After 50 hours of Israeli raid, 14 Palestinians dead, ambulances detained and fifty homes destroyed, the residents of Nur Shams, a Palestinian refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, were finally able to leave their homes on Sunday and witness the destruction that had been inflicted upon their neighborhood.

“(Israeli soldiers) enter as if this were Gaza,” says a resident of Nur Shams, located three kilometers east of Tulkarem, while the noise of bulldozers and cranes attempting to restore normality echoes in the background.

“Why don’t we have international protection? Where is it?” asks one resident anonymously, fearing reprisals from Israel, which has been enacting violence and repression across the West Bank.

From Friday night until Sunday morning, the residents of Nur Shams lived in fear, surrounded by the sound of shrapnel, knowing that some of their young men associated with the Brigade of Tulkarem, comprising fighters from factions like Fatah and Islamic Jihad, would not return alive.

Hana, aunt of one of the young men killed in the military operation, describes the repeated raids in Nur Shams as a tragicomedy that attracts media attention but brings no change.

“This is our reality,” says the veiled woman, surrounded by fifty mourning family members and friends. “They are killing us,” she laments.

Message from neighbors

In the alleys of the camp, established in 1952 for Palestinian refugees displaced after the creation of the State of Israel, bullet casings and dried pools of blood can be seen, along with broken furniture scattered throughout.

Neighbors talk of three nights trapped indoors, unable to buy food, fearing soldiers would break in or commandeering their homes as operations centers.

“They shot at us as if we were animals, as if there were no children or sick people behind these walls,” says Mustafa Jalil, who repeats, “This cannot be, this cannot be.”

Jalil, like many others, believes that more violence and aggression from Israel will only push more young people to join the Palestinian “resistance.”

“Even those who were indifferent to the situation end up getting involved when their loved ones are killed,” he says. “Killing and violence are not the solution. Not everything is about killing and hitting,” he adds, near the house where soldiers killed four alleged militiamen.

Israeli offensive

The Israeli Army justifies the operation as an anti-terrorist offensive, claiming to have killed ten alleged militiamen, detained 15 individuals, and discovered explosives and weapons.

Initially, Palestinian media reported the death of Tulkarem Brigade commander Muhamad Jaber, but images of him appeared on Sunday, attended by mourners at the funerals of the deceased young men.

Since the beginning of 2024, Tulkarem governorate has become a deadly hotspot for Palestinians in the West Bank, with a total of 42 deaths, including alleged militiamen, out of 157 deaths across the occupied territory.

Many of these deaths occur during nighttime raids and violent clashes, while some are caused by possible settler bullets or incidents at Israeli military checkpoints following alleged attacks against soldiers.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, since the Hamas attack on October 7, 484 Palestinians have died in the West Bank, leading many to believe that the wave of violence is just beginning.

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotritch, have all strongly criticized the potential sanctions proposed by the United States against the ultra-Orthodox battalion of the Israel Defense Forces. The possibility of these sanctions was first reported by the American news portal Axios, leading to an outcry from Israeli officials.

These sanctions, if implemented, would involve withholding military aid and training from the Netzah Yehuda battalion, marking the first application of a law established in 1997 by former Senator Patrick Leahy. This recommendation comes after a group of experts from the State Department highlighted instances of human rights abuses committed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank.

However, the Israeli government has voiced opposition to these proposed sanctions, arguing that the Israeli Army should not be subjected to such measures. Prime Minister Netanyahu took to social media to denounce the decision as “absurd,” while Minister Itamar Ben Gvir referred to it as a “red line” and called for the full support of the battalion’s members.

Meanwhile, Minister Bezalel Smotritch labeled the sanctions “madness” and criticized their timing, as Israel continues to face threats from Hamas. The Israeli government has made it clear that it will not tolerate external interference in its military affairs and has suggested alternative measures, including integrating the battalion into the National Police and the Ministry of National Security.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that ten individuals were killed in a recent offensive against Islamist terrorism in Nur Shams, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem. The IDF has also reported almost a dozen injuries among their own ranks, as well as the detention of eight individuals and the confiscation of weapons and explosive devices. The official count, released over 40 hours since the operation began, reveals these details.

However, the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, has reported that the death toll stands at 14, with a dozen of those deaths being identified within the past day. Notably, the local leader of Islamic Jihad, Muhamad Jaber, also known as ‘Abu Shuja,’ who died on Friday, was not mentioned in the official count. Family sources confirmed his death to the Palestinian news portal, Sanad News.

In response to the situation in Tulkarem and Gaza, the Fatah party of the Palestinian Authority has called for a general strike on Sunday to protest against the loss of life. The Teachers’ Union has also announced a comprehensive strike in all schools, following the decision of the National Forces.

