The Maldives, a predominantly Muslim island nation, has long been a vocal critic of Israeli policies towards the Palestinian people. The country’s decision to ban Israeli passport holders is seen as a significant step in the global pushback against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Israeli soldiers, left, are seen working on a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border on May 29. The Maldives, right, has now banned Israelis from entering the country. (AP/Tsafrir Abayov/Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The ban, which will be enforced through an amendment to the country’s laws, is expected to have a significant impact on tourism in the Maldives. The country has traditionally been a popular destination for Israeli tourists, with nearly 11,000 visiting in 2023. However, the number of Israeli visitors has already begun to decline in the wake of the Gaza war, with only 528 arriving in the first four months of 2024.
The Maldives’ decision to ban Israeli passport holders is not without precedent. In the early 1990s, the country banned Israeli tourists following a wave of protests and demonstrations against Israeli policies. The ban was lifted in the early 2000s, but relations between the two countries have been strained ever since. The Maldives’ move is part of a broader global trend of countries taking action against Israel in response to the Gaza war. In recent weeks, several countries have announced boycotts of Israeli goods and services, while others have called for sanctions against the Israeli government.
Biden and his Govt knows that Israel-Hamas cease-fire proposal will hit the wall: Mike Pompeo
The Maldives’ decision to ban Israeli passport holders is a significant step in this global pushback against Israel. It sends a powerful message that the world will not stand idly by while innocent civilians are killed and displaced in Gaza. As the international community continues to grapple with the consequences of the Gaza war, the Maldives’ bold move is a reminder that the world will not be silenced by the actions of a rogue state.
So one of the most advanced defense systems in human history just randomly decided to fail one day?
Some reports indicate we have not seen an alarm there like this since January! This is potentially the most “successful” attack on Israel in modern history.
IT’S SO OBVIOUS WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE‼️
The Israeli government is intentionally allowing missiles to rain on their own citizens in a desperate attempt to regain public support for their war campaign in Gaza. Many allegations are still unresolved that they also allowed the October 7th attack, or at least intentionally let it go on longer, in order to “justify” killing over 35,984 Palestinians.
On Wednesday, a harrowing video depicting the kidnapping of five Israeli female soldiers during the Hamas massacre on October 7 was made public. The soldiers, who were serving as army observers in the border region with the Gaza Strip, were taken captive by heavily armed terrorists.
The video, obtained by the Israeli army with the families’ consent, reveals the injured young women, some of whom are covered in blood, being held captive by the terrorists. Their arms are bound behind their backs, and they appear petrified as the kidnappers continually shout threats at them. The footage, initially filmed by Hamas militants during the attack, was previously released by Hamas but was edited by the IDF to exclude the most distressing scenes. The Hostages Families Forum made the video public in an effort to compel the government to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Hamas and secure the release of their loved ones.
The women identified in the video are Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniela Gilboa, and Naama Levy. All are still believed to be in Hamas’ custody. Two other soldiers, Ori Megidish and Noa Marciano, were also taken from the Nahal Oz base. Megidish was rescued after 23 days, while Marciano was tragically killed in captivity.
The video has sparked outrage and renewed calls for action from the Israeli government and the international community. Thousands of Israelis have rallied in recent weeks, demanding a deal to bring home hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. The Hostages Families Forum described the footage as a “damning testament to the nation’s failure to bring home the hostages, who have been abandoned for 229 days.”
As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Hamas attacks, the plight of the Israeli hostages remains a pressing humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
As the deceased Iranian president was buried amid crowds in Iran, An uncensored video of the crash site where Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several top officials died has been leaked online, sparking outrage and grief across the country.
The graphic footage shows the mangled remains of the helicopter, with body parts and personal belongings scattered among the wreckage in a remote, mountainous area of northwest Iran. President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others were killed when their helicopter suffered a “hard landing” on Sunday while returning from a visit to the border region with Azerbaijan. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but poor weather conditions and mechanical failure are suspected.
The leaked video has drawn widespread condemnation, with many Iranians expressing anger that such sensitive material was made public. The government has not officially commented on the leak, but has declared a five-day mourning period and appointed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as acting president.
