At least 40 dead in Syrian poison gas attack, Damascus denies ‘fabrications’

2018. április 8 16:15

At least 40 dead in Syrian poison gas attack, Damascus denies ‘fabrications’

 

Newsletter Sunday April 8, 2018
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At least 40 dead in reported poison gas attack in Syria
Rights groups, opposition-linked first responders say two poison gas bombs hit hospital, apartment building in besieged Douma, causing victims’ mouths to foam • U.S. says that if „horrifying” attack is confirmed, it will „demand an immediate response.”
Yoav Limor | A slippery security slope
The civilian character of the protests on the Israel-Gaza border is quickly fading as they have become more military in nature, and it is getting increasingly harder for Palestinians in the West Bank not to join them.
Amnon Lord | Behind the Shiite barricades
Hamas has turned the Palestinians into Iranian cannon fodder to be used against the Israeli-Sunni alliance. The only problem is that neither Saudi Arabia nor Egypt nor Jordan could care less.
Dror Eydar | A battle for our identity
The secularization of the Jewish people is not the end of the story. It is just the individuation stage in the maturation of our national identity.
Nazi flags are waving in Gaza, PM says in wake of deadly border riots
Nine Palestinians killed, hundreds wounded in Gaza border riots Friday • Egypt in talks with Hamas to end weekly protests • „The IDF is protecting us against the imposters,” says PM Netanyahu. „They wave the Nazi flag in Gaza and talk about human rights.”

Daniel Siryoti | Hamas doesn’t know when to fold
Hamas’ gamble on mass „nonviolent” protests at the border seems to be paying off, at least in the short term. But the organization doesn’t know when to quit.
US blocks Arab-led UN call for independent probe of Gaza riots
PA says U.S. „bias” in favor of Israel has rendered Security Council a „helpless hostage,” demands U.S. be stripped of its veto power if the council is to retain credibility • Israeli envoy: Security Council should condemn Hamas for using human shields.
‘Journalist who flew drone over IDF troops placed himself at risk’
Cameraman Yasser Murtaja was shot during a riot on the Israel-Gaza border Friday • Defense Minister Lieberman: Hamas uses vehicles disguised as Red Crescent ambulances. They also disguised themselves as journalists. We will not take any chances.
Minister lambastes left-wing group urging soldiers to refuse orders
After B’Tselem calls on IDF soldiers not to shoot „unarmed protesters” in Gaza, Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel calls to revoke controversial left-wing group’s national service slots • „No organization will issue orders to the IDF,” he says.
2,000 protesters march in solidarity with Gaza in Israeli Arab city
In wake of deadly border clashes between Gazans and Israeli forces, Israeli Arab protesters wave Palestinian flags, say they will „continue the martyrs’ struggle” • Joint Arab List lawmakers, left-wing activists, Arab public officials in attendance.
Fire rite celebrating Jesus’ resurrection draws thousands
Ritual dates back at least 1,200 years • Eastern Orthodox clerics enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre chamber that marks the site of Jesus’ tomb and emerge holding candles supposedly lit by „holy fire” • Source of flame is a closely guarded secret.
Thousands to attend annual March of the Living in Poland
Tensions over Poland’s new law outlawing any suggestion that Poland was complicit in Nazi crimes may cloud annual event • More than 12,000 youths in 110 delegations from 41 countries to attend 30th anniversary of march honoring victims of the Holocaust.
Yet more controversy surrounds Independence Day ceremony
Following disputed decision to include an address by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the strictly nonpolitical annual celebration, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is accused of human rights violations, is also invited to participate.
Trove of documents reveals inner workings of ISIS regime
Some 15,000 document found in Iraq show Islamic State wielded power over its caliphate using both brutality and bureaucracy • ISIS developed diversified income sectors and strong civil systems that helped it weather the West’s airstrikes for years.
Iran hit by global cyberattack that left US flag on screens
Alongside image of U.S. flag, hackers warn, „Don’t mess with our elections” • Iranian minister: Attack affected 200,000 router switches worldwide, including 3,500 switches in Iran • No data was lost, Iranian IT expert says • Identity of hackers unknown.
Israeli athletes banned from taekwondo event in Tunisia
Anti-normalization group argues in lawsuit that the athletes’ presence would clash with constitutional provisions and agreements signed by the Tunisian government, say Tunisia has committed „to denouncing and refusing Zionist occupation and colonization.”
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