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Trump “Not Thrilled” About Israel Strike in Qatar, Emphasizes Hostage Return
U.S. F-35 Patrols Polish Airspace Amid Russian Drone Incursion
Polish, NATO Jets Patrol Skies Over Lublin
Poland Shoots Down Russian “Shahed” Drones as NATO Jets Scramble
Hamas: Khalil al-Hayya Survived Israeli Strike; Names “Martyrs” Killed in Attack
Hamas issued a statement on Tuesday condemning the Israeli strike in Qatar, insisting that members of its negotiating team were not killed. At the same time, the terror group released the names of several individuals it said were killed in the attack, including the son of senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya.
In its announcement, Hamas described the Israeli strike on its delegation in Doha as “a heinous crime, blatant aggression, and a clear violation of all international norms and laws.”
The group argued that the attack violated Qatari sovereignty, emphasizing that Qatar—alongside Egypt—plays a central role in mediating efforts to end the fighting and secure a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Hamas claimed that Israel’s strike was aimed at derailing these diplomatic efforts.
According to Hamas, Israel’s attempt to target its senior leadership failed. “We affirm the enemy’s failure to assassinate our brothers in the negotiating delegation,” the statement read. However, it confirmed that several others had been killed, whom the organization labeled as “martyrs.” Among them:
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Jihad Labbad (Abu Bilal), office director of Dr. Khalil al-Hayya
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Humam al-Hayya (Abu Yahya), son of Dr. Khalil al-Hayya
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Abdullah Abdul Wahed (Abu Khalil), associate
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Mu’aman Hassouna (Abu Omar), associate
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Ahmad al-Mamlouk (Abu Malik), associate
Hamas also mourned the death of Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi, a member of Qatar’s internal security forces (known as Lekhwiya).
The statement accused Israel and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of deliberately undermining all opportunities for an agreement, saying the strike took place while Hamas was discussing the latest proposal presented by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas further charged that Washington shares responsibility for the attack due to its ongoing support for Israel.
“The Zionist occupation poses an immediate threat to the region and the world,” Hamas claimed, accusing Netanyahu of pursuing policies of “genocide, ethnic cleansing, famine, and forced displacement.”
The group called on the international community, the United Nations, and “all free peoples of conscience” to denounce the attack on Qatar and exert pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign.
Concluding its statement, Hamas vowed that the failed assassination attempt would not alter its demands: “an immediate cessation of aggression against our people, the complete withdrawal of the occupation army from Gaza, a genuine prisoner exchange, and aid and reconstruction for our people.”
The statement closed with a pledge that “these acts of terror will not weaken our movement or its leadership, nor will they deter us from clinging to the national rights of our people and continuing the path of resistance until the occupation is removed from our land and an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
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Cindy McCain Facing Calls To Resign From UN Post Over Failure To Distribute Emergency Food In Gaza: ‘Wild Incompetence’
There is a growing chorus inside both Congress and the Trump administration demanding that Cindy McCain, widow of late Arizona Senator John McCain, either step aside or be removed from her United Nations role directing food aid distribution in Gaza. The calls come after repeated failures in deliveries and widespread seizure of supplies by Hamas.
McCain, who heads the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), is under fire from colleagues, lawmakers, and former officials who accuse her of not coordinating with Israel’s military or with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to ensure food, water, and other essentials are properly delivered.
“If WFP was doing its job,” a senior US official told The Post, “Hamas wouldn’t be enriched and able to continue to prolong the war.”
“It’s wild incompetence,” the official added. “She’s either a useful idiot or she’s an active accomplice in what is ultimately an enormous, fraudulent use of taxpayer dollars.”
A different ex-staffer at WFP described McCain as “a disaster,” claiming she was known to be doing much of the job remotely from Arizona, while others in New York effectively ran the organization in her place.
“She’s treating this like it’s some kind of a board chairmanship that you don’t really have to show up for, and it’s not that,” the official complained. “It’s a highly operational job.”
Figures from a UN tracking system show that in August, all but two of 2,309 aid trucks entering Gaza were overrun, either by desperate civilians or by “forcefully armed actors.”
Since May, close to 33 tons of aid have been looted off trucks heading into the enclave.
“If we learned anything from the reveal of USAID, it’s that billions of American tax dollars were misspent in every corner of the globe — and the public was kept in the dark,” said Jonathan Wilcox, deputy chief of staff to Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).