The Palestinian Red Crescent has reported that Israeli forces are hindering their workers from providing aid to the victims. They have also alleged that Israeli forces opened fire on one of their ambulances, although no injuries were reported. So far, twelve Palestinians, allegedly injured by firearms and beatings, are currently receiving care at the Martyr Thabet Thabet Hospital and the Al-Isra Specialized Hospital.

This offensive comes amidst a surge in violence since 2023, which has intensified following Hamas’ attacks on Israeli territory. These attacks resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and nearly 240 people being kidnapped, prompting an Israeli military operation in Gaza. Islamist sources claim that, since the October 7th Hamas attacks, over 460 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In the aftermath of the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus, scientists are now directing their efforts towards anticipating the next potential outbreak. Recent research suggests that the flu virus is a significant contender for triggering a new pandemic in the near future. A comprehensive international study involving 187 experienced scientists has revealed that 57% of disease experts believe a strain of the flu virus could be the cause of the next global outbreak of a deadly infectious disease. The research findings will be unveiled next weekend at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) congress in Barcelona.

These concerns expressed by scientists align with recent warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the rapid spread of the H5N1 variant of the avian flu virus. While there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the high mortality rate among those who have come into close contact with infected birds is a cause for concern. Any mutations in the flu virus raise alarms as they can potentially increase its adaptability to humans and facilitate person-to-person transmission.

Leading the research, Spanish scientist Jon Salmanton-García from the University of Cologne explains that the seasonal flu outbreaks can be considered as “small pandemics,” relatively controlled due to the limited virulence of the strains causing them. However, this might not always be the case, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

In addition to the flu virus, the study also considers the possibility of an unidentified pathogen called ‘Disease X’ being the cause of a future pandemic, an option not ruled out by 21% of experts. Furthermore, 15% of the surveyed scientists still view the Sars-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the Covid disease, as a potential threat to humanity.

Notably, there has been a surprising occurrence of the H5N1 virus in cattle, alarming the scientific community. The WHO global flu prevention program acknowledged the exponential growth in bird infections and the emergence of affected mammals, including seals, minks, sea lions, and foxes. While the virus’s adaptation to these animals is not confirmed, cases in cows and goats, as seen in the United States, signify a further spread of the virus to mammals.

According to virologist Ed Hutchinson from the University of Glasgow, the increasing spread of the virus among farm animals raises concerns about its potential transmission to humans. He suggests that the more the virus spreads, the higher the likelihood of mutation and subsequent human transmission. However, Hutchinson points out that if an avian flu pandemic were to occur, we would be better equipped to handle it compared to the development of a vaccine for Covid-19 from scratch.

This Saturday, the United States House of Representatives approved a substantial aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, totaling about 90 billion euros.

The aid allocation includes approximately 57 billion euros for Ukraine, 12.1 billion euros for Israel, and 7.5 billion euros for Taiwan.

The package also includes provisions for providing 8.4 billion euros to address urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza and other regions across the globe.

US President Joe Biden has pledged to enact this aid package once it receives approval in the Senate. The vote in the House ended with 311 members in favor and 112 against, with bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans.

In the case of Ukraine, it is worth noting that over one-third of the funds will be allocated towards repairing worn-out North American arsenals. These arsenals have been strained due to years of continuous military aid provision to Ukraine. Replacing them would facilitate future deliveries of equipment to the Ukrainian government in the coming months.

It is important to mention that Congress had not approved such a substantial measure since December 2022 due to disputes between Democrats and Republicans, as well as disagreements within the conservative party itself. In fact, the House’s president, Mike Johnson, has faced increasing opposition from a faction within his party that strongly opposes providing further aid to Ukraine.

Among other aspects, the aid package for Ukraine includes approximately 12 billion euros for training, equipping, and financing the needs of the Ukrainian Army. Additionally, it provides about 9.3 billion euros in “forgivable loans” for essential economic and budgetary support, including the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Furthermore, the package includes provisions for allocating 8.4 billion euros to address “the urgent humanitarian needs of the Gaza population” which references the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians trapped in the southern enclave due to Israeli bombings, as well as other regions worldwide.

Biden: “It is a message of power and leadership”

In his message of congratulations, President Biden lauded the unity displayed by representatives from both parties who supported a plan defending “the national security interests of the United States” and “sending a clear message about American power and leadership on the world stage.”

He stated, “At this critical turning point, we have come together to answer the call of history. This package will provide critical support to Israel and Ukraine, offer desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and other regions affected by conflict and natural disasters globally, and strengthen security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

Biden emphasized that this successful vote takes place “at a time of grave urgency, with Israel facing unprecedented attacks from Iran and Ukraine enduring continued bombings by Russia.”

Finally, the president expressed gratitude to Johnson and the bipartisan coalition of House lawmakers who prioritized “putting US national security first and foremost” through their efforts.

