Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (May 6–13, 2025)

The IDF in the Gaza Strip

• This past week, IDF forces continued to target terrorist operatives in the Gaza Strip, primarily those belonging to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Actions included aerial and ground attacks on terrorist squads and operatives, including those involved in the October 7, 2023 attack and massacre, such as Hamas operative Hassan Aslih, who posed as a journalist, and on terrorist facilities, including command and control centers operating from schools housing displaced persons and a hospital.^[3] A vast underground infrastructure was also destroyed in Rafah. Two IDF soldiers were killed in separate incidents in the Jenina neighborhood of Rafah, and about 20 soldiers were injured in the northern and southern Gaza Strip (IDF spokesperson, May 6–13, 2025).

• Hamas’ military wing announced it had launched operations entitled Gates of Hell to confront the IDF in Rafah after the takeover of the city. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, claimed responsibility for a “complex” ambush targeting soldiers and vehicles near the al-Zahraa Mosque in the al-Jenina neighborhood in eastern Rafah, and for detonating a building in which a “Zionist” engineering unit was present in the al-Tanour neighborhood, also in eastern Rafah (Telegram channel of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, May 7–13, 2025).

• “Sources in Hamas” confirmed that the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades increasingly used offensive tunnels in the military confrontation. “Hamas elements” noted that their use would expand according to operational needs in the field, especially if the IDF’s ground operation expanded. “The sources” admitted that part of the tunnel network was damaged during the fighting but claimed Hamas had repaired and resumed using some of it and possessed other tunnels which were not exposed, even in areas where IDF forces operated. Allegedly, some tunnels were deliberately left unused during the war to avoid detection by Israeli engineering forces (al-Sharq al-Awsat, May 8, 2025).
• The Hamas ministry of health in Gaza reported that over the past week, 232 “new” fatalities were brought to hospitals in the Strip. According to the ministry, since the resumption of IDF activity in Gaza on March 18, 2025, 2,780 people have been killed and 7,680 injured, and since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, the death toll [allegedly] stands at 52,908 and the number of wounded at 119,721 (Telegram channel of the Hamas ministry of health, May 7–13, 2025).

IDF soldier Idan Alexander released

• On May 11, 2025, Khalil al-Haya, head of the Hamas political bureau in the Gaza Strip and leader of the movement’s negotiating delegation, announced Hamas would release the Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander, who was abducted in the October 7, 2023 attack and massacre. Al-Haya claimed Hamas had shown “great positivity” in its efforts with the American administration to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He added that the release was part of measures toward a ceasefire, opening the crossings and bringing aid to the population in Gaza. He claimed Hamas was prepared to immediately begin intensive negotiations and invest serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange “prisoners” under mutual terms, and have a professional, independent committee manage the Gaza Strip for continued calm and stability for many years, alongside reconstruction and the end of the “siege.” He also praised the “tireless” efforts of the Qatari and Egyptian mediators, as well as those of Turkey (Hamas Telegram channel, May 11, 2025).
• “A member of Hamas’ political bureau” said that for several days direct talks were held in Doha between the Hamas leadership, headed by Khalil al-Haya, and American envoys. He noted that “progress was made” on issues such as the entry of aid into Gaza, a two-stage “prisoner” exchange deal and a ceasefire. He said the Americans had “showed understanding” of Hamas’ demands, especially regarding the rapid entry of humanitarian aid and ending the war. The political bureau member added that the discussions included a 70-day ceasefire, extendable to 90 days, in exchange for the release of Idan Alexander and ten additional live Israeli “prisoners.” During the ceasefire, negotiations would take place to release all remaining “prisoners,” both live and dead, and an agreement would be reached on the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, including hundreds serving life and long-term sentences, while the IDF would gradually withdraw until it had fully exited the Gaza Strip. The Hamas political bureau member said the discussions addressed American and regional guarantees to prevent the resumption of fighting as long as negotiations continued, the convening of a donor conference for Gaza’s reconstruction, and support for a community support committee to manage the Strip composed of 15 independent people who would begin work immediately after the ceasefire and end of the war (al-Sharq TV website, May 11, 2025).
• Hamas figure Mahmoud Mardawi said that Alexander’s release was a “gesture of goodwill” and part of a broader framework aimed at opening the crossings, bringing aid into Gaza and entering negotiations to end the war. He claimed Hamas had agreed on that with the Americans, and added that American pressure on Israel to allow aid into the Gaza Strip was “much better than it was in the past” (al-Araby, May 11, 2025).
• On May 12, 2025, Hamas’ military wing transferred Idan Alexander to the Red Cross without a ceremony, after which he was handed over to IDF forces and arrived in Israel (Israeli media, May 12, 2025). “Sources in Hamas” noted that the United States requested that no ceremony be held during Alexander’s release, unlike the hostage releases in January and February 2025, and that only the military wing’s media would document the transfer, with publication at the discretion of the wing’s leadership in coordination with Hamas’ political bureau, to avoid any issue that might anger the American administration (al-Sharq al-Awsat, May 13, 2025).
• Following Alexander’s release, Hamas claimed it had shown “great positivity and flexibility” in its contacts with the American administration and the mediators, part of efforts to reach a ceasefire, open the crossings and deliver humanitarian aid. Hamas reiterated its willingness to immediately enter negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of the “occupation army,” end the “siege,” “prisoner” exchange and reconstruction of the Strip. Hamas added that only “serious and responsible” negotiations would achieve results and lead to the release of “prisoners,” whereas continued “aggression” would prolong suffering and “could lead to their death.” Hamas called on the American administration to continue its efforts to end the war (Hamas Telegram channel, May 12, 2025). In another statement, Hamas claimed that Idan Alexander’s return was not a result of “Zionist aggression” or an “illusion” of military pressure. Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of deceiving the Israeli people and failing to release the “prisoners” by means of “aggression” (Hamas Telegram channel, May 13, 2025).

