Friday, September 12, 2025

Iran Offers Missiles to Qatar in Exchange for Expelling U.S. Troops.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: An Iranian lawmaker urged Qatar to expel U.S. forces and allow Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to deploy missiles on its territory, following an Israeli strike on the Qatari capital of Doha.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iranian lawmaker Mojtaba Zarei, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the U.S. military, and Israel.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The statement was made on Thursday, following the Israeli strike in Doha earlier in the week.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “I propose that the U.S. Army, accomplice of Israel, be expelled from Qatar, and that the Revolutionary Guard aerospace force deploy Fattah hypersonic missiles on your soil to defend your sovereignty,” Zarei stated.

🎯IMPACT: The proposal highlights growing tensions in the Gulf region amid expanding Israeli military operations, and Iran’s push to expand its military influence.

IN FULL

Iran is urging Qatar to expel American military forces from Al Udeid Air Base—a regional command hub for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)—and instead allow Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to deploy missiles in the country. The move, ostensibly in response to Israel’s recent strike on the Qatari capital of Doha targeting leaders of the Hamas terrorist group, is unlikely to receive much serious consideration from Qatar’s government.

The Israeli strike on Tuesday killed a Qatari security officer and several Hamas members. Iran has accused the U.S. of complicity in the attack, putting Qatar in a precarious position. However, Iran also attacked Qatar earlier this year with missiles, after the United States bombed and destroyed several Iranian nuclear program facilities. Notably, the Iranian missiles were easily intercepted by U.S. air defenses in Qatar.

Mojtaba Zarei, an Iranian lawmaker, addressed Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “I propose that the U.S. Army, accomplice of Israel, be expelled from Qatar, and that the Revolutionary Guard aerospace force deploy Fattah hypersonic missiles on your soil to defend your sovereignty,” he wrote in Farsi. Zarei also suggested that the emir should request support from the Revolutionary Guard in Qatar.

Iran’s armed forces have accused the U.S. of backing Israel’s actions, with Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi stating, “The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will never hesitate to support our Qatari brothers.” However, U.S. President Donald J. Trump has clarified, “This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu; it was not a decision made by me,” and come out strongly against the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed Israel’s sole responsibility for the operation.

Image by Fars Media Corporation.

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Trump White House Blasts ‘Unilateral’ Israeli Strike on Qatar as Strain Grows with Netanyahu.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The White House issued a rebuke of Israel’s strike in Doha, Qatar, and assured Qatari leadership it would not happen again.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Trump White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Qatari leadership.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. and in Doha, Qatar.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States, that is working very hard, and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” – Karoline Leavitt

🎯IMPACT: The incident has escalated tensions between President Donald J. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

IN FULL

The Trump White House issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an Israeli bombing on Tuesday morning that targeted Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald J. Trump has reassured Qatar that such actions will not be repeated.

“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States, that is working very hard, and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Leavitt said during the White House press briefing Tuesday afternoon. She added: “The President views Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the United States, and feels very badly about the location of this attack.”


The White House comments appear to imply that Israel acted unilaterally in its strike on the Qatari capital. Notably, the rebuke comes amid already heightened tensions between Trump and Netanyahu. Trump has increasingly pushed the Israeli leader to conclude military operations against Hamas in Gaza as the conflict has dragged on for nearly two years, with Israeli operations previously expanding into Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.

Early Tuesday morning, explosions rocked the Katara District of Doha, the capital of Qatar. According to Israeli officials, the blasts formed part of an assassination plot aimed at high-ranking Hamas members residing in the wealthy Gulf state. The Qatari Foreign Ministry has responded to the attack, calling it a “criminal assault” and “blatant violation of all international laws and norms [that] poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”

It remains unclear whether the strike was actually successful in eliminating any of its intended targets, though some initial reports suggest Hamas leaders were able to evade the attack.

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Israel Orders Demolition of Palestinians’ Homes Over Terror Attack.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Israel ordered the demolition of Palestinians’ homes in West Bank towns and revoked hundreds of Palestinians’ work permits following a deadly attack at a Jerusalem bus stop by Palestinian gunmen.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli authorities, affected Palestinian families, two slain Palestinian gunmen, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Jerusalem attack occurred on September 8, with follow-up actions announced on September 9 targeting the West Bank towns of Qatanna and Qubeiba.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “In the horrific attack, it was again proven that firearms save lives, when two armed civilians… neutralised the… terrorists.” – National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

🎯IMPACT: The demolition orders and permit revocations affect the livelihoods of hundreds of Palestinians, with the United Nations (UN) and others complaining that such measures amount to unlawful collective punishment.

