John Irvine

2 months ago | itv.com | John Irvine

Today may be the most painful day that Israel has endured since October 7, 2023. The return of the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her two little boys is the heartbreaking last act in a national tragedy. After more than 500 days of not knowing, the awful truth was laid out in Gaza this morning. At the time of their abduction Ariel was aged four and Kfir just nine months. On a day of grim headlines the kidnapping of a baby represented a new low in an old conflict.

2 months ago | itv.com | John Irvine

There’s a four-letter word for American nation-building efforts in the Middle East - IRAQ. Add in the debacle in Afghanistan and you have two good reasons to suspect President Trump is bluffing when he talks about taking over Gaza. The US military has already tried and failed to intervene there. Remember the floating pier they brought over last year, hoping to boost the humanitarian supply effort? It didn’t work because the sea off Gaza proved too rough, and the project was soon abandoned.

2 months ago | itv.com | John Irvine

History is unfolding in Gaza today. For the first time ever, Palestinians expelled from their land are being allowed to go back. The exodus of tens of thousands from southern to northern Gaza represents the mythical ‘right of return’ actually happening in practice. Or at least a version of it. From the Palestinian perspective that term officially refers to refugees displaced during the wars of 1948 and 1967 and now living in exile in neighbouring countries, as well as the West Bank and Gaza.

Jan 21, 2025 | dailyrecord.co.uk | Rory Cassidy |John Irvine

Two men have been arrested following a series of drug raids across Scotland. The 28 and 29-year-old were detained following operations in West Calder, Falkirk, Livingston and Edinburgh. They have been charged in connection with drugs offences across three different police divisions in Scotland. Yesterday, Monday, January 20, 2025, two warrants were executed in Falkirk. The raids saw the suspects being arrested in connection with serious and organised crime.

Jan 15, 2025 | itv.com | John Irvine

Many are furious it's taken so long, but this is a moment of history - historic and momentous. The ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel is most historic thing that's happened since Iran attacked Israel for the first time ever, by sending hundreds of missiles and drones this way last April. I mention that attack because it was a direct result of the war in Gaza, and it proved just how inflammatory the conflict could become.