The tragic incident comes at a tumultuous time for Iran, with ongoing protests over the economy and women’s rights, and heightened tensions with Israel following a recent drone and missile attack. As the country grapples with the loss of its hard-line leader, the leaked footage serves as a grim reminder of the human toll of the accident.
As the deceased Iranian president was buried amid crowds in Iran, An uncensored video of the crash site where Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several top officials died has been leaked online, sparking outrage and grief across the country.
The graphic footage shows the mangled remains of the helicopter, with body parts and personal belongings scattered among the wreckage in a remote, mountainous area of northwest Iran. President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others were killed when their helicopter suffered a “hard landing” on Sunday while returning from a visit to the border region with Azerbaijan. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but poor weather conditions and mechanical failure are suspected.
The leaked video has drawn widespread condemnation, with many Iranians expressing anger that such sensitive material was made public. The government has not officially commented on the leak, but has declared a five-day mourning period and appointed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as acting president.
The tragic incident comes at a tumultuous time for Iran, with ongoing protests over the economy and women’s rights, and heightened tensions with Israel following a recent drone and missile attack. As the country grapples with the loss of its hard-line leader, the leaked footage serves as a grim reminder of the human toll of the accident.
Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem, Tabriz’s Friday Prayer Imam, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were also reportedly on the helicopter with the president
Is He Alive?
Some of the president’s companions on this helicopter were able to communicate with Central Headquarters, raising hopes that the incident could have ended without casualties,” It is unclear what the exact status is of Raisi’s helicopter.
Sounds very sus…. They heard from the presidents companions but didn’t clarify if the President himself was alive.
In a scary twist of events, chilling video footage has emerged, showcasing a formidable display of Israeli military might at the Rafah border in the dead of night. The video captures a convoy of tanks and bulldozers, including units from the renowned “Iron Tracks” and “Givati” divisions, crossing the border fence into the southern Gaza city. This military buildup signals a significant escalation as Israeli forces intensify their operations in Rafah, raising concerns about the potential for further conflict and civilian casualties.
Video: TheSun
The presence of these military vehicles, captured in the video released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), underscores the gravity of the situation in Rafah. The footage highlights the determination of Israeli forces as they press forward in their mission to assert control over the region. This display of military power comes amidst international apprehension, with US President Joe Biden issuing a stern warning against a full-scale invasion of Rafah, citing concerns for civilian safety and threatening repercussions on weapon supplies.
As tensions mount and the situation in Rafah remains volatile, the video serves as a stark reminder of the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions. The continued military maneuvers and the deployment of tanks and bulldozers underscore the high stakes and the potential for further violence in the region. The international community closely watches as the situation unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Rafah.
In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This move comes despite international calls for restraint and concerns over the potential humanitarian catastrophe.
The IDF has been urging civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate the area for several days, with around 100,000 people ordered to relocate to a designated “humanitarian zone.” This evacuation order has caused widespread panic and uncertainty among the local population, who are already facing dire humanitarian conditions due to the seven-month-long conflict.
According to IDF officials, the invasion of Rafah is a crucial component of Israel’s strategy to defeat Hamas, which the military claims is operating from the city. The IDF has asserted that the operation is necessary to secure the release of Israeli hostages and achieve a “total victory” over the militant group.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned that a ground invasion of Rafah would be “intolerable due to its devastating humanitarian consequences”.
The US President, Joe Biden, has also reiterated his opposition to the operation, urging Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Rafah is home to the Karem Abu Salam (Kerem Shalom in Hebrew) border crossing, a crucial lifeline for the delivery of humanitarian aid and commercial goods to the Gaza Strip. The IDF’s seizure of control over this crossing has effectively halted all travel and aid flow into the enclave.
The conflict has already claimed the lives of at least 34,735 people in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military, on the other hand, estimates that around 1,200 people were killed in a single Hamas attack on October 7th, with over 300 soldiers among the dead.
As the situation in Rafah continues to unfold, the international community is urging both sides to prioritize the protection of civilians and to work towards a ceasefire agreement. The ongoing negotiations in Cairo and Doha offer a glimmer of hope, but the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain.
