News roundup for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Day 949 since Israel began its 2023 genocide on the Palestinian people.
Compilation of news reports – IAK staff
NEWS & HEADLINES FROM GAZA:
For some basic info on the Palestine-Israel conflict, go here. For more critical context, skim this, this, and this. To read about a remarkable but underreported, 20-month-long peaceful protest in Gaza against Israel, go here.
Sixteen Palestinians were injured on Wednesday in a series of Israeli violations across northern and central Gaza, including drone strikes, live fire, and the detonation of unexploded ordnance, despite the “ceasefire” that has been in effect since October 11, 2025.
ISRAELI MEDIA: IDF preparing plan to return to Gaza fighting, depending on Iran ceasefire deal: A security source reported that signing a last-minute agreement with the Ayatollahs’ regime could bring Israel closer to resuming fighting against Hamas in Gaza.
Gaza’s tents suffocate in the summer heat as sick and displaced face worsening conditions: By midday, it offers no shade, only heat trapped inside like an oven. With electricity fully cut and no functioning fan or cooling device available.
There’s an app for that: Gaza’s developers use tech to solve war problems: Gaza’s battered tech sector is being reshaped by young developers building practical apps to navigate the specific challenges that Gazans face.
Gaza-bound aid convoy regroups in Libya for renewed push: Hundreds join the Gaza aid convoy in Libya as activists and medical teams prepare a renewed attempt to reach Rafah with vital supplies.
Read about the first Gaza Flotilla of 2026 here; 2025 missions here and here, and the deadly 2010 mission here; find out about the history of the global flotilla movement here.
DEATH TOLL – GAZA GENOCIDE (tentative):
- At least 856 since ceasefire began Oct. 11, 2025
- 72,736 killed (~22,000 children, 33,000 women and girls) since October 2023
- More statistics below
NEWS & HEADLINES FROM THE OCCUPIED WEST BANK/EAST JERUSALEM:
Every day, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem endure dozens of incidents like the ones below, at the hands of Israeli soldiers and/or settlers. For background on the West Bank, read this and this. For information on the significance of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, read this and this.)
Palestinian Child Killed By Israeli Fire In Sinjil: Israeli occupation forces killed, on Wednesday, Yousef Ali Ka’abna, 16, in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah in the central occupied West Bank, after groups of illegal paramilitary Israeli colonizers invaded the town, attacked residents, and stole sheep. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that the youth was struck with live ammunition in the chest, sustaining life‑threatening wounds before succumbing to his injuries.
Israel’s Smotrich leads settler raid into Joseph’s Tomb in the occupied West Bank: Hundreds of Israeli settlers, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, stormed Joseph’s Tomb in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus on Wednesday, despite it being located in the heart of the Palestinian city of Nablus. They entered the site after Israeli troops raided parts of the city and sealed checkpoints to secure the visit.
Widespread Israeli Army Invasions, Abductions in West Bank
Israel Compels Shu’fat Family to Demolish Their Home
Israeli Colonizers (i.e. Settlers) Injure Mother and Child in Burin
Colonizers Injure Palestinian, International Activist in Masafer Yatta
Israeli Colonizers Attack Sinjil and Jaljulia, Steal Sheep
Colonizers Attack Bedouin Community Near Jerusalem
Colonizers Invade Several Areas Southeast of Bethlehem
DEATH TOLL – WEST BANK/EAST JERUSALEM (tentative):
NEWS & HEADLINES FROM ISRAEL:
Israel is a tiny country, about the size of New Jersey, with a population smaller than the US state of Georgia – about 10 million (of which about 20 percent are Palestinians), yet it is in the news constantly. As has been demonstrated again and again, however, mainstream media rarely covers Israel news accurately. IAK gets the facts – sometimes from Israeli media sites, where we can get a glimpse inside this country that is rife with turmoil and contradictions, and that receives $63 million a day from America.
Israel is now perceived more negatively than any other country in the world, followed by North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran, according to new global polling published by Nira Data as part of its 2026 democracy and country perception research. Negative perceptions of the US have also exploded, placing it near the bottom of global perception according to the 2026 Democracy Perception Index. The five most positively perceived countries were Switzerland, Canada, Japan, Sweden and Italy.