Egyptian and Qatari contacts for mediation

• A source “close to Hamas” stated that the Egyptian and Qatari officials responsible for the negotiations had met on May 7 and 8, 2025 in Doha with a delegation from the Hamas leadership headed by Khalil al-Haya. Another source “close to the movement” confirmed that the meetings in Doha were “serious, but no substantial progress was achieved” (Agence France-Presse, May 9, 2025).
• “Egyptian officials” claimed that criticism of Israel’s policy toward Hamas’ leadership in the Gaza Strip was growing in the American administration and among the president’s associates. Reportedly, the Americans believe that expelling senior Hamas officials from the Strip will not contribute to regional stability or promote a sustainable ceasefire. Instead, the United States seeks to advance an arrangement which would include the release of all live “prisoners” and the return of bodies in a single phase, as part of a broad understanding and not as a result of military pressure (al-Araby al-Jadeed, May 9, 2025).
• “Sources in Hamas” said the Qatari- and Egyptian-mediated talks reflected optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement, even a partial one, so that in the second phase there would be a complete cessation of the war if Israel and the United States responded positively to the Hamas proposal. “Sources familiar with the talks” said the United States was focusing on reaching a partial agreement, while Hamas demanded a written agreement with guarantees from the United States and the American president personally (al-Sharq al-Awsat, May 12, 2025).