In a recent development, the Russian Ministry of Defense has declared a significant policy shift, announcing the commencement of military air patrols along the disengagement line between Syria and the Occupied Golan Heights. This move signals a clear message that Russia will no longer tolerate Israel’s airstrikes within Syrian territory.
Russia threatens to escalate tensions with Israel if they continue bombing Syria. Photo/Megatron_ron/Telegram
The disengagement line, marked in blue on the map, has been a contentious area where Israel has historically carried out airstrikes on Syria. This strategic move by Russia aims to establish a stronger presence in the region and curb Israel’s military actions in Syrian airspace.
@Megatron_ron on Telegram first reported this development, shedding light on Russia’s decision to actively patrol the airspace along the border. The implementation of military air patrols serves as a proactive measure to prevent any unauthorized incursions or attacks in the area.
The geopolitical implications of this decision are substantial, as it underscores Russia’s commitment to safeguarding its interests in the region. The move also poses a challenge to Israel’s previous freedom of operation in conducting airstrikes within Syrian borders.
The situation raises questions about the future dynamics between Russia and Israel in the Middle East. Will diplomatic channels be sought to address this new development, or will it escalate tensions between the two nations? Observers and analysts will be closely monitoring the unfolding events to discern the broader impact on the regional balance of power.
As tensions rise in the region, neighboring countries and international stakeholders will be closely watching how this development shapes the geopolitical landscape. The move by Russia introduces a new layer of complexity to an already volatile situation in the Middle East, and the repercussions of these military air patrols will likely reverberate through diplomatic channels in the coming weeks.
Russia’s decision to initiate military air patrols along the disengagement line signifies a pivotal moment in the geopolitics of the region. The move is poised to have lasting implications on the relationship between Russia and Israel, with the potential to reshape the power dynamics in the volatile Middle East. As events continue to unfold, Smartie News will keep you updated on this developing story.
GAZA, PALESTINE - 2023/07/19: A fighter from Izz al-Din al-Qassam stands in front of a tunnel during an exhibition of weapons, missiles and heavy equipment for the military wing of Hamas in the Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip, during the commemoration of the 2014 war that lasted 51 days between Gaza and Israel. (Photo by Yousef Masoud/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In the face of the daily escalating tensions and an impending ground invasion by Hamas, it’s imperative to analyze why Israel was caught off guard, despite years of experience, intelligence, and surveillance. This unexpected turn of events has sparked widespread discussions and even calls for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this complex situation.
Alleged Prior Warnings from Cairo
Israel reportedly received repeated warnings from Cairo, with Egyptian intelligence sources anonymously alerting Israel about the looming threat. Just ten days before the attack, Abbas Kamel, Director of Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate, claimed to have called the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and warned them of a significant impending threat from Hamas. Strikingly, the IDF denied receiving any such call, raising questions about the exchange of vital information.
Egypt’s Director of Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate, Major General. Abbas Kamel. Photo/Courtesy
Israel’s Political Rumors of Discord:
One possible reason for the failure to detect the impending attack is the rumored discord among Israel’s top political and military leadership. The strained relationships between the Prime Minister, Netanyahu, and the security top commanders may have hampered effective communication and coordination, leaving Israel’s security apparatus vulnerable. This possibility would also have stemmed from PM Netanyahu’s epic failure in managing protests that have rocked his Leadership this whole year.
Surveillance and Espionage Lapses:
Israel’s overdependence on border surveillance cameras and sensors proved to be a critical vulnerability. This is surprising with the level of praise Israel was granted over the years. This is surprising given Israel’s extensive border surveillance, cameras, and sensors along the Gaza border, for which they have received praise over the years. Hamas exploited this dependency, seizing the opportune moment to launch their offensive. Spies from Israel were caught offguard, potentially due to complacency, leading to significant intelligence gaps.
