Alex Martin Astley

“Since AFP was founded in 1944, we have lost journalists in conflicts, some have been injured, others taken prisoner. But none of us remember witnessing colleagues die of hunger.” #Gaza

Gaza hospital says 21 children dead from malnutrition in 72 hours as UN warns 'last lifelines collapsing' bbc.in/4f2fKOd

With sectarian violence on Syrian streets once again, my latest piece examines how a lack of accountability could fuel further unrest, destabilising Syria’s transition. Comments from @GregoryPWaters, @FADELABDULGHANY, and @ShadiHaroun for @The_NewArab newarab.com/analysis/how-s…

“They were drinking coffee when gunmen came in and just started shooting. There are no weapons allowed in the hall,” said Maan Radwan, whose 15 relatives were gunned down in Suweida. Horrific testimonials as Suweida is gripped with communal violence. theguardian.com/world/2025/jul…

Beyond delaying much-needed closure and reparations for survivors and victims' families, a lack of accountability could provoke social violence in Syria How Syria's transitional justice failures could fuel instability ⬇️ 🖋 @AlexMAstley newarab.com/analysis/how-s…

Western diplomats were within metres of Israeli strikes in Damascus, sources say reuters.com/world/middle-e… A number of embassies are also in the general vicinity as well as popular hotels where government officials and diplomats meet.

In 7 months, #Israel has done the following in #Syria: - 987 air & artillery strikes - 421 ground incursions - Occupied ~180sqkm of land In response, #Syria's govt has done: - 0 attacks - Filed x2 UNSC complaints - Seized 49 #Hezbollah weapons shipments headed to #Lebanon

“The accident rate is absolutely horrific,” HALO’s Damian O’Brien told @The_NewArab. #Syria is littered with mines and explosives, and as millions of people return home after the fall of Assad, this has resulted in over 1,000 casualties in six months: newarab.com/analysis/after…

“All of my life, I was born and grow up with this scene of the settlement just a few metres away from my family house. I can simply see how luxurious their life is. And we are banned from having any kind of basic human rights.” @sallyhayd, West Bank irishtimes.com/world/middle-e…

798 people killed trying to access aid in Gaza between 27 May and 7 July. That’s 19 people killed every day. #Gaza #Israel reuters.com/world/middle-e…

Truly horrific images of children, toddlers, babies- their bodies torn apart by an Israeli bombing whilst waiting for food supplements. Distraught mothers are hugging lifeless small bodies. ‘We’re appalled’ says @unicefchief

Back in #Damascus

In the last 20 days, #Israel has launched 61 ground incursions into southwest #Syria. These past 3 weeks have seen the tempo of @IDF incursions more than double compared to the rest of 2025 -- per SyriaWeekly.com data.

Shameful beyond words. Consultancy gone beyond terribly wrong. 'Relocate' doing heavy lifting as euphemism for ethnic cleansing. Adding insult to injury, relocation compensation= $9K. ft.com/content/c0e661…

🔴 After years of war, a deadly landmine crisis plagues Syria One of the most heavily mined countries in the world, it is a race against time to make urban and rural areas safe again @AlexMAstley's latest In-depth report from Syria for @The_NewArab ⬇️ newarab.com/analysis/after…

Armed US security contractors are shooting at Palestinians shortly after receiving aid in #Gaza. Gunfire rings out in this video, prompting celebratory shouts of “I think he hit one” and “Hell yeah, boy!” – via AP #Israel

Breaking: Just an hour ago, Israel WIPED OUT an entire family in their tents in Khan Younis.