Herman Melville, Palestine, 1857

From Palestinian Historiographical Research:

Palestine has millennial origins

The claim that “Palestine didn’t exist” is propaganda for fools. It contradicts the most basic documented historical evidence.

The term of millennial origin was commonly used by authors and routinely appeared on maps, travel books, and official documents.

Herman Melville used it naturally in 1857:

“All who cultivate the soil in Palestine are Arabs.”

The quote is recorded in his Journal of a Visit to Europe and the Levant.

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UN: Humanitarian Access Blocked by 900 Israeli Checkpoints

Humanitarian operations in the occupied West Bank are being delayed and restricted by a network of more than 900 physical obstacles, including checkpoints, gates and roadblocks, the UN said Friday.

Daniela Gross De Almeida, an associate spokesperson, told reporters that the restrictions are limiting humanitarian access and leaving people in need without adequate assistance.

“Our humanitarian partners warn that aid work is being delayed and limited by a network of over 900 physical obstacles including checkpoints, gates, roadblocks, and other restrictions. This hinders humanitarian access and leaves people in need underserved,” De Almeida said.

In the village of Qusra, near Nablus, aid and municipal workers have been unable to reach three Palestinian families who have been trapped in their homes since Tuesday, she said, adding that the families became isolated following the establishment of a settlement outpost near their homes and tightened access restrictions in the area.

“Our colleagues warn that efforts to protect Palestinians have been ineffective, with settlers reportedly reinstalling a tent that Israeli forces had dismantled yesterday,” she said.

Turning to Gaza, she said humanitarians continue to provide vital aid to people in the besieged Strip, despite persistent insecurity and restrictions.

“Last week, we and our partners mobilized rapid support for people who had lost their shelters or were displaced again due to attacks, domestic fires, and other incidents. In more than a dozen reported incidents, people were displaced and lost their belongings due to attacks, impacting nearly 290 households,” she said. Anadolu

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70,000 Perform The Friday Prayers in Al Aqsa

CROSSFIREARABIA – Tens of thousands performed their Friday noon prayers at the Al Aqsa mosque.  The Islamic Awqaf Dept stated that around 70,000 people performed the Friday prayers. The entry of people was made despite the strict inspections imposed upon them as they entered the compound of the Al Aqsa Mosque. Israeli soldiers turned many young people away and arrested Amir Al Risheq Hatta Gate leading to the Old City.

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90% of Gazans Displaced in Tattered Tents, Living on Rubble

CROSSFIREARABIA – The Ministry of Social Development stated Friday that 90 percent of the population of the Gaza Strip are displaced living in worn out tents and/or on destroyed rubble. It added these include 109,000 elderly persons and 47,000 widows and 120,000 who are physically handicapped. The Ministry added there are tens of thousands who are wounded, cancer patients, in need of dialysis with children suffering from malnutrition because of the scarcity of food being allowed into the enclave by Israel. UN statistics show 1.9 million of Gazans, 90 percent of the population, were forcibly displaced while 65 percent of the buildings and residential units have been destroyed as reported in Sanad.

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Israel Vessels Fire at Three Fishermen in Gaza

Three Palestinian fishermen were injured Friday when Israeli naval vessels opened fire at them while working off the coast of Gaza City, a local union official said. Zakaria Bakr, coordinator of the Fishermen’s Committees Union in Gaza, said in a Facebook post that Israeli naval vessels fired machine guns at a fishing boat, injuring three fishermen. Bakr said the incident came amid continuing attacks against Gaza’s fishermen that endanger their lives and deprive them of their livelihoods. Gaza’s fishermen have faced Israeli restrictions on access to the sea since the start of Israel’s war in October 2023. A UN report on 2 July said the Israeli navy continued to prevent Gaza residents from accessing the sea despite the 10 October 2025 ceasefire. The fishing industry has suffered extensive damage, including to Gaza’s port, boats and equipment according to Anadolu.

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