INTERNACIONAL
Cruz slams UN’s Israel ‘genocide’ charge, pushes for consequences
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Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz criticized a United Nations report accusing Israel of genocide, warning that the Trump administration and Congress had tools at their disposal to sanction those behind it.
The report, issued Tuesday by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (COI), said, «the State of Israel bears responsibility for the failure to prevent genocide, the commission of genocide, and the failure to punish genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.»
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Cruz said, «This latest announcement by the United Nations is no different than any of the other antisemitic smears and libels that have been leveled against Israel in their ongoing response to Hamas’ atrocities on Oct. 7.
«This campaign directly undermines American national security interests by eroding Israel’s freedom of action against Hamas terrorists who killed Americans and fueling international lawfare against Israel, which will be turned against American servicemembers, and indeed American citizens in general. The Republican Trump administration and Republican Congress have developed tools and sanctions to deal with these threats, and they should be used against everyone involved in this travesty,’ his statement concluded.
UN BLASTED FOR FUNDING COMMITTEE ‘CREATED TO DESTROY THE JEWISH STATE,’ DESPITE BUDGET CRISIS
Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, South African judge Navi Pillay, speaks during a press conference in Geneva on September 16, 2025. The Inquiry Commission on September 16, 2025 accused Israel of committing «genocide» in Gaza in a bid to «destroy the Palestinians» there, and blamed Israel’s prime minister and other top officials for incitement. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)
Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and president of Human Rights Voices, told Fox News Digital that «the latest report of the U.N.’s phony ‘inquiry’ promotes genocide – against Jews.»
Bayefsky said the report «obscenely rationalizes the crimes against humanity committed by Hamas and other Palestinians on Oct. 7 as an understandable reaction to prior Israeli wrongs,» and «downgrades the mass murder, rape, torture, and trauma of Israelis by suggesting that not enough Jews were harmed to pose an ‘existential threat’ to Israel.»
Bayefsky said that the COI, which has previously been accused of omitting important facts from its reporting, «makes zero recommendations for Hamas.» She also said the report mentions the terror group’s tunnel network, which was «integral to the Oct. 7 atrocities,» only «in the context of criticizing Israel.»
Sen. Ted Cruz condemned latest attack against Israel. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
Salo Aizenberg, director of media watchdog group HonestReporting, pushed back on the COI report’s assertion that Israel has «impos[ed] measures intended to prevent births.» He told Fox News Digital that, «If Israel truly aimed to destroy Gaza’s population, why did it allow WHO teams earlier in 2025 to vaccinate 603,000 children under age 10 — matching pre-Oct. 7 numbers?»
He noted that it «disregards that more than 20,000 Gaza fatalities are fighters from Hamas and other armed groups, obscuring the true dynamics of the conflict.»
HAMAS TERROR OUTLET QUIETLY CUTS GAZA DEATH COUNT, REVEALS MOST KILLED WERE COMBAT-AGE MEN
In its recommendations, the COI report specifically calls for Israel to «ensure full, unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale» and «end the distribution of food aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.» The report cites the commissioner-general of the controversial U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), who has called GHF «an abomination» and «a death trap» that is «costing more lives than it saves.»
According to recent U.N. statistics, however, between July 21 and Aug. 18 there were double the number of deaths along U.N. convoy routes (576) as there were surrounding GHF sites (259).
Hamas terrorists killed civilians, including women, children and the elderly, when they attacked Israel on Oct. 7. (Israel Defense Forces via AP)
Additionally, only 14.5% of U.N. aid trucks sent into Gaza have reached their intended destinations since May due to armed looting and theft. During the same period, GHF has distributed 165 million meals to Palestinians at its secure distribution sites.
GHF released a statement explaining that the COI published its report «without ever contacting» the organization, calling its statements «falsehoods that could have been easily corrected had we been asked.» GHF said there have been no shootings at its sites, and that claims, particularly that children have been shot, are «not only false» but «reckless.»