The situation in the Gaza Strip

• The World Central Kitchen announced that it was forced to cease its operations in the Gaza Strip after running out of raw materials and fuel. The organization reported that over the past 18 months it had provided more than 130 million meals and 26 million loaves of bread, but the ingredients in the field kitchens and bakeries in the Strip had run out. The organization’s Gaza operations manager, Waddah Khabishi, stated that over 80% of the community kitchens operated by the organization could no longer feed people. He said that dozens of food and fuel trucks were ready and waiting at the borders of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel for approval to enter. He said that if access was granted they would be able to feed half a million people a day (World Central Kitchen website, May 7, 2025).
• “Palestinian sources” reported that approximately 75,000 liters of fuel were transferred to the Gaza Strip in an attempt to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Dozens of fuel trucks reportedly entered through the Rafah crossing to various distribution points to provide energy for water facilities, hospitals, desalination plants and critical generators (al-Ziyad Telegram channel, May 10, 2025); the Israeli government denied the report about the fuel entering the Gaza Strip (Israeli media, May 10, 2025).
• The Palestinian Water Authority warned of an “almost complete collapse” of the water and sanitation systems in the Gaza Strip, which it said could result in a severe humanitarian disaster for more than 2.3 million residents. The authority claimed that due to Israeli “aggression,” destruction of infrastructure, power outages and the blockage of fuel and essential goods, water supply had almost completely stopped. Reportedly 85% of facilities were damaged, per capita water consumption dropped to three to five liters per day, and sewage discharge threatened the spread of disease. The Water Authority accused Israel of a “serious violation” of international law, including the Geneva Convention, and called on the international community to intervene immediately, lift the “siege,” protect infrastructure workers and assist the Palestinian government in emergency response (Wafa, May 10, 2025).
• The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization announced that as part of the Jordanian aid campaign for the Gaza Strip, a bakery open daily had begun operating in the southern Gaza Strip. Reportedly, it will produce between 35,000 and 40,000 loaves of bread daily for refugees and displaced persons (Al Jazeera – Jordan, May 10, 2025).

The American plan for distributing humanitarian aid

• The American administration presented a plan to distribute humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip through an independent initiative called the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. According to the plan, four aid distribution centers will be established, secured by private American military contractors, where Palestinian families will receive packaged food, hygiene kits and medical supplies, with the objective of preventing Hamas from seizing the aid (AP and CNN, May 9, 2025). The plan includes a mechanism to prevent direct IDF involvement in the distribution. Security will be provided by private security companies, including ones that previously operated on the Netzarim corridor, no IDF forces will be stationed near the distribution centers, aid will be given unconditionally and any resident who requests aid will receive it. The plan includes the involvement of local civilian society and the employment of workers from Gaza itself (Telegram channel of journalist Hadeel Issa, May 9, 2025). The plan sparked criticism from Palestinians:
  • Hamas political bureau member Basem Na’im rejected the American initiative, warning it would become a tool for Israel to exert control and prepare for “displacement.” He said the Palestinian people’s right to food, water and medicine was guaranteed under humanitarian law even during war and was not negotiable. He claimed that all attempts to break the Palestinian people’s will through hunger and not delivering medicine had failed. He said that international institutions, clan leaders and heads of families refused to cooperate with attempts to bypass the “resistance”^[4] and deliver aid via routes under Israeli control (alresala.net, May 9, 2025).
  • Chairman of the Palestinian National Council, Rahwi Fattouh, attacked the plan, calling it a “racist project to isolate Palestinians in ghettos and humiliate them to the point of forced migration.” He claimed it was a continuation of efforts to eliminate the Palestinian issue, including by attacking UNRWA. He claimed the plan violated international humanitarian law and called on the international community to stop the killing in the Gaza Strip, lift the “siege” and support the rights of the Palestinian people and justice within the framework of international legitimacy (Wafa, May 9, 2025).

Gaza promotes the “famine” narrative

• The head of the bakery union in the Gaza Strip stated that all bakeries in the Strip were closed due to a complete lack of flour and fuel. He claimed the population faced real hunger, with half of the homes in Gaza already without flour. He warned that waiting two weeks for the American plan to be implemented would lead to famine and called for the immediate opening of crossings to allow food entry. He also claimed that Israel had [allegedly] deliberately destroyed 25 bakeries, mainly in the northern Gaza Strip (Telegram channel of journalist Hadeel Issa, May 9, 2025).
• Hamas rejected the accusations of American Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who said Hamas controlled humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, and called the statements “lies and Zionist propaganda” which had [allegedly] been refuted by international bodies. Hamas accused the Netanyahu government of the “war crime” of a “deliberate hunger policy” against millions of civilians in the Gaza Strip and called on the international community to prevent humanitarian aid from being turned into a tool for coercion (Hamas Telegram channel, May 9, 2025).

