Monday's: From iOF to Lebanon, Gaza, Iran & Sarah Wilkinson. what's up

@MENAUncensoredOct 27, 2025

The Spaces provided a fast-moving regional briefing led by Layla (host, in Lebanon) with contributions from Nina, Shami (on a train), Meds, and Zab. It opened with on-the-ground notes about persistent Israeli drone activity over Beirut and ongoing cross-border bombardment along Lebanon’s Blue Line. A major segment covered UK activist Sarah Wilkinson’s court case and alleged overreach by anti-terror policing, noting she was not remanded and was represented by a Palestinian barrister. The panel then assessed Iranian deterrence messaging and Israeli domestic claims versus costs—economic damage, labor disruption, and a contested scale of settler emigration. Nina emphasized “follow the money,” naming hedge funds, BIS, and offshore banking, and warned of Gaza “reconstruction” carve-ups. In Gaza, speakers described a new buffer zone, a Rafah demolition incident they say Israel misattributed to Hamas, continued strikes, limited aid, and controversy around WCK. Additional updates touched Iraq–Iran coordination on border threats, Yemen maritime incidents, and global spillovers (Venezuela, Horn of Africa, Pakistan–Afghanistan border). The session closed with a caution that a more brutal “second phase” may be imminent and a reminder to verify claims and watch financial and political maneuvers alongside battlefield developments.

Twitter Spaces Summary: Regional war developments, Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, finance networks, and activism

Participants and context

Host: Layla (Speaker 1). Opened the space, sent invitations, and framed the agenda. Broadcasting from Beirut area near the presidential palace/Defense Ministry; reported persistent Israeli drone activity overhead and ongoing bombardment along the Blue Line.
Nina (Speaker 4). Provided detailed analysis on settler exodus numbers, global financial structures behind reconstruction and energy deals, and broader geopolitical threads (Africa, Venezuela, digital ID, etc.).
Shami/Shamim (Speaker 3). Joined from a train; amplified key media points (notably the 60 Minutes interview) and urged retweets due to space glitches.
Meds (Speaker 2). Briefly voiced support for Sarah Wilkinson and returned to listening due to work/trial commitments.
Zab/Sab (Speaker 5). Asked questions about Kushner’s interview, ceasefire breaches, and Pakistan–Afghanistan border tensions.
Referenced but did not speak: Sarah Wilkinson (UK activist), Brother N.Y., Alexa, Architect, Zed, Haifa, Hiram, Kevin, Innocent, Benny, Cool, Shawn, Fafu, Taylor, Cecilia, and others.

On-the-ground in Lebanon and along the Blue Line

Layla reported an Israeli drone hovering low and continuously above central Beirut (near presidential palace/Defense Ministry), captured on video by family; noted the drone had been present for weeks, with unusually low, prolonged flight on the day of discussion.
Ongoing Israeli bombardment of frontline villages across southern Lebanon and strikes on construction material sites were described as efforts to deter reconstruction and provoke Hezbollah into reactions. Participants argued these tactics aim to signal a long-term Israeli presence and to draw out Hezbollah’s capabilities.

Gaza: ceasefire, buffer zones, Rafah incident, and humanitarian conditions

Buffer zone: Participants asserted Israel is demarcating a “yellow line” buffer zone inside Gaza, and that Israel does not intend to leave without installing an international force. Layla and Nina argued such a force (potentially GCC/Arab contingents) would protect Israelis from Palestinians, not vice versa, and would be perceived as occupation if not welcomed locally.
Rafah incident: Layla and Nina contended the recent blast in Rafah that killed Israeli personnel occurred when a bulldozer team struck an unexploded ordnance left by Israel, not due to Hamas action; they stated Netanyahu initially blamed Hamas, but subsequent information pointed to an Israeli munition detonation.
Ceasefire breaches: Layla maintained Israel has repeatedly breached ceasefire terms “through and through” daily.
Humanitarian access: Nina said aid flows remain severely constrained; referenced Dr. Munir al-Bursh (Gaza MoH) stating medical aid has not reached hospitals. Layla cited Tom Fletcher (UN OCHA head) promoting bakery operations and aid, but criticized the whitewashing of specific NGOs.
WCK and NGO controversies: Layla alleged World Central Kitchen (Jose Andrés) operates as a front for Western intelligence (CIA/MI6), referencing a prior incident where ex-MI6 personnel died and shipments allegedly carried espionage equipment rather than food. She characterized the U.S.-built pier as constructed atop Palestinian remains and rubble. Nina added WCK operates in the West Bank, claiming this affords Israeli/intelligence access.
Torture and bodies: Nina cited Dr. al-Bursh’s report of 150 bodies of Palestinian detainees returned to Gaza exhibiting signs of torture/execution (binding, blindfolds, burns, abrasions, possible tank-run injuries), asserting systematic abuse in Israeli detention sites.
Social fabric resilience: Layla relayed testimony from a young woman (26–27), blinded by attacks, who emphasized increased resolve and refusal to turn against the resistance.

