Palestinians in the West Bank are experiencing heightened violence and fear as Hamas launches attacks on Israel, and Israel retaliates with airstrikes on Gaza. The West Bank is witnessing settler violence and a crackdown on Palestinian communities, with many fatalities reported. The Palestinian Authority and leadership are viewed as weak and ineffective, while Israeli rhetoric is increasingly dehumanizing. Palestinians feel isolated and vulnerable, with no one to advocate for their rights and dignity.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has intensified with Hamas's attacks and Israel's aggressive reprisals in the West Bank, including raids, arrests, and air strikes. The violence has disrupted life in Ramallah and escalated with the arming of civilian groups by Israel's National Security Ministry. The conflict, marked by systematic violence against Palestinians and the annexation of their land, is part of a long history of destruction and trauma.

Palestinians perceive a double standard in international reactions to the Ukraine war compared to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Following a significant attack by Hamas, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides, Palestinians note the swift global support for Israel's right to self-defense, contrasted with criticism of Palestinian actions. Ukrainian President Zelensky's support for Israel, despite his own country's struggle against Russian invasion, is seen as hypocritical by Palestinians. The article discusses the disparity in international responses, including the use of boycotts and sanctions, and highlights the International Criminal Court's actions regarding war crimes in Ukraine but not in Israel, despite Palestine being a member since 2015.

The Israeli parliament's recent bill limiting the Supreme Court's powers has sparked protests and international concern. Palestinians observe that the Knesset rarely censures Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and often passes laws discriminating against Palestinians. Human Rights Watch and other experts highlight laws that institutionalize racial discrimination and undermine Palestinian rights. These include the Admissions Committees Law, the Nation-State Law, the Citizenship Law, and the law banning BDS supporters from entering Israel. Critics argue that these laws erode democratic principles and equality in Israel.

Twitter and Facebook have faced criticism for suspending accounts of Palestinian public figures, including journalists and activists. Said Arikat, a veteran Palestinian journalist, and Noura Erakat, a human rights advocate, experienced account suspensions without clear explanations, raising concerns about digital rights and freedom of expression. Reports and experts suggest a pattern of bias against Palestinians in social media moderation. Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter has been associated with increased account suspensions and reduced content moderation, exacerbating the situation for Palestinians.

Ukrainian separatists, backed by Russia, claim to have encircled Lysychansk in the Luhansk region, while Ukraine denies the city is surrounded. Russia has targeted Ukrainian military sites in Donbas and Mykolaiv, and the US is sending Ukraine advanced missile systems and ammunition. The EU is preparing an emergency plan to reduce Russian energy dependence. A 'Marshall Plan' for Ukraine's reconstruction is being discussed in Switzerland. Russia assures India of reliable grain and fuel supplies. The UK condemns the exploitation of prisoners of war. Ukraine accuses Russia of using phosphorus bombs on Snake Island. Russian General Valery Gerasimov inspects troops involved in the Ukraine operation. Ukraine requests Turkey to seize a Russian ship carrying Ukrainian grain. Mykolaiv experiences powerful explosions amid ongoing conflict.