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel to Sue New York Times Over Column Alleging Widespread Sexual Abuse of Palestinians* by Israeli Authorities: A statement posted by the official Prime Minister’s Office X account called the column ‘one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel in the modern press.’
*NOTE: Credible testimonies abound (including at least one video) of Palestinians being sexually abused at the hands of Israeli soldiers – some of whom have become folk heroes. (American mainstream media have failed to cover this issue in any meaningful way.)
On the other hand, Israel’s accusations of “mass rape” by Hamas members on October 7th have turned out to be pure fabrication, as independent news sites revealed early on, and consistently reported ever since. Israel has failed to produce a single identified victim or firsthand testimony, any forensic evidence or credible eyewitnesses. Mainstream media have disingenuously continued to report falsehoods.
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel may dissolve its legislature, hold early elections: Israel’s ruling coalition has decided to prepare a bill to dissolve the Knesset, Hebrew media outlets said – after ultra-Orthodox Israeli parties called for its dissolution and urged early elections. Netanyahu’s ruling coalition hopes to “control both the legislative process and the timing of the vote.” Elections are currently slated for October 27; opposition parties reportedly favor an election in early September.
Tel Aviv has been unable to reach a consensus on a law for drafting tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews –known as the Haredim – into the army.
ISRAELI MEDIA: IDF soldier sentenced to month in prison* for wearing ‘Messiah’ patch during IDF chief’s visit: Zamir had been touring the West Bank when he encountered several soldiers who were behaving inappropriately and failing to follow military discipline.
*NOTE: The irony here is rich: the Israeli military sentenced one soldier to one month in prison, while Israeli soldiers commit war crimes on a daily basis. The Israeli military self-describes as “The Most Moral Army in the World,” boasting of its code of ethics. But even a cursory glance at If Americans Knew headlines exposes the folly of the term “moral army” to describe the IDF. Just a few examples: “Most moral army in the world” added to UN Hall of Shame for child endangerment…‘Not a normal war’: doctors say children have been targeted by Israeli snipers in Gaza…Israel Is the Global Rape, Torture Capital…Israeli soldiers tell story of savage cruelty in Gaza – one given blessing by the West…This is how Israeli settlers, backed by the military, erased a Palestinian village from existence last week…In Israel, raping Palestinian prisoners is justified. Leaking the footage is betrayal…In Gaza, Almost Every IDF Platoon Keeps a Human Shield, a Sub-army of Palestinian Slaves. The list goes on.
Official report: Israel facing military fragility as armament stockpiles dwindle: Israel has seen a significant decline in its weapons production capabilities and military stockpiles since October 7, 2023, according to an official report issued by Israel’s State Comptroller’s Office. The production capabilities of Israel’s military industries have deteriorated despite billions of dollars being invested in weapons manufacturing infrastructure.
Israel increasing use of solitary confinement for Palestinians, including for minors: Data obtained from Israel Prison Service shows children and women among detainees increasingly being held in isolation.
ISRAEL-US WAR/CEASEFIRE ON IRAN – NEWS & HEADLINES:
It can not be overemphasized that Israel is the impetus behind US policies and actions vis-a-vis Iran. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing the US to attack Iran for decades, using lies and deception. Under President Trump, he got his wish.
The American people have made clear that they do not want the US embroiled in a war with Iran, but Israel partisans and the Israel lobby use their massive political clout to bring about whatever is beneficial to Israel – including putting the US military in harm’s way. For more background on Israel’s role in American wars, watch IAK’s short film, “The Israeli Hit List.“
Iran said Wednesday that its disagreements with Washington stemmed from Tehran’s right to enrichment under the NPT. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran “talked about the nuclear program twice in less than a year, and we were unable to come to a conclusion because of the United States’ obsession with Iran’s nuclear program. It was not Iran, by the way, that left the negotiating table. Not only did they leave the negotiating table, they destroyed it twice in less than nine months.”
US intelligence reports surprise Trump with Iran’s underground missile capabilities*: The Trump administration’s public portrayal of a shattered Iranian military is reportedly sharply at odds with what U.S. intelligence agencies are telling policymakers, including evidence that Iran has restored operational access to 30 of the 33 missile sites it maintains along the Strait of Hormuz, which could threaten American warships and oil tankers transiting the narrow waterway.
