Over the last few years, the world has seen unspeakable violence, death, and devastation from Israel’s war on Gaza. During that time, global perception has shifted as the scale of Israel’s destruction grew, with the death toll climbing to more than 73,000 people. Since the October 2025 “ceasefire,” Israeli military attacks have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
“Spending years building a movement for an end to this genocide around the slogan ‘Ceasefire now’ alone, it was successful in building quite a substantial following,” Tariq Kenney-Shawa , an associate fellow at Palestinian think tank Al-Shabaka, tells The Intercept Briefing. “It was vague enough to bring a lot of people into the movement against genocide — because who’s going to disagree with calling for an end to war?”
“But at the end of the day, what it really laid the groundwork for was … the potential of signing this empty ceasefire agreement, in which there is an agreement on paper, there is a framework, and a phased approach to this.”
Since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire last year between Israel and Hamas, Gaza has largely fallen out of the news, as Israel, along with the U.S., launched attacks on Iran and Lebanon. But Israel’s genocidal assault on Palestinians never really stopped. “Palestinians continue to be killed every single day, albeit at a more piecemeal slower pace that is more difficult for the international community to oppose,” says Kenney-Shawa.
This week on the podcast, Intercept reporter Jonah Valdez speaks to Kenney-Shawa about how the fight for Palestinian rights and sovereignty can’t end at demands for ceasefires and conditioning aid — and should shift to sanctions and arms embargoes — and about how Gaza fits into Israel’s ambitions for the region and efforts to more deeply enmesh the U.S. and Israeli military.
“This is the most important thing to look at in the course of the next few months and few years,” says Kenney-Shawa, warning of new Israel-led initiatives like Section 224, an unprecedented integration of the U.S. military–industrial complex and Israeli defense and technology sectors. Israel and American leaders “recognize the fact that criticism of Israel in the U.S. is skyrocketing. … In many ways, they’ve recognized the need to shift this U.S.–Israel relationship from one of dependency, both militarily and financially, to one of further entrenchment.”
“Obviously, it’s a very strategic move by the Israelis to take advantage of this period in time where there is this huge chasm between public opinion and actual policy,” says Kenney-Shawa. “They’re essentially recognizing that, ‘Hey, we might not have total impunity in the United States forever, but we do for now while establishment Democrats and Republicans are running the ship. We have a Trump administration that’s essentially willing to do whatever we want.’ So what they’re trying to do now is essentially push this process through while Trump is in power, while Republicans have a majority in the Senate and the House.”
For more, listen to the full conversation of The Intercept Briefing on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or wherever you listen.
Transcript
Jessica Washington: Welcome to The Intercept Briefing, I’m Jessica Washington, politics reporter at The Intercept.
Jonah Valdez: I’m Jonah Valdez, also a reporter at The Intercept, and I cover politics and Israel and Palestine.
JW: Glad to have you here, Jonah.
So on Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an interim ceasefire to end military operations in both Iran and Lebanon for 60 days. The agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and bars Iran from having a nuclear weapon. The White House agreed to end their blockade and waive economic sanctions against Iran.
The deal also requires the U.S. and regional partners to develop a “mutually” agreed upon reconstruction and economic development fund worth at least $300 billion. However, the U.S. is not required to contribute.
Jonah, earlier this week on a special live Intercept Briefing, you spoke to Al-Shabaka U.S. Policy Fellow Tariq Kenney-Shawa about the particulars of ceasefires especially when it comes to Iran, Lebanon, and most notably Gaza.
In your conversation, you talk about the role the term “ceasefire” plays in our political imagination. Jonah, should a “ceasefire” be the end goal, or is there something more we need to push for here if what we’re really looking for is an end to the suffering?
JV: I think anyone should see even the recent deal between the U.S. and Iran with some skepticism as far as whether it will hold, given previous ceasefires it’s been a part of.
The term “ceasefire” has been weaponized against those that it’s supposed to bring peace to.