Russian forces are attempting to take the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, while President Putin claims the invasion of Ukraine was to prevent aggression from the West. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urges actions to unblock ports to avoid a global food crisis. The Pentagon reports Ukrainians being forcibly taken to Russia. EU's von der Leyen sees progress in talks with Hungary on a Russian oil ban. The US suspends tariffs on Ukrainian steel for a year. UN's top rights body will hold a special session on Ukraine. EU official warns of food stuck in Odesa. Angolan diamond mine says Russia sanctions could hurt operations. Macron urges Europe against repeating WWI-era mistakes. Russian envoy to Poland doused in red paint. Kyiv calls for UN rights session, citing Mariupol 'mass casualties'. Zelenskyy calls for moves to unblock ports. Ukraine says Russian forces are attempting to 'storm' Azovstal plant. Brussels to give 'opinion' on Ukraine EU membership bid in June. Russian negotiator says talks with Ukraine continue. Photos show Russia marking World War II victory amid ongoing Ukraine war. Anti-war messages appear on Russian TVs. In Putin's words: What Russia's leader said at Victory Day parade. Russia says it destroyed US-made radar system in Ukraine. Mariupol officials document new mass grave. Australia looks to fill Asia's energy gap amid the Ukraine crisis. Putin 'mirroring fascism' of Nazi Germany, UK minister says. Separatist leader celebrates Victory Day in Mariupol. Putin focused on 'justifications' for invasion. 'Unacceptable threat': Putin blasts NATO moves. Sweden's ruling party to announce NATO stance on May 15. Putin doesn't provide war assessment in Victory Day speech. Ukraine won't allow Russia to 'appropriate' WWII commemorations: Zelenskyy. Putin says troops in Donbas fighting for 'the Motherland'. Putin says 'West was preparing to invade our land'. Sweden's ruling Social Democrats said the party would announce on May 15 its position on whether the country should apply for NATO membership. A decision in favour of joining would in all likelihood pave the way for Sweden to submit a membership bid. If the Social Democrats support joining, there would be a clear parliamentary majority for an application, especially if neighbouring Finland – where a decision is also expected in the coming days – were to apply. Sweden and Finland have been militarily non-aligned for decades, but public opinion in both countries has shifted since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 226 Ukrainian children killed in Russian invasion: prosecutors. At least 226 children have been killed in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, and another 415 have been wounded, according to the office of the country's prosecutor general. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the figures provided. Reporting by Mansur Mirovalev in Kyiv. Ukraine military warns of 'high probability of missile strikes'. Ukraine's military says there is a 'high probability of missile strikes' on the country before Russia's planned Victory Day parade in Moscow. The Ukrainian military's general staff also said in Russian-controlled areas of Zaporizhzhia, Russian troops had begun the 'seizure of personal documents from the local population without good reason'. Ukraine said Russian troops seized the documents to force the local people to take part in Victory Day commemorations there. Ukraine's military also warned that Russia had located some 19 battalion tactical groups in Russia's Belgorod region, just across the border. Those groups likely consist of some 15,200 soldiers with tanks, missile batteries and other weaponry. Russia's stock of precision-guided munitions heavily depleted: UK. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence is warning that Russia is running out of precision-guided munitions, meaning that Moscow will increasingly turn to inaccurate rockets and bombs that can spread destruction even wider. In its latest intelligence update, the ministry said although Russia claimed that 'Ukrainian cities would therefore be safe from bombardment', the unguided munitions posed an increasing risk. 'As the conflict continues beyond Russian pre-war expectations, Russia's stockpile of precision-guided munitions has likely been heavily depleted,' the report said. 'This has forced the use of readily available but ageing munitions that are less reliable, less accurate and more easily intercepted.' The ministry added that Russia 'will likely struggle to replace the precision weaponry it has already expended'. Canada to help Ukraine find options to export grain. The Canadian prime minister says his government will help Ukraine work out options on how to export stored grain to uphold global food security. Nearly 25 million tonnes of grains are stuck in Ukraine and unable to leave the country due to infrastructure challenges and blocked Black Sea ports including Mariupol, according to the United Nations. 'We know people around the world are going to be starving because of the actions of Russia,' Trudeau told Reuters news agency in an interview. 'There is grain waiting to be shipped in Ukraine. We have to make sure that Russia doesn't prevent the grain that the world needs from getting out to the world.' Trudeau said Ukraine was looking at a number of options to export grain, including shipments via ports on the Danube River in the country's south. 'We're just looking to solve a very direct problem.' 'Evil always loses': Zelenskyy hails G7 support for Kyiv. Ukraine's president has thanked G7 nations after they pledged to deepen Russia's economic isolation over the war in his country. 'The main thing I felt today was the world's even greater willingness to help us,' Zelenskyy said. 'It is clear to the whole free world that Ukraine is the party of good in this war. 'And Russia will lose because evil always loses.' Fiji pauses US seizure of Russia-linked superyacht. A court in Fiji has suspended the execution of a US warrant to seize a $300m superyacht that Washington claims is owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, according to prosecutors. The court granted an 'interim stay' after the company officially registered as the Amadea's owners petitioned judges to stop its seizure. Prosecutors said the case is scheduled to return to court on Thursday and that the yacht remains in Fiji police custody. It is also blocked from leaving the Pacific nation's waters despite the warrant suspension. Putin to mark Soviet Union's WWII victory. Putin is expected to lead anniversary celebrations of the Soviet Union's second world war victory over Nazi Germany as the conflict in Ukraine grinds on with no end in sight. Putin is expected to flaunt Russia's military might during Monday's symbolically important event. Huge intercontinental ballistic missiles will be towed for official review through Moscow's Red Square, and a planned flyover will feature supersonic fighters, strategic bombers and, for the first time since 2010, the Il-80 'doomsday' command plane, which would carry Russia's top brass in the event of a nuclear war. Zelenskyy awards medal to mine-sniffing dog. Ukraine's president has presented the country's famous mine-sniffing dog Patron and his owner, Civil Protection Service Major Myhailo Iliev a medal to recognise their dedicated service. The pint-size Jack Russell Terrier has been credited with detecting more than 200 explosives and preventing their detonation since the start of Russia's invasion on February 24. At a news conference in Kyiv with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Zelenskyy said: 'Today, I want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines ... [a]nd a wonderful little sapper - Patron - who helps not only to neutralize explosives but also to teach our children the necessary safety rules in areas where there is a mine threat,' Zelenskyy said in a statement. Iran opposes war in Ukraine, calls for dialogue. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called for dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. 'We are against the war in Ukraine, just as we are against the war in Yemen, in Afghanistan, in Syria, in Iraq, or in any other part of the world,' Amir-Abdollahian told a joint news conference in Tehran on Sunday. 'We believe that the solution in Ukraine is political and that political negotiations between Russia and Ukraine must lead to an end to the war,' he added. Lockheed Martin looks to nearly double Javelin missile production. US weapons maker Lockheed Martin plans to nearly double the production, to 4,000 per year from 2,100, of Javelin missiles, the antitank weapon that has helped Ukraine fight Russia's invasion, according to its chief executive. James Taiclet told CBS News on Sunday that the increase will take as long as two years, and that the firm is anticipating increased demand for 'superior systems in large enough numbers'. 'We're planning for the long run and not just in the Javelin,' he said, noting he expects to see increased demand beyond the Ukraine war due to threats from Russia and China. The US has rushed $3.4bn worth of weapons to Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24, including Javelins, howitzers, anti-aircraft Stinger systems, ammunition and body armour. Japan to ban Russian oil imports 'in principle'. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Tokyo will ban Russian crude oil imports 'in principle', as part of a Group of Seven campaign to counter Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'For a country heavily dependent on energy imports, it's a very difficult decision. But G7 coordination is most important at a time like now,' Kishida said, according to a statement released by the Japanese government after an online meeting of G7 leaders on Sunday. Russia is Japan's fifth-biggest supplier of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Russia has 'forgotten' all that mattered to WWII victors: Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy says Russia has forgotten everything that mattered to the victors of WWII, that it 'has forgotten everything that was important to the victors of World War II'. Denouncing Russia's heavy shelling in the east of the country, including an attack on a school he says killed 60 people, Zelenskyy said while Moscow prepares to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in WWII, Russian troops are attacking civilians in Ukraine. 'Civilians who simply hid in the school from the shelling. It was a targeted blow to the school. Another crime of the occupiers,' he said in his nightly address. UK places fresh sanctions on Russia, Belarus. The United Kingdom is placing fresh sanctions on Russia and Belarus, including import tariffs on precious metals and export bans. The import tariffs, including on platinum and palladium, will target trade worth 1.7 billion pounds ($2.10bn) while export bans worth 250 million pounds ($310m) will target Russia's manufacturing and heavy industry, the UK's Department for International Trade said. 'This far-reaching package of sanctions will inflict further damage on the Russian war machine,' Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan said. The UK has slapped a range of sanctions on Russian companies and individuals since Russia invaded Ukraine with Belarusian help in February. The UK's new sanctions bring the total value of products subjected to full or partial import and export sanctions to more than 4 billion pounds ($4.9bn). Hello and welcome to Al Jazeera's continuing coverage of the war in Ukraine.

