia’s Far East. The strategically located island also houses a primary Russian military air base. Bilateral relations between Moscow and Tokyo have grown increasingly strained in recent years, particularly following Japanese sanctions imposed over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *