Author Archives: stuartbramhall

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About stuartbramhall

Retired child and adolescent psychiatrist and American expatriate in New Zealand. In 2002, I made the difficult decision to close my 25-year Seattle practice after 15 years of covert FBI harassment. I describe the unrelenting phone harassment, illegal break-ins and six attempts on my life in my 2010 book The Most Revolutionary Act: Memoir of an American Refugee.

Democratic lawmakers request probe into Kushner after Reuters Saudi report

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Ivana Trump funeral held in New York

Jared Kushner attends funeral for Ivana Trump, socialite and first wife of former U.S. President Donald Trump, in New York City, U.S., July 20, 2022. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/File Photo

By Aram Roston and Alexandra Ulmer

WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (Reuters) – The Democratic chair of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and a prominent Democratic congressman asked the U.S. attorney general on Thursday to appoint a special counsel to investigate whether Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, was functioning as an unregistered foreign agent for Saudi Arabia, according to a letter from the lawmakers.

The letter from U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin cited an Oct. 4 Reuters report that revealed that Kushner on multiple occasions had discussed U.S.-Saudi diplomacy concerning Israel with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, since leaving government.

“This revelation is deeply disturbing, as Mr. Kushner appears to be influencing U.S. foreign policy by acting as a political consultant to the Saudi government while also accepting their money,” Wyden and Raskin wrote in the eight-page letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The letter has not been previously reported.

“Mr. Kushner’s proximity to President Trump and the potential for political interference warrants the appointment of a Special Counsel,” the letter added.

Saudi Arabia has invested $2 billion into a private equity fund, Affinity Partners, that Kushner, who was a top adviser on the Middle East during Trump’s administration, founded in 2021 after leaving government, according to congressional investigators.

In a statement, Kushner said, “There is no conflict of interest.” He dismissed the letter as “silly political stunts” and said it was ” beneath the level of seriousness that both of their chambers deserve.”

Chad Mizelle, Chief Legal Officer at Affinity Partners, called the request for a Special Counsel “a disgraceful attempt by Wyden and Raskin to turn an already weaponized DOJ into a fully political operation with accusations that have no merit or evidence.”

The Department of Justice acknowledged receipt of the letter but declined further comment.

Saudi Arabia’s investments in Kushner’s fund have been criticized by ethics experts, Democrats in Congress and some Republicans, who have expressed concern that Saudi Arabia’s stake can look like a payoff since Kushner worked on Saudi issues before leaving Trump’s White House.

“There is substantial reason to believe,” the letter wrote, “that the Saudi government’s decision to engage Affinity for investment advice is a fig leaf for funneling money directly to Mr. Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump.”

Affinity and Kushner have previously denied that Saudi Arabia’s investments are a payoff or a conflict of interest. Affinity has said Wyden and his Senate staff do not understand the realities of private equity.

The letter comes less than two weeks before the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election between Trump, a Republican, and Democrat Kamala Harris. Special counsel investigations have more political independence than prosecutions run by Justice Department attorneys, though special counsels can be fired by the Attorney General.

During his time as Trump’s special advisor, Kushner engineered the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements in which Islamic nations established diplomatic ties with Israel in exchange for concessions by the United States. Saudi Arabia never signed on but the Biden Administration has tried to encourage the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel, an effort that appeared to stall amid the Gaza conflict.

The Oct. 4 Reuters report, quoting a source familiar with the discussions, said Kushner’s talks with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince included the process of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The source did not identify when the talks took place and whether they occurred before or after the start of the Gaza conflict.

The U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, requires agents of foreign interests who engage in political activity to register with the Department of Justice.

Wyden is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and has been investigating investments by Saudi Arabia and other countries in Kushner’s funds since June. Raskin is the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

[…]

Via https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democratic-lawmakers-request-probe-into-trump-son-in-law-after-reuters-saudi-2024-10-24/

US proposal to ban Chinese flights over Russian airspace could increase travel costs

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AP Photo/Andy Wang File

by CHAN HO-HIM | Associated Press

October 16th 2025 

HONG KONG (AP) — China’s biggest state-owned air carriers have hit back at a U.S. proposal to bar them from flying over Russia when traveling to or from the U.S.

The U.S. side has stated that such flights give Chinese airlines an unfair cost advantage over American carriers, which are unable to cross through Russian airspace. Moscow closed Russian airspace to U.S. air carriers and most European airlines in 2022 in response to Western sanctions for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern are among six Chinese airlines that have filed complaints over the proposed order last week to prohibit such flights by Chinese carriers.

China Eastern said in its filing this week to the U.S. Department of Transportation that the proposed ban would “harm the public interest” and “inconvenience travelers” from both China and the U.S. The additional flight time would result in higher costs and elevated air fares, which would increase the burden on all travelers, it said.

China Southern warned that a Russian airspace ban would adversely affect thousands of travelers. Air China said it estimates at least 4,400 passengers would be affected if the ban takes effect during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Last week, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also hit back at the proposed ban, saying the move would be “punishing” passengers around the world.

David Yu, an aviation industry expert at New York University Shanghai, said that U.S. carriers’ inability to fly over Russian airspace has increased flight paths for some U.S.-China routes by roughly two to three hours. Longer journeys require more fuel and pressure U.S. carriers’ profitability.

“The U.S.-China route historically has been a money-maker for airlines on both sides,” Yu said. “From the Chinese carriers’ perspective, if you can go through Russia, your costs go down.”

Despite that, Chinese carriers have struggled with losses, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said in its proposed order that Chinese carriers’ ability to cross Russian airspace has caused “competitive imbalances” between American and Chinese airlines.

“Being able to use the most efficient route provides a competitive advantage because it usually results in the shortest flight time duration, thereby offering a more appealing option to travelers,” the department said last week.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it would consider public comments before finalizing the plan.

European airlines, including Air France-KLM, have also complained.

In a filing to the Department of Transportation, United Airlines urged that Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, which is not included in the list of Chinese airlines, also be subject to the ban.

[…]

Via https://cbs12.com/news/nation-world/us-proposal-to-ban-chinese-flights-over-russian-airspace-could-increase-travel-costs-china-air-carriers-moscow-western-sanctions-department-of-transportation-air-fares-travelers-air-france-klm-united-airlines

Russia hands over its JFK assassination files to US lawmaker

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Russia hands over its JFK assassination files to US lawmaker
US President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. ©  Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images

RT

The declassified Soviet-era documents are from the archives in Moscow.

The Russian ambassador to the US has given Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna copies of the declassified Soviet files on the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the embassy announced on Tuesday.

Ambassador Aleksandr Darchiev met with Luna, a Republican from Florida, and handed her files compiled from the Russian state archives, diplomats said.

According to the Russian Embassy, many of the files had already been presented to the US by Soviet officials during Kennedy’s funeral in 1963.

“I have received a hard copy of the report on JFK’s assassination from the Ambassador of Russia. A team of experts is enroute to my office in the morning to begin translation and full review of documents,” Luna wrote on X.

Luna said journalist Jefferson Morley is helping her review the 350-page collection. “We will be posting translations, prepared by fluent Russian speakers, of significant material in the document. We will provide context on what this document is, how it came to be, and how it compares with what is known about Russia’s response to JFK’s assassination,” Morley wrote on X.

Luna has been campaigning for the release of all information related to the killing of Kennedy, the 35th US president, on November 22, 1963. She has questioned whether Lee Harvey Oswald, the man charged with the murder, was actually responsible.

The KGB collected files on Oswald, a former US Marine with pro-communist views, because he had lived in the Soviet Union for about three years and was married to a Russian woman.

Although the official investigation concluded that Oswald acted alone, various theories persist regarding Kennedy’s death, with some suggesting that the CIA or other elements of the US government were involved.

US President Donald Trump released 2,800 documents on the Kennedy assassination in 2017 and an additional 80,000 pages related to the case in March 2025.

[…]

Via https://www.rt.com/news/626449-russian-jfk-files-handover/

Putin hosts Syrian president in Kremlin

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Putin hosts Syrian president in Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R), Moscow, Russia, October 15, 2025. ©  Kremlin

RT

Ahmed al-Sharaa has paid his first official visit to Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on Wednesday, praising the two countries’ deep historical ties and friendly relations. Al-Sharaa noted that Moscow would play a significant role in his country’s transition to a “new Syria,” and vowed to honor all past commitments.