HAMAS PLOTS INFILTRATION AT US-BACKED GAZA AID SITE, FORCES TEMPORARY SHUTDOWN
While the COI currently casts specific blame on three Israeli officials for alleged genocide, COI member Chris Sidoti told the press on Monday, «there are many, many statements by Israeli political and civilian leaders that incite genocide, and also by others, including some media commentators in Israel, that have been inciting genocide.»
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, did not respond to questions on whether Sidoti’s remarks were an attack on Israel’s media.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu hold signs as he addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
In response to press questions about the COI report, Guterres said that «it is not in the attributions of the Secretary-General to do the legal determination of genocide. That belongs to the adequate judicial entities, namely, the International Court of Justice.» Guterres said, «the truth is that this is something that it is morally, politically, and legally intolerable.»
Bayefsky said that «U.S. law withholds funds for the COI, but clearly it has not had the intended impact.» She argued it is «high time» to do a «lot more to terminate the dangers that the U.N. and its COI pose to both the United States and Israel.»
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Fox News Digital asked the State Department whether it intended to sanction COI members or prevent their travel to the U.N. for next week’s General Assembly debate. The State Department did not issue a response by press time.
A spokesperson for the COI did not respond to questions from Fox News Digital about its report.
united nations,israel,conflicts,terrorism
INTERNACIONAL
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom
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An Iranian refugee held at gunpoint at school before fleeing Iran during the 1979 revolution is calling for hope, democracy and prayers for his homeland as the U.S. joins Israel in targeting Iran’s ruling clerical regime.
David Nasser, now an American pastor, spoke to Fox News Digital six days after Operation Epic Fury was launched in Iran, which reignited haunting memories for him and of the time when he was 9 years old.
«As a child, my family and I were forced to escape Iran and run for our lives,» Nasser, President and CEO of David Nasser Outreach recalled.
«We found safe harbor as refugees granted political asylum here in the United States,» Nasser said, describing how his father had been a high-ranking officer in Iran’s military, meaning «his family became targets as the government collapsed.»
«One of my most vivid memories of realizing that nothing was ever going to be the same again was at a school assembly on a military base — a soldier called out three names and mine was called first,» he said.
David Nasser fled Iran when he was 9 years old during the 1979 revolution. (David Nasser)
«When I got to the front, the soldier dropped a piece of paper, took a gun out of his holster and put it to my head and quoted the Quran. He told me that he was sent to make an example out of me,» Nasser added.
The principal intervened, but the message he relayed was unmistakable. Nasser recalled.
«They’re killing everybody who’s anybody. They’re trying to make an example out of people like our family, and they’re using fear,» he remembered hearing at the time.
«That’s one of my first memories of the revolution, but really just being completely scared for my life.»
Soon after, Nasser’s family devised an escape plan. They would pretend Nasser’s mother needed emergency heart surgery in Switzerland and buy round-trip tickets to avoid raising suspicion.
«We bought round-trip airline tickets like we were going and coming back, but we weren’t coming back. We were running for our lives,» he said.
KHAMENEI IS DEAD — AND IRANIANS DARE TO HOPE FOR FREEDOM AGAIN AFTER DECADES OF TYRANNY
David Nasser recalled a school assembly on a military base when a soldier called out his name and put a gun to his head. (David Nasser)
At the airport, Nasser remembers gripping his father’s hand tightly and hearing words he will never forget.
«‘If they find out we’re escaping, they’re going to kill us right here on the spot,’ my father said as his hands shook, holding mine. The last time I was in Iran, I was a 9-year-old little boy running for my life,» he said.
Now, watching events unfold in Iran from the safety of the U.S., Nasser said his heart remains with millions of desperate Iranians facing uncertainty.
«We see them — I see them, I hear them. My heart is beating really fast for them right now with hope and with prayers for their protection and their provision,» Nasser said.
«Protection. I’m praying for protection for them. I want to be a part of the provision for them. If Iran transitions from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to help rebuild.»