Iran: messaging, capabilities, and escalation calculus

Layla summarized a message from an Iranian leader (described as “sayyid”/spiritual commander) to Donald Trump: he called Trump “delusional” for believing Iran’s nuclear/missile capabilities were degraded, asserting Iran’s stock and precision strike capacity remain robust.
Claimed hits: Cited alleged accurate strikes on critical Israeli targets (e.g., Weizmann Institute, a technological warfare center, a base under a hospital), arguing these demonstrate Iranian intelligence and domestic manufacturing quality, including knowledge transfer from older to younger scientists.
Escalation warnings: Layla framed recent U.S./Israeli threats (Netanyahu, Trump) of broader war if Hamas/Hezbollah do not disarm, but contended Israel’s request to “stop the war” during a 12-day period followed painful Iranian strikes. She speculated Israel may seek a pretext to test Iran’s strength but doubted Israel needs excuses.

Netanyahu’s claims versus costs

Netanyahu’s Knesset speech (as relayed by Layla) boasted control over Syria’s Mount Hermon and the skies over Tehran, and a strong hand in Lebanon. Participants rejected these as delusional without acknowledging costs.
Economic damage: Layla estimated Israel suffered approximately one-third economic loss (using ~$498B economy → ~$160B losses by last November; potentially more since). She underscored losses in labor due to soldier/reservist casualties, production drops, and human capital flight.
Human capital and tourism: Layla asserted around 1 million Israelis left and “are never coming back,” harming the occupation’s viability. Travel for officials restricted by war crimes designations, depressing tourism.
Diaspora behavior: Layla and Nina alleged Israeli travelers in Thailand, Cyprus, Argentina, and elsewhere form closed resorts/spas and disrespect local communities; Thai locals reportedly complain.

Settler exodus and Haridim dynamics

Nina’s numbers: She argued last year’s confirmed internal figures showed 1.2 million settlers had left “indefinitely,” and the current outflow could approach 1.8–2.0 million, contrasting this with public downplaying (~145,900 reported). She linked departures to insecurity, economic stress, and global reputational risk.
Policy admissions: Nina cited statements by an Israeli settlement minister acknowledging a worsening phenomenon threatening the social fabric, with settlers preferring life abroad amid insecurity, costs, and collapsing public trust.
Haridim protests: Nina and Layla referenced a large Orthodox Jewish protest in New York opposing military service. Layla said Israel deployed a full Haridim battalion after a ceasefire announcement, violating earlier promises not to conscript them, fueling discontent.

U.S. figures visiting/targeting Gaza and the “business deals” narrative

Visitors: Nina listed Witkoff and Kushner already visiting Gaza, with JD Vance planning to visit; joked this is “sightseeing” or real estate/energy scoping. Layla suggested Trump has about three years left and wants to lock in lucrative deals—security, construction, energy—before leaving office.
“Dumb and dumber” interview: Shami described the 60 Minutes exchange where the presenters (Kushner et al.) acknowledged Gaza “looks like a nuclear bomb went off” but denied genocide; she highlighted their claim regional political leaders failed, so they “did business deals,” and disparaging Arabs as “greedy.”
Adelson funding: Nina emphasized Miriam Adelson (ex-IOF) and Sheldon Adelson’s financing and cited Trump’s mention of $60 billion, which she urged tracking (“follow the money”) across annexations, weapons, and economic underpinnings.

Financial architecture: who cuts the pie

Layla and Nina argued Gaza’s future is being carved up by major finance: BlackRock, Ashmore, Fidelity, and other funds meeting in London not for “coffee” but to divvy reconstruction/energy contracts.
Banking structures: Nina laid out onshore/offshore versus “secure” banking with strict secrecy. Layla highlighted the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) as a sovereign-status institution capable of moving state funds shielded from scrutiny.
EuroAsia Interconnector and energy: Nina claimed Europe’s energy fragility is driving schemes to tap Eastern Med gas; partners sought UAE funding for phase two; British Gas and others implicated. Layla added the U.S. seeks an Eastern Mediterranean military base and control of trade routes intersecting the region.

Iraq–Syria–U.S. footprint and cross-border threats

Iraq visit: Layla noted Iraq’s national security adviser visited Tehran, citing shared threats from Israel, the U.S., and allied militias.
Eastern Syria: Participants criticized the U.S. presence in oil-rich areas (e.g., near Deir ez-Zor, Conoco) and suggested U.S.-aligned Kurdish (or other) forces provide protective cover. Layla warned of files being “moved” to border crossings (interpreted as shifting conflict/pressure there), which imperils both Iraq and Syria.