The two spoke at a meeting at the Kremlin ahead of extended talks. It marks the first visit of a Syrian leader to Russia since the fall of Bashar Assad’s government late last year. Al-Sharaa, who once led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, rose to power following the departure of Assad.

Putin said that diplomatic ties between Russia and Syria “have always been friendly” since their establishment in 1944.

“Throughout these decades, we have always been guided by one thing – the interests of the Syrian people,” he said.

Al-Sharaa said that Syria continues to “build on the many achievements” that cooperation with Russia has facilitated.

“Part of Syria’s food supply and many power plants depend on Russia, and we are trying to redefine the nature of our relations with it, while respecting all past agreements between the countries,” he added.

Russia’s military presence in Syria – at the Khmeimim Airbase and the Tartus naval facility – was originally established with a 49-year lease signed with Assad in 2017. Moscow has remained engaged with the new Syrian leadership and continued to maintain the bases since his ouster.

Officials in the new Syrian government have previously indicated that Damascus would be open to allowing Russia to maintain its bases, as long as their presence is advantageous to the country.

[…]

Via https://www.rt.com/russia/626497-putin-hosts-syrian-president/

What the MSM Won’t Tell You About the Israeli-Backed ISIS Gangs Stealing Gaza Food Aid

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October 14, 2025

Very revealing interview, in which Blumenthal talks at length about the Israeli-backed ISIS gangs that have been terrorizing Gaza survivors and looting food aid to sell back to them at astronomical prices. It’s only since the IDF has withdrawn that Hamas have made inroads against these gangs and a trickle of food aid is finally getting through.

Includes revealing clip from Trump on Air Force One about giving Hamas permission to continue performing police functions in Gaza.

Blumenthal also reveals that Middle East negotiators offered the Biden administration the exact same peace deal in September 2024. Unfortunately hard liner in Biden’s cabinet were more interested in wiping out Hezbollah in Lebanon – after Israel assassinated a Hebzbollah leader leading ceasefire negotiations (between Israel and Hezbollah).

The interview also includes an intriguing clip of a newly released Israel hostage kissing the two Hamas guards who protected him from Israeli airstrikes.

Blumenthal quotes a Hebrew Telegram channel suggesting that the IDF have orders to refrain from randomly shooting Gazans until all the hostages are safely home.

First minister says Scotland must seek independence amid UK decline

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Scottish First Minister and SNP Leader John Swinney AP

By Al Mayadeen English

Scottish First Minister John Swinney calls for independence, saying Westminster’s decline shows it’s time for Scotland to govern itself.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney declared on Monday that “now is the time” for Scotland to become independent, arguing that Westminster’s decades of failed policies have led to national decline and stagnation.

Speaking at the Scottish National Party (SNP) annual conference, Swinney described independence as a “fresh start” for Scotland, offering hope and ambition in contrast to what he called “decline, decay, and despair” under the UK government.

“Independence offers Scotland a fresh start. This is a moment of decision. We all face a choice: decline, decay, and despair with a Westminster government or hope, optimism and ambition with a Scottish self-government,” Swinney said. “Now is the time for Scotland to become independent.”

10 Downing Street ‘working against Scotland’

The SNP leader accused the government in London of “working against Scotland,” pointing to high inflation, declining living standards, and long-term economic stagnation as “the culmination of decades of failed Thatcherite policies.”

Swinney also pledged to block any attempt by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to introduce a digital ID system in Scotland, adding that his government would redirect energy revenues to combat poverty and support social welfare programs.

The remarks come amid renewed debate over Scotland’s constitutional future. In June, Prime Minister Starmer reiterated that he would not permit another Scottish independence referendum during his premiership.

Scotland last voted on independence in 2014, when 55% of voters chose to remain in the United Kingdom. However, Swinney and the SNP argue that shifting political dynamics, economic challenges, and a desire for self-determination have made independence once again a central issue in Scottish politics.

[…]

Via https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/pm-says-scotland-must-seek-independence-amid-uk-decline

Trump Admin Sparks MAGA Fury With Qatari Air Force Base in US

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks as President Donald Trump holds a Cabinet meeting at the White House on October 9 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan)
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that the United States has greenlit the establishment of a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility in Idaho, a move that has drawn backlash from some of the administration’s closest Make America Great Again (MAGA) allies, with Laura Loomer writing on X, “I have never felt more betrayed by the GOP,” over the matter.

Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist during President Donald Trump‘s first term and architect of the MAGA movement, told Newsweek in a text message, “There should never be a military base of a foreign power on the sacred soil of America.”

Newsweek has reached out to Qatar’s government communication office for comment via email on Friday.

Why It Matters

The administration’s announcement shocked the MAGA core base, who have applauded the president on his “America First” agenda. The agreement states an Idaho air base will “host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots.”

The move comes months after Trump accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from the Qatari government, which drew criticism from Democrats and Republicans, including from Loomer. It also comes as the U.S. is working with mediators in the region to put an end to the Israel-Hamas war that began two years ago.

Qatar has been a longtime ally of the U.S. and hosts key CENTCOM military operations at Al-Udeid Air Base near Doha. In late September, Trump issued an executive order “assuring the security of the state of Qatar” after Israel carried out a strike in Doha.

What To Know

During a joint press conference addressing the finalization of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, Hegseth thanked Qatari officials for their involvement in the process and announced that the U.S. is “signing a letter of acceptance to build” a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility. The facility will be hosted at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, Hegseth said.

Loomer took issue with the administration’s move in a series of X posts, writing “no foreign country should have a military base on US soil. Especially Islamic countries.”

She added in another post that Hegseth, who she calls her friend, “should know how bad of an idea it is to allow Terror financing Qataris who fund HAMAS and the Muslim Brotherhood to have an AIR FORCE BASE ON US SOIL.”

Loomer added, “I don’t think I’ll be voting in 2026,” over the issue. In another post, she wrote, “There isn’t a single Trump supporter who supports allowing Qatar to have a military base on US soil. I don’t know who told President Trump this was a good idea, but it has made people not want to vote. This is the type of thing I would expect from a President Ilhan Omar.”

The Republic of Singapore also has a presence at the Idaho base, according to the base’s website.

Hegseth said in a Friday X post clarifying the agreement, “The U.S. military has a long-standing partnership w/ Qatar, including today’s announced cooperation w/ F-15QA aircraft. However, to be clear, Qatar will not have their own base in the United States—nor anything like a base. We control the existing base, like we do with all partners.”

Many conservative commentators questioned how the move is aligned with Trump’s “America First” agenda, while others have drawn lines between Qatar, the airbase, and unfounded claims of future use not related to military training. There is no indication that Qatar will be using the base for anything other than training and cooperating with the U.S., with Hegseth stating, the partnership will “enhance our combined training, increase lethality, interoperability.”

Democrats have also called out the move, pointing to some of Trump’s recent foreign policy and how they fit in with promoting “America First,” particularly during a government shutdown.

What People Are Saying

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday at the press conference: “No one other than President Trump could have achieved the peace, which we believe will be a lasting peace, in Gaza, and Qatar played a substantial role from the beginning, working with our folks to make sure that came about, so I want to thank you for that historic peace.”

A U.S. official told Newsweek: “Facilities Construction and Operational Support for Qatari F-15 Aircraft at Mountain Home Air Force Base was executed via foreign military sales, will enable the construction and operational integration of an enduring location for Qatari F-15 aircraft at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The establishment of this facility will provide advanced training opportunities and foster combined operational readiness. The establishment of an enduring location for Qatari F-15 aircraft at Mountain Home Air Force Base provides Qatar with strategic flexibility to operate and sustain their advanced fighter aircraft. It will enable combined training opportunities between Qatar and the United States, fostering stronger defense partnerships and enhancing joint operational capabilities. This effort will increase the lethality of our warfighters and improve interoperability among allied and partner nations.”

Conservative commentator Amy Malek wrote in an X post on Friday: “Qatar has spent $100 billion buying influence in the U.S., and it’s paying off. I am in shock that Washington would approve a deal letting Qatar, Hamas’s #1 financier, open a Qatari Air Force facility on U.S. soil at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Qatar bankrolls Hamas, ISIS, the Taliban, al-Nusra, and the Muslim Brotherhood. It plays both sides – the arsonist and the firefighter – funding jihad, then posing as a ‘mediator.’ This isn’t ‘shared defense goals.’ It’s a shared delusion. We’re not building peace. We’re building a launchpad for the Islamic disaster.”

