We stand firmly against injustice in all its forms. Nothing can justify the current war crimes committed by Israel in occupied Palestine. Equally, nothing can excuse the continued support offered by other nations to this apartheid regime. If you believe in human rights, dignity, and justice, then we urge you to boycott this rogue state. Silence is complicity, do what’s right.
We, the undersigned, call upon the international community to take immediate and decisive action to halt the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.
Since October 2023 over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli Occupation Force, including over 17,000 children and over 100,000 wounded, with many in critical condition. While the vast majority of violence has taken place in Gaza,widespread atrocities are now escalating against Palestinians in the unlawfully occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The world cannot remain silent in the face of such relentless attacks ,displacement and systematic violence perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people.
These violations of international law, human rights, and humanitarian norms by Israel in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank neccesitate urgent military protection for Palestinian civilians to safeguard against further harm.
We demand:
The immediate establishment of aninternational military force to protect Palestinian civilians.
Immediate cessation of all military actions by Israel against the civilian populations of Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Enforcement of United Nations resolutions and international legal frameworks that recognize the rights of the Palestinian people to peace, security, and self-determination.
Accountability for those responsible for war crimes and violations of human rights.
We call on governments worldwide tostand against these atrocities and fulfill their moral and legal obligations toprotect the Palestinian people
As Christmas lights flicker across the world, illuminating trees in cozy living rooms and city squares, another kind of light dominates the skies of Gaza: the searing glare of American bombs. While carolers in the West sing of peace and goodwill, the people of Gaza, many of whom are Christians themselves, huddle in fear, mourning lives lost and futures stolen. It’s a bitter irony that the birthplace of Jesus—himself a Palestinian born under occupation—is now a stage for one of the most brutal and unrelenting sieges in modern history.
Jesus of Nazareth, often sanitized into a Westernized figure, was a man of the land known as Palestine. He lived under Roman occupation, preached liberation for the oppressed, and stood against tyranny—a legacy that should resonate deeply today. Yet, in a grotesque twist, the same Western nations that celebrate his life and message remain complicit in the ongoing Israeli occupation and slaughter of his people.
Consider the stark hypocrisy of governments like the United States and the United Kingdom, which, while decking their halls with messages of peace, funnel billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. These funds are used to perpetuate apartheid, flatten homes, and bomb hospitals—actions that even a first-century Jesus would have railed against. Politicians offer empty platitudes about “de-escalation” while actively fueling the fire, hiding behind the threadbare excuse of Israel’s “right to defend itself,” as though Gaza—a strip of occupied and long-sieged land deprived of basic human rights—is the aggressor in this unbalanced and sick equation.
Meanwhile, the so-called free press dutifully plays its part. Veteran media outlets, bastions of journalistic integrity (or so they claim), downplay the carnage with headlines that sanitize reality. Words like “clashes” are used to describe the bombardment of civilians. The death toll is presented as numbers, stripped of names, stories, and humanity. And when Palestinian voices manage to break through the noise, they are labeled as “extremists,” their grief politicized and their pain dismissed.
But the hypocrisy doesn’t end there. Western leaders who condemn Hamas with righteous indignation rarely spare a word for the children killed in Israeli airstrikes. Churches that teach the gospel of love turn a blind eye to the suffering of the very people whose land their Savior walked. The silence is deafening, and the complicity is glaring.
In Gaza, Christmas is not a season of joy but a reminder of loss. For the Palestinian Christians who remain, it is a time to mourn not only the absence of loved ones but also the erasure of their existence by a world that would rather not see them. And yet, amidst the rubble, the spirit of resistance endures. Just as Jesus stood firm against the empire of his time, Palestinians refuse to bow under the weight of oppression.
This Christmas, as you hang your stockings and sip your mulled wine, spare a thought for Gaza. Spare a thought for a land where the message of “peace on Earth” is drowned out by the hum of drones and the roar of explosions. Spare a thought for the hypocrisy that allows this to continue, year after year, in the birthplace of the Prince of Peace.
And if your conscience stirs, do something. Speak out. Write to your representatives. Boycott companies complicit in the occupation. Because Christmas isn’t just about celebrating the birth of Jesus—it’s about honoring his legacy of justice, compassion, and resistance to tyranny. And there is no better way to do that than by standing with Palestine.
Today Drop Site News is publishing a landmark investigation about the BBC’s coverage of Israel’s unrelenting assault on Gaza by British journalist Owen Jones. His report is based on interviews with 13 journalists and other BBC staffers who offer remarkable insights into how senior figures within the BBC’s news operation skewed stories in favor of Israel’s narratives and repeatedly dismissed objections registered by scores of staffers who, throughout the past 14 months, demanded that the network uphold its commitment to impartiality and fairness. Jones’s investigation of the BBC has three main components: a deeply reported look into the internal complaints from BBC journalists, a quantitative assessment of how the BBC characterizes the year-long siege on Gaza, and a review of the histories of the people behind the coverage—and, in particular, one editor, Raffi Berg.