“The US invests billions every year in the World Food Programme, and we have a right to expect the kind of transparency, efficiency and cooperation that reports indicate isn’t happening. It’s ‘trust, but verify’ time.”
President Trump on Monday issued what he described as a “last warning” to Hamas to accept a US- and Israel-backed cease-fire deal. Some allies believe the effort could be aided by humanitarian channels, if used strategically.
“It’s the easiest tool to help end wars and increase US national security around the world,” the former WFP official said. “Trump needs to understand how big of a tool this is.”
McCain was placed at the helm of WFP in April 2023 by appointment of President Joe Biden, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signing off on the five-year term.
The organization’s aid budget last year neared $10 billion, of which US taxpayers supplied around $4.5 billion.
Yet in Gaza, much of the food is being snatched by young men who then resell it on the black market — a process believed to funnel cash into Hamas’ coffers.
“McCain is in a position right now to turn the tide in Gaza against Hamas by fully integrating with GHF and coordinating security for her own food trucks but she refuses to do that,” said a former Trump national security adviser.
“She claims any attempt to secure aid convoys to prevent Hamas’ diversion or looting would be ‘militarizing’ international aid — but that defies logic and past precedent of doing whatever it is necessary to prevent armed actors from stealing the aid America is paying for,” the ex-official said.
“This is our taxpayer money McCain is controlling and if we think the best way to dislodge the terrorists and help the people is for WFP to work with and through GHF. That’s what McCain should be doing. Otherwise she should resign and let someone else take the job.”
In a private meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office this summer, McCain reportedly expressed satisfaction with the flow of supplies from Israel into Gaza — but then later shifted her tone.
“She said that during her recent visit to Gaza, she saw a dramatic improvement: food was available, prices had dropped, and markets showed goods in sufficient supply and at affordable prices,” Netanyahu’s office posted on X on Aug. 29.
“It is regrettable that Mrs. McCain has since issued statements contradicting what she told us in Jerusalem,” the statement continued. “That is a misrepresentation. Israel is enabling a steady flow of aid in sufficient quantities.”
“I stand by what I’ve said,” McCain replied on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” two days later. “There’s not enough food getting in.”
“We have in recent weeks been able to get a little more food in. But it’s not enough,” she added, calling for a full cease-fire to increase aid.
“Any cease-fire that they would initiate would just allow for the expansion of Hamas and have greater control and we’re going through this whole drill again,” countered a US-based source with direct knowledge.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who visited the Kerem Shalom crossing on Aug. 28, also weighed in.
“I want to make it clear I have never bought into the narrative that Israel is intentionally starving the people of Gaza as a tool of war,” he said.
“I blame Hamas for all the problems associated with the attack of October 7 [2023] and its aftermath. I do expect Israel to work with international organizations and I believe that they are.”
Despite criticism, McCain, age 71, still has backing from some in Washington, including certain Republicans and State Department officials, who point out she is finishing the term of a difficult assignment. Critics also accuse her of mishandling crises in Sudan and Ukraine.
“She hasn’t been ‘Loomered’ yet — she should be ‘Loomered,’” one US official quipped, referring to activist Laura Loomer’s pressure campaigns against Trump administration members thought to be disloyal, which led to some NSC firings earlier this year.
Behind the scenes, conversations are already happening about potential replacements if McCain exits. Among the names under discussion is Kip Tom, who served as US Ambassador to UN food and agriculture agencies from May 2019 until January 2021, according to several sources familiar with the talks.
{Matzav.com}
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Qatari PM: Doha To Continue Mediation Efforts, Reserves Right To Respond To Israeli Attack
Qatar’s prime minister issued a sharp warning following Israel’s strike on Hamas figures in Doha, declaring that his nation “reserves the right to respond” to what he described as a grave assault, while also stressing that mediation initiatives would go forward.
“Qatar… reserves the right to respond to this blatant attack,” Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said during a press briefing.
“We believe that today we have reached a pivotal moment. There must be a response from the entire region to such barbaric actions,” he continued.
Despite the severity of the incident, Al-Thani pledged that his country would not abandon its role in trying to secure both a ceasefire and an agreement on the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas.
“Nothing will deter us from continuing this mediation in the region,” Al-Thani affirmed.
Earlier reports from diplomatic officials indicated that Qatar was preparing to temporarily pause its mediation role, though the prime minister’s comments pointed in the opposite direction.
