Wednesday, January 07, 2026

From Ian:

Trump withdraws US from dozens of international and UN entities
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would withdraw from dozens of international and U.N. entities, including a key climate treaty and a U.N. body that promotes gender equality and women's empowerment, because they "operate contrary to U.S. national interests."

Among the 35 non-U.N. groups and 31 U.N. entities Trump listed in a memo, opens new tab to senior administration officials is the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change - described by many as the "bedrock" climate treaty which is parent agreement to the 2015 Paris climate deal.

The United States skipped the annual U.N. international climate summit last year for the first time in three decades.

"The United States would be the first country to walk away from the UNFCCC," said Manish Bapna, president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "Every other nation is a member, in part because they recognize that even beyond the moral imperative of addressing climate change, having a seat at the table in those negotiations represents an ability to shape massive economic policy and opportunity," said Bapna.

The U.S. will also quit UN Women, which works for gender equality and the empowerment of women, and the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), the international body's agency focused on family planning as well as maternal and child health in more than 150 countries. The U.S. cut its funding for the UNFPA last year.

"For United Nations entities, withdrawal means ceasing participation in or funding to those entities to the extent permitted by law," reads the memo. Trump has already largely slashed voluntary funding to most U.N. agencies.
UN report accuses Israel of ‘systematic’ racial segregation, apartheid
A new report released on Wednesday by the office of Volker Türk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, claims that “Israel is violating international law requiring states to prohibit and eradicate racial segregation and apartheid.”

The report, titled “Israel’s discriminatory administration of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” argues that unequal treatment and abuses of Palestinians have intensified since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Jerusalem’s subsequent military response.

“There is a systematic asphyxiation of the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank,” Türk stated, using the international term for the Judea and Samaria region. “Whether accessing water, school, rushing to hospital, visiting family or friends or harvesting olives—every aspect of life for Palestinians in the West Bank is controlled and curtailed by Israel’s discriminatory laws, policies and practices.”

“This is a particularly severe form of racial discrimination and segregation that resembles the kind of apartheid system we have seen before,” Türk added.

The Israeli mission to the U.N. in Geneva condemned the publication of the report, stating that Türk’s office “abuses its position and dire resources to issue yet another unmandated report against Israel” while “other mandates remain nixed on account of budget cuts.”

The Israeli mission said the report itself contains “absurd and distorted accusations of racial discrimination” which ignore “fundamental facts that lie at the basis of the conflict.”
Hamas-Linked Groups in UK Launch Campaign Demanding "Freedom for Palestinian Hostages"
The Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB) and the Global Sumud Flotilla have launched a joint campaign, “Demanding Freedom for Palestinian Hostages.” The initiative invites supporters to take part in a red ribbon online action by updating their profile pictures and sharing videos or messages that feature the ribbon for “Palestinian hostages.” The campaign begins at 8 p.m. Jerusalem time on January 15th and leads up to coordinated street demonstrations on January 31st.

The campaign has drawn attention for its deliberate use of a red ribbon, a clear appropriation of the yellow ribbon that has become an internationally recognized symbol of solidarity with the 253 Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas during the October 7th terror attack. By adopting similar imagery and language, the campaign seeks to reframe convicted or detained terrorist prisoners as “hostages,” attempting to draw a moral equivalence between civilians kidnapped by Hamas and individuals imprisoned for terrorism related offenses.

The collaboration, promoted on social media in early January 2026, comes as UK Treasury investigators examine whether to impose sanctions on PFB leader and Freedom Flotilla Coalition International Zaher Birawi under counter-terrorism regulations. Both PFB and the Global Sumud Flotilla have documented ties to individuals and entities designated as terrorist organizations and operatives.

Birawi Under Investigation
According to the Telegraph, HM Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation confirmed in December 2025 it is investigating Zaher Birawi for potential designation under Counter-Terrorism Sanctions Regulations 2019.

Birawi both chairs PFB and heads the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza. He has also called himself a “founding member” of the Freedom Flotilla International Coalition aid boat Madleen. He has denied all allegations, describing them as “baseless.” If sanctioned, he would face asset freezes and prohibitions on receiving funds or economic resources.

Labour MP Christian Wakeford named Birawi in Parliament in October 2023 as a “Hamas operative living in London” and asked, “Given the national security implications, can we have an urgent statement in Government time on what the Home Office is doing about Hamas operatives here in Britain?“ Israel designated Birawi as a main Hamas operative in Europe in 2013.