Iran still fields about 70% of its mobile launchers and has roughly 70% of its prewar missile stockpile, including both long- and short-range missiles. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has already depleted its stocks of many critical munitions; the Pentagon and major arms makers are struggling to replenish American reserves.
*NOTE: It can not be overstated that Israel coerced the US to start this war – which by all accounts is costing Americans a fortune, causing us to lose all credibility in the world, and making us vulnerable to attack.
US lawmaker says Washington lost 39 aircraft in Iran war, citing defense report: Pentagon official declines to confirm losses during Senate hearing.
Iran begins FIFA World Cup preparations amid political, logistical concerns
DEATH TOLL – WAR ON IRAN (tentative):
- United States: 13 (or more)
- Iran: at least 3,636 (1,701 civilians, 254 children)
- Israel: 35 (16 Israeli soldiers, and 1 friendly fire – including both Iran and Lebanon-related deaths; another count shows 20 Israeli civilian deaths)
- Arab states (including Palestine, excluding Lebanon), at least 154
ISRAEL’S WAR/CEASEFIRE ON LEBANON – NEWS & HEADLINES:
Israel has invaded Lebanon seven times in the last half century. Between 1978 and 2000, Israel maintained an 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon — Hezbollah was formed to fight that occupation.
Although Israel signed a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon in November 2024, Israel has attacked Lebanon almost every day since, committing over 10,000 air and ground violations – the most violated ceasefire deal in recorded history. (Read about UNIFIL, the UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, here.)
Israeli strikes in south Lebanon kill at least 22, despite ongoing ceasefire: Nine of the dead were children.
Lebanon says over 10,000 homes destroyed or damaged since Israel truce
Split on Key Issues, Israel and Lebanon to Meet for Third Round of Direct Talks in Washington: While Lebanon is demanding a permanent truce and a halt to the destruction of border villages, Israel seeks to retain full freedom of operations in Lebanon until the Hezbollah issue is resolved. It is unclear how the United States will bridge these positions.
Israel approves nearly $700M plan to counter Hezbollah drones amid mounting losses: Netanyahu approved an immediate budget of 2 billion shekels ($687.7 million) aimed at accelerating development of advanced anti-drone technologies. Four Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed and more than 40 others wounded in Hezbollah drone attacks since fighting resumed in southern Lebanon on March 2. Nearly 400 Lebanese have been killed.
MUST-READ: How Hezbollah’s $300 drones are challenging Israeli military
Israeli soldiers in Lebanon contract ‘cave fever’ from tick bites: Seven Israeli soldiers were hospitalized with “cave fever” after operating in southern Lebanon, with the army saying they have been removed from combat duties.
DEATH TOLL – WAR ON LEBANON (tentative):
- At least 380 killed since “ceasefire” began on April 17, 2026 (22 children, 39 women)
- At least 2,846 people have been killed since war began on March 2, 2026
NEWS & HEADLINES FROM SYRIA:
Although Israel is not at war with Syria, the Israeli army has reportedly carried out over 1,600 violations inside Syrian territory since August 2025. Israel has demanded the demilitarization of southern Syria, allegedly to prevent any “potential threat” from post-war Syria – but has vowed to stay permanently in what seems to be an informal border expansion
Israeli forces detain young man, search homes in southern Syria raids
MORE NEWS & HEADLINES:
Why Israel bombs Iranian universities and silences American ones: The campaign against higher education – what many scholars now call scholasticide – reflects a deeper history of Israeli hatred of any academic culture it cannot dominate
Miami Beach Official Hired Billboard Truck to Call Pro-Palestine Activists “Jew Hater*,” Lawsuit Alleges: David Suarez, a city commissioner for Miami Beach, is accused of hiring the trucks to drive past a Jewish Voice for Peace demonstration outside the Art Basel festival in Miami Beach in December. The trucks accused JVP of being an “extremist group” and singled out members Alan Levine and his wife, Donna Nevel, with the label “Jew Hater,” according to court documents that Jewish Voice for Peace South Florida filed on Wednesday.