During the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict, intercommunal violence between Palestinians and Jews inside Israel surged, particularly in mixed cities like Lod, Haifa, and Yafa. Mob violence, including assaults and murder, was perpetrated by both sides, but Israeli state support was evident for right-wing Jewish Israelis. A campaign of mass arrests targeted Palestinians, often without specific evidence, while Jewish Israelis accused of violence were not similarly pursued. The violence exposed deep-seated discrimination against Palestinian citizens of Israel, who face legal and social barriers, and are often treated as second-class citizens. The unrest was fueled by events such as barriers at Damascus Gate, police attacks in Al Aqsa Mosque, and looming evictions in Sheikh Jarrah. The Jewish Nation-State Law and the rise of the Kahanist movement have exacerbated the situation, with Palestinians in mixed cities experiencing systematic discrimination and state neglect.

American Muslims have experienced increased discrimination, prompting greater political engagement, as reported by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Hate crimes against Muslims rose during and after Donald Trump's presidential campaign. The Islamophobia Index revealed Muslims are more politically active, with a higher voter registration rate and a record number of Muslim candidates running for office. Despite facing smear campaigns and threats, Muslim candidates are participating in elections across the US, with the potential for the first Muslim woman in Congress and the first Muslim senator. The ISPU survey also found that Muslims are more likely to reject violence and identify strongly with America, countering media and political narratives associating Islam with terrorism.

