Netanyahu Directs Israeli Military to Take Over Entire Gaza, Reports Say

Palestinians suffering from extreme hunger under Israel

The Israeli war cabinet convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss the next steps in the ongoing conflict with Gaza. The options on the table were to either end the war and engage in ceasefire talks or to expand the war and reoccupy the entire Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly instructed the Israeli army to conquer Gaza, despite opposition from the army’s Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir.

The decision to reoccupy Gaza was supported by hardline ministers such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who are key allies in Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition. They are believed to have played a significant role in sustaining the ongoing Israeli onslaught.

Zamir, on the other hand, had reportedly asked the Israeli government for clarity on the future of the war effort. He discouraged the reoccupation of Gaza, arguing that it would drain the Israeli army.

The discussions took place amid Israel’s announcement of the end of its latest military offensive in Gaza, known as Operation Gideon’s Chariots. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations were ongoing, with issues such as famine in Gaza at the center of the discussions.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visited Israel and Gaza, meeting with families of Israeli captives and reaffirming U.S. efforts to reach a ceasefire deal. He also visited the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, where he claimed there was no starvation in Gaza. However, 17 international human rights organizations disputed his claims, stating that starvation in Gaza was real and had already claimed the lives of 159 people, including 90 children.

Last week, Israel handed over its objections to Hamas’s response to Witkoff’s latest ceasefire proposal. The objections included Hamas’s amendments to the Israeli military withdrawal maps and the principle of exchanging bodies of slain Israeli captives for living Palestinian prisoners.

During Witkoff’s visit, Hamas’s armed wing released a video of an emaciated Israeli captive suffering from starvation. This sparked protests by the families of Israeli captives and provoked Netanyahu to comment on the video.

On Sunday, Netanyahu’s cabinet requested the International Committee of the Red Cross to guarantee the entry of food to Israeli captives. Hamas responded positively, provided a permanent humanitarian corridor is established for Gaza and Israeli military aircraft cease flight over the Strip during the entry of aid. Hamas also stated that it would be ready to engage in talks again when the starvation ends.

Dallas Mavericks Lead in Race to Sign LeBron James

Dallas Mavericks LeBron James trade rumors

Speculation is rife that NBA star LeBron James may be leaving the Lakers, with the Dallas Mavericks emerging as the frontrunner to secure his services. At 41, James is entering the final year of his contract, and rumors of tension with the Lakers organization have fueled trade talks. The Mavericks have shown interest and are favored by bookmakers to land the four-time MVP.

Why Dallas?

Several factors favor Dallas. Firstly, betting markets reflect confidence in Dallas’s ability to execute a deal. Secondly, LeBron’s agent has confirmed interest from the Mavericks. Thirdly, Dallas offers the opportunity for LeBron to reunite with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, forming a strong lineup.

Additionally, Dallas has a history of successful trades with L.A., and the team’s financial flexibility makes it easier to absorb LeBron’s hefty salary. The Mavericks’ player-friendly culture and winning mentality also align with LeBron’s values. Finally, Dallas has the momentum and fan support to make a move.

Potential Hurdles

However, there are potential obstacles. LeBron could choose to stay in L.A., the Lakers could decline Dallas’s offer, or other teams might present more attractive offers. Despite these possibilities, Dallas remains in a strong position.

Conclusion

If LeBron decides to leave the Lakers, the Mavericks appear well-positioned to acquire him. They offer top odds in trade markets, confirmed interest from his agent, a natural fit with familiar stars, financial flexibility, and a player-friendly culture. However, until any deal is finalized, all remains speculation. Regardless of the outcome, this NBA offseason promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history.

Netanyahu Directs Israeli Military to Seize Entire Gaza, Reports Say

This article, originally published in Mondoweiss on August 4, 2025, discusses the Israeli cabinet’s decision on the next phase of Israel’s war on Gaza. The options were either to end the war and begin ceasefire talks or to expand the war and reoccupy the entire Gaza Strip. Despite opposition from the army’s Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered the Israeli army to «conquer Gaza».

The ceasefire was supported by Israeli army officials, while the decision to reoccupy Gaza was favored by hardline ministers. Zamir had demanded «clarity» from the Israeli government regarding the future of the war effort, reportedly discouraging the reoccupation of Gaza, believing it would «drain» the Israeli army.

