WEEKLY UPDATE - 05.30.2025

Israel Announces Massive Settlement Expansion amid Potential Ceasefire

The Israeli government announced a massive expansion of settlements in the West Bank on Thursday. The Israeli government’s announcement provided sanction to twenty-two illegal settlements, including some that have already been built. Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the move “historic” and the Minister of Defense Israel Katz said it was “a strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel.”

Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas called the move “a dangerous escalation” and one that would fuel “a cycle of violence and instability.” Hamas called on the international community to uphold previous agreements and prevent Israel from carrying out the move. Various regional and international groups condemned the announcement seeing it as a threat to a potential two-state solution.

The move comes as hope of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza may be close. Various news outlets have reported US President Trump’s frustration with Israeli PM Netanyahu over the war in Gaza. According to the Times of Israel, PM Netanyahu has agreed to the latest US proposal in principle while Hamas continues to review the document.

New Aid Distribution in Gaza Results in Chaos and Criticism

The newly created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) opened a third aid distribution hub in Gaza on Thursday amid a flurry of criticism and controversy. The GHF is registered in Switzerland and Delaware and his backed by the US and Israel. The GHF uses private military contractors to distribute aid directly to Gazans from hubs that it says are meant to prevent Hamas from siphoning aid. The organization launched its operations earlier this week as aid deliveries were ramped up after a six week blockade.

As GHF ramped up its operations, a series of chaotic events occurred around aid deliveries. On Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported that the IDF opened fire on Palestinians seeking aid at one of the GHF hubs. More than sixty Gazans were wounded in the incident. Also on Wednesday, hundreds of Gazans stormed a food warehouse run by the WFP. During the chaos four Palestinians were killed.

Dozens of reputable international aid organizations criticized the GHF and its practices. On the eve of launching operations, GHF’s executive director Jake Wood resigned saying its plans are no consistent with “humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.”

In Other News

• Arab sources hinted that Israeli academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq in 2023, could be released as part of a large prisoner swap in coming days.

• Iraq’s Water Resource Ministry reported that current water levels are at there lowest levels in eighty-years.

• The American flag was raised at the US ambassador’s residence in Damascus for the first time in more than 12 years. The move comes as the US and Syria have signaled that they are preparing to normalize relations.

• Syrian security officials arrested members of ISIS cell accused of planning attacks against the country. According to reporting the group was in possession of light arms and explosives.

• An Israeli strike killed a Lebanese citizen in the country’s south. According to the IDF the man was a member of Hezbollah.

• The Houthis and Israel continued to exchange attacks

Recommended:

• “Trump’s Warming Toward Syria Complicates Israel’s Military Strategy” New York Times

• “U.S. and Iran Talks: Is War Imminent? - a conversation with Dr. Vali Nasr” Drop Site News (podcast)

• “Sweeping overhaul of Gaza aid raises questions of morality and workability” Washington Post

• “The Long War that Ended Last Week” The Atlantic

• “How a Spyware App Compromised Assad’s Army” Newlines Magazine