IN FULL

Earlier this week, two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem, killing six people before being shot dead at the scene. The attackers were identified as residents of the West Bank towns of Qatanna and Qubeiba. In response, Israeli authorities have announced a series of punitive measures targeting the attackers’ hometowns and families.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the homes of the gunmen’s relatives will be destroyed, along with every structure built without permits in their two hometowns. In addition, Israel will revoke work permits for 750 Palestinians from the area, cutting off a vital source of income for many families. Katz said the actions are intended to deter future attacks. However, the United Nations (UN) and various nonprofits complain that such measures amount to collective punishment and violate international law.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir emphasized the role of armed civilians in stopping the attack. “In the horrific attack, it was again proven that firearms save lives, when two armed civilians, who had received weapons under the reform we are leading, neutralised the… terrorists,” he said, adding that more communities will be added to the list of those eligible for civilian gun licenses, expanding Israel’s armed civilian program.

On Tuesday, Israel also expanded its military campaign against Hamas further beyond Gaza by bombing Doha, Qatar, targeting what officials described as the senior leadership of Hamas. According to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), the operation was aimed at those “directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre” and who have been “orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”

Image by Moti Sender, Gush Katif.

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BREAKING: Israel Just Bombed Qatar.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Multiple explosions were reported in Doha, Qatar, with Israeli officials confirming they have carried out assassination attempts targeting Hamas leaders in the Gulf state.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Senior Hamas officials, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Israel Security Agency (ISA), and Qatar.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday in the Katara District of Doha, Qatar.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization,” the IDF confirmed in a statement shared on social media.

🎯IMPACT: Israel carrying out an attack in one of the Middle East’s wealthiest Gulf states is a significant escalation, and could draw a fierce reaction from Turkey and other regional powers with strong economic and financial ties to the Qataris.

IN FULL

Explosions rocked the Katara District of Doha, the capital of Qatar, on Tuesday. According to Israeli officials, the blasts formed part of an assassination plot aimed at high-ranking Hamas members residing in the wealthy Gulf state.

“The IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency] conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement shared on social media.

“For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel,” the Israeli statement continued.

It added: “Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” warning that the “IDF and ISA will continue to operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre.”

The attacks represent a massive escalation of Israel’s military operations in the Middle East, which have hitherto been mainly limited to its immediate neighbors and rogue states such as Iran and Houthi-controlled Yemen. Qatar is an extremely wealthy Gulf state, with strong economic and financial ties to regional powers such as Turkey, and also hosts Western bases operated by the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry has responded to the attack, calling it a “criminal assault” and “blatant violation of all international laws and norms [that] poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”

Image by Flashpacker Travelguide.

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Gunmen Murder Six at Jerusalem Bus Stop.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in north Jerusalem, killing six people and wounding several others, including a pregnant woman.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The attackers were identified as two Palestinian militants. Israeli police, emergency responders, and civilians at the scene were also involved.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The attack occurred late Monday morning at the Ramot Junction on Yigal Street, north Jerusalem, on September 8, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “Innocent civilians, women, men, and children were brutally murdered and wounded in cold blood on a bus in Jerusalem by vile and evil terrorists,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

🎯IMPACT: The attack is one of the deadliest incidents since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, and heightens tensions in the region.

IN FULL

Six people were killed and several others injured, including a pregnant woman, in a terror attack the morning of September 8 at a bus stop in northern Jerusalem. The shooting occurred at Ramot Junction on Yigal Street, where two Palestinian gunmen arrived in a vehicle and opened fire on civilians. A security officer and an armed civilian returned fire, killing both attackers at the scene.

Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) initially reported five fatalities, later updated to six by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Seven other victims were listed in serious condition, with no immediate updates on their medical status.

President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, calling it a “painful and difficult morning” and stating, “Innocent civilians, women, men, and children were brutally murdered and wounded in cold blood on a bus in Jerusalem by vile and evil terrorists.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting following the incident.

The terror group Hamas praised the attack, labeling it a “natural response” to ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and elsewhere. Hamas has been at war with Israel since launching a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, that left over 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians. Israel has since carried out extensive military operations in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry claims more than 64,000 people have been killed. Israeli forces have also carried out operations in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria.

The attack in Jerusalem comes as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza, particularly in Gaza City. Israeli forces have declared the city a “dangerous combat zone” and are reportedly conducting the early stages of a larger ground operation. Defense officials say roughly 60,000 reservists have been called up in preparation for what could be a full-scale assault.

