Latest Massacre is Evidence There is No Ceasefire – Expert

CrossFireArabia
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February 1, 2026

The latest massacre perpetrated by the Israeli occupation army in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the martyrdom of 31 Palestinian civilians, including at least 8 children and 9 women, is clear evidence that there is no genuine ceasefire except on the Palestinian side, said Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative Dr. Mustafa Barghouti.

He explained to Jordan 24 that Israel does not take any political or legal obligations seriously, emphasizing that the situation on the ground proves that the occupation continues to commit crimes against civilians, while the international community refrains from imposing any deterrent sanctions or holding it accountable for its ongoing violations.

Barghouti pointed out the continued bombardment and targeting of civilians confirms that Israel does not recognize international law. He noted the occupation is not content with killing civilians, but also disregards international humanitarian law and UN Security Council resolutions, thus undermining any real opportunity for a ceasefire.

Barghouti stressed that the responsibility of international mediators is not limited to managing communications, but also requires them to speak the truth clearly: That the occupation is the party violating the ceasefire and undermining political efforts. He called on the international community to take immediate action to stop the crimes and hold those responsible accountable.

He emphasized the international community’s silence encourages the occupation to continue its policies and provides it with political cover to continue targeting civilians. This necessitates a firm international stance to put an end to these repeated violations.

CrossFireArabia

Dr. Marwan Asmar holds a PhD from Leeds University and is a freelance writer specializing on the Middle East. He has worked as a journalist since the early 1990s in Jordan and the Gulf countries, and been widely published, including at Albawaba, Gulf News, Al Ghad, World Press Review and others.

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Israeli Official: ‘Life in The North is Dead’

CrossFireArabia
March 15, 2026

Head of the Israeli Regional Council Moshe Davidovich expressed sorrow over the situation in the north, saying: “It’s a feeling we’ve experienced before, and we wish we could be rid of it.”

In an interview published by Israel’s Channel 14 on Sunday, Davidovich noted that “the residents of the north have been displaced and subjected to relentless shelling for nearly two years.”

Following the increasing number of Israeli soldiers injured in attacks by the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon in response to the aggression, Davidovich called on his government to take action to “minimize casualties.”

He also raised another important point, saying: “Everyone is now embracing the residents of the north and saying they are with us, but at the same time I hear that the government intends to cut the north’s budget.” He asked: “How can this be?” describing the Tel Aviv government’s actions toward its own residents as “neglect.”

Life in the North is Nearly Dead

Davidovich addressed the head of the occupation government, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, saying: “People here are unemployed, agriculture is nearly dead, and tourism has come to a standstill,” urging them to take action and not simply ignore the situation.

He criticized his government’s intention to “cut budgets,” saying: “We give generously, but I don’t want to hear that word. It’s inappropriate and incorrect, and ultimately, it represents a law that harms us.”

Regarding the settlers in northern occupied Palestine, Davidovich said it is not right for them to remain there, describing the situation as difficult after two arduous years, adding that a recurring scene is their “descending to shelters.”

Israel Surprised by Hezbollah’s Response

Israeli media outlets report that the “political leaders” in the occupation government are shocked by Hezbollah’s response and feel powerless in the face of it.

Other media outlets report that “living in the north is not easy, and the situation is more complex than it was during the 2023-2024 war,” while Yedioth Ahronoth asserts that Hezbollah is neither disintegrating nor collapsing, and consistently succeeds in maintaining an organized chain of command and control.

The Israeli newspaper Maariv acknowledges that the party “remains alive and active, launching rockets even deep into Israeli territory, and is not firing indiscriminately.”

Channel 12 admits that the Israeli army was surprised by Hezbollah’s attack despite warnings, and that its soldiers’ assessments of the party’s capabilities were incorrect. JO24

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