At the upcoming AIPAC policy conference, measures to counter the BDS movement, which seeks to end Israel's occupation of Arab and Palestinian land, will be a key focus. Legislation in the US, both at the state and federal levels, aims to penalize those who support BDS, with critics arguing these laws infringe on First Amendment rights. Civil liberty groups, including the ACLU and Palestine Legal, have been actively challenging these laws. The UN has identified businesses operating in Israeli settlements, and AIPAC supports bills that would criminalize support for BDS. Despite legal challenges, such as a temporary injunction on a Kansas law, other states continue to introduce similar legislation.

Israeli authorities have been arresting Palestinians for alleged incitement through social media posts, media articles, and other forms of expression. This has included the case of poet Dareen Tatour, who was placed under house arrest for a poem posted on Facebook. Indictments for online incitement have tripled since 2014, with around 400 Palestinians detained for social media activity critical of Israel. Rights groups argue this trend stifles freedom of expression and is a violation of international law. Israeli leaders claim Palestinian incitement is a barrier to peace, but research suggests that incitement charges disproportionately target Palestinians, with Israeli incitement on social media often ignored.

David Kattenburg, a Canadian university lecturer, has filed a federal court suit against the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for inaccurately labelling wines made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as 'Product of Israel.' Kattenburg argues this misleads consumers and violates Canada's food and drug regulations and labelling laws. The CFIA initially agreed but reversed its decision, citing the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. Kattenburg's lawyer, Dimitri Lascaris, claims the government is using the trade agreement to avoid addressing the origin of the grapes. The case has now moved to the Federal Court of Canada for judicial review.

Administrative detention in Israel allows for the indefinite imprisonment of individuals without charge or trial, based on secret evidence. This practice has been used predominantly against Palestinians, with a notable increase in detentions following tensions in the West Bank. Human rights organizations and activists, including those from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, have been targeted, leading to international concern and criticism. The case of Salah Hamouri, a Palestinian-French dual citizen, exemplifies the arbitrary nature of this detention, drawing attention from French politicians and human rights groups.

An interfaith group was barred from flying to Israel due to their support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, following Israel's enforcement of a law denying entry to BDS supporters. Israel's efforts to combat BDS extend beyond its borders, with US legislation aiming to penalize BDS supporters. Critics argue these bills conflate Israel with its settlements and infringe on free speech. The Israel Anti-Boycott Act, in particular, has faced backlash for its potential to impose severe penalties on BDS advocacy. Some lawmakers are reconsidering their support for the bill amid concerns over its impact on civil liberties.

Palestinian journalists face increasing violations and suppression of media freedom by both the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, including detentions, harassment, and movement restrictions. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedom noted a significant rise in such violations. The PA has also blocked websites and passed an

The article provides a historical overview of significant events related to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Mashvisor, a Palestinian company from Ramallah, became the first to join the 500 Startups program, offering a platform that simplifies US real-estate investment analysis. Founded by Peter Abualzolof and Mohammed Jebrini, and backed by Ibtikar Fund, Mashvisor overcame fundraising challenges and operates similarly to Silicon Valley startups, unhindered by the physical barriers of the Israeli occupation. The company's success and the growing Palestinian tech scene suggest a potential for an independent economy through technology.

The Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, set to open on September 24, 2016, is a culmination of a century's efforts and an 11-year journey led by founding director Lonnie Bunch. The museum, which will display 3,000 artifacts out of a collection of 37,000, is divided into history, community, and culture sections, featuring significant items like Rosa Parks' dress and Emmett Till's coffin. Funded by Congress and private donations, the museum aims to present the African American experience as an integral part of American history. The design by David Adjaye features a bronze-colored 'corona' exterior, drawing from African and American heritage. The museum's opening is considered timely, coinciding with the Black Lives Matter movement and ongoing racial tensions in the US.

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her resignation following a leak of emails by Wikileaks, which suggested the DNC was biased against Bernie Sanders in favor of Hillary Clinton. The controversy has heightened tensions between Clinton and Sanders supporters ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Efforts to unify the party include the formation of a 'unity commission' to address the role of superdelegates. High-profile speakers at the convention include President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and former President Bill Clinton. Protests are expected in Philadelphia, with the city preparing for a range of demonstrations.