The Israeli military’s failure to respond in a timely manner was another glaring critical shortcoming. An internal review by the IDF days after the 7th October attack, revealed clustering of military heads and a hierarchy that underestimated the threat posed by Hamas. It is even reported that Israeli’s Intelligence unbelievably disregarded an intercepted radio chatter by Hamas saying “We aren’t prepared for War”. This suggest even if Hamas were still unsure of going forward with the attack, Israel on the other side of the border simply brushed it. This in turn lead to the disastrous attack on Israeli civilians
KFAR AZA, ISRAEL – OCTOBER 10: A baby stroller, along with other personal belongings are left on the side of the road next to a car after multiple civilians were killed days earlier in an attack by Hamas militants near the border with Gaza, on October 10, 2023 in Kfar Aza,Israel. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Recent Loud Calls for Netanyahu’s Resignation:
In the aftermath of this security failure, there have been growing calls for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation. Many believe that the lack of preparedness and communication failures fall squarely on his leadership. The public outcry highlights the urgency of addressing the leadership crisis, before or after this Hamas attack is over.
Hamas’ Secret Weapon: Unending Maze of Subterranean Tunnels Equipped With Landline Communication
Hamas has honed an unconventional lethal ‘weapon’. This is an unending network of underground tunnels that span Gaza. Hamas strategically utilizes a diverse tunnel network, including offensive tunnels for infiltration, defensive tunnels to store weapons and communication equipment, and smuggling tunnels for the transportation of vital resources and enabling escapes.
Israel’s attempts to track Hamas leaders through mobile phones have been complicated by these intricate underground passageways, which are rumored to be well-equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, lighting and Railing system.
GAZA CITY, GAZA – MAY 19: Soldiers of Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
In 2014, Hamas to have an extensive network of tunnels, with over 1,300 of them stretching across 500 kilometers, some as deep as 70 meters and as narrow as 2 meters. While these tunnels were initially dug for smuggling goods from Egypt, they have now become a vital tool for military purposes.
Israel’s consideration of flooding these tunnels faces a significant dilemma, as Hamas reportedly has hostages within them. The presence of these hostages complicates any potential countermeasures.
Hamas’ use of tunnels is not unique to this conflict. Tunnel systems have been employed effectively in various parts of the world, highlighting the challenges faced by modern military forces when combating non-state actors.
Hamas’ ability to breach Israel’s borders exposes a complex interplay of security, leadership, and intelligence challenges. Additionally, the escalating civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s indiscriminate bombing in Gaza further complicates the situation, making Hamas a formidable adversary. The situation in Gaza underscores the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of Israel’s security strategies and a unified leadership approach. Hamas have added another layer of complexity to an already intricate security landscape. Whether Israel can adapt to this evolving threat remains a question of critical importance for the region’s stability and security.
On a grim Saturday, a horrifying scene unfolded in the streets as a naked woman’s lifeless body was paraded through the city in the back of a pickup truck, with Hamas fighters seated beside her motionless form. A jubilant crowd, including young onlookers, surrounded the armed militants dressed in combat fatigues, who fervently chanted “Allah Akbar” from the open truck bed.
Tragically, some individuals within the crowd spat upon the woman’s lifeless body before the truck abruptly sped away, marking a day of unprecedented carnage against Israeli civilians. The woman was later identified as Shani Louk, and while her family acknowledged witnessing the distressing video, they clung to a glimmer of hope that she might have somehow survived.
Shanis Leg tattoo clearing confirming her identity as a German National in Israel for a music festival. Photo : X
Miss Louk is believed to have been abducted from Israel when Hamas militants infiltrated through air, sea, and land. The brutal attack claimed the lives of hundreds of Israelis, with several, including members of the Israeli defense forces, taken hostage.
Tom Weintraub Louk, Miss Louk’s cousin, identified her by her tattoos and distinctive long dreadlocks. She had been attending an outdoor music festival near Kibbutz Urim when the militants stormed the area, as reported by The Washington Post.
Disturbing videos of this incident and other attacks rapidly circulated on social media, prompting global leaders to condemn the senseless killing of civilians on a scale likened to a massacre.
In one particularly heart-wrenching video, a weeping woman named Noa was seen being placed on a motorcycle, desperately reaching out to a man whose hands were bound behind his back as he was led away by captors. Noa, too, had been attending a music festival before being abducted into Gaza.