Conservative radio show host Mark Levin wrote in a Friday X post: “I never dreamed of anything like this. We’ve not only agreed to go to war for Qatar but they’re now building an air force facility in our country. Shocking.”

Alexander Duncan, a Texas Republican Senate candidate, said in a Friday X post: “Qatar is not an ally. Qatar is an Islamic State ruled by Sharia. Qatar has the same ultimate objective as the rest of Islam: to conquer the entire world until it is all under one Islamic State (Caliphate) ruled by Sharia.”

The End Wokeness X account, which has more than 3.9 million followers, shared a video of Hegseth talking about the Qatar deal, writing: “What could possibly go wrong?”

Conservative commentator Dana Loesch, who previously served as the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) spokesperson, said in an X post: “I feel like if you sponsor Hamas you shouldn’t get a base in the US. What am I missing here?”

Erick Erickson, a Christian podcaster, wrote in a Friday X post about the matter: “America First, for sure.”

Pennsylvania state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, a Democrat, wrote Friday in an X post: “A new base for Qatar ON AMERICAN SOIL. A 20 billion dollar bail out for Argentina. A government that’s shut down. Is this really America first?”

Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, said in an X post: “An economic bailout for Argentina. An air force base for Qatar. This guy is doing everything but putting America first.”

Tommy Vietor, former Obama and National Security Council spokesperson and Pod Save America host, on X on Friday:  “In 2017, Trump accused Qatar of being ‘funders of terrorism’ and now the US is going to host a Qatari military base on US soil???”

[…]

Via https://www.newsweek.com/trump-admin-sparks-maga-fury-with-qatari-air-force-base-in-us-betrayed-10862415

Israeli forces injure two Palestinians as regime expands raids in West Bank

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Israeli military vehicles drive on the street during an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. (Photo by Reuters)

Press TV

At least two Palestinians have been injured when Israeli military forces opened fire on local residents while carrying out overnight raids in several towns and villages of the West Bank, as they ramped up their deadly raids across the occupied territory.

The official Palestinian WAFA news agency reported that Israeli soldiers shot a young man in the hand in the town of Anabta, located 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) east of Tulkarem, and arrested several other youngsters after assaulting them.

In another incident reported in the al-Issawiya neighborhood of the Israeli-occupied East al-Quds, another young Palestinian man was injured by Israeli forces before being arrested.

Israeli occupation forces also stormed several neighborhoods in the cities of Ramallah and al-Bireh early on Tuesday and broke into several homes.

Security sources reported that the occupation forces raided the home of Issam al-Froukh, a freed Palestinian deported to Gaza, in the Ein Munjed neighborhood of Ramallah, and ransacked its contents. Israeli forces also raided the Sateh Marhaba neighborhood in Bireh.

The sources added that Israeli troops raided more than seven homes during their attack on the village of Deir Ibzi’, west of Ramallah, and subjected their owners to field investigations.

Meanwhile, an Israeli army force raided the village of Ein Arik and the town of Ni’lin.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has intensified its aggression towards Palestinians throughout the West Bank, following the initiation of a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Hundreds of Palestinians have lost their lives since the beginning of the war, and thousands more have sustained injuries due to actions taken by Israeli settlers or military forces across the occupied territory.

Over 700,000 Israelis reside in more than 230 settlements established since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

The global community considers the settlements to be unlawful according to international law and the Geneva Conventions, as they are built on occupied territories.

[…]

Via https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/10/14/756892/Two-Palestinians-injured-as-Israeli-forces-raid-towns-in-occupied-West-Bank

UN, press groups slam Israel for denying media access to Gaza

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Journalists gather in Gaza City during a protest organized by the Gaza Journalists Syndicate (GJS), to show solidarity with their colleagues killed by Israel, August 26, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

Press TV

In the wake of the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the UN and global press freedom advocates are demanding that Israel allow international journalists into Gaza, which has been sealed off to independent reporting.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Foreign Press Association (FPA) have urged the regime to lift its restrictions, highlighting the vital role of journalists in documenting the humanitarian crisis.