Governance

• Hamas security forces in the Gaza Strip launched an operation in al-Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah in the central Strip against merchants involved in financial fraud. In Khan Yunis, Yasser Abu Shabab was arrested after an armed confrontation, with an RPG launcher and light weapons in his possession, which were seized. Several other criminals were arrested with him. Hamas’ security forces said the operation was part of an ongoing campaign against “lawbreakers, collaborators and robbers” aimed at maintaining public order in the Strip (al-Ziyad Telegram channel, May 10, 2025).
• “Sources” reported that in recent weeks there had been an increase in executions in the Gaza Strip conducted by armed operatives of the military wings of Palestinian “factions” against those suspected of collaborating with Israel. At least five Palestinians were executed by gunfire or hanging in Gaza City within a few days as part of a broad “resistance”^[5] “security operation” to identify informants who aided Israel in attacks which killed operatives and senior figures. According to “sources,” the decision to execute is made when it becomes clear that the information provided by the suspect led to casualties or damage to military capabilities, including the exposure of the location of Israeli “hostages.” Meanwhile, looting and theft have reportedly increased, which Israel is allegedly exploiting to recruit collaborators in exchange for money and food. It was also reported that suspects of theft (not collaboration) were being investigated and their punishment was being shot in the leg or beaten (al-Sharq al-Awsat May 10, 2025).

• The United States and Israel reportedly discussed the possibility of establishing a temporary administration in the Gaza Strip after the end of the fighting, to be led by Washington and based on Palestinian technocrats without the Palestinian Authority. According to the report, the American administration would invite other countries to participate, though it is unclear whether they will be involved. Meanwhile, the UAE proposed forming an international coalition to oversee the Gaza Strip, on the condition that it includes the Palestinian Authority and supports a Palestinian state (Reuters, May 7, 2025). Fatah spokesman Jamal Nazzal stated in response that the movement insisted on Palestinian rule in the Gaza Strip led by the Palestinian Authority and emphasized that “we will not replace one colonialism with another.” Nazzal added that there was an Arab consensus supporting the presence of the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip, centered around the joint Egyptian-Palestinian plan (Facebook page of Ammer Omar, May 7, 2025).

• Hamas welcomed the decision of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions to boycott Israel and ban trade and investments with its companies, calling it a “brave step reflecting a commitment to justice and the rights of the Palestinian people.” Hamas called on professional unions around the world to follow the Norwegians, boycott the “fascist entity” and expose its “crimes against humanity” (Hamas Telegram channel, May 9, 2025).
• A delegation of senior Hamas figures, led by Shura Council head Muhammad Darwish, met in Qatar with the chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Kamal Kharazi. They discussed recent developments and the continuation of the “Zionist attacks” on the Gaza Strip. Darwish said Hamas continued to defend the Palestinian people and work toward ending the fighting, lifting the siege and bringing in humanitarian aid. He expressed a commitment to the Palestinians’ right to their land and claimed that their steadfastness was foiling Israel’s plans. Kharazi noted Iran’s full support for the Palestinian “struggle” and warned of Israel’s [alleged] “expansionist” intentions, which he said threatened the entire Middle East and required regional cooperation against the “occupation” (Hamas Telegram channel, May 12, 2025).

Terrorist attacks

• This past week Palestinian terrorists carried out two attacks, in which two IDF soldiers were seriously wounded:
  • Shooting at the Reihan Crossing: On May 7, 2025, shots were fired at the Reihan Crossing in northern Samaria and two reservist soldiers were seriously wounded. The suspect was pursued and detained in the village of Barta’a (IDF spokesperson, May 7–8, 2025).
  • Vehicle ramming at the Cevasim Junction: On May 7, 2025, a Palestinian terrorist attempted to run over IDF soldiers at the Cevasim Junction checkpoint near Hebron. He then left the vehicle and tried to stab a soldier; he was shot and killed (IDF spokesperson, May 7, 2025). The ministry of health in Ramallah reported that the terrorists was from Dura in the Hebron region (Wafa, May 7, 2025).

