Cate Brown
@catebrown.bsky.social
International investigations at @WashingtonPost. power over/power to
tips, on yet another platform: cate.brown@washpost.com
tips, on yet another platform: cate.brown@washpost.com
Pinned
Cate Brown
@catebrown.bsky.social
· Aug 31
Israel's war on Hamas has expanded to the Gulf.
Here's a breakdown of their strikes across the region since Oct. 7, w/
@nihamasih.bsky.social
--> wapo.st/4m9I4Ac
Here's a breakdown of their strikes across the region since Oct. 7, w/
@nihamasih.bsky.social
--> wapo.st/4m9I4Ac
September 10, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Israel's war on Hamas has expanded to the Gulf.
Here's a breakdown of their strikes across the region since Oct. 7, w/
@nihamasih.bsky.social
--> wapo.st/4m9I4Ac
Here's a breakdown of their strikes across the region since Oct. 7, w/
@nihamasih.bsky.social
--> wapo.st/4m9I4Ac
McNally Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, as well as its subsidiaries, positioned themselves to profit off contracts with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, now the main source of food in #Gaza.
A look at the shadowy network behind the GHF:
wapo.st/410qmqP
A look at the shadowy network behind the GHF:
wapo.st/410qmqP
The for-profit companies behind Israeli-U.S. nonprofit Gaza aid plan
Now the primary vehicle for food distribution inside Gaza, the controversial U.S.- and Israeli-backed operation is an issue in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
wapo.st
July 22, 2025 at 1:16 PM
McNally Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, as well as its subsidiaries, positioned themselves to profit off contracts with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, now the main source of food in #Gaza.
A look at the shadowy network behind the GHF:
wapo.st/410qmqP
A look at the shadowy network behind the GHF:
wapo.st/410qmqP
Marah Maher lost both her legs when an Israeli airstrike hit her home in Zeitoun, Gaza.
Months later, she’s living in Long Island learning to walk.
A gorgeous profile of one woman, and the resilience of Gaza’s pediatric amputees / www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
Months later, she’s living in Long Island learning to walk.
A gorgeous profile of one woman, and the resilience of Gaza’s pediatric amputees / www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
Among a generation of young amputees from Gaza, one teen tries to move forward
Far from home, Marah Maher is learning to walk again. Every step brings her closer to an unimaginable future.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 10, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Marah Maher lost both her legs when an Israeli airstrike hit her home in Zeitoun, Gaza.
Months later, she’s living in Long Island learning to walk.
A gorgeous profile of one woman, and the resilience of Gaza’s pediatric amputees / www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
Months later, she’s living in Long Island learning to walk.
A gorgeous profile of one woman, and the resilience of Gaza’s pediatric amputees / www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
Reposted by Cate Brown
Scoop: The CEO of Boston Consulting Group apologized to staff and admitted “process failures” in the company’s decision to help design and run the controversial Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that supplanted the work of the UN to deliver aid to Gaza. W/ @catebrown.bsky.social
June 7, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Scoop: The CEO of Boston Consulting Group apologized to staff and admitted “process failures” in the company’s decision to help design and run the controversial Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that supplanted the work of the UN to deliver aid to Gaza. W/ @catebrown.bsky.social
EXCLUSIVE: 198-pg planning doc reveals that architects of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had early concerns that people would compare its planned food hubs and residential compounds with “‘concentration camps’”.
Full story —>
wapo.st/43p3Vfy
Full story —>
wapo.st/43p3Vfy
Sweeping overhaul of Gaza aid raises questions of morality and workability
Concerns raised in a confidential planning document appear prescient, with humanitarian groups, possible donors and some senior IDF officers questioning the plan.
wapo.st
May 24, 2025 at 2:48 PM
EXCLUSIVE: 198-pg planning doc reveals that architects of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had early concerns that people would compare its planned food hubs and residential compounds with “‘concentration camps’”.
Full story —>
wapo.st/43p3Vfy
Full story —>
wapo.st/43p3Vfy
Reposted by Cate Brown
EXCLUSIVE Israel is planning to take control of and sharply reduce aid distribution in Gaza as a condition for lifting two-month blockade. It would use private U.S. security contractors Claire Parker Karen DeYoung Gerry Shih @catebrown.bsky.social report
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Israel plans to control aid distribution in Gaza, use U.S. contractors
Aid agencies say the plan runs counter to humanitarian principles, is logistically unworkable and could put Gazans and workers at risk.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 4, 2025 at 2:01 PM
EXCLUSIVE Israel is planning to take control of and sharply reduce aid distribution in Gaza as a condition for lifting two-month blockade. It would use private U.S. security contractors Claire Parker Karen DeYoung Gerry Shih @catebrown.bsky.social report
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Reposted by Cate Brown
Me making the obvious law of war point.
