1) NGO Monitor reports on new evidence of Hamas’ exploitation of hospitals.
“For years, claims that Hamas used hospitals to shield its leadership and fighters have been met by scepticism and disregarded by the international community and media. Newly revealed internal Hamas documents prove that the terror group’s exploitation of medical facilities in Gaza has been systematic.”
2) The Institute for Science and International Security provides analysis of the IAEA’s latest reports.
“The IAEA repeats its finding since Iran stopped adhering to the Additional Protocol (AP) and JCPOA monitoring measures in 2021, that in addition to its lack of continuity of knowledge of LEU and HEU stocks, the agency still has had no insight into Iran’s production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water, and uranium ore concentrate. It also lacks monitoring and surveillance equipment at such sites. However, apart from uranium mining and milling facilities, relevant sites sustained heavy damage or were completely destroyed. Since Iran’s suspension of the AP, Iran has not provided updated declarations, and the agency has not been able to conduct complementary accesses to any sites and locations in Iran.”
3) At WINEP, Hanin Ghaddar discusses the Lebanese government’s plans to disarm Hizballah.
“The plan’s lack of a timeline is particularly problematic. During cabinet sessions on August 5 and 8, the government tasked the LAF with developing a plan to bring all weapons under state control by year’s end. Yet the LAF plan only commits to finalizing disarmament south of the Litani by that date, leaving the rest of the progress open-ended and therefore subject to future political and security dynamics. Rather than setting a clear timeline, the army was asked to submit “monthly reports.””
4) The Times of Israel interviews Dr. Michael Barak on the topic of Hamas’ propaganda war.
“Barak noted that Hamas’s propaganda relies on recurring themes that resonate far beyond Gaza: portraying Palestinians as victims of an “apartheid regime”; framing the conflict as a David-and-Goliath struggle; and projecting resilience under fire, boasting that, as Barak put it, “no matter how much you bomb us and kill us [the Palestinians], we are strong and we will not surrender.”
“They use special terminology and trigger words to appeal to Western audiences, with terms like ‘apartheid’ and ‘oppression,’” he said. “These narratives existed before October 7, and after the war they only got a boost.””
5) At the JCFA, Jonathan Halevi explains ‘How Qatar’s Policy Endangers U.S. Interests in the Middle East’.
“Qatar presents itself as a U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism, distancing itself from Hamas by claiming it hosts the group’s office at the U.S.’s request to maintain open communication for promoting peace in the region.
Qatar’s policy toward the U.S. is based on strategic deception. The country does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, and its relationship with Hamas goes beyond simple communication. Qatar has demonstrated full political support for Hamas, providing substantial aid to the Gaza Strip – nearly $2 billion, some of which was in cash. This aid has been administered by Hamas and has contributed to strengthening its military wing in preparation for the October 7 attack.”
6) At Quillette, Gary Geipel discusses ‘Gaza and the Collapse of Truth-Seeking’.
“Disproportionate responsibility for this growing detachment from reality falls on the practice of journalism, or lack thereof. Whether it’s a once-in-a-generation military atrocity, a brazen smear by the OHCHR and its allies, or a nuanced example of war’s tragedies, the Gaza food-aid story is not only a big story but also a reportable story. Yet it is not being reported. Truth is not being sought by those who were, until recently, entrusted to do so. Gaza is challenging terrain for journalists, but Geneva is not. Reporters could begin by asking the United Nations OHCHR to open its books and provide a detailed justification for what it meant by “reportedly.””
