Israel Aids Looting in Gaza, More Controversial Cabinet Picks + Complicated Thanksgiving Weather

THE MIDDLE EAST

For months, Israel has claimed Hamas is looting humanitarian aid trucks, justifying a months-long denial of aid to Northern Gaza, where people face famine and hospitals are barely functioning.

However, human rights groups on the ground say this isn't the case. According to The Washington Post, local crime groups and rival Hamas factions, not Hamas itself, are stealing the aid in areas controlled by the Israel Defense Forces.

An internal United Nations memo obtained by The Washington Post concluded last month that the gangs “may be benefiting from a passive if not active benevolence” or “protection” from the Israel Defense Forces. One gang leader, the memo said, established a “military like compound” in an area “restricted, controlled and patrolled by the IDF.”

Aid organizations say Israeli authorities have denied most of their requests for better measures to safeguard convoys, including appeals for safer routes, more open crossings and permission to allow Gaza’s civilian police to protect the trucks. Israeli forces within view of the attacks have also failed on multiple occasions to intervene as looting was underway, aid workers, U.N. officials, transport workers and truck drivers say.

More from the Post here.

ICC Arrest Warrants

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for “crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024”—the date the warrants were filed. The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. However, Israel claims to have killed Deif in a recent attack, which Hamas has not yet confirmed or denied.

Netanyahu condemned the warrant against him, stating that Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” of the court.

Gallant, in a statement, called the decision “a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defense and moral warfare, and encourages murderous terrorism.”

"... the warrant marked the first time a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court. It put Israel’s allies, including some of its closest European friends, in an awkward position. Several leaders, including France, welcomed the court’s decision and signaled they might arrest Netanyahu if he visited.” AP

The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 44,000.

US Vetos Ceasefire

The U.S. vetoed a Gaza ceasefire resolution at the UN this week for the fourth time. All other countries on the UN Security Council voted in favor. The resolution called for an end to hostilities and the release of all hostages. The U.S. objected to the resolution’s language, saying it didn’t demand both a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the same sentence. The U.S. also opposed wording they felt equated Palestinian prisoners held by Israel with hostages taken by Hamas. More from the UN here.

Controversial Non-Profit Bill Passes

The House passed H.R. 9495, a controversial bill that allows the Treasury to revoke the tax-exempt status of nonprofits it deems to support terrorism. The vote was 219-184, mostly along party lines. Critics warn that the bill’s vague definitions could be weaponized against political opponents and nonprofits, offering limited to no due process.

Nonprofits would have 90 days to appeal but might not have access to all the evidence against them. Framed as a response to the Hamas-Israel conflict, civil liberties groups argue the bill threatens free speech and activism, raising concerns about its broad impact on nonprofit work.

The bill now moves to the Senate. Even if they ultimately prove their innocence in court, many organizations could face reputational damage and operational challenges.

This bill could be used to target organizations that oppose governmental policies or actions, much like Israeli laws have been used to scrutinize and regulate NGOs focused on Palestinian rights or human rights advocacy.

Senate Votes Against Weapons Ban

The Senate overwhelmingly rejected three resolutions proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) this week aimed at blocking specific arms sales to Israel. U.S. policy prohibits the sale of arms to countries that violate international human rights law.

The international community widely agrees that Israel is likely committing genocide in Gaza. Sanders argues that by sending these weapons, the U.S. is complicit in potential war crimes.

The White House insists that Israel needs the weapons to defend itself.

On a positive note, several senators supported the ban, including Sens. Tim Kaine (HRC’s VP running mate). More here.

Pope Uses the G Word

Pope Francis says Israel’s actions in Gaza should be investigated to determine whether they constitute genocide. The pontiff was quoted in a book released Tuesday.

“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide,” Francis said. “We should investigate carefully to determine whether it fits the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”

The Post reports that the Pope has used the term “genocide” privately, but this is the first time he has used it publicly. Last November, the Pope said Israel was responding to terrorism with terrorism by killing thousands in Gaza.

