Thom Yorke and Radiohead members discuss the intense controversy and personal struggles related to their stance on Israel and Palestine, with Yorke expressing distress over the backlash and the band reflecting on their complex relationships with the region and its politics.
Marwan Barghouti, a key Palestinian figure, was secretly removed from Israel's prisoner exchange list at the last minute, jeopardizing the Gaza ceasefire deal, amid political tensions and negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and regional actors.
Paul Weller is suing his former accountants for discrimination after they ceased working with him due to his public criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, claiming their decision was based on his political beliefs and constitutes unlawful discrimination. Weller, a vocal supporter of Palestine, plans to donate any damages to Gaza humanitarian efforts, highlighting broader issues of silencing artists supporting Palestinian rights.
The article argues that recognizing Palestine as a state amid ongoing conflict and territorial division is largely symbolic and unlikely to improve the situation for Palestinians, as it overlooks the reality of their fragmented territories and military defeat, and risks fostering illusions of sovereignty that do not address the core issues.
During a UN conference, the Holy See emphasized that a two-state solution is the only viable path to peace between Israel and Palestine, condemning terrorism and calling for humanitarian aid, respect for Jerusalem's unique status, and recognition of Palestinian rights.
At a UN conference in New York, international ministers emphasized the urgency of reviving the two-State solution amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, with calls for collective action, peace negotiations, and recognition of Palestinian statehood, while condemning violence and advocating for a sustainable peace process.
The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 60,000 since October 2023, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict, with discussions emphasizing the scale of casualties and the international response.
The US has imposed sanctions on UN investigator Francesca Albanese, who probes human rights abuses in Gaza, amid tensions over her criticism of Israel's actions and her support for ICC warrants against Israeli officials. The move is part of a broader effort by the US to silence criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement.
The US has imposed sanctions on UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, amid a broader campaign by the Trump administration to suppress criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and international controversy.
Former President Trump has not committed to pursuing a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict as he approaches a potential second term, despite having proposed such a plan in 2020. In a recent interview, Trump expressed a desire for lasting peace but indicated openness to various solutions, emphasizing that he prevented Israeli annexation of the West Bank during his first term. He also commented on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and expressed distrust in Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, while acknowledging the volatile situation in the region.
The Hollywood entertainment industry is experiencing a deepening divide over the Israel-Palestine conflict, with notable figures like Susan Sarandon and Roger Waters facing career repercussions for their political stances. Israeli filmmakers are reportedly being blacklisted from major film festivals, while pro-Palestinian voices in Hollywood also face backlash. This polarization is affecting funding and distribution opportunities for Israeli content creators, as well as the careers of those who express support for Palestinian causes. The situation highlights broader concerns about freedom of expression and the impact of political conflicts on the arts.
US President Joe Biden was seen with "The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine" by Rashid Khalidi, a book critical of US policies on Israel and Palestine. Khalidi, a historian, highlights the Palestinian struggle through personal and historical accounts. Biden, who identifies as a Zionist, was photographed with the book in Nantucket, Massachusetts, sparking interest due to his longstanding support for Israel.
Police arrested 13 pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied the Stanford University president's office, demanding a vote on divestment from companies supporting Israel's military. The occupation caused extensive damage, and the university stated that arrested students would face severe consequences, including suspension and denial of graduation for seniors.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to the "systematic postponement" of a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, emphasizing France's commitment to work with European and Arab partners towards a shared vision of peace that ensures security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Comedian Ramy Youssef discusses crafting his first Israel-Palestine joke after October 7, addressing the sensitivity of the topic and the emotional impact it had on him and his audience. He reflects on the phone calls he received and the challenge of making serious feelings funny, while also acknowledging the duality of the situation. Youssef also touches on the role of comedians in addressing complex issues and the influence of Jon Stewart in processing absurdity through comedy.