It has been difficult to focus on anything other than the escalating genocide in Palestine this week, as we witness, and document, a shift in opinion and coverage that has been far too long coming.

On Friday, John Menadue dug into the reasons that the silence has been so long and strong and Margaret Reynolds called on the prime minister to apply sanctions that reflect the nation’s growing horror at the slaughter. On Saturday, Stuart Rees reminded us that millions are rising to stop the killing, and Jonathan Lis and Liza Rozovsky told us of moves in _Europe to act against Israel's "complete madness"__._ Sunday’s edition saw Patrick Lawrence note the fact that the Western world seemed to be breaking their disgraceful silence 18 months after the start of the violence.

This morning, you have heard again from the heart of the war, with our brave Gaza correspondent Refaat Ibrahim documenting the shocking number of children and young people killed, in an attempt to “erase the future”. Ramzy Baroud speculates that this may be the end game for Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Through all of this we miss the voice of Ali Kazak, whose sudden death last weekend has been sorely felt by all. More tributes will flow this week.

The Pearls and Irritations community are well informed and vocal and we will keep playing our part alongside you.

The _Australia in our region_ series continues this Wednesday, with Menadue saying our retreat from Asia has become a rout, and calling for urgent repair work.

Jack Waterford says the daily fluctuations inside the Liberal and National parties may be diverting, but will probably not matter much in the longer term_._ Richard Cullen will look at China’s calm response to Trump’s tariffs.

Until next week.