* On June 6, Israeli police detained prominent Sheikh Jarrah activists Mona and Mohammed Al-Kurd under the pretense of “participating in riots and other recent incidents in Sheikh Jarrah.” Despite being later released, the Al-Kurd family faced numerous roadblocks during the detention process, including denied access to a lawyer. The Kurd twins, who are currently the faces of the save Sheikh Jarrah movement, have used social media as a form of gaining traction and attention at Israel’s continued demolition and occupation of Palestinian territories. Israeli security forces and government have continued to target activists and journalists, exemplified by the recent arrest of Al Jazeera reporter Givara Budeiri who was later released. AFP and Daily Star released a feature story on June 6th, highlighting the continued struggle that the families in Sheikh Jarrah face, as settlers move into their homes. 

* Mohammad Jaber wrote an article for Ain News on June 7 titled “Palestinian Youth Won the Bet.” In this article, Jaber boasts the efforts led by Palestinian youth in resisting the most recent Israeli attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian towns. He especially praised their activism in speaking out in media and online, as they led the efforts to spread the truth. Jaber also indicated that the “internet generation” – as some refer to youth – has been a source of pride because the internet was instrumental for youth to tell the world their struggles. Jaber highlights that their technological knowledge does not overshadow their tremendous commitment to their right to their land. 

* Alaraby published a report on June 7 discussing the future of Gaza and Gazans, and it argues that the international diplomatic approach of tying Gaza's recovery to an ageing and discredited Abbas, and doubling down on a broken and authoritarian system, will not contain Hamas or help Gazans. Palestine was set to hold elections in May 2021, but the cancellation of elections changed Hamas’ calculations, especially that elections had provided Hamas with an incentive to priorities its political track to extricate itself from Gaza and alleviate the crushing socioeconomic pressure endured by its population. However, with the cancellation of elections, Hamas went back to its armed confrontation against Israel. Moreover, Abbas' actions have weakened his own standing and that of the PA, which were both already deeply unpopular and lacking legitimacy among Palestinians. The report also asserts that current international diplomatic efforts must learn from past failures to be able to respond effectively to the changing realities on the ground. It adds that Abbas scuttled the fragile cooperation between Palestinian groups, yet Washington continues to shy away from supporting international accountability mechanisms to deter similar actions. The report concludes by saying that relaunching the Palestinian elections is an integral step for a better future for Gaza and for improving the conditions for peace negotiations, but for that to be successful, there has to be international willingness to challenges Israel’s policies. At the same time, Washington is not giving much priority to Palestinian democracy. Should these conditions remain, international diplomatic efforts are destined to fail. 

* Palestinian youth are coordinating a Youth Issues Conference, to be held on June 18 to discuss a number of issues facing youth including political and social attitudes, volunteering and public participation, education, and work. The aim to organize and assist the development of the younger generation stood priority, as they will also discuss identity, youth perception of religion, nationalism, and sectarianism. They also will discuss violence and crime in relation to the Israeli occupying forces. This research workshop session will review other issues such as gender division and equality.

* Elkhabar reported on June 10 that about 14,000 Algerian expatriates in Tunisia began casting their votes in the Parliamentary Elections, as Algerian expatriates are hoping to elect parliamentarians who will relay their concerns to the authorities in Algeria and defend them in Parliament. In the meantime, Algerian voting stations in Morocco also opened its doors for about 11,000 Algerian expatriates in Morocco. 

* In anticipation for the upcoming Algerian parliamentary elections, the Middle East Monitor on June 11 released numbers on what the public should expect from the elections. Of the candidates, more than half of the (13,009 candidates) are considered in the youth candidate category. With more than 24 million voters and a total of 61,543 polling centers, as well as the recent resignation of resident Abdelaziz Bouteflika after 20 years, analysts expect a larger voter turnout. 

* Aljazeera published on June 8 a report from the French journal Le Figaro illustrating that at the start of June, 7 Lebanese youth established a non-sectarian political party, whereby 3 of the founders are Shiites, 2 are Christians, a Druze, and a Sunni. The 7 young people named the political party “Mentashreen (which has a double meaning of “We are Widespread” and “From October”). The 7 young founders told their story to Le Figaro, citing the idea to establish their political party from the ineffectiveness of the widespread demonstrations after the explosion in the Beirut Port in addition to countless demonstrations over the past few years. They reasoned that those demonstrations were not enough to change the dying political system in Lebanon. They believe that they speak for many other Lebanese youth who are fed up with the sectarian, corrupt political system in Lebanon. They also believe that it is time religions are separated from politics. 

* In Egypt, the Coordination of Youth Parties and Politicians celebrate their three years since their establishment. Representatives have reflected on the political life in the country and the struggles they faced. House of Representatives member Ameera Sabir stated that they faced difficulties but remained unified through their struggles. Representative Suha Saeed addressed the committees’ strategic and supportive efforts to address women’s issues, as it has gained international attention from development organizations.