Twenty five US states file brief against AMP, NSJP for providing material support to Hamas on Oct 7
A coalition of 25 US states filed a legal brief (amici curiae) against American Muslims for Palestine and National Students for Justice in Palestine over their role in providing material support to Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Amici curiae, or “friends of the court,” are non-parties to a lawsuit who are permitted to provide information to assist in the legal proceedings, usually through filing an amici brief.

This brief has been filed in support of a group of survivors of Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack, family members of those murdered by Hamas, civilians under fire from Hamas’s ongoing terrorism, and individuals displaced by Hamas’s ongoing terrorism.

Those victims have since brought claims against various US-based groups under the federal Anti-Terrorism Act (Parizer et al. v. AJP Educational Foundation et al.).

The brief is designed to support the victims and ensure that terrorist supporters are brought to justice. The coalition was led by Virginia Attorney-General Jason Miyares and Iowa Attorney-General Brenna Bird.

What is unusual about the brief is its unusually high cross-state participation, indicating a strong belief in the perceived national importance of the case. The states emphasize their independent sovereign interest, not just sympathy for plaintiffs.


How Maduro’s Arrest Became Another Anti-Israel Campaign
Following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, January 3, international attention quickly turned to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. While the development was widely viewed as a major geopolitical moment, reactions were far from uniform.

There was cautious optimism from many, and even those who expressed doubts as to the way in which Maduro was apprehended at least acknowledged the Venezuelan leader’s myriad shortcomings. As always, one group of people was in no mood to celebrate. Quite the opposite. The pro-Palestinian left online could not help but feel in absolute disarray after the news of the arrest broke, not out of humility, but because they vehemently disagreed with Maduro’s arrest — and sought to place the blame upon Israel.

Maduro was a known dictator responsible for many human rights abuses. Beyond its domestic repression, Maduro’s Venezuela played a consequential role on the international stage. Under his leadership, the country forged close ties with the Iranian regime and its proxies, offering military, financial, and political cooperation that extended far beyond symbolic diplomacy. It allowed Hezbollah to expand its global footprint in South America, directly posing a threat to both U.S. and Israeli interests and security.

Still, these facts were either blatantly ignored or outright dismissed as Israeli propaganda by the pro-Palestinian online activist community. This is not surprising, considering the same accounts that are against Maduro’s arrest have also been outspoken supporters of the Islamic Republic and Hamas. Israel as the Default Culprit

Podcast host Jake Shields claimed that the American military operation was launched “on behalf of Israel,” echoing a familiar trope that frames nearly every American foreign policy decision as Israeli-driven. He has previously gone further, asserting that “Iran is making the world a safer place,” effectively minimizing the Iranian regime’s documented role in sponsoring terrorism, destabilizing regional governments, and advancing nuclear ambitions.

In that same regard, Bushra Shaikh, a social and political commentator, has, in the past, effectively shilled for Hamas, saying the atrocities committed on October 7, 2023, “were exaggerated by the Israeli government to garner public support for their incoming mass slaughter of Palestinians.” In the aftermath of the American military operation, she ecstatically called for Iran to “build that nuke,” endorsing the proliferation of a regime that openly calls for Israel’s destruction.

Naturally, Israel being blamed for the U.S. Venezuelan operation was bound to occur. Podcaster Candace Owens adhered to this unspoken anti-Israel rule online, claiming that the “Zionists cheer every regime change,” including in Venezuela, “because it means they get to steal land, oil and other resources.”


'El Pais' under fire for saying Maduro trial judge impartial 'despite being Jewish'
El Pais, Spain's main newspaper, came under fire on Tuesday for reporting that Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who will be presiding over the Maduro trial, is impartial "despite being a prominent member of the Jewish community."

Hellerstein is a a 92-year-old Orthodox Jewish judge who was appointed to the federal court nearly three decades ago by Bill Clinton.

The El Pais passage, which has now been edited, read "Hellerstein, who studied law at Columbia University (New York), began his career as a clerk in the court he now presides over. Throughout his career, he has issued well-reasoned rulings and strived to maintain impartiality, despite being a prominent member of the Jewish community."

The English version of the article now reads: "Throughout his career, he has issued well-reasoned rulings and has a reputation for impartiality. He has written that the way in which a judge decides a case should not depend on his religious education, religious identity or religious values." 'Jewish identity is not a conflict of interest'

"What disgusting antisemitism we have to put up with from El Pais," said Israel Special Envoy for Trade & Innovation and Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum.

US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein presides at the Manhattan Federal Court hearing over former U.S. President Donald Trump's push to move his criminal case to federal court, in New York City, US, June 27, 2023 in a courtroom sketch. (credit: REUTERS/JANE ROSENBERG)

"Jewish identity is not a conflict of interest," said the European Jewish Congress. "Such language reinforces bias and has real consequences for how Jews are perceived in public life."