Hamas released footage depicting a group of Israeli men confined to a dark room with their hands tied behind their backs, their faces exposed to the camera under harsh lighting. While some claimed to be soldiers, not all were in uniform.
Another chilling clip showed soldiers being dragged out of a smoking tank before being forced to lie on the ground, with at least one facing execution.
Palestinian men triumphantly rode atop a captured Israeli armored car, and a man, who seemed to be a deceased Israeli soldier, was pulled from a car by two exuberant individuals. His lifeless body was subjected to brutal treatment by an exultant crowd celebrating this gruesome “victory.”
Hamas displayed an utter disregard for civilian lives, as evidenced by one video where an elderly Israeli woman appeared strangely calm while being transported into the Gaza Strip on a golf cart, accompanied by armed men. A different elderly woman remained stoic in a chair as a masked Hamas terrorist brandished a machine gun and flashed the victory sign.
Smartphone footage captured terrified Israelis peering from their balconies or windows, documenting Hamas terrorists walking the streets. On one highway, several cars and a van bore shattered windshields and windows from gunfire, with two vehicles colliding, presumably in a desperate bid to escape the hail of bullets. In the midst of this chaos, children pleaded in Hebrew, questioning why these armed men were in their homes and firing guns.
The Israeli government confirmed that a significant number of hostages had been taken. In a chilling scene, a terrorist with an automatic weapon opened the door to a building, revealing a pile of lifeless bodies, victims of this brutal onslaught, lying face down at a bullet-pocked bus stop.
Meanwhile, a woman, reportedly an Israeli settler, took selfies as she was led away by her captors. As the crowd approached, people raised their arms and smartphones to capture footage of at least one hostage bound and helpless.
Hamas Militants kidnap an old lady. Photo: X
Another heart-wrenching moment unfolded as a bloodied Israeli woman was filmed being removed from the trunk of a different jeep by a man wielding a handgun in what appeared to be the Gaza Strip. Lifeless bodies of drivers and passengers were scattered on the road, amid shattered glass, or slumped behind the wheel. Further away, a woman’s body lay, suggesting she might have been shot while attempting to escape.
In a widely shared video, a Hamas terrorist was heard assuring a family with young children that they would not be harmed, emphasizing that if he had intended harm, he would have executed it already.
The Israel- Palestinian conflict continues to get murkier by the day.
In recent days, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, raising concerns about a potential chain reaction in the region. Alexander Dugin, a prominent commentator, has provided insight into the situation, which we are summarizing for you.
Dugin highlights that while Palestinians may lack the ability to destroy Israel or inflict a significant military defeat, Israel also faces a dilemma because it cannot fully control the Palestinian territories it technically claims. The international context, especially the U.S. leadership, plays a crucial role. Dugin points out that the U.S., led by neocons and globalists, does not seem to favor either side.
The key concern is the potential for a chain reaction involving Islamic states such as Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Gulf states, and Egypt. This could test the strength of multipolarism and weaken Western hegemony. The involvement of Iran and Hezbollah could expand hostilities to Lebanon and Syria, and internal tensions within Israel add unpredictability to the situation.
Dugin speculates that the U.S. and globalists may seek to de-escalate the conflict, recognizing that further escalation brings no benefits. He also notes that the Western approach to territorial unity and self-determination varies depending on their interests.
Regarding Russia’s position, Dugin suggests that it’s challenging for Russia to choose a side due to historical ties with Palestinians and evolving relations with Israel.
Importantly, Dugin highlights the eschatological dimension, with the Palestinians naming their operation ‘Al-Aqsa Storm.’ This relates to tensions around Jerusalem and the messianic aspirations of building the Third Temple on the Temple Mount, which requires the demolition of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These actions could ignite eschatological sensitivities among Muslims, both Shiites and Sunnis.
In conclusion, the situation in Israel and Palestine remains complex and fluid, with potential geopolitical implications. The eschatological dimension adds a unique layer to the conflict, and the evolving international context will influence the course of events.
(Note: This report is based on Alexander Dugin’s insights and is provided by Smartie News with credit to Mr. Dugin. For ongoing updates and analysis, please refer to his channel: t.me/Dugin_Aleksandr)