“African migrants locked up in a prison in northern Yemen are not a lawful military objective.”
Pleased to speak with @catebrown.bsky.social and be quoted alongside Christopher LeMon and Trevor Ball.
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
“African migrants locked up in a prison in northern Yemen are not a lawful military objective.”
Pleased to speak with @catebrown.bsky.social and be quoted alongside Christopher LeMon and Trevor Ball.
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Dozens killed in U.S. strike on purported detention center in Yemen, visuals show
The compound includes a migrant detention center and has at times served military functions, according to U.N. and human rights researchers.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 4, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Me making the obvious law of war point.
“African migrants locked up in a prison in northern Yemen are not a lawful military objective.”
Pleased to speak with @catebrown.bsky.social and be quoted alongside Christopher LeMon and Trevor Ball.
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
“African migrants locked up in a prison in northern Yemen are not a lawful military objective.”
Pleased to speak with @catebrown.bsky.social and be quoted alongside Christopher LeMon and Trevor Ball.
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Israel is planning to subcontract with two American security groups to manage a new aid distribution system in southern #Gaza. I've been told that Palestinians may have to undergo facial recognition scans in order to access life-saving aid.
Our latest:
wapo.st/3EN85Wk
Our latest:
wapo.st/3EN85Wk
Israel plans to control aid distribution in Gaza with U.S. contractors
Aid agencies say the plan runs counter to humanitarian principles, is logistically unworkable and could put Gazans and workers at risk.
wapo.st
May 4, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Israel is planning to subcontract with two American security groups to manage a new aid distribution system in southern #Gaza. I've been told that Palestinians may have to undergo facial recognition scans in order to access life-saving aid.
Our latest:
wapo.st/3EN85Wk
Our latest:
wapo.st/3EN85Wk
A typical meal at Taganrog was about four and a half spoonfuls of food...
New report from @manisha.bsky.social @shaunwalker7.bsky.social and team on the treatment of Ukrainian detainees at one of Russia’s most notorious prison compounds. #ViktoriiaProject
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
New report from @manisha.bsky.social @shaunwalker7.bsky.social and team on the treatment of Ukrainian detainees at one of Russia’s most notorious prison compounds. #ViktoriiaProject
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Inside Taganrog: beatings, electrocution and starvation at prison where Ukrainians were tortured
Russia is holding an estimated 16,000 civilians in arbitrary detention at 180 separate facilities. Taganrog was the most notorious.
www.theguardian.com
April 30, 2025 at 10:27 AM
A typical meal at Taganrog was about four and a half spoonfuls of food...
New report from @manisha.bsky.social @shaunwalker7.bsky.social and team on the treatment of Ukrainian detainees at one of Russia’s most notorious prison compounds. #ViktoriiaProject
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
New report from @manisha.bsky.social @shaunwalker7.bsky.social and team on the treatment of Ukrainian detainees at one of Russia’s most notorious prison compounds. #ViktoriiaProject
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Reposted by Cate Brown
Incredible and haunting reporting by @catebrown.bsky.social, @osviz-jarrett.bsky.social, Catherine Belton, Anastacia Galouchka & others: “She took risks not for the sake of bravery or being recognized, but because she believed it was her duty" www.washingtonpost.com/world/intera...
She tried to expose Russia’s brutal detention system — and ended up dead
A consortium of international journalists continued the work of Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was investigating reports of torture and detention of Ukrainian civilians in occupied Ukraine.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 29, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Incredible and haunting reporting by @catebrown.bsky.social, @osviz-jarrett.bsky.social, Catherine Belton, Anastacia Galouchka & others: “She took risks not for the sake of bravery or being recognized, but because she believed it was her duty" www.washingtonpost.com/world/intera...
Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna set out to report on claims that Russia was operating a network of ad hoc detention centers in occupied #Ukraine. But in Aug '23 she disappeared into one herself...
Our investigation into Russia's notorious Taganrog prison #ViktoriiaProject
wapo.st/3YNw5PF
Our investigation into Russia's notorious Taganrog prison #ViktoriiaProject
wapo.st/3YNw5PF
She tried to expose Russia’s brutal detention system — and ended up dead
A consortium of international journalists continued the work of reporter Viktoriia Roshchyna who was investigating what Russia was doing in occupied Ukraine.
wapo.st
April 29, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna set out to report on claims that Russia was operating a network of ad hoc detention centers in occupied #Ukraine. But in Aug '23 she disappeared into one herself...
Our investigation into Russia's notorious Taganrog prison #ViktoriiaProject
wapo.st/3YNw5PF
Our investigation into Russia's notorious Taganrog prison #ViktoriiaProject
wapo.st/3YNw5PF
Reposted by Cate Brown
March 24, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Cheers to @meghnadbose.bsky.social and co for this thoughtfully reported portrait of #MahmoudKhalil
www.dropsitenews.com/p/mahmoud-kh...
www.dropsitenews.com/p/mahmoud-kh...
