Israeli police violently dispersed Muslim worshippers performing Ramadan prayers outside the Old City of Jerusalem, also attacking journalists covering the event. During the confrontation, officers damaged equipment, confiscated memory cards, and detained reporters. A CNN producer sustained a fractured wrist when an officer twisted her arm, an action condemned by journalistic unions and associations as an intentional and unprovoked assault, which police claim was a result of journalists not following orders.
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Following the violent dispersal of Muslim worshippers performing Ramadan prayers outside Jerusalem’s Old City, Israeli police attacked a group of journalists documenting the events. Officers damaged photographic equipment, confiscated memory cards, and detained two reporters before one plainclothes officer deliberately fractured the wrist of a CNN producer. The Union of Journalists in Israel and the Foreign Press Association have condemned the “unprovoked assault,” calling it an intentional targeting of media and demanding an investigation and accountability.
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Iran has indicated that Japanese ships will be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a significant development given Japan’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports passing through the waterway. According to Iran’s Foreign Minister, the strait remains open for countries not considered enemies, with assurances of safe passage for those who contact Tehran to discuss transit. This shift in rhetoric follows a period where marine traffic was largely halted due to Iran’s threats. Japan, alongside other nations, has been actively seeking safe passage for its vessels amidst ongoing discussions with Iran, and a de facto “safe corridor” near Iran’s coast is reportedly emerging for shipping.
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Lebanese healthcare workers and officials allege that Israeli bombings have deliberately targeted medical personnel and facilities in south Lebanon, including the use of “double-tap” strikes, as a systematic attempt to render the region uninhabitable. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that at least 128 medical facilities and ambulances have been struck since the war began, resulting in 40 healthcare worker fatalities and 107 injuries. Despite international laws protecting medical workers as civilians, accusations of Hezbollah using ambulances for military purposes have been made by Israel without evidence, which Lebanon condemns as a justification for war crimes. Interviews and site visits suggest a pattern of strikes on medical sites devoid of military activity, forcing medical teams to adopt extreme precautions to minimize casualties during rescue operations.
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Senator Bernie Sanders is poised to force a vote on legislation to block a significant arms sale to Israel, totaling over $650 million, which includes thousands of bombs. This action comes in response to ongoing civilian casualties and the involvement of Israel and the U.S. in a joint war. The proposed resolutions aim to halt the transfer of these munitions, which were expedited by the Trump administration bypassing normal congressional review through an asserted emergency. Co-sponsored by several senators, the effort seeks to leverage Congress’s power to disapprove of such sales amidst a backdrop of escalating conflict and a growing death toll.
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Following a recent escalation of attacks by Israel against Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, Senator Bernie Sanders, joined by fellow senators, has introduced joint resolutions of disapproval targeting approximately $658 million in U.S. arms sales. These resolutions aim to block the transfer of weapons, including over 12,000 thousand-pound bombs, which were approved under emergency authority by the Trump administration, bypassing congressional review. Human rights organizations highlight the significant civilian casualties and displacement caused by Israel’s actions, raising concerns that these weapons will contribute to further destruction and loss of life. While passage and override of a potential veto are unlikely, the resolutions serve to compel a public record of congressional members’ stance on these arms sales and Israel’s military operations.
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A recent poll indicates a majority of Americans believe the US war in Iran benefits Israel more than the United States, with 56% of likely voters holding this view. Despite justifications from officials, the public largely disapproves of recent military strikes, with 53% expressing opposition. This sentiment extends to concerns about rising domestic prices and the growing risks of escalation, leading to a desire for the war’s immediate end.
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In Pardubice, Czech Republic, activists claiming to be the “Earthquake Faction” set fire to a facility they allege is a joint venture between Israeli firm Elbit Systems and Czech company LPP Holdings. This center, intended for the development of unmanned aircraft systems, was targeted due to its perceived role in supplying weaponry used in conflicts across West Asia. The activists stated that their actions caused no harm and emphasized their resolve to disrupt the production of means to kill, citing ongoing violence in Palestine. Police are investigating the incident, with local reports confirming no injuries.
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Following the Iranian attack on Qatar, gas prices experienced a significant surge. The UK benchmark price briefly reached nearly 183 pence per therm before settling at 154.8 pence, marking an 11.3% increase from the previous day. European gas prices also saw a rise of over 10% in response to the heightened tensions.
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Oman’s foreign minister asserts that Israel persuaded the US administration into a catastrophic war with Iran, a conflict he believes the US has lost control of. He reveals that substantive nuclear talks were on the verge of a deal, only to be derailed by unlawful strikes. The Omani minister condemns these actions as a grave miscalculation and a breach of international law, highlighting that the US is now entangled in a war serving Israeli interests, with no clear endgame.
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John Q. Hosedrinker