On Monday, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini posted on X: “[It is] time to finally let international journalists come into Gaza freely to support and pay tribute to the heroic work of Palestinian journalists.”

In a statement released on Friday, the FPA, an organization representing international media in Gaza and the occupied territories, demanded that Israel “immediately open the borders and allow international media free and independent access to the Gaza Strip” now that the war has ceased.

“Enough with the excuses and delay tactics. The restrictions on press freedom must come to an end,” the statement said.

Since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, the enclave has been effectively closed to foreign media, preventing independent coverage of the destruction and genocide perpetrated by the regime.

The few journalists granted entry faced strict surveillance and were escorted by Israeli forces to selected, restricted areas, limiting independent reporting.

As a result, much of the world’s coverage of the genocide has depended on Palestinian journalists, who have tirelessly exposed Israel’s systematic destruction and mass killings in the coastal strip.

However, Palestinian journalists remain among the most at-risk in the world, with nearly 300 killed in Israeli attacks over the past two years.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur, said the memory of journalists killed in Gaza “should be honored in a Genocide Museum, as an essential part of the reparations owed to the Palestinian people once the genocide ends.”

She also warned that “deleting a killed journalist’s account is to kill them twice,” pointing to the deletion of the verified Instagram account of Gaza journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi, who had 4.5 million followers.

She noted that the move wiped out crucial documentation of Israeli crimes in the besieged territory.

Israel-backed gangs killed the prominent Palestinian journalist al-Jafarawi in southern Gaza City on October 12.

UNRWA and the FPA are just two among numerous global organizations that have persistently demanded media access to Gaza during Israel’s genocidal war on the besieged strip.

In July 2025, major news agencies, including Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and Reuters, issued a joint statement stressing the urgent need for international media access to Gaza to ensure truthful reporting.

Israel has ignored these appeals, and even following the current ceasefire with Hamas, continues to bar international journalists from Gaza, apparently concerned that independent reporting would reveal the full extent of the destruction and genocide it has carried out over the past two years in the besieged strip.

[…]

Via https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/10/14/756905/UNRWA,-FPA-demand-Israel-allow-international-journalists-into-Gaza

First container ship from China docks in UK via Arctic shortcut

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First container ship from China docks in UK via Arctic shortcut
FILE PHOTO. ©  Getty Images/darkbird77

RT

The use of the Northern Sea Route is expected to boost freight turnover through Russian waters

The first Chinese container ship has completed a transit to Europe via the Arctic’s Northern Sea Route (NSR), Russian state nuclear giant Rosatom announced on Tuesday.

Backed by Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet, the voyage nearly halved the shipping time compared to traditional southern routes, according to Rosatom, which has a fleet of atomic ice-breakers and operates the NSR.

Russia has been developing the NSR, a transport corridor that runs through its Arctic and Far East regions and serves as the shortest shipping link between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The NSR is expected to become a major trade route and could drastically reduce transportation times compared to traditional pathways through the Suez or Panama canals.

The vessel arrived at Britain’s Port of Felixstowe after a 20-day transit from China’s Ningbo. The cargo ship, with a total deadweight of nearly 25,000 tons, is scheduled to subsequently call at the European hubs of Rotterdam and Hamburg before ending its voyage in St. Petersburg.

The Arctic passage is being closely monitored by the global shipping industry as a faster alternative. A typical voyage via the Suez Canal takes about 40 days, while the route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope takes approximately 50 days.

Rosatom stated that the route is intended to complement existing corridors and significantly contribute to the growth of global trade.

In 2024, cargo shipments along the NSR reached 37.9 million metric tons, according to Russia’s Ministry for the Development of the Far East and Arctic.

Russia has deployed eight nuclear icebreakers, including four of the latest generation, to guarantee year-round navigation on the NSR, special representative for Arctic development at Rosatom Vladimir Panov said earlier this month. The vessels create channels through the ice, allowing conventional cargo ships to use the passage.

President Vladimir Putin has previously defined the development of the NSR as a national strategic priority. Moscow’s target is to increase annual cargo volume on the route to 200 million tons by 2030, with plans to upgrade northern seaports and expand its Arctic fleet.

[…]

Via https://www.rt.com/business/626417-china-europe-cargo-ship-arctic-route/