"Media have a responsibility to avoid words that legitimize prejudice and to correct them when they do."


Inside Bondi massacre hero's trip to the US - as he meets Jewish leaders and wears a kippah ahead of gala event
A hero of the Bondi Beach massacre will be the guest of honour at a Jewish gala dinner in New York City on Wednesday night, as details of his US visit emerge.

Ahmed Al Ahmed, who was seriously wounded while disarming gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach in December, has arrived in the US and will attend the annual Colel Chabad awards gala dinner in New York, alongside Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.

The charity event raises funds for vulnerable families in Israel, with individual tickets priced from $1,000 ($1,485 AUD).

Event organisers have described Mr Al Ahmed as a special guest in recognition of his actions during the December 14 attack, when he intervened, disarmed and restrained Akram before the gunman was shot dead by police.

The charity is understood to have paid for his business-class flights from Australia and his accommodation in New York.

Mr Al Ahmed, who is Muslim, was photographed wearing a kippah - a religious skullcap - while meeting Jewish community leaders ahead of the gala.

He was also greeted by FBI officers upon arrival in the US on Tuesday.

According to a well-placed source, the trip was planned late last year, shortly after Mr Al Ahmed was discharged from hospital.


Gefen Bitton, Israeli critically wounded in Bondi attack, to be flown to Israel
Gefen Bitton, an Israeli living in Australia who was critically wounded when he tried to confront one of the gunmen during the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre last month, was being flown to Israel on Wednesday for further treatment, according to a report in Hebrew media.

Bitton, an Israeli national who worked in Australia for the past three years as a garage door technician, appeared in dramatic footage from December’s attack alongside Ahmed Al Ahmed, who wrestled a weapon from one of the two terrorists and aimed it back at one of them.

In the footage, Bitton is seen in a red shirt running toward Ahmed and the shooter before Ahmed manages to wrestle the gun away. In other clips, Bitton later falls to the ground, apparently at the moment he was shot. Fifteen people were killed in the terrorist attack, which was the country’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.

According to Ynet, Bitton, whose condition has improved but remains serious, was slated to travel to Israel on Wednesday evening via a medical transfer.

A friend told the Australian Jewish News on Monday that Bitton “is still in ICU. We’re seeing small improvements daily, as he slowly wakes up.”

The newspaper said that Bitton awoke from his coma in recent days, three weeks after he was shot.
Anthony Albanese attends final funeral for Bondi terror attack victim
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attended the final Bondi victim’s funeral, Peter Meagher, at Saint Mary’s Cathedral.

This is an important moment, given it marks the first time Prime Minister Albanese has publicly attended one of the funerals of the Bondi victims.

He reportedly didn’t attend other funerals out of respect, because their families didn’t view that the Prime Minister would be welcomed.

He was joined by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.

Peter was attending the Chanukah by the Sea event as a freelance photographer before he was fatally shot.


‘The time for decisive action is now’: Sussan Ley demands a Royal Commission after Bondi massacre
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley calls on the Albanese government to conduct a Royal Commission into the Bondi massacre.

“When experts who have spent their lives defending their country say that the time for decisive action is now, then the time for decisive action really is now,” Ms Ley said.

“Antisemitism and extremist ideology, well, they're not abstract concepts; they are real threats to our social cohesion, and they threaten us with violent cohesion.”




Virginia Bell tipped to head Bondi royal commission, as Albanese nears U-turn
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has claimed one of the Prime Minister's preferred choice to lead a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack ignores the wishes of the Jewish community.

After weeks of refusing calls to establish a Commonwealth probe into the tragedy, Anthony Albanese is now poised to perform a major U-turn.

The Prime Minister is reportedly engaged with NSW Premier Chris Minns over the possibility of a joint state and federal royal commission.

Sky News host Sharri Markson revealed on Wednesday that Mr Albanese's preferred choice was former High Court Justice Virginia Bell.

But the Jewish community has voiced "strong objection" to her appointment, according to Markson.

On Thursday, Markson revealed the Prime Minister was also considering former Federal Court Chief Justice James Allsop, a favoured pick among the Jewish community.

"Labor figures are pushing for Virginia Bell, who is Albanese's preference, but there are concerns she would be seen as Labor-alligned," Markson said.

Mr Frydenberg said it would be "unthinkable" for the Prime Minister to ignore the Jewish community which is still reeling from the massacre which killed 15 people.


‘Straight logic’: Former Labor minister joins push for Royal Commission into antisemitism
Former Labor minister Mike Kelly claims it is “straight logic” for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call a Royal Commission into antisemitism.