Regrets from Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s mayor says she regrets referring to violence against and by Tel Aviv Maccabi fans there earlier this month a pogrom and accuses Israeli officials of politicizing the term for their own gain.

TRUMP TRANSITION

Gaetz Withdraws

This week, Republicans and Democrats found rare common ground: Matt Gaetz was a highly controversial choice for Attorney General. On Thursday, Gaetz withdrew his nomination. In his place, Trump has nominated Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Gaetz, who resigned from Congress after his nomination, was previously the subject of a federal sex trafficking investigation. Though no charges were filed, his suitability to lead the Justice Department was widely questioned. Gaetz has since stated that he will not return to the House.

Bondi, Trump’s pick to replace Gaetz, was one of his lawyers during the first impeachment trial, where he faced accusations of withholding aid to Ukraine in exchange for political favors. More on Bondi here: AP News.

Gaetz’s sudden withdrawal may be linked to a recent New York Times report revealing that a hacker accessed sealed legal documents containing damaging allegations against him. The documents include testimony from a woman who claims to have had sexual relations with Gaetz when she was 17, corroborated by a second witness. These documents are part of a civil defamation case involving a Gaetz ally, separate from both the closed DOJ investigation (with no charges filed) and the recently completed House Ethics Committee inquiry. The House decided this week not to release their findings.

More Controversial Cabinet Picks

Trump also nominated Linda McMahon to head the Department of Education, an agency he has frequently discussed eliminating. McMahon is a controversial figure: as a former WWE executive, she was accused of ignoring allegations of sexual abuse by a ringside announcer in the 1980s and 90s. McMahon has minimal experience in education, holding only a teaching certificate from 1969 and serving for one year on a state education board, where she was forced to resign after admitting she lied about holding a degree in education.

Trump Trials

A New York judge has postponed Trump’s sentencing in his hush-money case, which was originally scheduled for next week. His legal team now has until early December to file a motion to dismiss, arguing that proceeding with the case would interfere with his duties as a re-elected president. If dismissed, the case could not be pursued once he leaves office.

This unique situation highlights the challenges of prosecuting a sitting president. Trump’s lawyers argue that continuing the case while he is in office would be unconstitutional. The decision could set a significant precedent for handling legal matters involving a president.

Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records related to hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. He faces potential fines, probation, or up to four years in prison if sentenced.

HEADLINES

Thanksgiving Travel

This week, the US is experiencing a rare and dramatic weather event known as the "Fujiwhara Effect."

The phenomenon occurs when two tropical storms or cyclones interact closely and potentially merge into a larger, more powerful system.

Recently, a double Fujiwhara effect has been observed in the Pacific, with two storms influencing each other’s path and intensity. Similar patterns are expected in the Northeast this week.

"The swiveling of the storms resembles a synchronized pair of figure skaters out on a rink, each mirroring the other’s sweeping movements." - Washington Post

This phenomenon, which can make cyclones more unpredictable and devastating, is becoming more common due to rising ocean temperatures. Such interactions could lead to stronger, more erratic storms, making forecasting even more challenging​

More from the Washington Post here.

Climate Change Crisis

In 2015, world leaders committed to keeping global temperatures from rising more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). This reference point helps scientists track how human activities have affected Earth's climate since the widespread burning of fossil fuels began.

While we haven't permanently exceeded this limit yet, researchers warn that bold, immediate action is needed to stay below it. This includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half within six years and dramatically expanding clean energy sources.

Surpassing the 1.5°C mark wouldn’t result in an immediate disaster, but it would worsen severe weather patterns and trigger irreversible environmental changes.

More from NPR here.

Budget Airline Bankruptcy

I’m not a spiteful person, but…— I couldn’t help but rejoice when I heard Budget Airlines Spirit is filing for bankruptcy. I’m still waiting for a lost suitcase from 2007. More here.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

The Fifth will be off next week and will return after the holiday.