ISRAEL HAMMERS IRANIAN INTERNAL SECURITY COMMAND CENTERS TO OPEN DOOR TO UPRISING
Pastor David Nasser fled Iran as a child and urges hope during the U.S. military campaign in Iran. (David Nasser)
«If this moment actually comes, and they go from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to be a part of the solution — for that 9-year-old little boy that I once was. I want to do this for him.»
Beyond political change, Nasser, who is also teaching pastor at New Vision Baptist Church, said he takes solace in what he describes as spiritual transformation already underway, calling it «the fastest-growing church in the world right now or the underground church in Iran.»
«We know there’s at minimum 4 million, at maximum 8 million Christians right now in Iran,» he said.
«In Iran, if you convert from Islam to Christianity, that can be a death sentence. If they come into your home, and you’re gathering for Christian worship, they will take your home title, you will lose your home.
«They’re in prison. They’re being tortured. They’re being ridiculed. They’re being mocked.
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«Above all, I came to America, and it was a land of opportunity. And I was given the gift of democracy. So, I would love to see democracy in Iran, where all the boys and girls are afforded what I was afforded when I managed to escape.»
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war with iran,iran,donald trump,middle east,christianity religion,ali khamenei,christianity
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Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, will not seek reelection, opting to leave the Senate just minutes before Wednesday’s filing deadline in the Treasure State, three sources confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Montana’s senior senator is serving his second term and was widely expected to secure a third in Big Sky Country, where President Donald Trump won by nearly 20 points in 2024. He previously served two terms in the House before making the leap to the upper chamber.
Daines played a key role during that election cycle as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, helping Republicans regain a majority in the upper chamber. He also backed Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, in a grueling race against former Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, helping the GOP secure unified control of Washington.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, plans to retire at the end of his term, opening up his seat in Big Sky Country as Republicans look to keep their grip in the upper chamber. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The lawmaker said in a video statement that after «much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek reelection.»
He thanked his wife, Cindy, and noted that for the last 13 years, she «has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C.»
«And together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana and continuing to make a difference,» he said.
With Daines set to leave the Senate, Republicans will now look to hold the seat. Montana’s primary election is scheduled for June 2.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS’ EARLY RETIREMENT RUMORS SEND SHOCKWAVES THROUGH HOUSE GOP
President Donald Trump takes questions from the media during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed just minutes before Daines withdrew from the race, according to the Montana Secretary of State. Earlier Wednesday, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar entered the race as an independent.
Trump wasted no time lauding Daines and swiftly backing Alme in a post on Truth Social.
«Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators,» Trump said. «He honorably served for 12 years in the Senate, and 2 in the House of Representatives. He did a job like few others are capable of doing but, sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, ‘pass the torch’ to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.»
OPERATION EPIC FURY SURVIVES SENATE CHALLENGE AS REPUBLICANS CLOSE RANKS BEHIND TRUMP
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., arrives to a caucus meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill on May 10, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Three Democrats are also running on the opposite side of the primary field: Alani Bankhead, Reilly Neil and Michael Blackwolf.
A spokesperson for the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told Fox News Digital in a statement that «Republicans’ midterm prospects are so bleak in 2026 that yet another Senator is running for the hills.»
«Steve Daines is joining more and more of his colleagues in deciding to throw in the towel rather than defend their toxic record,» they said. «This news is the latest flashing warning sign to all GOP senators: Your jobs are not safe, retire or lose.»
Daines’ departure comes on the heels of Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, who earlier this week announced he plans to retire from the House.
Zinke cited several undisclosed surgeries stemming from injuries he suffered as a Navy SEAL.
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«My judgment and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes,» Zinke said.
His open primary has already attracted several Montana Republicans, including Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and conservative radio host Aaron Flint, who swiftly earned the endorsements of Zinke and Trump.
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INTERNACIONAL
De los autos blindados al ataúd dorado: así fue el imponente funeral del líder narco «El Mencho» en México
El último adiós a Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, estuvo lejos de la ostentación habitual de los grandes capos narcos.
El líder del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), uno de los criminales más buscados del mundo, fue despedido en un cementerio moderno de Zapopan, bajo un operativo militar que incluyó vehículos blindados y un despliegue de seguridad pocas veces visto.