‘Deeply offensive’: SMH, The Age cop backlash over cartoon mocking Bondi Royal Commission calls
A cartoon mocking calls for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack and suggesting they have been orchestrated by Benjamin Netanyahu has been branded “deeply offensive”.

The cartoon, inked by Nine newspapers veteran illustrator Cathy Wilcox, showed Australians of different occupations calling for a Commonwealth Royal Commission, including “sports greats” and “Labor has-beens”.

Holding up the grass upon which the figures were picketing, were the likeness of several political figures including John Howard and Sussan Ley, marching to the beat of what appeared to be Benjamin Netanyahu’s drum.

Appearing on Wednesday's opinion page in the Sydney Morning Herald beside a letter labelling “antisemitism the most lethal form of prejudice”, the cartoon was titled: “grass roots”.

It also featured in The Age on Wednesday.

Former ABC journalist and Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the image was “deeply offensive”.

“The Age and Sydney Morning Herald should apologise,” she wrote on Twitter, retweeting a post by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA).

The AJA tweeted an image of the cartoon also criticising the Nine newspapers.

“(Fifteen) people, including a 10-year-old girl were murdered at Bondi Beach in an antisemitic, Islamic terrorist attack,” it wrote.

“The Jewish community and so many other Australians are calling for an inquiry. The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age runs this cartoon mocking people for speaking up and apparently implying Benjamin Netanyahu is behind it all.”

The AJA describes itself as a “national membership organisation based on authentic Jewish & centre-right Australian values”.


‘Appalling’ cartoon under fire for suggesting Netanyahu is behind Royal Commission push
Former Australian Jewish association president David Adler reacts to a satirical cartoon suggesting push for a Royal Commission is being controlled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“You use the term appalling, you can use the strongest word you can imagine describing this,” Mr Adler told Sky News host James Morrow.

“It’s highly distressing for the Jewish community.”


Henderson demands apology for cartoon poking fun at the Bondi massacre
Liberal Senator Leah Blyth backs Senator Sarah Henderson in calling out a cartoon for being antisemitic.

“Clearly tones of it are antisemitic,” Ms Blyth told Sky News Australia.

“Why are we accepting that.

“That is not something that should have cartoons written about it when people are calling for action.”




IDF strikes Hezbollah terrorist in Southern Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday struck a Hezbollah terrorist in the Jwaya area of Southern Lebanon, the military said.

No further details were provided. Jwaya is located in the Tyre District of Southern Lebanon, some 17 miles from Israel’s northern border and 59 miles from Beirut.

On Tuesday, the IDF eliminated two Hezbollah terrorists in the area of Kherbet Selem in Southern Lebanon, the military confirmed.

According to the IDF, one of the terrorists was an engineer involved in facilitating the organization’s military reestablishment efforts.

“The terrorists’ actions constituted a blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the military said, adding that it “will continue to operate to remove any threat and to protect the State of Israel.”
2 reported killed as IDF says it hit ‘senior’ Gaza terrorist after Hamas fired at troops
Two people were reportedly killed Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, which the IDF said targeted a “senior terrorist” who was allegedly advancing terror plots against Israeli troops.

The Israel Defense Forces said the strike was launched in response to an incident hours earlier, when Hamas operatives opened fire toward an area in the northern Gaza Strip where Israeli forces were operating.

The shooting incident was a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement, the military said.

The IDF did not name the target of the strike, and said further details would follow. There was no immediate comment from Hamas.

According to Palestinian media, the strike it a home in Gaza City’s eastern Tuffah neighborhood, killing two people and wounding several more.

The dead were not immediately identified.
Soldier filmed firing volley of shots toward Gaza said to get 20 days in prison
An IDF soldier who posted a video of himself firing a volley of shots at Gaza received a sentence of 20 days in prison on Wednesday, the Kan public broadcaster reported.

The report said the Israel Defense Forces would weigh whether he can be return to combat after his prison sentence. According to Kan, the military said in a statement that the video represented “a severe incident that does not accord with the values of the IDF and with the standards expected of combat soldiers and their commanders.”

The video was published as concern is said to have risen within the IDF’s top brass about inappropriate behavior among troops. Kan reported that this week, the General Staff held a discussion about disciplinary issues, including misuse of weaponry, disobeying orders, and flaunting proper procedure. Military leaders are seeking to stress discipline among troops and reinforce the military’s values.

The video was reportedly first uploaded to social media by the soldier himself, a member of the Golani Brigade, and depicted him firing toward Gaza “in honor of the new year.”

The Ynet news site reported that the video was filmed on December 26, 2025, and was circulated widely online by pro-Palestinian activists, racking up millions of views.