Something that Tariq Kenney-Shawa and I talk at length about during our conversation is how this term “ceasefire” has been — in many ways, in an Orwellian way — weaponized against those that it’s supposed to bring peace to. That’s exactly what we saw in Gaza.
The…
Read the full article at The Intercept →📄Source document: Lebanon's Health Ministry→39 reports
The HillIndependentCenter2 days agoRenewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, is putting pressure on a preliminary U.S.-Iran deal aimed at starting nuclear negotiations and preventing a broader conflict. Iran has stated that achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates, is a key requirement for continuing discussions with the United States. A planned meeting related to these talks has been postponed due to the ongoing violence.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively without overtly favoring either side. It reports on the conditions set by Iran for resuming nuclear talks and notes the impact of renewed hostilities on diplomatic efforts. There is no clear ideological framing or biased language.
NBC NewsIndependentCenter2 days agoPeace talks between the U.S. and Iran have been postponed following Vice President JD Vance's cancellation of a planned trip to Switzerland. This decision comes amid intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which have raised concerns about the future of efforts to end the ongoing conflict. The talks were meant to begin a 60-day negotiation period aimed at resolving key long-term issues and achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities. Switzerland's foreign ministry confirmed that the meeting at the Bürgenstock resort will not proceed, though no specific reason for the postponement has been给出.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on the postponement of U.S.-Iran peace talks due to external factors (Israeli strikes in Lebanon) and provides context about the intended purpose of the talks. There is no clear emphasis on one
Official sources cited
- government Switzerland's foreign ministry confirmation
The InterceptIndependentLeft2 days agoThe article discusses the ongoing violence in Gaza, focusing on the impact of Israel's military actions and the perceived ineffectiveness of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire signed in October 2025. It quotes Tariq Kenney-Shawa from the Palestinian think tank Al-Shabaka, who argues that while the 'Ceasefire now' movement gained support by being broad, it ultimately led to a ceasefire agreement that did not halt the continued killing of Palestinians. The article notes that although Gaza has been less covered in the news since the ceasefire, Israel's attacks have continued at a reduced but still high,
Bias read (Left): The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as 'genocidal assault,' frames the ceasefire as 'empty,' and emphasizes the continued deaths of Palestinians despite the agreement. The sourcing includes perspectives from a Palestinian think tank without balancing with Israeli or other官方观点.
Official sources cited
- statement Tariq Kenney-Shawa
Christian Science MonitorIndependentCenter4 days agoThe article discusses the recent de-escalation of tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, attributing it to internal political concerns rather than external military victories. In Israel, a poll indicates that most citizens view internal political polarization as a greater threat than Iranian aggression. In Iran, internal divisions among power factions have led to intervention by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, urging lawmakers to address economic challenges instead of focusing on ideological disputes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information from polls and official statements without overtly favoring any side. It highlights internal political dynamics in both Israel and Iran without taking a stance on which country is more justified in its actions or policies. The framing remains balanced, emphasizing de
Official sources cited
- organisation Yedidia Stern, president of the Jewish People Policy Institute
- organisation The Jerusalem Post
Christian Science MonitorIndependentLeft5 days ago US-Iran ceasefire leaves Israelis feeling sidelined, their war aims unachievedIsraeli public reaction to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran is marked by feelings of abandonment and insecurity. Many Israelis believe the agreement fails to secure Israel's strategic goals and risks its security. Concerns are raised about Iran maintaining its ballistic missile capabilities, and criticism is directed toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not achieving the objectives of the military campaign.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the ceasefire as a failure for Israel, emphasizing Israeli vulnerability and criticism of Netanyahu. It highlights Israeli concerns without providing balanced counterpoints from the U.S. or Iran, suggesting a focus on Israeli perspectives and potential dissatisfaction with the U.S
MarketWatchParty-alignedCenter5 days agoThe U.S. and Iran have reached a tentative agreement to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, analysts suggest that it will take additional factors such as excess global crude oil supplies and reduced shipping costs before oil prices return to $67 a barrel.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral analysis of geopolitical developments and their potential impact on oil prices without overtly favoring any political perspective. The focus is on economic factors rather than ideological positions.