In Cleveland, Ohio, during the Republican National Convention, innovative protests emerged against Donald Trump, focusing on immigration, wealth inequality, and derogatory rhetoric. Father Jose Landaverde walked 360 miles from Chicago to Cleveland to raise awareness against Trump's anti-immigrant speech. Advertising partners Tommy Noonan and Douglas Cameron created the 'Trump Hut' to discuss wealth inequality, while the 'Trump Museum' by American Bridge 21st Century criticized Trump's rhetoric and failed business ventures. The protests aimed to open dialogue and highlight inconsistencies in Trump's policies and statements.

Cleveland is preparing for the Republican National Convention amid heightened security concerns and potential protests. The city has adjusted protest regulations after the ACLU of Ohio's lawsuit, ensuring First Amendment rights while maintaining safety. The recent violence in Dallas and Baton Rouge, along with Ohio's open carry gun laws, have intensified fears of unrest. Groups with diverse interests, including the Oath Keepers and Ohio Carry, will be present, with some planning to carry firearms. Authorities are implementing strict security measures to manage the situation.

Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh and chief negotiator Saeb Erekat, have criticized Israel's rejection of a French peace initiative aimed at reviving peace talks. Israel, through a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, expressed a preference for direct, bilateral negotiations and labeled other diplomatic efforts as counterproductive. The French plan includes an international summit and a potential conference in the second half of 2016, with the backdrop of ongoing violence in the region. Palestinians have postponed a UN Security Council resolution against Israeli settlements and emphasized support for an international peace conference, while also suggesting the need for an alternative national strategy.

Thousands of Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza Strip commemorated Prisoners Day to highlight the situation of 7,000 Palestinians incarcerated by Israel. The day has been observed since 1974, with various activities including rallies, educational classes, and media stories. The Palestine Liberation Organisation seeks international intervention for the release of prisoners, including administrative detainees and those with health issues. The Palestinian Prisoners Club notes that among the prisoners are parliament members and journalists. Criticism was directed at the Palestinian Authority for inadequate support, and calls were made for the prisoners' release to be a part of peace negotiations.

Palestinians and BDS movement supporters criticize the European Union for its perceived double standard regarding Israeli settlements. Despite opposing settlements and introducing labelling guidelines for settlement products, the EU continues to trade with them, which some argue finances their expansion and perpetuates Israel's occupation. The EU's largest trading partner, Israel, has found ways to circumvent these guidelines, and the EU's actions have sparked debate and raised awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recent anti-boycott measures in Europe have targeted activists, with some countries criminalizing BDS activism.

The article discusses the thawing of relations between the United States and Cuba, marked by President Barack Obama's historic visit to the island, the first by a sitting US president in nearly 90 years. It outlines the steps taken by the Obama administration to normalize relations, including lifting travel restrictions, removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and reopening the US embassy in Havana. The visit aims to consolidate these changes and make them irreversible. Despite opposition from hardline anti-Castro politicians and human rights concerns, the article suggests that the majority of Americans support the renewed ties. The article also touches on the remaining issues such as the US trade embargo and the Guantanamo Bay naval base.

The article discusses the recent attacks on Israeli soldiers by Palestinian Authority (PA) security officers, highlighting a growing discontent among Palestinians, including those within the PA's security forces. The incidents reflect the frustration with the ongoing Israeli occupation, a stagnant peace process, and the PA's role in maintaining security coordination with Israel. Despite the PA's reliance on Israel for its existence and the international support for its security apparatus, there is a crisis of legitimacy and accountability within the PA, as President Mahmoud Abbas continues to lead beyond his term without elections. The article also touches on the international community's response to the violence and the potential consequences of the PA's security forces' collapse.

The South Carolina primaries are crucial as they are more diverse and representative of the US than earlier states like Iowa and New Hampshire. The state has a history of predicting the Republican nominee and is known for its intense political battles. The upcoming primaries will test candidates' appeal across different voter demographics, including African Americans and evangelicals. Donald Trump leads the Republican race, while Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton vie for the Democratic vote, particularly among minority groups. The outcomes in South Carolina could significantly influence momentum heading into Super Tuesday.

Over 170 Italian scholars from more than 50 universities and research organizations have pledged to boycott Israeli academic institutions, accusing them of complicity in human rights violations. The boycott is part of the BDS movement, which seeks to pressure Israel to grant equal rights to Palestinians and end occupation. The initiative has sparked debate, with some Italian academics supporting it as a stand for Palestinian rights, while others, including the Association of University Heads in Israel, condemn it as divisive and racist. The boycott specifically targets the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology for its military technology developments.