Pakistan–Afghanistan border and regional interference

CIA interference: Nina echoed Layla’s earlier forecast that CIA would manipulate Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions from the inside. Zab asked about a reported skirmish escalation; Layla differentiated between the Pakistani public and its leadership, cautioning against hasty judgments while affirming Pakistan’s historical support for Palestine.
Domestic protests: Zab reported TL Pakistan protests in Lahore were met with enforcement action; public distrust of any normalization with Israel remains high. Nina mentioned a recent Qatar-mediated “deal” aimed at reducing border violations and noted India–Myanmar tensions contemporaneously.

Wider global theaters and digital ID concerns

Venezuela/Caribbean: Nina alleged ongoing U.S. military activities targeting Venezuelan maritime/Caribbean zones and efforts to orchestrate a coup against Maduro, elevating pro-Western opposition figures; called out “peace prize” award politics as part of a larger lobbying architecture.
China–Taiwan: Referenced U.S. interference amidst broader energy poverty and multipolar rebalancing.
Africa/Horn of Africa: Nina stressed strategic importance and Western setbacks, citing moves in Somaliland/Horn and “genocides” across several locales.
Digital ID: Nina warned that a Zionist-owned firm (HQ in Israel and Australia) provides core tech for global digital identity systems, allegedly “twin-copying” personal data; she urged scrutiny of data governance and linkage to broader control systems.

Media operations and platform issues

Space glitches: Multiple participants experienced mic cuts, static, and “kicks” from the space; called for retweets to stabilize.
Editorial posture: Layla set a rule not to put non-accredited Gaza voices on mic, given misinformation risks; preferred verified reporters.
Upcoming content: Layla previewed a Press TV segment with the injured Gaza woman and mentioned a “Gaza 24-hour Roundup” article to be launched on their website once she is fully alert to finalize formatting.

Key viewpoints by participant

Layla: Emphasized Israeli operational pressure on Lebanon and Gaza, resilience of local resistance, and the political-economic motive behind Gaza (control of coastline/seabed, trade routes, U.S. base). Critiqued WCK/NGO narratives and highlighted Iran’s capabilities. Asserted that any Arab/GCC force unwelcomed in Gaza would be perceived as occupation.
Nina: Argued settler exodus is far larger than public figures, detailed the global finance and banking structures (BIS, funds), and connected energy projects to geopolitical strategies. Criticized U.S./Israeli narratives in media, underscored torture evidence, and urged focusing on actions and funding rather than Trump’s rhetoric.
Shami: Flagged contradictions in high-profile interviews, amplified the “business deals” admission, and encouraged dissemination despite technical issues.
Meds: Expressed solidarity with Sarah Wilkinson.
Zab: Raised questions on ceasefire breaches, Kushner’s interview, and Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions.

Sarah Wilkinson case (UK)

Layla recounted that Sarah Wilkinson was dragged to court by anti-terror police under “bogus/draconian” charges related to speech/tweets supporting resistance against occupation and calling to stop genocide in Gaza.
Alleged prior mistreatment: Layla said Israeli forces intercepted and mistreated her onboard a vessel headed to Gaza, denying medication and providing “toilet water,” and upon return, UK authorities detained her at Heathrow.
Outcome and defense: Layla reported house arrest cancellation (no remand), crediting the judicial system; highlighted that a Palestinian barrister represented her—“a double whammy” symbolically. She praised solidarity at Magistrates’ Court and expects Sarah may share videos.

Closing and forward look

The space was kept intentionally short, with a plan for a larger, more comprehensive session on Friday.
Layla concluded the U.S. and Israel remain aligned against the Palestinians and the broader region (Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Jordan), and forecast a “second phase” of war more brutal than the first.
Nina’s closing line: “Free Palestine, victory to the resistance,” expressing steadfast opposition to occupation.

Highlights and takeaways

On-the-ground: Persistent drone activity over Beirut area; intensified bombardment in South Lebanon; Gaza buffer-zone demarcation and an incident in Rafah likely due to Israeli UXO per participants’ account.
Human rights: Return of 150 bodies with signs of torture; strict criticism of aid narratives and NGO operations seen as intelligence covers.
Strategic finance: Major funds and banking institutions implicated in Gaza’s post-war “pie cutting” (reconstruction, energy, security), with BIS highlighted for sovereign immunity.
Israeli domestic strain: Participants asserted severe economic losses, large settler exodus, haridim conscription backlash, and tourism collapse.
Regional escalation: Iran’s deterrent messaging; cross-border pressures in Iraq–Syria; warnings of international force deployment in Gaza; Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions; broader U.S. actions in Venezuela, Africa, and Taiwan.
Media stance: Preference for verified sources from Gaza; anticipation of a Press TV segment; technical platform instability noted.