Frank

It's a good reminder that Israel is not a monolith, and there are Israelis who know how fucked up this is.

These are just kids, so there's some interesting insights when they talk about how they experience the occupation and what kind of information is available to them as young Israelis.

This is propaganda. There is no way to ascertain from this footage if this is representative of Hamas' soldiers behavior, or what the total situation is.

That said, the most powerful propaganda is the truth, and showing kindness to even your worst enemies is a powerful weapon against them. Islam has strict rules about the treatment of captives and hostages and the behavior of the Hamas troops in this video is in accordance with my understanding of Islamic laws of war. Their behavior also seems to be in accordance with reports from Israel settlers who have stated that Hamas fighters took pains to re-assure them that they would not be harmed, and with the release of some Israeli women and children.

I am curious where the parents are. I would hope that they are detained safely, as it is concerning that the children are not with their parents.

I just can't. If you make an arrangement to release hostages, and you don't pay the fucking ransom, the other party will not ransom hostages to you in the future. This is a THIRTEEN THOUSAND YEAR OLD PRINCIPLE OF DIPLOMACY THAT PREDATES ALL WRITTEN SYSTEMS OF LAW

What are other countries saying about the dollar? Like clearly people have to be saying that holding any money in dollars is a liability since the US engages in so much piracy now, right?

Small victory, but still.

Our thoughts on the last few days...

As we go about our daily lives, it's crucial to pause and consider the escalating crisis in Gaza and the broader region.

The Israeli government's threatening rhetoric, including comments from Prime Minister Netanyahu about turning Gaza "into a deserted island," raises significant concerns. These are not merely words but a chilling portent for the people who live there.

In this environment, it's heartbreaking to think that the Israeli military, one of the most technologically advanced in the world, directs its might not solely at armed militants but also at vulnerable civilians.

These aren't just statistics or casualties of war; they are fathers who may never again hear their daughters' laughter, mothers who may never see their sons take their first bike ride, and young people with dreams of changing the world. Each one deserves more than a life of mere survival; they deserve a life filled with dignity, love, and opportunity.

It's essential to highlight that at the core of this ongoing conflict is a system of apartheid that perpetuates inequality, violence, and the violation of human rights.

We at Hirbawi stand firmly in the belief that every individual—regardless of religion or ethnicity—deserves equal treatment. This foundational principle of equality has the power to dismantle the walls of racism and apartheid that have been erected over decades in Palestine.

For a just and lasting peace, this fundamental truth must be acknowledged and acted upon by all parties involved, including Israelis, Palestinians, and the international community. Until we reach this critical understanding, the people of Palestine continue to need your emotional and material support.

Keep the Palestinian plight at the forefront of your thoughts, your discussions, and your actions. Let's hold onto hope—the hope that one day humanity will awaken to the truth, ending all forms of apartheid and finally granting equal rights to everyone in historical Palestine.

Only then can we make meaningful strides toward peace, freedom, and justice for all.

The Hirbawi Team

They also sent a link to a short video they put together on Insta

Here's the link cw: destruction of Gaza's urban environment, bombs detonating in the distance, immediate aftermath of a bombing

I can't get over how humane and measured the statements coming from Palestinians and Hamas officials are, compared with the unrelenting viciousness and brutality of IDF commanders and Israeli politicians. People who just want to be left alone oppressed by people whose ideology a built on killing and pillaging to make themselves feel strong.