The article also discusses the end of Israel’s latest military offensive in Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visited Israel and Gaza, meeting with families of Israeli captives and reaffirming U.S. efforts to reach a ceasefire deal. He also visited the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and stated that there is hardship and shortage, but «no starvation» in Gaza. This claim was disputed by 17 international human rights organizations who stated that starvation in Gaza is real and has already claimed the lives of 159 people including 90 children.

The article concludes with the latest developments in the ceasefire negotiations, including Israel’s objections to Hamas’s response to Witkoff’s latest ceasefire proposal, the release of video footage of an emaciated Israeli captive by Hamas’s armed wing, and the Israeli cabinet’s request to the International Committee of the Red Cross to guarantee the entry of food to Israeli captives. Hamas stated that it would be «ready to engage in talks again when the starvation ends,» implying that the end of starvation is the resistance movement’s new condition for the return to talks.

Dallas Mavericks Leading Contenders to Sign LeBron James

Dallas Mavericks LeBron James trade rumors

The NBA offseason is buzzing with rumors that LeBron James, nearing 41 and in the final year of his contract, may leave the Lakers due to reported tensions. The Dallas Mavericks are considered the frontrunners to acquire the four-time MVP. Dallas is favored due to factors such as favorable odds from sportsbooks, interest from the Mavericks’ front office, and a potential team lineup that includes familiar allies Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

Dallas’s financial flexibility, trade experience with L.A., and player-friendly culture also make it an attractive option. The team has the capability to absorb LeBron’s hefty salary and offer a package that includes players, draft picks, and flexibility, which aligns with L.A.’s needs.

Several trade proposals have surfaced, with most scenarios favoring Dallas. However, the success of any deal hinges on LeBron’s willingness to waive his no-trade clause. Despite the speculation, LeBron has not officially requested a trade.

The Mavericks have momentum and fan support, despite backlash over previous deals. The addition of LeBron would be a significant achievement for the franchise. However, potential obstacles include LeBron’s refusal to waive the clause, the Lakers’ reluctance to let him go, or better offers from other teams.

In conclusion, the Mavericks are in a strong position to acquire LeBron James if he decides to leave the Lakers. They offer top odds in trade markets, confirmed interest from his agent, a natural fit with familiar stars, financial flexibility, and a player-friendly culture with a championship mindset. However, nothing is official until the deal is finalized. This situation is contributing to one of the most compelling offseasons in NBA history.

Ancient ruins suggest alternative possibilities for our modern world

In the land of the Condor, at the foot of the Western hemisphere’s highest mountain, an ancient Incan community once thrived. They lived off the land, hunting, farming, and gathering water from the snowmelt river. Despite the harsh, cold environment, their village expanded and flourished in the southernmost part of the vast Incan empire, now known as Argentina.

Today, all that remains of this community are the remnants of their homes, made from stones and dirt. The language and stories of their ancestors have been lost to time, but their spirit persists in these ruins.

This is the focus of the 60th episode of Stories of Resistance, a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. This podcast, written and produced by Michael Fox, brings weekly stories of resistance and is supported by Global Exchange’s Human Rights in Action program.

Michael Fox encourages listeners to subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review if they enjoy the podcast. He also invites listeners to sign up for the Stories of Resistance podcast feed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, or any other podcast platform.

Photos of these Incan ruins in Argentina’s Andes Mountains can be found on Michael’s Patreon account. He also encourages listeners to support his reporting through Patreon, where they can access exclusive pictures, videos, and interviews.

In the podcast transcript, Fox describes the Incan community’s life and the changes that have occurred over time. Despite the passing of centuries and the rise and fall of civilizations, the village remains, bearing silent witness to the passage of time. The ruins remember the stories of their ancestors, even as modern life speeds by, largely oblivious to their presence.

These ancient ruins prove our world today doesn’t have to be this way

In the land of the Condor, near the base of the tallest mountain in the Western hemisphere, an Incan community lived. The people hunted along the sheer hillsides, they farmed, they collected water from the river gushing from snowmelt. They had children, built families, and passed on traditions to generations of descendants.