Official sources cited
- government U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension and Strait of Hormuz reopening
The Washington TimesIndependentCenter6 days agoIran stated that its recent memorandum of understanding with the U.S. guarantees a ceasefire in Lebanon and emphasizes protection of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that the agreement includes explicit protections for Lebanon. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the MoU includes a termination of military operations in Lebanon. In contrast, Israel has signaled it will not respect a full ceasefire in Lebanon and has rejected the idea of withdrawing troops.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual statements from multiple sources without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on Iran's stance regarding the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement and Israel's response, providing balanced information without taking a side.
Official sources cited
- government Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei
- government Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
MarketWatchParty-alignedCenter6 days ago Oil prices slump to three-month low after U.S. and Iran agree to framework of peace dealOil prices dropped to a three-month low following an agreement between the U.S. and Iran to establish a 60-day ceasefire while negotiations continue.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on oil price movements and a ceasefire agreement without using biased language or emphasizing one side over another. It provides a straightforward account of events without editorializing or favoring any particular political perspective.
Official sources cited
- government U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement
AxiosIndependentCenter6 days agoThe U.S. and Iran have reached a framework agreement to extend their ceasefire for 60 days, with plans for a formal signing ceremony and subsequent nuclear talks. The agreement aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing pressure on global energy markets and creating an opportunity for negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. The memorandum of understanding represents a significant diplomatic development, though fully restoring shipping through the strait may take time due to mine-clearing and infrastructure repairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the framework agreement, 1
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or emphasis. It reports on a diplomatic agreement between the U.S. and Iran without taking a stance on the implications or outcomes.
AxiosIndependentCenter6 days ago Oil prices fall on US, Iran deal announcementCrude oil prices dropped over 4% to their lowest level in more than three months following an announced ceasefire extension between the U.S. and Iran, which could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. This development comes amid severe restrictions on oil traffic through the strait since late February, causing an energy shock and impacting the global economy. U.S. gasoline prices had reached their highest level since 2022 but have since decreased slightly. The global benchmark Brent crude fell 3.6% to $84.21 per barrel, while WTI fell over 4% to $81.38 per barrel.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about oil price movements and geopolitical developments without overtly favoring any political side. It includes context about economic impacts and mentions both the potential benefits of the ceasefire and the ongoing challenges related to Iran's nuclear deal
Official sources cited
- press release Axios' Barak Ravid
- press release AA
The HillIndependentCenter7 days ago US, Iran offer mixed messages on peace deal timingThe U.S. and Iran have provided conflicting signals regarding the timing of a potential peace deal. Iranian officials have disputed President Trump's claim that a ceasefire would be finalized by Sunday. According to Iran's state-run Fars News Agency, Tehran has neither finalized nor officially declared its position on the proposed agreement.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the U.S. and Iran's positions without overtly favoring either side. It reports on conflicting statements without using loaded language or emphasizing one perspective over the other. The content remains balanced in its presentation of the situation.
Democracy Now!IndependentRight10 days agoThe U.S. has conducted airstrikes against Iran for two consecutive days, with President Trump indicating further strikes may occur. Iran retaliated by launching missiles at U.S. military assets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S. strikes have made any ceasefire 'practically meaningless.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that if Iran continues to avoid negotiations, the U.S. may resort to using force.
