On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted the Handala, an aid ship aiming to break the blockade of Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The coalition reported that IDF soldiers physically assaulted American labor activist Chris Smalls, a co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, onboard the ship. The Handala carried essential supplies like food and medicine while attempting to deliver aid to a region facing a severe famine. The Israeli foreign ministry stated that Smalls resisted violently and that his claim of assault was a planned provocation.
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Portugal is considering recognizing the State of Palestine at the United Nations, with a decision potentially being made during the UN General Assembly in September. This follows “multiple contacts” with international partners and is prompted by the escalating humanitarian crisis and concerns of annexation of Palestinian territories. The Portuguese government’s decision aligns with similar considerations from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, all of which have expressed intentions to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state amidst growing international concern. The move also comes as a result of a “worst-case famine scenario” being reported in Gaza.
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Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempts to block the sale of American arms to Israel failed in the Senate, with all Republicans and some Democrats voting against the resolutions. Despite the failure, a majority of Senate Democrats supported the resolutions, which aimed to halt the sale of bombs, guidance kits, and assault rifles. The votes garnered significantly more Democratic support than previous efforts, highlighting a shift in sentiment regarding U.S. military aid to Israel. Supporters of the resolutions emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing public disapproval of Israel’s actions.
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Sweden has joined the growing European Union pressure on Israel, advocating for action due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following the European Commission’s proposal to suspend parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which was ultimately blocked, the Netherlands previously called for the suspension of the agreement’s trade chapter. A Dutch Foreign Minister spokesperson welcomed Sweden’s support, emphasizing the need for increased pressure on Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid. The EU-Israel Association Agreement, established in 2000, governs EU-Israel relations, including preferential trade, with trade measures subject to a qualified majority vote among member states.
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The ABC has requested Israel to allow international journalists independent access to Gaza, citing the importance of on-the-ground reporting. Since the October 7th attack, access has been blocked, preventing independent reporting, despite the ABC’s prior presence. This comes as numerous news organizations express deep concern for journalists in Gaza, facing starvation and dire living conditions while trying to report on the conflict. Several news outlets, including the BBC and AFP, have also issued urgent calls for Israel to permit journalists’ safe passage out of Gaza and facilitate the entry of international reporters.
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Reports from a hospital indicate that over 50 Palestinians were killed and hundreds injured while seeking food aid near a crossing in northern Gaza, coinciding with the arrival of US envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency alleges Israeli forces fired at crowds gathered near aid lorries, while the Israeli military claims they fired “warning shots” and are unaware of any casualties. The incident occurred amid a dire humanitarian situation, with the UN reporting mass starvation and Israel controlling aid entry, despite implementing measures to facilitate aid distribution. Despite these measures, reports from the scene indicate that the situation remains critical, with many dead and injured from the event, including reports from al-Shifa hospital and other sources.
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President Trump has expressed intentions to potentially abandon a trade deal with Canada due to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state. This announcement follows Trump’s ongoing tariff negotiations with Canada, which were initially constructive before this shift in foreign policy. Carney’s decision, inspired by similar moves from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is predicated on specific conditions for the Palestinian Authority. The United States has already brokered a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, while the recent shift in the support for Palestinian statehood has introduced uncertainty into the future.
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Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the group will not disarm, arguing that calls for disarmament serve only Israel. The U.S. is reportedly pressuring Lebanon to formally commit to disarming Hezbollah before talks can resume regarding a halt to Israeli military operations, which are ongoing despite a ceasefire agreement. Qassem accused the U.S. of demanding the removal of Hezbollah’s missiles and drones, insisting that Israel must cease its strikes and withdraw from occupied positions before discussing the group’s weapons. A Lebanese cabinet meeting is scheduled to discuss extending state sovereignty and ceasefire arrangements, potentially including proposals from the U.S. envoy regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, contingent upon the West Bank’s governing body agreeing to certain conditions. These conditions include holding an election in 2026 and committing to other democratic reforms, while also ensuring Hamas has no role in the election. This decision was influenced by the possibility of a two-state solution being “eroded before our eyes” and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The move follows similar commitments from other allied countries and has been met with mixed reactions, with Israel rejecting the plans and some Canadian political parties denouncing the decision.
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John Q. Hosedrinker