The land was cold, inhospitable, but their village grew and their community thrived at the far Southern reaches of the vast Incan empire, in present-day Argentina. Today, centuries have passed, the people are gone, but the stones and dirt that made their homes remain. The stories and language of their ancestors have been lost to time. But their spirits remain. And the ruins remember.

This is episode 60 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange’s Human Rights in Action program. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.


A note from Stories of Resistance host Michael Fox: 

If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. 

And please consider signing up for the Stories of Resistance podcast feed, either in Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, or wherever you listen.

You can check out pictures of these Incan ruins in Argentina’s Andes Mountains, on Michael’s Patreon account

Please consider supporting this podcast and Michael Fox’s reporting at patreon.com/mfox. There you can also see exclusive pictures, video, and interviews. 

Transcript

Michael Fox: In the land of the condor, near the base of the tallest mountain in the Western hemisphere, an Incan community lived. The people hunted along the sheer hillsides. They farmed. They collected water from the river gushing from snowmelt. They built families. Had children. Sons and daughters. Grandkids. And generations of descendants.

The land was cold. Inhospitable. But their village grew and poured over the hillside. A way station on the transit road across the Andes. The far Southern reaches of the vast Incan empire.

Today, centuries have passed.

The people are gone, but the rocks, stones and dirt that made their homes remain.

They were here when San Martin marched his troops over the Andes.

When the railroad came and went, its tracks now grown over, or broken and buried by landslide and avalanche.

They saw the bridges rise and crumble.

And they smelled the asphalt, as the excavators, and the dump trucks and the bulldozers and the road rollers crushed the land flat, and laid its surface smooth.

Today, thousands of cars and trucks speed by the village. Their tires spin. The sound of traffic reverberates across the rock walls. The choke of the air brakes punctuates the mountain breeze.

No one stops. Even though the village is just feet away. Just off the shoulder, down a tiny dirt road, beside a sign post reading: “Tambollitos Incan Site.”

No one stops. But the village ruins don’t care. 

The stories of their ancestors have been lost to the tongue of those who speak. But their spirits remain. And the ruins remember. They carry the stories, etched in the broken and crumbling walls and the cold, hard mountain dirt.

They’ve seen the seasons change. They’ve watched the snow fall and melt. Felt the warm sun as it slides across the thick blue Andean sky.

And they will remain long after those of us driving past can remember.

Dallas Mavericks Leading to Acquire LeBron James

Dallas Mavericks LeBron James trade rumors

The NBA offseason is abuzz with rumors about LeBron James potentially leaving the Lakers. As he approaches 41 and enters the final year of his contract, there is speculation about a possible trade. The Dallas Mavericks are considered the frontrunner to acquire the four-time MVP.

Dallas has the best odds to land James according to sportsbooks, reflecting confidence in the team’s ability to execute a deal. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James’s agent, Rich Paul, has received inquiries from four teams, including Dallas.

The Mavericks’ appeal is not random. Trade scenarios suggest that James could join Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, both of whom he has previously played with. Dallas has also shown a willingness to engage in high-stakes deals, as evidenced by their previous transactions with Los Angeles.

Financially, Dallas is in a good position to absorb LeBron’s $52.6 million salary. The team is under the second apron, thanks to Kyrie Irving taking slightly less than the maximum. The Lakers, on the other hand, are not keen on extending LeBron’s contract beyond this season and are focusing on Luka Doncic.

Dallas also offers a player-friendly environment with a track record of postseason success. LeBron would not only reunite with familiar faces but also lead a team eager for victory.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding LeBron’s future, Dallas is well-positioned to acquire him if he decides to leave the Lakers. The team has top odds in trade markets, confirmed interest from his agent, a natural fit with familiar stars, financial flexibility, and a player-friendly culture with a championship mindset.

However, nothing is official until the ink is dry. Whether LeBron stays with the Lakers or moves to Dallas, this offseason is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in NBA history.

Ancient Ruins Suggest Alternative Modern World

Episode 60 of the podcast «Stories of Resistance» takes listeners to the land of the Condor, near the base of the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere, where an ancient Incan community once thrived. This community, located in present-day Argentina, lived off the land, hunting, farming, and collecting water from the snowmelt river. Despite the harsh, cold environment, the village grew and flourished at the far southern reaches of the vast Incan empire.