Over the past several days, Israeli airstrikes have demolished several high-rise buildings in Gaza City that Hamas was reportedly using for military purposes. Hamas has denied those reports. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports of widespread food shortages and increasing civilian casualties.

Image via Israel Police.

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Gaza Christians Say Israel Has Told Them to Flee Their Churches, But They Intend to Stay.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem say Israel is demanding they leave their churches in Gaza and evacuate, but they intend to remain where they are.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem, the Israeli armed forces, and Gazans.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem released a joint statement on August 26.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge,” the joint statement reads.

🎯IMPACT: Intensification of the war in Gaza could lead to the destruction of one of the oldest Christian communities in the Holy Land.

IN FULL

The Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem have issued a joint appeal warning of a humanitarian catastrophe as Israel prepares to take control of Gaza City. In their statement, the Patriarchs condemned “the gates of hell” scenario unfolding in Gaza, where “massive military mobilization” and evacuation orders are forcing hundreds of thousands, including the Christian minority, to flee south.

Clergy and nuns at the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Catholic Holy Family complex declared they would not flee. They say they are sheltering malnourished children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, describing leaving as “nothing less than a death sentence.” They argue that “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge.”

Their plea echoes the words of Pope Leo XIV, who recently affirmed: “All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected… especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.”

In an address on August 13, the America-born pontiff expressed deep concern about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, warning, “The humanitarian crisis must be resolved… they must be freed. But we must also think of the many who are dying of hunger.

On July 17, 2025, an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, Holy Family parish, killed three civilians and wounded ten, including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. The building had become a refuge for both Muslims and Christians, including children with disabilities. Israel labeled the attack accidental, caused by stray tank fire, but the Patriarchate challenged this, saying it amounted to a grave violation of sanctity.

In response, Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III made a rare personal visit to Gaza on July 18. They brought hundreds of tons of emergency aid, coordinated evacuations for the injured, and offered solidarity to survivors.

President Donald J. Trump is reported to have been furious about the strike on the church, communicating his anger over the incident to the Israeli government directly.

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State Dept Fires Iranian-American Embassy Staffer Branded a ‘Jihadi’ by Laura Loomer.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A State Department press officer was terminated over his handling of Trump administration policy statements involving Israel and Gaza.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Shahed Ghoreishi, U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem officials, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s aides, and investigative reporter Laura Loomer.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The termination occurred over the weekend, following incidents last week involving the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the State Department in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The agency has zero tolerance for employees who commit misconduct by leaking or otherwise disclosing confidential deliberative emails or information.” – State Dept. spokesman Tommy Pigott

🎯IMPACT: The firing highlights the Trump administration’s strict enforcement of officials adhering to policy.

IN FULL

The State Department has dismissed Shahed Ghoreishi, a press officer responsible for shaping public messaging on Israel and Gaza. Ghoreishi, an Iranian-American contractor with the Bureau of Near East Affairs, came under scrutiny after drafting a media response that sparked backlash from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

The controversy began when Ghoreishi included language in response to an Associated Press (AP) inquiry stating that the U.S. “opposes the forced relocation of Palestinians in Gaza.” The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reportedly rejected that line, prompting further internal reviews.

Additionally, Ghoreishi raised objections to the use of the term “Judea and Samaria” to describe the West Bank, language favored by some Israeli officials and supported by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

Ghoreishi complained that his firing raises questions about “whether our Israel-Palestine policy is about to get even worse—including an unwillingness to take any stand against ethnic cleansing,” adding: “The future looks bleak.”

Investigative reporter Laura Loomer has publicly accused Ghoreishi of ties to pro-Iran groups—which he denies—writing on social media, “While working at the State Department, Shahed [Ghoreishi] expressed anti-American, anti-Israel, anti-Trump, and anti-Rubio views, all while maintaining deep ties to jihadi Islamic groups like the National Iranian American Council (NIAC)—a group labeled as a mouthpiece for the Ayatollah and enablers of Iranian terrorism.”

“Every single Jihadi MUST be removed from the U.S. State Department as a matter of protecting our national security. There has been zero media on this because I doubt the State Department wants to draw attention to the fact that a jihadist pro-Iranian regime operative was working inside the Trump State Department for the last 7 months,” she added.

Deputy State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated, “The agency has zero tolerance for employees who commit misconduct by leaking or otherwise disclosing confidential deliberative emails or information.”

Ghoreishi’s removal comes amid a broader purge of officials deemed disloyal to President Donald J. Trump. Earlier this year, for instance, Trump dismissed General Timothy Haugh, the head of U.S. Cyber Command. “NSA Director Tim Haugh and his deputy Wendy Noble have been disloyal to President Trump. That is why they have been fired,” Loomer said of his removal on social media.