“First, They Came for Mahmoud Khalil”
Those close to him tell the story of a man whose journey took him from being a "double refugee" to scholar to political prisoner.
www.dropsitenews.com
March 24, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Cheers to @meghnadbose.bsky.social and co for this thoughtfully reported portrait of #MahmoudKhalil
www.dropsitenews.com/p/mahmoud-kh...
www.dropsitenews.com/p/mahmoud-kh...
Reposted by Cate Brown
🔍 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 (𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀): www.bellingcat.com/bellingcat-i...
Bellingcat is Hiring: Open Source Investigator and Trainer (Conflict) - bellingcat
Bellingcat is hiring an open source investigator and trainer (conflict). Find out more about the role and apply within.
www.bellingcat.com
March 17, 2025 at 11:15 AM
🔍 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 (𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀): www.bellingcat.com/bellingcat-i...
“My arrest was a direct consequence of exercising my right to free speech as I advocated for a free Palestine and an end to the genocide in Gaza which resumed in full force Monday night,” #MahmoudKhalil said in a statement provided to @annabetts.bsky.social. Here/
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
‘I am a political prisoner’: Mahmoud Khalil says he’s being targeted for political beliefs
Exclusive: Palestinian activist and green card holder speaks out from Louisiana detention for first time
www.theguardian.com
March 18, 2025 at 10:34 PM
“My arrest was a direct consequence of exercising my right to free speech as I advocated for a free Palestine and an end to the genocide in Gaza which resumed in full force Monday night,” #MahmoudKhalil said in a statement provided to @annabetts.bsky.social. Here/
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Mahmoud Khalil’s wife told me that the public outcry over his detention matters.
“He has access to a TV at the detention center,” said Abdalla, who has received calls from her husband since his Saturday arrest. “He can see all the support.”
w/ @SusanSvrluga #MahmoudKhalil
wapo.st/43NPdQZ
“He has access to a TV at the detention center,” said Abdalla, who has received calls from her husband since his Saturday arrest. “He can see all the support.”
w/ @SusanSvrluga #MahmoudKhalil
wapo.st/43NPdQZ
Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia student protester arrested by ICE?
Trump wants to deport Khalil, calling him a threat to America for his role in protests against the Israel-Gaza war. Some say, unmasked, he was an easy target.
wapo.st
March 15, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Mahmoud Khalil’s wife told me that the public outcry over his detention matters.
“He has access to a TV at the detention center,” said Abdalla, who has received calls from her husband since his Saturday arrest. “He can see all the support.”
w/ @SusanSvrluga #MahmoudKhalil
wapo.st/43NPdQZ
“He has access to a TV at the detention center,” said Abdalla, who has received calls from her husband since his Saturday arrest. “He can see all the support.”
w/ @SusanSvrluga #MahmoudKhalil
wapo.st/43NPdQZ
Reposted by Cate Brown
I have suspected that this arrest was directed out of the White House rather than being pursuant to the supposed “adverse foreign policy consequences” determination by Rubio.
Will be interesting to see what further information emerges on this front.
Will be interesting to see what further information emerges on this front.
The amended petition comes after Khalil's legal team was able to speak to him for the 1st time.
It tells the story of Khalil's detention and transfer. In New York, after he had his biometrics taken, Khalil heard an agent say to another “the White House is requesting an update.”
It tells the story of Khalil's detention and transfer. In New York, after he had his biometrics taken, Khalil heard an agent say to another “the White House is requesting an update.”
March 14, 2025 at 1:15 AM
I have suspected that this arrest was directed out of the White House rather than being pursuant to the supposed “adverse foreign policy consequences” determination by Rubio.
Will be interesting to see what further information emerges on this front.
Will be interesting to see what further information emerges on this front.
Reposted by Cate Brown
The amended petition comes after Khalil's legal team was able to speak to him for the 1st time.
It tells the story of Khalil's detention and transfer. In New York, after he had his biometrics taken, Khalil heard an agent say to another “the White House is requesting an update.”
It tells the story of Khalil's detention and transfer. In New York, after he had his biometrics taken, Khalil heard an agent say to another “the White House is requesting an update.”
March 14, 2025 at 1:12 AM
The amended petition comes after Khalil's legal team was able to speak to him for the 1st time.
It tells the story of Khalil's detention and transfer. In New York, after he had his biometrics taken, Khalil heard an agent say to another “the White House is requesting an update.”
It tells the story of Khalil's detention and transfer. In New York, after he had his biometrics taken, Khalil heard an agent say to another “the White House is requesting an update.”