Counterterrorism activity

• This past week Israeli security forces continued their large-scale counterterrorism operation in northern Samaria, in addition to ongoing activity in other parts of Judea and Samaria. During the operation, three terrorists were eliminated, including Nour Bitawi, who headed the PIJ cell in Jenin and had fled to Nablus. Dozens of wanted persons and suspects were detained, including a terrorist who planned an attack and a terrorist squad which threw rocks and Molotov cocktails; weapons and explosives were also seized. According to the IDF, since the start of Operation Iron Wall in northern Samaria in January 2025, over one hundred terrorists have been eliminated and about 320 wanted persons detained. Since the beginning of the war in October 2023, over 700 terrorists have been eliminated, including 36 senior operatives from terrorist organizations (IDF spokesperson, May 6–13, 2025).
• According to the Palestinians, more than 21,000 Palestinians have been forced to leave Jenin and the Jenin refugee camp since the beginning of Israeli security forces’ operations, and more than 3,250 housing units have been destroyed, while more than 25,000 residents have left Tulkarm and its refugee camps, and more than 2,630 structures have been destroyed (Quds News Agency Telegram channel, May 10, 2025). The Palestinian Authority government held a meeting in Tulkarm, and Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa said that choosing the locale was a message of support from Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Wafa, May 12, 2025).
• Israeli security forces detained an Arab-Israeli citizen from Kafr Qassem on suspicion of joining ISIS, distributing ISIS content on social media and attempting to reach Syria via Turkey to join the organization (Police and Shin Bet spokespersons’ units, May 8, 2025). Two Arab-Israeli citizens from Deir al-Assad were detained on suspicion of planning a vehicle ramming attack on Jews as revenge for the war in the Gaza Strip (Police and Shin Bet spokespersons’ units, May 8, 2025).

International activity

• The chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, arrived in Russia to participate in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over the Nazis in World War II. He held meetings in which he addressed developments in the Palestinian arena, including efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and bring in humanitarian aid, as well as efforts to promote international recognition of a Palestinian state:
  • Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Mahmoud Abbas thanked China for its continued support of the Palestinian people in the international arena and for the humanitarian aid it provided to the Palestinians. He noted the importance of the “strategic partnership” between China and “Palestine” and expressed his pride in the historical friendly ties between the two countries (Wafa, May 8, 2025).

• • Meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Abbas discussed the importance of continuing joint coordination in regional and international forums to protect the rights of the Palestinians and strengthen efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. He praised Egypt’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and called for the implementation of the Palestinian-Egyptian-Arab plan to rehabilitate the Gaza Strip while ensuring that Palestinians remained on their land. He also referred to the importance of international recognition of a Palestinian state and noted that 149 countries had already recognized it, calling for continued efforts, including by the United States and European countries. He related to the importance of the conference in New York on June 18, 2025, in support of the two-state solution (Wafa and the Facebook page of the Egyptian president’s spokesman, May 9, 2025).
  • Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Abbas thanked him for Russia’s support of the Palestinian people and noted the contribution of 30,000 tons of wheat expected to arrive in the Gaza Strip. He said Russian aid was not only material but also a significant political message, adding that the Palestinian people rejected any American attempt to impose separate control over the Gaza Strip or to initiate processes of “displacement and transfer” of its residents. Putin stated that Moscow would continue to provide aid to the Palestinians as part of its humanitarian commitment and expressed support for the two-state solution as the only path to achieving a stable peace in the region. He said Russia had so far delivered approximately 800 tons of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip (Wafa and Al Jazeera Mubasher, May 10, 2025).

• Hussein al-Sheikh held a round of meetings in Arab countries for the first time since his appointment as deputy chairman of the PA and deputy chairman of the PLO Executive Committee at the end of April 2025. With his hosts he discussed developments in the Palestinian arena and efforts to promote a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and bring in humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need to transfer civil and security responsibility for the Gaza Strip to the PA. They also discussed ways to enhance international cooperation to help advance Palestinian rights:
  • In Saudi Arabia, he held meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Al-Sheikh said the top priority of the Palestinian leadership was to stop the Israeli “aggression” by all means and to provide aid to the Gazans. He thanked Saudi Arabia for its support of the Palestinians and for its efforts, in coordination with France, the European Union, Arab states and other international actors, to hold the international peace conference, planned for New York in June 2025, to secure recognition of the state of “Palestine” and its full UN membership as a step toward a political process to end the “Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine,” with east Jerusalem as its capital (Hussein al-Sheikh’s X account, May 8, 2025). A “Palestinian source” stated that the Saudi Crown Prince said there would be no normalization with Israel before the war in the Gaza Strip ended and before the start of a political process leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state (Sky News Arabia, May 9, 2025).