*NOTE: Israeli leaders and pro-Israel organizations have a long history of conflating Jews with the state of Israel – the so-called “Jewish State” (of which 21% of its residents are non-Jews). Because the public has been conditioned to see Israel and Jews as one and the same, anger over Israel’s actions may turn into animosity toward Israelis or Jews.
Such (unacceptable) behavior stems directly from Israel’s actions, and are not by default antisemitic (but might be). This indoctrination and unfair labeling has been a major factor in Israel’s achievement of almost total impunity in the global community.
Palestinians and supporters of Palestinian rights have been exposing this folly for years.
‘Rogue state behavior’: Israel carrying out covert influence operations in Canada, report says
Some good news for Palestinian rights advocate, Francesca Albanese:
BREAKING! US court ha suspended the US sanctions against me!
As the judge says: “Protecting the Freedom of speech is always just the public interest”.
Thanks to my daughter and my husband for stepping up to defend me, and everyone who has helped so far.Together we are One. pic.twitter.com/z6L3tb7Esp
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) May 13, 2026
ICYMI, A SELECTION OF YESTERDAY’S HEADLINES:
43,000 people in Gaza suffered life-changing injuries since October 2023: WHO
1 Palestinian child killed every week in West Bank since January 2025: UNICEF
Reporting that Iran is “doing well” in the war is “virtual TREASON,” Trump says
Israel’s war creating a ‘lost generation’ of Lebanese students
(Read yesterday’s daily update here.)
STATISTICS OCTOBER 7, 2023 – MAY 13, 2026*:
- At least 73,921 Palestinians killed, 184,235 injured – including:
- Gaza: at least 72,761 killed (~22,000 children, 33,000 women and girls), 172,535 injured
- West Bank/East Jerusalem: at least 1,160 killed (~240 children), 11,700 injured
*NOTE: Thousands of those killed in Gaza have yet to be identified, and an estimated 8,000 more are still buried under rubble (some sources put the number of missing as high as 14,000); 3,000 more are reportedly missing. Only the dead who are brought to hospitals are included in the official fatality count. Additionally, the numbers of injured are very conservative estimates.
Reported Israeli death toll from October 7, 2023 – May 13, 2026: ~1,661 – including ~1,139** on October 7, 2023 (~36 children), 472 military forces since the ground invasion began in Gaza, about 52 military and civilians (by one count, there have been 59 victims) in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel (these numbers do not include deaths from the conflicts with Lebanon or Iran).
By one count, Israeli attacks have killed approximately 282 Palestinian journalists and media workers (most recent March 9, 2026; other groups have tallied between 215 and 356 Palestinian journalists killed – depending on the criteria used). Palestinians have killed 4 Israeli journalists (all on October 7, 2023).
**NOTE: It is unknown at this time how many of the deaths and injuries of Israelis on October 7 were caused by Israeli soldiers.
- Human rights reports on Israel-Palestine (regularly updated)
- Gaza: ‘Doctors Under Attack’ Wins Top Award After Being Shelved by the BBC
- The Nakba at 78: A statistical snapshot of Palestine
- Israel Expels Father Louis Salman from Palestine
- How Israel Turned Eurovision’s Stage Into a Soft Power Tool
- Palestinians in Jerusalem receive only 7% of housing units
- If not stopped, Israel will wipe out Christians from Palestine by 2050: Bethlehem pastor
- Hidden Deep in an NPR Story About a Man Who Threatened to Kill Jews at Cornell… He Admits He Did It to Make People Love Israel
- Peter Mandelson: the untold Israel connection
- Epstein Advised U.S. Treasury on Crypto During Obama’s Iran Sanctions Push
- Pro-Israel neocon who promoted Iran war describes its disastrous results, By Arnaud Bertrand, reposted from X
- War on Iran: Senior royal says Saudi Arabia avoided Israeli plan to ‘plunge region into ruin’
- The Silence That Meets the Rape of Palestinians
- Motherhood in Gaza Looks Like Caregiving Even When There’s Nothing Left to Give
- Israel used the Nakba to steal not only Palestinians’ land, but their financial wealth too