{Matzav.com}
Trump: Decision To Strike Qatar Was Made By Netanyahu, Not Me
President Donald Trump issued a response Tuesday regarding Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Writing on his Truth Social account, Trump emphasized that the decision to launch the operation was made by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and did not come from him.
“This morning, the Trump Administration was notified by the United States Military that Israel was attacking Hamas which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the Capital of Qatar. This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,” wrote Trump.
He continued, “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals. However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”
Trump explained, “I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack. I view Qatar as a strong Ally and friend of the U.S., and feel very badly about the location of the attack.”
He added, “I want ALL of the Hostages, and bodies of the dead, released, and this War to END, NOW! I also spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu after the attack. The Prime Minister told me that he wants to make Peace. I believe this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE. I also spoke to the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar, and thanked them for their support and friendship to our Country. I assured them that such a thing will not happen again on their soil. I have directed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to finalize the Defense Cooperation Agreement with Qatar. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Qatar had been warned by the U.S. before the strike took place.
{Matzav.com}
California Gov. Newsom Says Trump Has A ‘Relentless, Unhinged’ Obsession With His State
Netanyahu at Independence Day Event: ‘Today, Israel and I Have Kept the Promise’
At the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, a special gathering was held to celebrate America’s 249th Independence Day. The occasion, attended by Israeli and American leaders, featured Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivering a strong message about the unshakable friendship between the two countries while pledging that Israel would continue its fight against Hamas following the latest wave of bloodshed.
The commemoration had been postponed from the Fourth of July due to heightened security risks during Operation Rising Lion.
Netanyahu opened his address with a wry remark that he had been “otherwise engaged” earlier that day, a thinly veiled reference to the strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar. “I sent a video address that they’re going to show, in which I said that Israel has no greater ally than the USA, and the USA has no greater ally than Israel. I meant it, from the heart.”
“Yesterday, four of our soldiers were killed by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, and six Israeli civilians were brutally murdered at a bus stop in Jerusalem,” Netanyahu stated. “This morning, Hamas proudly took credit for both of these actions.”
He went on to explain that “At noon today, I convened the heads of Israel’s security organizations and authorized a surgical precision strike on the terrorist chiefs of Hamas.” Delivering part of his remarks in Hebrew, he said, “The strike was prepared by all the security forces in the best possible manner, and executed in a manner that impressed the entire world.”
Netanyahu described those targeted as “the same terrorists who planned, launched and celebrated the horrific massacres of October 7th, the savage murder of more than a thousand people, the beheading of men, the rape and murder of women, the burning of babies, the taking of over 250 hostages, innocent hostages, grandmothers, grandchildren, Holocaust survivors, They perpetrated the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Now, they were meeting in the same place, exactly the same place, where they celebrated this savagery almost two years ago.”
Reflecting on his earlier vows, he reminded the audience: “At the beginning of the war, I promised that Israel would reach those who perpetrated this horror. I promised that none of them would escape, and we are systematically eliminating them.” Netanyahu added, “Today, Israel and I have kept that promise. There was a time when Jews could be murdered with impunity. But since the founding of the state of Israel, those days are over. On this day, as in previous days, Israel acted wholly independently. Wholly independently. And we take full responsibility for this action.”
He stressed that Israel had already inflicted major damage on its enemies. “We have delivered massive blows to the axis of evil, including the removal of the threat of nuclear weapons. We continue to strike them, but the war must end where it started – Gaza.”
Netanyahu also emphasized the possibility of moving toward a resolution. “This action can open the door to an end of the war in Gaza. Israel has accepted the principles proposal put forward by President Trump to end the war, beginning with the immediate release of all our hostages which have been held in the dungeons of Gaza for 700 days. If President Trump’s proposal is accepted, the war can end immediately. We can begin once again to pursue the expansion of peace in our region for the benefit of all.”
Turning his attention directly to Gaza’s residents, he urged them to break free from Hamas. “Don’t be derailed by these murderous terrorists, by these killers. They don’t care a hoot about you. They live in sumptuous villas. You can’t imagine how sumptuous. Their partners in Gaza don’t worry about you. They go to the underground tunnels, and they keep you above ground so you serve as human shields for them. Don’t be derailed by these killers. Stand up for your rights and for your future. Make peace with us. Accept President Trump’s proposal. Don’t worry. You can do it, and we can promise you a different future. But you’ve got to take these people out of the way. If you do, there is no limit to our common future.”