Jewish protestors gathered in the main atrium of Trump Tower Thursday, holding banners that displayed calls to “Free Mahmoud”. Others stated that “Opposing Fascism is a Jewish Tradition”.
Police have arrived. Chants continue to free #MahmoudKhalil
Police have arrived. Chants continue to free #MahmoudKhalil
March 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Jewish protestors gathered in the main atrium of Trump Tower Thursday, holding banners that displayed calls to “Free Mahmoud”. Others stated that “Opposing Fascism is a Jewish Tradition”.
Police have arrived. Chants continue to free #MahmoudKhalil
Police have arrived. Chants continue to free #MahmoudKhalil
“The Trump administration has made their intent clear—student protesters defending Palestinian human rights will be targeted, detained, and deported," said @ccrjustice.org
More on the case w/ @mariasacchetti.bsky.social @johnphudson.bsky.social
Gift link w/ his “Notice to Appear” wapo.st/421dDFo
More on the case w/ @mariasacchetti.bsky.social @johnphudson.bsky.social
Gift link w/ his “Notice to Appear” wapo.st/421dDFo
Effort to deport Columbia student rests solely on Rubio determination
Government document that details the civil charges against Mahmoud Khalil does not include written evidence from immigration officers.
wapo.st
March 12, 2025 at 5:23 PM
“The Trump administration has made their intent clear—student protesters defending Palestinian human rights will be targeted, detained, and deported," said @ccrjustice.org
More on the case w/ @mariasacchetti.bsky.social @johnphudson.bsky.social
Gift link w/ his “Notice to Appear” wapo.st/421dDFo
More on the case w/ @mariasacchetti.bsky.social @johnphudson.bsky.social
Gift link w/ his “Notice to Appear” wapo.st/421dDFo
A determination by Sec Rubio is the sole justification for trying to deport @columbiauniversity.bsky.social student #MahmoudKhalil, docs show.
Legal experts warn that this provision could be exploited to pursue the deportation of anyone deemed a threat to Trump's foreign policy agenda.
Legal experts warn that this provision could be exploited to pursue the deportation of anyone deemed a threat to Trump's foreign policy agenda.
March 12, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A determination by Sec Rubio is the sole justification for trying to deport @columbiauniversity.bsky.social student #MahmoudKhalil, docs show.
Legal experts warn that this provision could be exploited to pursue the deportation of anyone deemed a threat to Trump's foreign policy agenda.
Legal experts warn that this provision could be exploited to pursue the deportation of anyone deemed a threat to Trump's foreign policy agenda.
Reposted by Cate Brown
Netanyahu again orders a complete ban on food, medicine, and other emergency humanitarian aid for people in the Gaza Strip.
This is not only an openly acknowledged war crime, it is the exact same one that made the ICC issue an arrest warrant for him and Gallant last year.
jpost.com/breaking-new...
This is not only an openly acknowledged war crime, it is the exact same one that made the ICC issue an arrest warrant for him and Gallant last year.
jpost.com/breaking-new...
March 2, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Netanyahu again orders a complete ban on food, medicine, and other emergency humanitarian aid for people in the Gaza Strip.
This is not only an openly acknowledged war crime, it is the exact same one that made the ICC issue an arrest warrant for him and Gallant last year.
jpost.com/breaking-new...
This is not only an openly acknowledged war crime, it is the exact same one that made the ICC issue an arrest warrant for him and Gallant last year.
jpost.com/breaking-new...
Reposted by Cate Brown
The aid cut doesn’t just put millions of lives at risk, analysts say: It endangers national security, the economy and the global humanitarian system, and pushes partners toward China and Russia @catebrown.bsky.social @dtkeating.bsky.social Dylan Moriarty report
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Visualizing the international reach of U.S. funding cut by Trump
Using graphics to illustrate the scope of U.S. foreign aid spending and analyzing how the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts could play out across the world.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 9, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The aid cut doesn’t just put millions of lives at risk, analysts say: It endangers national security, the economy and the global humanitarian system, and pushes partners toward China and Russia @catebrown.bsky.social @dtkeating.bsky.social Dylan Moriarty report
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
The Trump Administration has frozen 60 billion dollars of U.S. foreign aid, and systematically taken steps to disassemble USAID, the leading agency that overseas it.
Here’s how the abrupt change to decades of U.S. policy impacts the world:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Here’s how the abrupt change to decades of U.S. policy impacts the world:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
February 9, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The Trump Administration has frozen 60 billion dollars of U.S. foreign aid, and systematically taken steps to disassemble USAID, the leading agency that overseas it.
Here’s how the abrupt change to decades of U.S. policy impacts the world:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Here’s how the abrupt change to decades of U.S. policy impacts the world:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...