Leé también: El dramático testimonio de una turista que vivió el operativo contra “El Mencho” en México
El cuerpo de Oseguera, por quien Estados Unidos ofrecía una recompensa de 15 millones de dólares, fue entregado el sábado a sus familiares por la Fiscalía General.
Desde Ciudad de México lo trasladaron a Guadalajara para velarlo y sepultarlo, en una tumba a ras de tierra, a solo cinco kilómetros de uno de los estadios que serán sede del Mundial 2026.
El ataúd dorado de Nemesio «El Mencho» Oseguera en el cementerio Recinto de la Paz en Zapopan. (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Un funeral blindado y casi anónimo
Desde el domingo, la casa funeraria donde velaron a “El Mencho” estuvo rodeada por un fuerte dispositivo de seguridad.
Militares, guardias nacionales y policías controlaron cada movimiento, interrogaron a todos los que se acercaron y evitaron la llegada de curiosos.
Familiares de Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias as «El Mencho,» asisten a su funeral. (Foto: Reuters).
Sin embargo, el desfile de flores no se detuvo. Grúas cargadas de arreglos monumentales —algunos en forma de cruces, alas de ángeles y hasta un gallo, en honor a la pasión por las peleas del narco conocido como “El señor de los gallos”— llegaron de manera casi anónima, sin destinatario visible.
Finalmente, fueron necesarias cinco grúas para trasladar todos los arreglos florales que le enviaron a la familia del narcotraficante mexicano.
(Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
La ruta hacia el cementerio se mantuvo en secreto hasta último momento por cuestiones de seguridad.
Solo unas ocho personas vestidas de negro y con lentes oscuros, presuntos familiares, acompañaron la carroza blanca que llevaba el ataúd dorado.
El convoy fue escoltado por una decena de vehículos militares y de la Guardia Nacional, además de motos policiales que abrieron paso hasta el camposanto. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, murió en un operativo de las fuerzas mexicanas en Jalisco (Foto: EFE).
Música norteña y un último adios
En el cementerio, custodiado por el Ejército mexicano, solo permitieron el ingreso a quienes demostraron tener asuntos en el lugar.
El féretro dorado fue llevado a una capilla, donde una banda de música norteña interpretó narcocorridos inspirados en la vida de los capos. El Mencho era conocido como «el señor de los gallos». (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Tras una ceremonia de casi una hora, el ataúd volvió a la carroza y fue llevado a la tumba. Una veintena de personas de luto acompañó el entierro, mientras sonaba una canción con la frase: “Ya muerto voy a llevarme no más un puño de tierra”.
A diferencia de otros narcos, “El Mencho” no descansará en un mausoleo lujoso, sino en una tumba sencilla, a ras de la tierra, en un cementerio vecino a una instalación militar.
El Mencho fue enterrado en una tumba al ras de una tierra. (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Violencia y venganza tras la muerte de “El Mencho”
La muerte de Oseguera, ocurrida el domingo 22 de febrero durante un sorpresivo operativo federal en un country de Tapalpa, Jalisco, desató una ola de violencia.
Miembros del CJNG lanzaron ataques coordinados en 20 de los 32 estados mexicanos, con bloqueos, incendios y atentados contra instalaciones oficiales. El cementerio estuvo custodiado pro blindados del Ejército mexicano. (Foto: Reuters).
En estos hechos, más de 70 personas murieron, marcando uno de los episodios más sangrientos tras la caída de un líder narco en México.
Un militar que participó del operativo, bajo anonimato, explicó que el cuerpo de Oseguera fue custodiado en todo momento para evitar que grupos rivales hicieran escarnio de él.
Leé también: Escondida en un bosque y protegida por muros de piedra: así es la mansión donde cayó “El Mencho”
Así, el adiós a “El Mencho” combinó el silencio de sus allegados, la música de banda y un despliegue de seguridad que reflejó el poder y el temor que generó en vida.
México, Narcotráfico
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