Appropriately, when Jones began this reporting as an independent journalist and reached out to Berg for comment, Berg at first hired the famous defamation lawyer Mark Lewis, who is also former Director of UK Lawyers for Israel. Jones is a Guardian columnist and hosts his own searing independent news coverage on YouTube. If you have the means to help pay for Jones’s $24,000 in initial legal bills in vetting the story, you can do so here.
The Irish taoiseach, Simon Harris, said on X: “This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.
“Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always speak up for human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that.”
Israel has not applied similar measures to other countries, including Egypt, Spain, and Mexico, that joined the petition.
The announcement came as the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza approached 45,000 in the war that began with Hamas’s 7 October attack into Israel last year. Dozens of deaths were reported in Israeli strikes on the coastal territory on Sunday.
Announcing the decision to close the embassy, Sa’ar said: “It should be noted that in the past, Israel’s ambassador to Dublin was recalled following Ireland’s unilateral decision to recognise a ‘Palestinian state’.”
He said the decision to close the embassy had been prompted by Ireland’s announcement of its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the ICJ, accusing Israel of ‘genocide’.”
“The antisemitic actions and rhetoric that Ireland is taking against Israel are based on delegitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state and on double standards,” said Sa’ar.
“Ireland has crossed all red lines in its relationship with Israel. Israel will invest its resources in promoting bilateral relations with the countries of the world according to priorities that are also derived from the attitude of the various countries towards it.
“There are countries that are interested in strengthening their ties with Israel and do not yet have an Israeli embassy,” Sa’ar continued, adding that Israel planned to open a new embassy in Moldova, which is seen as being more friendly to Israel.
“We will adjust the Israeli diplomatic structure of our missions while giving weight, among other of things, to the approach and actions of the various countries towards Israel in the political arena,” he said.
Relations between Ireland and Israel have long been strained because of Ireland’s stance on Palestine.
In November, Harris said the country’s authorities would detain his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, if he travelled to Ireland, after the international criminal court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
Israel has submitted an appeal against the arrest warrants issued by the ICC for Netanyahu and the former defence minister Yoav Gallant, Army Radio reported on Sunday.
On 21 November, the ICC issued warrants for the two, citing grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant had committed the war crime of starvation and crimes against humanity such as murder and persecution.
The move to close the embassy follows last week’s statement by Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste (Ireland’s second most senior elected official) and minister for foreign affairs, that he had secured government approval for Ireland to intervene in South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel under the genocide convention.
“There has been a collective punishment of the Palestinian people through the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza, leaving 44,000 dead and millions of civilians displaced,” said Martin.
“By legally intervening in South Africa’s case, Ireland will be asking the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide by a state.
“We are concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimised.
“Ireland’s view of the convention is broader and prioritises the protection of civilian life – as a committed supporter of the convention, the government will promote that interpretation in its intervention in this case.”
Israeli forces continued to pound northern Gaza on Sunday, with one airstrike on the Khalil Aweida school in the town of Beit Hanoun killing at least 15 people, according to nearby Kamal Adwan hospital, where casualties were taken.
In Gaza City, at least 17 people, including six women and five children, were killed in three airstrikes that hit houses sheltering displaced people, according to Al-Ahli hospital.
An Israeli airstrike also hit the civil emergency centre in the Nuseirat market area in central Gaza, killing Ahmed Al-Louh, a video journalist for Al Jazeera TV, and five other people, medics and fellow journalists said.
The history of the United States is deeply intertwined with conflict, both in its formation and its evolution into a global superpower. Since its founding in 1776, America has been involved in numerous wars, driven by varying motivations such as independence, territorial expansion, colonialism, ideological competition, and global influence. These wars have taken an immense human toll, with hundreds of millions of lives lost both in the U.S. and abroad. Today, America’s involvement in global wars continues to shape the political and humanitarian landscape.
Below is an overview of America’s major historical wars and its role in more recent and ongoing wars around the world.
The Indian Wars (1776–1924): The Indian Wars, a series of conflicts between American settlers and Native American tribes during westward expansion, resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, primarily Native Americans:
• Native Americans An estimated 4,700,000 Native Americans were killed from the arrival of Europeans until the 19th century. By the end of the Indian Wars in the late 19th century, fewer than 238,000 Indigenous people remained.
• White people Census.gov estimates that more than 5,000 white men, women, and children were killed in individual affairs with Native Americans since 1775.
The Indian Wars were driven by a number of factors, including:
• Settler greed: Settlers wanted the land and natural resources of the Native Americans.
• Hostility: American hostility and suspicion toward Native Americans was increased by their collusion with the British during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
• Racial hatred: Settlers viewed Native Americans as different, and painted them as pagan savages who needed to be killed in the name of civilization and Christianity.
The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783)
The Revolutionary War, fought against Great Britain, was driven by the colonies’ desire for independence and opposition to British taxation without representation. An estimated 25,000 American soldiers lost their lives, laying the foundation for the United States. Civilian casualties: 25,000–50,000 (from direct violence, disease, and famine).
