Weekly Briefing: Biden fuels Israel’s genocide with $8B in aid as Trump prepares his return

Over the past week, the Biden Administration announced it would send an additional $8 billion in military equipment to Israel. Our reporting covers the devastating impact these weapons shipments have on Gaza, where civilians are enduring relentless Israeli airstrikes, widespread hunger from severe shortages of food, and a public health system that has essentially collapsed, among other indignities caused by the genocidal Israeli war. With both the outgoing and incoming U.S. presidential administrations committed to supporting the Israeli government’s use of military force in Gaza and across the region, there is little expectation that the international community will be able or willing to intervene and enforce de-escalation. There are some bright spots, however, as Ireland officially joined South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, charging Israel with committing genocide.

In the U.S., we are hurtling toward Donald Trump’s second term in office. In his latest public statements, Trump doubled down on his hostility toward Palestinian rights, threatening to undermine advocacy efforts and to punish Palestinians unless hostages in Gaza are released prior to his inauguration on January 20. Michael Arria warned in November that Trump’s renewed push to stigmatize dissent, coupled with his track record of targeting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, signals an even harsher climate for activists and nonprofits ahead.

On a more hopeful note, we recently concluded our successful end-of-year fundraising campaign, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed. Your support helps us continue publishing original reporting, expert commentary, and eyewitness accounts from Palestine that confront official narratives and hold power to account. If you were unable to donate during the campaign, please consider becoming a monthly donor now. Your ongoing support fortifies our ability to expose injustice, elevate marginalized voices, and advocate for the fundamental rights and dignity of Palestinians. Together, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver the critical news and analysis you rely on, without fear or favor.

In solidarity,
Dave Reed, Publisher

Must-read: Tensions rise in the West Bank as PA ‘siege’ on Jenin continues

Mondoweiss Palestine Bureau: The Palestinian Authority’s deadly military operation in Jenin continues to fan the flames of internal tensions in the West Bank. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders are calling for ‘Gaza-like’ operations in the West Bank, and to cut all ties with the PA.

Catch-up

⛺ Noor Alyacoubi: Residents of Jabalia refugee camp recount their harrowing experience during the latest Israeli assault on northern Gaza.

🧑‍⚖️ David A. Atwood: The Biden Administration has done more damage to the international norms of humanitarian law and food security than any other U.S. government in recent history.

🏥 Tareq S. Hajjaj: It has been one week since the Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, was detained by Israeli forces. Reports indicate he is being held inside a notorious torture facility, but Israeli officials won’t confirm where he is.

🚨 Michael Arria: There are still a lot of questions to answer about a recent car attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people, but that hasn’t stopped the media and lawmakers from declaring the return of “radical Islam” — and demanding draconian policies in response.

🍞 Bryce Greene: The Biden administration is attempting to foster a fake dispute over famine numbers in Gaza to obscure the reality of genocide.

🇮🇱 James Ray: A recent Haaretz editorial claimed, “Israel Is Losing Its Humanity in Gaza,” but this ignores the brutal history of the Zionist colonization of Palestine, of which the Gaza genocide is just the latest chapter.

💰 Michael Arria: With less than two weeks left in his administration, the Biden White House has notified Congress of a new $8 billion arms deal with Israel. The sale comes as multiple human rights organizations report Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

🧑‍🍳 Steve France: Chef Fadi Kattan’s new Toronto restaurant, Louf, offers creative haute cuisine from Palestine and has ambitions that go far beyond serving food.

🪖 Jonathan Ofir: Israeli lawmakers are urging the military to intensify the genocide in Gaza by destroying any possible sources of energy, food, and water in the territory. 

🇩🇪 Open Letter: For over one year, Germany has been actively participating in the killing and dehumanization of Palestinians by providing political, financial, military, and legal support to Israel. Germany’s complicity in Israel’s atrocities must stop.

🇺🇸 Mitchell Plitnick: In less than a month, Joe Biden’s presidency will be over, and his legacy will be cemented as one of genocide. With Trump on the way in, it’s becoming more clear what his second term will look like for Palestine. And it’s not going to be good.

🙈 Jonathan Ofir: The shame of Israel’s genocide in Gaza will haunt the international moral conscience and the Israeli psyche for the coming century. Though Israelis, accustomed to the perpetual shaming of Germany, are unprepared for the shame they must now confront.