Islam Net

The US has denied visas to Palestinian officials set to attend the 80th session of the UN General Assembly this September—effectively silencing Palestinian voices on the world stage.

The Trump Administration justified the decision on “national security interests,” with officials accusing the Palestinian Authority of “not complying with commitments” and “undermining peace.”

Yet, the Palestinian Authority has publicly condemned terrorism, denounced the October 7 attacks, and even called for the disarmament of Hamas.

In stark contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu—who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant—will be welcomed at the Assembly with no security concerns.

For perspective: in 2013, the US denied entry to Sudan’s president for the same reason—his ICC arrest warrant. Why the double standard now?

The Israeli military has officially declared Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone,” escalating its assault while suspending the daily pauses in fighting that previously allowed limited humanitarian aid to enter northern Gaza.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, military spokesman Avichay Adraee announced:

“We are not waiting. We have begun preliminary operations and the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City.”

“We are currently operating with great force on the outskirts of the city,” he said.

This announcement effectively ended the so-called “tactical pauses” that humanitarian organizations had relied on to deliver very limited food, medicine, and vital supplies to starving civilians—supplies that were already severely restricted by the Israeli blockade and ongoing military operations.

Starting Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. local time (07:00 GMT), these pauses no longer apply in Gaza City—leaving an already desperate population completely cut off.

The escalation comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Aid groups warn that the manmade famine has already killed at least 322 people, including 121 children. With the lifeline of humanitarian access severed, these numbers could rise rapidly.

In the aftermath of the announcement, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to flee their homes in Sheikh Radwan and surrounding neighborhoods, seeking refuge further west in Gaza City.

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the fighting, facing displacement, starvation, and intensifying bombardment. Families are being pushed from one unsafe area to another, with nowhere truly secure to turn.

Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. In the past 24 hours alone, 4 people have died from starvation, a result of the ongoing man-made famine, according to the Ministry of Health.

The elderly are suffering the most. With food scarce and aid blocked, many are wasting away, reduced to skin and bones. Hospitals report severe malnutrition and deteriorating mental health among older patients.

Official figures cite over 300 deaths from starvation so far, but EuroMed Monitor warns the real number could be far higher due to unreported cases.

The crisis is compounded by violence: at least 50 people were killed in Israeli attacks on the enclave today, and more than 1,500 homes have been destroyed in Gaza City alone.

Families are trapped between famine and war, their survival hanging by a thread. The world must not look away!

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐚̄ 𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚̄𝐡𝐢 𝐰𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚̄ 𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐢 𝐫𝐚̄𝐣𝐢ʿ𝐮̄𝐧 — 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐦 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧.

We are deeply saddened by the news that Tamima Nibras Juhar (34) was killed while on duty in the Kampen area of Oslo in the early hours of Sunday. Tamima was a youth worker who dedicated her life to helping young people — a life of care and service cut short.

Police have charged an 18-year-old, and the case is being investigated as politically motivated and terror-related. According to public reports, the suspect had previously expressed hostility toward Muslims and incited attacks on mosques. Whatever the outcome of the investigation, Islam Net unequivocally condemns this senseless killing and urges Norwegian society to stand firmly against hate, Islamophobia, and all forms of racism.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues. May Allah envelop her in mercy, accept her as a martyr (shahīdah), and bless her loved ones with patience and strength.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهَا وَارْحَمْهَا، وَثَبِّتْهَا عِندَ السُّؤَالِ، وَاجْعَلْ قَبْرَهَا رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ.

Islam Net is available for conversation, prayer, and cooperation with authorities and civil society to prevent radicalization and build a safe city. May Allah make our city a place of peace and justice.

— Islam Net