Reports suggest that multiple National Security Council staff members were also removed after failing informal “loyalty checks” tied to Loomer’s vetting. One U.S. official described the aftermath as a “bloodbath,” following Loomer’s delivery of a dossier on suspect staffers.

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BREAKING: Israel Commences Assault on Gaza City.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Israeli military has begun the initial phase of a final assault on Gaza City after a clash with Hamas.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israel Defense Forces (IDF), IDF spokesman Effie Defrin, Hamas, and the Israeli government.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Gaza City, offensive announced in a Wednesday briefing.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Most of the troops that will be mobilised in this new stage will be active duty and not reservists.” – Israel Defense Forces

🎯IMPACT: The campaign expands Israeli operations in Gaza, with a planned call-up of approximately 60,000 reservists as the government moves to complete the offensive.

IN FULL

The Israeli military has begun the initial phase of a planned assault on Gaza City following a clash with Hamas. Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said the Israel Defense Forces had already seized control of the city outskirts during a Wednesday briefing.

The Israeli government intends to call up approximately 60,000 reservists to finish the offensive against Gaza’s largest urban center. However, an IDF spokesman stressed, “Most of the troops that will be mobilised in this new stage will be active duty and not reservists.”

This story is developing…

Image by Michael Shvadron, IDF.

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Hamas, Israel Reach Deal on Ceasefire & Hostages Pioneered by Trump Envoy.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire-hostage deal with Israel, according to a Hamas official.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hamas, Israeli officials, Egyptian and Qatari mediators, and President Donald J. Trump’s U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Discussions have been ongoing in the Middle East.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators.” – Senior Hamas official Basem Naim

🎯IMPACT: The deal could pave the way for a temporary cessation of violence and the release of detainees, though Israel has yet to respond.

IN FULL

Hamas has consented to a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Israel, according to a senior Hamas official. The deal closely follows a 60-day ceasefire plan originally put forward by President Donald J. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

According to an Egyptian official source, the current deal entails a 60-day ceasefire and the return of half the hostages Hamas holds in Gaza, alongside Israel’s release of a number of Palestinian prisoners. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar have been key in facilitating talks with Hamas to secure this arrangement.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that mediators had been “exerting extensive efforts” to bring the U.S. proposal back to life, with the goal of achieving a temporary halt to hostilities and freeing hostages. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim announced on Facebook, “The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators.”

Reports from Arab media suggest Hamas has accepted the proposal with minimal changes. Israeli officials have yet to comment publicly on the agreement. Previous efforts to reach similar deals have often collapsed due to disputes over the terror group’s proposed revisions.

Image by WAFA / APAimages.

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Israel in Talks to Resettle Palestinians in Africa.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Israel is discussing with South Sudan the potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, as part of a broader plan to facilitate Palestinian emigration from the war-torn territory.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, South Sudanese officials, the U.S. State Department.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Discussions are ongoing, with no specific dates for implementation or visits confirmed as of yet. Talks involve Israel and South Sudan.

💬KEY QUOTE: “South Sudan should not become a dumping ground for people,” complained Edmund Yakani, a South Sudanese civil society leader.

🎯IMPACT: The proposal could, if implemented, pave the way for Gaza’s annexation to Israel proper, prompting backlash from many world governments.

IN FULL

Israel is reportedly in talks with South Sudan about the possible resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, according to six sources familiar with the discussions. The move is part of Israel’s broader strategy to encourage emigration from the Gaza Strip, which Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas has heavily degraded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a desire to relocate Gaza’s population, framing this as “voluntary migration.” Similar resettlement proposals have reportedly been discussed with other African nations. However, Palestinians and “human rights” groups have strongly opposed such plans, characterizing them as forced expulsions.

For South Sudan, a country still recovering from years of civil war and famine, the proposal might be seen as a chance to deepen diplomatic ties with Israel and possibly improve its standing with the United States. Still, the idea has drawn criticism from within the country, with South Sudanese civil society leader Edmund Yakani complaining, “South Sudan should not become a dumping ground for people,” and warning that it could provoke tensions given the country’s history with the region’s Muslim and Arab populations.

The U.S. State Department has declined to comment on the matter. However, Egypt has expressed clear opposition to any resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza. Egyptian officials have reportedly urged South Sudan not to accept Palestinian refugees, citing concerns that such a move could trigger a wider refugee crisis also affecting Egypt.

Israel is also believed to have approached other nations, such as North Sudan and Somalia, though the status of those discussions is currently unknown.

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