The War of 1812 (1812–1815)
Often called America’s “Second War of Independence,” this conflict resulted in 15,000 American deaths and reinforced the nation’s sovereignty despite ending in a stalemate. Civilian casualties: 2,000–3,000 (mostly from raids and blockades).
The Mexican-American War (1846–1848)
Stemming from territorial disputes after Texas declared independence from Mexico, this war led to the U.S. annexing vast swaths of land. Around 13,000 American soldiers died, while tens of thousands of Mexican soldiers and civilians also lost their lives. Civilian casualties: 25,000–50,000, primarily Mexican civilians affected by fighting, disease, and famine.
The American Civil War (1861–1865)
The bloodiest conflict in U.S. history, the Civil War was fought between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues of slavery, states’ rights, and secession. It resulted in an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 deaths, including soldiers from both sides and countless civilians.
The Spanish-American War (1898)
This short war marked America’s emergence as a global power. Approximately 2,500 Americans died, mostly from disease rather than combat, while the total death toll in Cuba and the Philippines was far higher, including civilian casualties.
World War I (1917–1918): Over
Though initially neutral, the U.S. entered World War I in 1917. America’s intervention was pivotal in tipping the scales toward an Allied victory. Over 116,000 American soldiers lost their lives, and the global death toll from the war exceeded 16 million, including military and civilian casualties.
World War II (1941–1945):
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. entered World War II, fighting on multiple fronts. Over 405,000 American soldiers were killed. Globally, World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, with total deaths estimated at 70–85 million, including millions of civilians and victims of genocide.
The Korean War (1950–1953)
As the Cold War intensified, the U.S. intervened in Korea to prevent the spread of communism. The war resulted in over 36,000 American deaths and an estimated 2–3 million deaths overall, including a significant number of Korean civilians.
The Vietnam War (1955–1975)
The Vietnam War was one of America’s most controversial conflicts. Over 58,000 American soldiers died, and an estimated 3 million Vietnamese people—including civilians—were killed during the protracted and devastating war.
The Gulf War (1990–1991)
Triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the Gulf War resulted in a relatively low number of American casualties—294 deaths. However, tens of thousands of Iraqi soldiers and civilians lost their lives during the conflict.
The War on Terror (2001–Present)
After the September 11 attacks, the U.S. launched the War on Terror, resulting in protracted conflicts:
• Afghanistan (2001–2021): Over 2,400 American soldiers died, alongside an estimated 243,000 total deaths, including civilians.
• Iraq (2003–2011): The invasion, based on false claims of weapons of mass destruction, led to the deaths of 4,500 American soldiers and over 300,000 Iraqis, many of them civilians.
• Syria: While not a full-scale war, the U.S. has provided significant military and financial support to various groups in the Syrian Civil War, which has killed over 500,000 people and displaced millions.
Libya war (2011–Present)
In 2011, the U.S. and NATO intervened in Libya to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi. The intervention destabilized the country, leading to ongoing civil war and a humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands have died, and Libya remains fractured by conflict. Estimates of deaths in the 2011 are up to 30,000 casualties.
Yemen war (2014–Present)
The U.S. has supported Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen, providing weapons and intelligence in a war that has killed over 377,000 people, including civilians, and caused one of the worst humanitarian crises of the century, with famine and disease ravaging the population.
Ukraine war (2022–Present)
While not directly involved in combat, the U.S. has played a significant role in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, providing billions in military aid. The war has caused over 500,000 casualties and displaced millions, with no end in sight.
Sudan and the Darfur war (2003–Present)
The U.S. has engaged diplomatically and provided humanitarian aid in response to Sudan’s ongoing conflicts, particularly in Darfur, where genocidal violence has claimed over 300,000 lives and displaced millions.
Israeli genocide in Gaza
The ongoing Israeli occupation war on Gaza, particularly in 2023–2024, has been described by Amnesty International as genocidal in nature. The U.S. has been a steadfast ally of Israel, providing military aid and diplomatic support. Since the escalation of violence, over 44,000 Palestinians, the majority civilians, have been killed, including women and children. Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with millions facing ethnic cleansing, starvation, and lack of medical care. U.S. backing had enabled Israel’s war crimes on occupied people living in a contraction camp and under apartheid regime.
The Human Cost of America’s Wars
The cumulative toll of America’s wars is staggering. Over 1.3 million American military personnel have died in conflict. Globally, the death toll from U.S.-involved wars—whether directly or through proxies exceeds tens of millions, with civilians often bearing the brunt. From the streets of Gaza to the ruins of Aleppo, the effects of racist America’s military policies and alliances are visible in ongoing humanitarian crises.
Reflection and Responsibility
Unjustified and racist America’s wars have shaped its identity, expanded its influence, and defined its role as a global power. However, they have also left a legacy of genocide, destruction, starvation, disease, ethnic cleansing, and mass immigration. As the U.S. continues to illegally engage in global conflicts, it faces a critical moral question: how to balance its power with a commitment to peace and justice in a world still ravaged by war.