The House of Representatives, the lower house of the United States Congress, passed a bill on Saturday that could potentially lead to a nationwide ban on the popular video-sharing platform TikTok. The legislation requires its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sever ties with the platform in order to avoid the ban.

In addition to this, the House also approved another regulation that grants the US Government the authority to seize frozen Russian assets worth approximately 6 billion euros. This move aims to exert pressure on Russia.

Both legislations are tied to a substantial aid package of around 90 billion euros allocated for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

The bill, which was awaiting a vote, ended up being approved with 360 votes in favor and 58 against.

A fire broke out on Thursday night partially damaging the iconic Timberline Lodge hotel, famously known as the Overlook Hotel, featured in Stanley Kubrick’s renowned horror film The Shining, starring the legendary Jack Nicholson.

According to TMZ, the fire originated in the attic of the Oregon-based hotel around midnight, but firefighters swiftly intervened to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading throughout the entire premises.

As per reports, the hotel staff efficiently evacuated the most at-risk areas before the arrival of the firefighters, and the fire was extinguished within two hours. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, although it is speculated that it may have started due to sparks from a chimney.

Constructed in 1937, the Timberline Lodge is not only recognized for its association with The Shining, but also for serving as the filming location for several other scenes of the movie, including the opening and final sequences featuring Jack Torrance (Nicholson) and his family.

As of this Sunday, the pornography platforms Pornhub and Stripchat are required to comply with the digital services law of the European Union. This law mandates that platforms regulate their content to protect minors and prevent the dissemination of illegal images or videos. XVideos will also be subject to this reinforced control starting next Tuesday, according to a statement from the European Commission.

One of the key requirements is for these platforms to allow users to report the presence of illegal content and to inform them when videos have been removed, as well as give them the option to appeal the decision.

Moreover, if they suspect a crime endangering someone’s life or safety, they must promptly notify the authorities. These platforms must also ensure a high level of privacy and security for minors and implement age verification tools to prevent them from accessing explicit content.

Furthermore, they are obligated to redesign their websites to prevent user manipulation and clearly indicate advertising content. The platforms must also ensure that their ads are not targeted based on users’ ethnic origin, political opinions, or sexual orientation, and they must not be aimed at minors.

Transparency is another important aspect of the digital services law. These companies will be required to provide reports every six months on the measures they take to moderate content and annual reports on potential risks, specifically concerning the protection of minors’ physical and mental health.

The European Commission will monitor compliance with the digital services law by the designated platforms. If any violations are found, fines of up to 6% of their global turnover can be imposed.

The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, emphasized on Friday the importance of preventing the conflict in the Middle East from spiraling out of control, following reports of an alleged Israeli air strike on the Iranian town of Isfahan. Stoltenberg stated that a new war in the region would be detrimental to all parties involved.

During a press conference after a virtual meeting with NATO Defense Ministers and Ukrainian officials, Stoltenberg urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East. He expressed the Alliance’s concerns regarding the situation.

The alleged Israeli attack in Isfahan has caused confusion, as it has not been officially acknowledged by the Israeli Government or the Pentagon. According to reports from US media, the attack involved the use of missiles. However, the situation is complicated by Iran’s recent launch of 300 missiles and drones against Israel last weekend.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un made a grand appearance at a lavish ceremony on Tuesday to commemorate the opening of 10,000 homes in Pyongyang. The news was officially announced through a propaganda video that aired on the country’s sole television channel the following day. What caught the attention in the video was not only the impressive display of media and resources used, but also the catchy song that played alongside the footage, hailed as the latest musical triumph of the North Korean regime.

The video showcased the North Korean leader stepping onto a red carpet moments after stepping out of a limousine. Interestingly, the luxury vehicle was supposedly gifted by President Vladimir Putin as a token of appreciation for the missiles North Korea sent to Russia in defense against Ukraine, according to SkyNews. However, it should be noted that both regimes have consistently denied any missile supply from Pyongyang.

Shortly after, a large crowd can be seen joyously celebrating in the city streets, wielding flags and balloons while the country’s air force flies overhead and fireworks illuminate the sky in honor of the dictator. The video also portrays scenes of workers, soldiers, students, and state television journalists, all smiling, singing, and raising their thumbs in a show of support and happiness under Kim Jong-un’s leadership. Accompanying these visuals is the song “Friendly Father,” the latest musical sensation produced by the regime, which glorifies the figure of the dictator.

The inauguration of these 10,000 new homes forms part of a larger project that commenced in 2022, with the ambitious goal of constructing approximately 50,000 apartments in the capital over the course of five years. In North Korea, all homes are owned solely by the government, and citizens are issued domestic use permits to reside in them. However, unofficial reports suggest that some individuals have resorted to engaging in illegal activities, such as offering bribes, in order to gain access to housing.