He concluded by acknowledging the organizers and extending gratitude to friends of Israel for their steadfast backing.
“If we had five or six more Mike Huckabees,” Netanyahu joked, “Israel wouldn’t have a problem.”
{Matzav.com}
Israeli-Russian Researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov Free After Being Kidnapped By Iran-Backed Militia In Iraq In 2023
Kata’ib Hezbollah Releases Israeli Citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday on his Truth Social page that Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic who was abducted in Iraq, has been freed.
“I am pleased to report that Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton Student, whose sister is an American Citizen, was just released by Kata’ib Hezbollah (MILITANT Hezbollah), and is now safely in the American Embassy in Iraq after being tortured for many months,” wrote Trump.
“I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up. HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!” he added.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also confirmed her release, saying, “As a culmination of extensive efforts exerted by our security services over the course of many months, we announce the release of the Russian citizen, Elizabeth Tsurkov. We reaffirm, once again, that we will not tolerate any compromise in enforcing the law and upholding the authority of the state, nor will we allow anyone to undermine the reputation of Iraq and its people.”
Her sister, Emma Tsurkov, expressed her relief and joy on X, writing, “My entire family is incredibly happy. We cannot wait to see Elizabeth and give her all the love we have been waiting to share for 903 days.”
“We are so thankful to President Trump and his Special Envoy, Adam Boehler. If Adam had not made my sister’s return his personal mission, I do not know where we would be. We also want to thank Josh Harris and his team at the US Embassy in Baghdad for the support they provided to our sister and the team at the nonprofit Global Reach who advocated relentlessly for my sister’s safe return,” she continued.
Elizabeth Tsurkov, a PhD candidate at Princeton University and a fellow at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, had vanished in March 2023. In July, Israeli officials confirmed she was being held by Kata’ib Hezbollah, a Shiite militia with Iranian backing.
Earlier this year, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that Tsurkov was alive and assured that Prime Minister al-Sudani was working to secure her freedom.
Later reports indicated that her release was being considered in connection with an arrangement involving the possible freeing of eight Hezbollah operatives by Israel.
{Matzav.com}13-Year-Old Arrested After Police Find 23 Guns, Threatening Posts Linked to School Shooters
Nuclear Experts: ‘Iran Has No Identifiable Route To Produce Weapon-Grade Uranium’
Nuclear weapons analysts have concluded that, for the first time in a decade and a half, Iran lacks any clear pathway to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels after coordinated American and Israeli strikes severely damaged its nuclear program, according to the New York Post.
The findings come from a paper authored by David Albright, a leading expert on nuclear proliferation and founder of the Institute for Science and International Security, together with a research team. Their analysis drew heavily on monitoring data provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The report states: “With the massive destruction of its gas centrifuge program and installed centrifuge cascades, for the first time in over 15 years, Iran has no identifiable route to produce weapon-grade uranium (WGU) in its centrifuge plants. In addition, the attacks caused immense destruction to Iran’s ability to make the nuclear weapon itself.”
Even so, the authors were careful to note that they cannot determine whether some centrifuges may have withstood the aerial bombardments, since there is no reliable information on equipment that might have survived the assault.
The United States targeted Iran’s nuclear installations during Operation Midnight Hammer, a strike carried out on June 21, 2025, just days before the conclusion of the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran.
US President Donald Trump later declared that Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities were “obliterated” as a result of the campaign.
In July, over a month after those raids, Albright disclosed that his institute had reviewed satellite photographs revealing renewed activity at the Isfahan nuclear compound in Iran.
Posting on X, Albright wrote, “we at the Institute found new activity at one of the Isfahan tunnel entrances that occurred during the last few days.” He explained that vehicles were spotted near the northern entrance to the tunnels, and that “access to the tunnel portal, which was previously blocked by backfilled dirt, has been gained within the last week.”
He also mentioned that the central tunnel entrance displayed evidence of movement in mid-July, with heavy equipment visible, but “no significant progress appears to have been made towards establishing tunnel portal access as of the end of July.” Meanwhile, barriers blocking the southern entrance were still in place, with “no activity is visible there,” he wrote.
At the primary Isfahan facility, the imagery revealed very little going on. “Some roads have been cleared of debris but there is minimal vehicle presence,” Albright explained. He added that multiple access routes surrounding the damaged aboveground sections are still obstructed, with checkpoints left intact.
{Matzav.com}Pages