Bias read (Right): The article presents statements from high-ranking U.S. officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasizing the potential for further military action and framing Iran's actions as provocative and uncooperative. The language used by officials, such as 'negotiate with bombs' and 'we're very good
Official sources cited
- government Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
HuffPostParty-alignedCenter11 days agoThe United States conducted new airstrikes against Iran following President Donald Trump's warnings to Tehran, while Iran retaliated by launching attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. The situation comes amid stalled negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, with Iran maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy supplies and increasing oil prices. This marks the third instance of reciprocal strikes within a two-month ceasefire. Iran's UN ambassador emphasized that the country would not negotiate under threat, while both nations appear to seek an end to the conflict that they
Bias read (Center): The article presents events factually without overtly favoring either side. It reports on actions taken by both the U.S. and Iran, including quotes from Iran's UN ambassador, and does not use loaded language or one-sided sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government United Nations Security Council
The HillIndependentCenter12 days ago Wright says amount of oil through the Strait of Hormuz will 'continue to rise'Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated during an Atlantic Council event that oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is rising significantly and will continue to do so as the U.S. and Iran work to resolve their ongoing conflict. Oil prices have decreased slightly following this outlook. President Trump also commented on increased oil flow through the strait and lower prices. According to MarineTraffic, traffic remains at historic lows with only five confirmed crossings.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statements from Energy Secretary Chris Wright and President Trump regarding oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz without overtly favoring any political perspective. It includes information on oil prices and external analyses without apparent bias toward either side of the U
Official sources cited
- organisation Atlantic Council Event
- organisation MarineTraffic Analysis
The New York Times (World)Independent🔒Center12 days agoThe United States launched strikes on Iran in retaliation for the downing of a U.S. drone. This occurred following Israel and Iran stepping back from direct confrontation. The Israeli military actions against Hezbollah have complicated ongoing U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates without overtly biased language or emphasis. It does not favor one side over another in the conflict description.
Associated PressIndependentCenter12 days agoIsrael and Iran have paused their strikes following an exchange of fire, marking the first such incident since a ceasefire was established in April.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral summary of events without apparent bias, focusing on the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran without taking a stance or using loaded language.
The New York Times (US)Independent🔒Center12 days ago Netanyahu Called Off Iran Strikes After Trump Claimed Progress in Nuclear Talks, Officials SayIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called off planned military strikes against Iran after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed progress was being made in nuclear negotiations, according to multiple officials.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report without overtly biased language or framing. It does not take a stance on the validity of Trump's claims or Netanyahu's decision, merely relaying information from unnamed officials.
The New York Times (World)Independent🔒Center12 days ago Israel Halts Iran Strikes After Trump Claims Progress Toward Nuclear Talks, Officials SayIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has paused its strikes against Iran following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Iran also announced it would halt its attacks, though both sides emphasized they remain prepared to resume hostilities if necessary.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of both Israeli and Iranian statements without apparent bias. It does not favor one side over the other and reports directly on the claims made by both parties.
Official sources cited
- government Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- government Iranian officials
Christian Science MonitorIndependentCenter12 days ago After another round of retaliation, Iran and Israel say they will hold off for nowIran and Israel have engaged in renewed direct military exchanges, disrupting a two-month ceasefire brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Both nations have stated they will temporarily halt hostilities but have issued warnings about potential future escalation. The situation highlights tensions over regional stability and Iran's efforts to secure a broader ceasefire that protects its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both Iranian and Israeli statements without overtly favoring one side. It includes quotes from both parties and frames the situation as a continuation of ongoing tensions rather than taking a clear stance on which side is more responsible or justified.
Official sources cited
- government Khatam al-Anbiya Command Headquarters Statement
- government Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Statement
SlateIndependentLeft13 days agoThe article discusses recent events in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, highlighting the perceived decline of U.S. influence during President Donald Trump's administration. It describes how Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel despite Trump's warnings, and how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defied Trump's orders not to retaliate. The article also notes Trump's public comments about his authority over foreign policy decisions.
Bias read (Left): The article frames Trump's actions and statements in a critical light, emphasizing the perceived irrelevance of the U.S. under his leadership. It highlights Trump's failed attempts to mediate between Israel and Iran, suggesting a lack of effective foreign policy. The tone implies criticism of Trump,
Official sources cited
- organisation Saul Loeb/Getty Images
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