• • Meeting in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, al-Sheikh expressed appreciation for Egypt’s role in supporting the Palestinian people. He also praised Egypt’s mediation efforts to renew the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and its efforts to ease the flow of humanitarian aid and advance reconstruction in the Strip. They discussed coordination between the Palestinians and Egypt to implement the reconstruction plan for Gaza in accordance with the Arab-Islamic framework. The Egyptian foreign minister noted Egypt’s continued mediation efforts, together with Qatar and the United States, to renew the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and increase the rate of humanitarian aid delivery. Abdelatty also reviewed recent developments in preparations to host an international conference on Gaza’s reconstruction, in coordination with the UN and the PA (Hussein al-Sheikh’s X account, May 10, 2025).
  • Meeting in Doha with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, al-Sheikh expressed the Palestinian people’s appreciation for Qatar’s role in trying to end the war and deliver humanitarian aid. He reiterated the Palestinian demand for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of “occupation forces” from the Gaza Strip, and the transfer of civil and security authority to the PA. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming Arab summit in Baghdad and President Trump’s visit to the region. The Qatari foreign minister reiterated Qatar’s unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state within the 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as its capital (Hussein al-Sheikh’s Facebook page, May 11, 2025).
  • Meeting in Amman with Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, al-Sheikh noted the need for a full IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, an end to the “aggression” of IDF forces and “extremist settlers” in Judea and Samaria, and the launch of a political process based on international legitimacy to end the “occupation.” The Jordanian prime minister referred to Jordan’s stance supporting the Palestinian cause, ensuring the presence of the Palestinian people on their land and the realization of their legitimate rights. He also confirmed Jordan’s commitment to continued coordination and cooperation to meet the region’s upcoming challenges (Wafa, May 11, 2025).
• PA Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa spoke with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the need for immediate international action to pressure Israel to open the crossings and allow aid to be delivered. Mustafa thanked Italy for its support of the PA, its efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and its support for “the establishment of a Palestinian state and the end of the occupation” (Wafa, May 10, 2025). Mustafa also met in Ramallah with Germany’s new foreign minister, Johann Pfadpfuhl, and claimed that ending Israeli control over the territory of “Palestine,” realizing the rights of the Palestinian people and establishing a “Palestinian state” were the path to achieving regional peace and stability. He also called for Germany’s participation in the peace conference to be held in New York in June 2025 to advance the two-state solution (Wafa, May 11, 2025).
• PA Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa held a press conference in Ramallah where he called the Gaza Strip a “starved zone.” He called on the UN to activate all mechanisms at its disposal immediately and remove all restrictions on the entry of aid. Mustafa held Israel fully responsible for the “humanitarian disaster” unfolding in the Strip, because of its status as “the occupying power” (Wafa, May 7, 2025).
• In a speech for Europe Day, he said it was shameful that in the modern world, which prided itself on human rights, justice and order, the Palestinian people were [allegedly] “dying of hunger.” He noted his appreciation for the European Union’s position supporting the two-state solution, which gave the Palestinian people and leadership hope for rights which will not be lost, and thanked the EU for its economic and financial assistance. The EU representative said there was no politicization in the distribution of humanitarian aid and pledged to maintain ties and support for the Palestinian people (PA government Facebook page, May 8, 2025).

Al-Jazeera resumes operations in the Palestinian Authority

• The PA lifted the restrictions which were imposed on Al Jazeera broadcasts in Judea and Samaria, after the channel’s operations were halted in January 2025 because of legal violations, incitement and interference in internal Palestinian affairs, primarily over its coverage of Israeli security forces’ actions in the Jenin refugee camp (al-Araby al-Jadeed, May 12, 2025).