“Bismillaahir-rahmaanir raheem”
(In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful)
Watermelon Wednesday is a weekly brief shared with our elected officials to ensure they are aware of Israel’s aggression, the Palestinian experience, and our country’s complicity in this genocide and international war crimes.
TL;DR:
- A U.S.-backed aid plan began operation in Gaza, being heavily criticized as politicized and dangerous, with deadly incidents at distribution points.
- Anti-Palestinian violence spreads across Israel via assaults and raids, while the government approves 22 new illegal West Bank settlements.
- Hundreds were killed, with 42% of basic medical supplies running out, <5% of the land being farmable, and it being called “the hungriest place on Earth”.
- Global outcry is growing, with governments and groups demanding peace in Gaza, while the U.S. maintains support for Israeli military action.
Takeaways:
- America’s aid system in Gaza is not helping much. Even as aid trickles in, Israel continues to bombard Gazans relentlessly amidst dwindling supplies.
- Anti-Palestinian assault is occurring in Israel, and Israel is advancing its illegality by planning more settlements in the West Bank.
- From Europe to Indonesia, the world is growing louder against Israel’s atrocities — why aren’t we?
As your constituents we expect you to:
- Condemn politicized aid.
- Recognize international law.
- Act with courage towards peace.
Faulty Aid, Fierce Assault
- Aid trickles into Gaza amid relentless airstrikes, scarce supplies, and devastated farmland.
- 5/25–26 – Israeli airstrikes killed over 90 Palestinians, including Hamdi Al-Najjar and his nine children, over 12 children (including influencer Yaqeen Hammad), and more than 50 in a school-turned-shelter. [Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, Reuters]
- 5/26 – WHO reported 42% of basic medical supplies, including painkillers, have run out in Gaza; majority of medical equipment is out. [Reuters]
- 5/26 – Less than 5% of Gaza’s cropland remains usable due to the conflict. [FAO]
- 5/29 – WFP reported massive food insecurity after hungry civilians broke into a Gaza warehouse; 2 people died and several were injured. [UN]
- 5/29 – Israeli strikes killed over 70; Israel ordered the closure of al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza. [Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera]
- 5/30 – U.N. OCHA labeled Gaza “the hungriest place on earth,” citing extreme food scarcity. [UN]
- 5/30 – Since March 18, over 632,700 people have been displaced; more than 310 UNRWA staff have been killed. [UNRWA]
- A controversial aid plan launches amid criticism and deadly incidents.
- 5/26 – The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) officially began operations amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. [Reuters]
- 5/26 – The GHF’s director resigned, citing the organization’s inability to maintain humanitarian principles like neutrality and independence. [Middle-East Eye]
- 5/26 – The U.N. and other major agencies refused to cooperate with the GHF, saying its aid model puts Palestinians at risk and undermines existing efforts. [Al Jazeera]
- 5/27 – The U.N. stated the GHF’s presence in Gaza is a “distraction” from urgent humanitarian needs. [Reuters]
- 5/28 – At least 10 Palestinians were killed and 62 injured over two days while trying to access GHF-associated aid points, including 3 shot by Israeli forces near distribution. [Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera]
- Tensions in Israel and the West Bank fuel violence, while Israel’s credit rating suffers.
- 5/27 – Israel’s credit rating is expected to remain stagnant until the war ends. [Reuters]
- 5/26 – Far-right Israeli Jews yell anti-Palestinian words during a large rally in Jerusalem. [Haaretz]
- 5/27–28 – Israeli forces raided money exchanges across the West Bank, using live fire and tear gas. One person was killed, over 30 wounded. Another West Bank Palestinian shot dead. [Al Jazeera, Reuters]
- 5/28 – The Israeli government approved 22 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. [Haaretz]
- 5/28–31 – Over 1,200 Israeli academics and numerous peace activists called on institutions to oppose the war in Gaza. [Al Jazeera]
- 5/31 – Israel rejected the terms of a proposed ceasefire that included a withdrawal of troops from Gaza. [Reuters]
A closed WFP bakery. The WFP has reported massive food insecurity, as civilians break into a WFP warehouse. [UN]
World Voices Refuse Silence
- As conditions continue to deteriorate in Gaza, the world speaks out.
- 5/25 – Spain hosts European and Arab nations, urging a halt to Israel’s cruelty in Gaza. [DW]
- 5/26 – Sweden to summon Israeli ambassador over lack of aid to Gazans. [Reuters]
- 5/26–27 – Germany criticized Israeli actions as unjustifiable, threatening unspecified measures, including halting weapons exports. [Reuters]
- 5/27 – Ireland considers restricting trade with Israeli settlements. [Reuters]
- 5/28 – Italy declared Israel’s Gaza offensive unacceptable; reiterated support for a two-state solution. [Reuters]
- 5/28 – Indonesia offers diplomatic recognition if Israel accepts a Palestinian state. [Haaretz]
- 5/30 – French President: Palestinian statehood is a “moral duty and political necessity”. [Al Jazeera]
- Groups yell support for Palestinians, while ministers are blocked off.
- 5/26 – Palestinian flag granted WHO recognition: 95 in favor, 4 against. [Reuters]
- 5/27 – Over 800 U.K. legal professionals call for sanctions on Israel. [Middle-East Eye]
- 5/27–28 – Humanitarian groups and the U.N. condemn the U.S.-backed GHF model as politicized, wasteful, and a legal risk. [Al Jazeera, Reuters]
- 5/28 – Pope Leo calls for ceasefire and full adherence to international humanitarian law. [Reuters]
- 5/31 – Israel blocked Arab ministers from attending a planned meeting in Ramallah. [NYT]
Spain hosted European and Arab nations to pressure Israel to halt the assault in Gaza. [Al Jazeera]
Washington’s Stubborn Silence
- While the government remains silent over Gaza, the pro-Palestinian effort persists in America,
A U.S. judge declared attempts at Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation as likely unconstitutional [AP]