The soldier was not pictured wearing a helmet or a ballistic vest, indicating he was not involved in any operational activity.

The IDF condemned the video as it spread, and said it would open an investigation and mete out consequences accordingly.


Washington Should Reassess Its Alliance with Pakistan — and Its Potential Role in Gaza — Amid Tehran Ties
Pakistan has repeatedly demonstrated its unreliability as a strategic partner.

Pakistan's leadership unfortunately prefers Iran to the United States — not to mention Israel. Unfortunately, the US cannot trust Pakistan — especially in Gaza.

Pakistan has, to this day, never recognized Israel. Pakistan was also the first country to recognize the Islamic Republic of Iran after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini established it in 1979. Iran had been the first country to recognize Pakistan upon its founding in 1947.

The most recent example of Pakistan's close alliance with Iran emerged during the June 2025 Twelve-Day War — a direct armed conflict between Iran and a coalition of Israel and the United States. Throughout the hostilities, Pakistan aligned firmly with Iran, publicly expressing unqualified solidarity with Tehran.

As a recipient of Major Non-NATO Ally privileges, Pakistan should not be regarded as a dependable ally, but as an extremely problematic partner whose privileged status warrants serious reconsideration.


Erin Molan: Maduro Captured. Trump Acted. And Megyn Kelly Is Dead Wrong!
Something huge just happened — and the reaction to it has exposed a serious divide in the West.

In this episode of The Erin Molan Show, Erin breaks down the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro and why this moment represents a major global power shift under Donald Trump.

But as celebrations erupted, some voices in the media — including Megyn Kelly — criticized the reaction. Erin explains why that criticism misses the point entirely, and why celebrating the fall of evil regimes is not only justified — it matters.

🌍 What this episode covers:
Why Maduro’s capture changes the global chessboard
What it means for China’s ambitions, oil, and the Western Hemisphere
How this impacts Taiwan, Iran, Russia, and the broader “axis” aligned against the West
Why the media’s discomfort with celebrating this moment reveals a deeper problem

🧠 PLUS:
Former AFP counterterrorism leader Dr. David Craig delivers a chilling warning about terrorism, government inaction, and why he believes “this will happen again” if the West continues to hesitate.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
0:00 Erin’s opening: why this moment matters
1:15 Maduro captured — what just changed
3:10 Why Trump’s move shocked the world
5:20 The backlash: why celebrating made some uncomfortable
7:05 Erin responds to Megyn Kelly
9:30 China’s humiliation and global implications
13:00 Oil, power, and the Western Hemisphere
16:45 Taiwan, Iran, and what comes next
20:10 Dr. David Craig: “This will happen again”
26:40 Final thoughts: clarity vs cowardice




Pro-Palestinian protestor detained in Sydney’s latest protest insists antisemitic jacket slogan ‘was not a reason for arrest’
The woman said multiple officers confronted her at the protest and instructed her to remove the jacket, describing the slogan as “unlawful”.

She said she repeatedly challenged police to provide the specific legislation banning the phrase on her jacket and was told the reference would be given at the station if she continued refusing.

“I knew that it was controversial, obviously, but I knew that wasn’t a reason for me to be arrested,” she told the Guardian.

“I should never have been arrested.

“I wasn’t breaching the peace, I was there as a peaceful protester.”

The woman further emphasised her views on Zionism and Judaism, describing them as "not the same".

“There is no federal criminal offence in Australia that explicitly names ‘globalise the intifada’ as an illegal slogan,” she said, while noting the NSW Government intends to legislate new bans under expanded hate speech laws.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has previously described the slogan as “hateful, violent rhetoric” and signalled plans to outlaw it, while also imposing new restrictions on demonstrations.

Pro-Palestinian activist Josh Lees, an organiser with the Australia-based Palestine Action Group, said the woman’s release without charges proved the arrest was a “gross overreach”.

“It’s a very disturbing portent of what may lie ahead if Minns’ threatened laws are passed,” Lees said.

“Peaceful, anti-genocide protesters being snatched off the streets is deeply alarming.”

Human rights lawyer Sara Saleh, who spoke at a previous Sydney rally, also said she would continue using the offensive phrase despite the proposed ban.

“I don’t want any child anywhere in the world to die the way Matilda did,” she said.

“And that is precisely why I intend to keep saying, ‘Globalise the intifada.’ Free Palestine,” she added.






Buy EoZ's books  on Amazon!

"He's an Anti-Zionist Too!" cartoon book (December 2024)

PROTOCOLS: Exposing Modern Antisemitism (February 2022)

   
 

 



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