An aerial view of destroyed apartment buildings in Gaza, October 21, 2023. (PHOTO: © SHADI TABATIBI.) Who can still live here?. Yet voices still come from under the rubble. Read my exchange with a friend in Gaza this week…

Twelve of the 15 members of the UN Security Council voted yesterday in support of a Brazilian motion calling for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza. The USA used its right of “veto” to defeat the resolution. But the damage to Israel and the US is growing. Read more.

Seven days after the Hamas breakout and attack on Israeli soldiers and civilians, Israel’s revenge on the Palestinian population in Gaza shows no sign of slowing. Thousands have already been killed. Hundreds more are killed each day. Helpless civilians don’t know where to go. Israel is using deadly white phosphorus – with no concern for who it kills or injures – an internationally accepted war crime. In 2008, Israel’s deputy defence minister threatened Gazans with “an even bigger shoah” (holocaust). Fifteen years and four Israeli assaults later the threat seems ominous. What can Canadians do? Read more.

Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza for six days – a war crime in real time that the Canadian government ignores. My messages to friends stuck in the hell of Gaza have remained unanswered since Monday. Out of power? Running for their lives? Lying in the rubble of their bombed out apartment building or outside the overcrowded Shifa hospital hoping to be treated? Or perhaps worse…? I fear to know the answer. Then out of the blue, a message tonight (Friday) from my Arabic language teacher. One voice of millions. I share it with you. Read more.

In retaliation for Hamas’ surprising breakout and attack on Israel on the weekend, Israel has begun an intensive aerial bombardment which will be followed, according to the Israel general in charge of the operation, by a massive attack by land, sea and air against the enclosed Gaza strip. Thousands trapped in that area will certainly die. It is the fifth major Israeli assault on Gaza in a generation. Will this one make Israelis any safer? Read more.