Among the first patients brought in that morning was a young boy—quiet, badly wounded, and one of the first cases operated on. “Sick, injured children who are quiet are always more concerning than those who cry or scream,” the doctor explained. “A quiet child is an unwell child.”

The hospital was overwhelmed. During the first 20 minutes, doctors spent their time pronouncing the dead—most of them children. Many of the deceased adults, especially men, were taken directly to the morgue. Women and children, however, were brought into the emergency area, where teams worked desperately to save lives.

In one especially heartbreaking moment, the doctor recalled treating three critically injured children on a single trolley—there simply weren’t enough beds. Forced to act fast, he picked up the young boy and ran up four flights of stairs to the operating room. “I didn’t trust the elevators,” he said. “There were bombings going on. I didn’t want to get stuck in an elevator with a dying child.”

The boy had internal bleeding and had already lost two or possibly three siblings. When asked if the child’s parents were still alive, the doctor said that, all too often, at least one parent was dead or severely injured.

Next to him in the ward was another child—a five- or six-year-old girl—who was the second patient he operated on that day. She had injuries to her kidney, liver, spleen, and intestines from shrapnel. “That’s what shrapnel does,” he said. “It’s high-velocity, sharp metal flying in all directions—thousands of pieces.” Days later, when she woke up, they discovered a piece of shrapnel lodged in her brain. She was completely paralyzed on the right side of her body.

He also described a one-year-old boy with abdominal injuries. When the child regained consciousness, he began calling out for his mother—who had died in the attack.

Visiting the mortuary the following day, the doctor described scenes of unimaginable horror. Two rooms, each able to hold 25 bodies, were completely full, with additional bodies and body parts lying on the floor. “At least 60 to 70 bodies,” he said. “Many were unrecognizable. Some will never be claimed, and even when they are, the family members might be dead too. They’ll be buried in unmarked mass graves.”

After a brief moment of calm in the afternoon, the doctor left the operating room to get a drink of water. Walking through the 20-bed intensive care unit, he saw every bed occupied. When he returned later that evening—around the time when patients were breaking their fast—half the beds were empty. “They had all died,” he said. “That’s the reality when you’re dealing with a mass casualty situation.”

News source- Middle East Eye

Among the protesters was Angelique Aper, a former Dutch civil servant who resigned in protest against her government’s support for Israel. “The situation in Gaza is on my mind, especially what has happened this week,” she said. “Despite the violence, diplomatic, political, and economic relations with Israel continue as usual. The double standards are clear.”

The UN established the International Day Against Racism in the 1960s following the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa under apartheid rule. Organizers of the Amsterdam rally emphasized that with the far right gaining influence across Europe, including in the Netherlands, it is crucial to stand against racism and discrimination.

“We want to show that the Netherlands will remain a democracy that upholds the rule of law,” one organizer stated. “We will not tolerate divisive politics, and we demand that the government resign.”

Protesters also highlighted concerns over the Dutch government’s strict immigration policies. One undocumented participant shared their fears: “I worry every day. The government treats us differently, but we are all the same.”

Beyond Amsterdam, similar protests took place in France, where thousands marched in Paris and Marseille. Demonstrators expressed concern over the rise of far-right politics and Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza.

The large turnout in Amsterdam reflected growing public frustration—not just over the Palestinian crisis, but also over broader issues of racism and threats to democracy.

News source- Al Jazeera

Columbia University graduate Mahmud Khalil has released a statement from a detention facility in Louisiana, where he is being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite being a green card holder, Khalil was arrested due to his involvement in organizing pro-Palestinian protests on campus last year. In his statement, dictated over the phone to his family, Khalil described himself as a political prisoner, asserting that his arrest was a direct result of his advocacy for Palestine. He condemned the U.S. government’s continued support of Israel and the suppression of pro-Palestinian voices.

Khalil’s detention has sparked protests in New York, with demonstrators gathering in Times Square to demand his release and oppose the deportation of students involved in activism. The rally took place in the midst of an increasing crackdown on campus protests in support of Palestine, which has led to suspensions, expulsions, and attempts to deport international students. Many protesters covered their faces out of fear of being doxed or harassed but remained determined to speak out against the bombing of Gaza and the treatment of activists like Khalil.

The situation highlights a growing tension over free speech and student activism in the United States. Supporters of Khalil argue that his arrest is an example of political repression, while authorities claim they are enforcing the law. The demonstration in New York saw both pro-Palestinian activists and counter-protesters supporting Israel, creating a tense environment with a significant police presence.

As Khalil fights to stay in the country, his case has reignited discussions about government policies on dissent and immigration. His supporters continue to call for his release, hoping he will be free in time to witness the birth of his first child. The protests are expected to continue as activists push for greater protections for those speaking out against the war in Gaza.

News source- Al Jazeera

Mariam, one of the thousands of students affected, continues her studies through e-learning. She uses her mother’s phone to review lessons in math, science, and English, but struggles with frequent internet disruptions. “I try to save all my lessons in case I lose connection,” she says, reflecting the harsh reality of learning in Gaza.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, over 260,000 students have joined distance learning programs in Gaza. However, the lack of stable electricity and proper devices leaves many students behind. For families, education has become a privilege, not a guarantee. With no formal classrooms, teachers have resorted to recording lessons on mobile phones and sharing them via WhatsApp when internet conditions permit.

Mus, a teacher in Gaza, has transformed his home into a makeshift recording studio. “The war has destroyed many aspects of life, and education has taken the hardest hit,” he explains. He struggles with limited resources, relying on solar panels for power. Yet, when it’s cloudy or raining, even that fails him.

In Gaza, education is no longer a right but a daily battle against war, isolation, and darkness. Despite the immense challenges, students and teachers remain determined. Their will to learn proves stronger than the forces trying to crush their future, showing that the drive for education can survive even the harshest circumstances.

News source- Al Jazeera

Since October 7th, Khaled has been at the forefront of London’s Palestine solidarity marches, raising awareness and calling for justice. He emphasizes that history will remember this moment, urging people to ask themselves how they responded in the face of such events.

On January 18th, more than 70 demonstrators were arrested at a London march, including an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Khaled himself has been asked to appear for questioning as part of an investigation into alleged breaches of public order laws. While unable to discuss specific details, he highlights the growing restrictions on civic freedoms, warning of a global erosion of rights.

Despite potential consequences, Khaled Abdullah remains steadfast in his activism. He believes that standing up for his beliefs has brought a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment to his life. As another demonstration approaches this weekend, he reaffirms his commitment to being there, continuing to use his voice for change.

As his advocacy gains attention, Khaled’s story serves as a reminder of the power of speaking out and the responsibility that comes with a public platform. His journey is one of courage, conviction, and an unwavering dedication to justice.

News source- Al Jazeera