Ella

"Mexico City is a big plot twist. Most people expect gray mega city vibes but instead it hits you with jacarandas, giant parks, bougainvillea, gorgeous architecture and tree-lined streets. Love it here!"

To state the obvious: Israel’s security cabinet on Friday approves plan to fully militarily occupy Gaza City. And on Sunday they ruthlessly murder Al Jazeera’s entire team in Gaza City. That’s why they did it. It’s really that simple.

This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that Allah would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal). But Allah’s will came first, and His decree is final. I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times, yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or falsification—so that Allah may bear witness against those who stayed silent, those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women, doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half. I entrust you with Palestine—the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart and scattered across the walls. I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed. I entrust you with my dear son Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life until he grew strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission. I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers brought me to where I am, whose supplications were my fortress and whose light guided my path. I pray that Allah grants her strength and rewards her on my behalf with the best of rewards. I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, Umm Salah (Bayan), from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Yet she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as the trunk of an olive tree that does not bend—patient, trusting in Allah, and carrying the responsibility in my absence with all her strength and faith. I urge you to stand by them, to be their support after Allah Almighty. If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. I testify before Allah that I am content with His decree, certain of meeting Him, and assured that what is with Allah is better and everlasting. O Allah, accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family. Forgive me if I have fallen short, and pray for me with mercy, for I kept my promise and never changed or betrayed it. Do not forget Gaza… And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance. Anas Jamal Al-Sharif 06.04.2025 This is what our beloved Anas requested to be published upon his martyrdom.

Happy Oswald Mosley being knocked out by Manchester anti-fascists day to all who celebrate. (1962)

Sé que ahorita andamos muy “pinches gringos”, pero yo no pierdo de vista a mi verdadera enemiga, mi caseras que, amparada en la legalidad, me ha subido la renta a niveles insostenibles, lucrando con la vivienda, ha convertido todo el primer piso del edificio en negocios al que acceden particularmente los extranjeros y cada año redacta un contrato más abusivo que el anterior. No es casualidad que la CDMX esté gentrificada, es el resultado de un modelo urbano y un gobierno que no solo lo permite, sino que lo promueve activamente.

for future reference, I’m always open to pun-related feedback groundworld.substack.com/p/deeply-scous…

boldly taking on the challenge of defining scouse rap with the post. a touchy subject, let me tell you. livpost.co.uk/p/scouse-rap-g…

new work that that in many ways this piece is a long overdue and a welcome return to the bread and butter of my writing last year :) discogs.com/digs/features/…

Same scousers voting reform will be singing Maggie's in the mud in the boozer at the weekend, divvies

continuing my mission to write about every single aspect of the Liverpool music scene here… thrillist.com/travel/nation/…

took aim at the state of touring, with a characteristic Liverpool slant livpost.co.uk/p/the-uks-cash…

been thinking a lot about the politics and ethics of fundraising parties - so sat down to chat about it with Red City Disco here in Liverpool… open.substack.com/pub/groundworl…

probs the best thing I've ever written - alarming, given that it is, arguably, the most superfluous. anyway it was good craic writing it, enjoy xx circlezeroeight.com/article/morocc…

new writing alert!!! talking raï in Europe with Cheb Mimo newarab.com/features/cheb-…

🧵"Hi, I'm a random journalist on Twitter. I've never been to Israel or Palestine, I've never reported on the conflict, I've never studied it, and last week I didn't know my Hamas from my elbow but here's my take... 1/64"

Meryem Belkihel Has embarked on an epic African adventure by bicycle, taking the internet by storm. Meryem, better known as MeghyLost @Meghyem0ut , is a 28-year-old Moroccan currently ten countries into a journey from Morocco to Tanzania by bike.

chatted with @Meghyem0ut for @DocumentWomen recently - that story here! :) documentwomen.com/meryem-belkihel

@oldspeak1 omg where!!!