Today, the people are gone, and the stories and language of their ancestors have been lost to time. However, the stones and dirt that made their homes still exist, and the spirits of the people are believed to remain. The ruins, a silent testament to the past, seem to remember their history.

The podcast, co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange, is part of the Human Rights in Action program. Each week, it brings stories of resistance, aiming to inspire in challenging times. The episode was written and produced by Michael Fox.

Fox encourages listeners to subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. He also invites them to sign up for the Stories of Resistance podcast feed on various platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Spreaker. On his Patreon account, Fox shares pictures of the Incan ruins in Argentina’s Andes Mountains, and asks for support for his reporting. He also offers exclusive content like pictures, videos, and interviews.

Dallas Mavericks Leading Contenders to Acquire LeBron James

Dallas Mavericks LeBron James trade rumors

The NBA offseason is abuzz with rumors of LeBron James potentially leaving the Lakers. As he approaches 41 and the final year of his contract, there are suggestions of discord with the Lakers, sparking trade rumors. The Dallas Mavericks are currently the leading contender to acquire the four-time MVP.

Sportsbooks have swiftly reacted to these rumors, with Dallas listed as the top bet to land James. This is not mere speculation, but a reflection of confidence in Dallas’s ability to execute a deal.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, has received inquiries from four teams, including Dallas. This is significant, as it shows that LeBron’s camp is not just listening, but actively selecting potential trade partners.

Dallas’s appeal is not random. Trade scenarios often depict LeBron joining forces with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, both of whom he has previously played with. Dallas has also shown a willingness to engage in high-stakes deals, having previously completed a major transaction with Los Angeles.

Financially, Dallas is in a good position to absorb LeBron’s $52.6 million salary, thanks to Kyrie Irving taking slightly less than the maximum. The Lakers, meanwhile, have shown no interest in extending LeBron’s contract beyond this season.

Dallas also offers a player-friendly but disciplined environment, with a team hungry for glory. Several three-team trade proposals have emerged, most of which give Dallas the simplest path to LeBron while allowing the Lakers to walk away with assets.

However, tension in L.A. has been reignited after LeBron opted into his player option without an accompanying extension. The rise of Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ apparent pivot to a Doncic-centered rebuild has left LeBron feeling sidelined.

Despite some backlash, Dallas has momentum and fan support. The franchise is poised to continue climbing, and adding LeBron would be a significant achievement.

LeBron has not officially requested a trade, but insiders acknowledge his discomfort with Lakers management. If LeBron signals a willingness to waive his no-trade clause, Dallas is in the perfect position to acquire him.

However, there are potential obstacles. LeBron could decide to stay in Los Angeles, the Lakers could decline Dallas’s offer, or other teams could present more attractive offers.

In conclusion, the Mavericks appear uniquely positioned to acquire LeBron James if he decides to leave the Lakers. They offer top odds in trade markets, confirmed interest from his agent, a natural fit with familiar stars, financial flexibility, and a player-friendly culture with a championship mindset.

While nothing is official until the ink is dry, the chatter is growing louder. Whether LeBron stays with the Lakers or moves to Dallas, this offseason is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in NBA history.

Ancient ruins show alternatives to our current world structure

In the southernmost part of the vast Incan empire, near the base of the Western hemisphere’s tallest mountain, an Incan community once thrived. Despite the harsh, cold environment, they hunted, farmed, and built families. Today, centuries later, the people are gone, but remnants of their homes still exist in present-day Argentina. The stories and language of their ancestors may have faded with time, but their spirits persist, and the ruins remember.

This is the 60th episode of Stories of Resistance, a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. This independent investigative journalism is supported by Global Exchange’s Human Rights in Action program. The podcast, written and produced by Michael Fox, aims to bring stories of resistance and inspiration in challenging times.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. They can also sign up for the Stories of Resistance podcast feed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, or their preferred platform. Photos of the Incan ruins in Argentina’s Andes Mountains can be found on Michael’s Patreon account. Supporters can also find exclusive pictures, videos, and interviews on this platform.

The transcript details the history of the Incan community, their lifestyle, and the changes that the land has undergone over the centuries. Despite the passage of time, the ruins remain, bearing witness to the changing seasons and the march of progress. Even as modern vehicles speed past the site, the ruins stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Incan people.