In a significant move, French President Emmanuel Macron declared on social media that France will recognize a Palestinian state. This decision stems from a commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East and will be formally announced at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Macron emphasized the immediate need to end the war in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid, while also calling for the release of hostages, Hamas’ disarmament, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The President believes that peace in the region is achievable.
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A cruise ship carrying approximately 1,600 Israeli tourists was denied entry to the Greek island of Syros due to a dockside protest concerning the ongoing war in Gaza. Demonstrators, numbering over 300, displayed banners and Palestinian flags, objecting to Israel’s actions and Greece’s growing relationship with Israel. The Israeli shipping firm confirmed passengers were unable to disembark, leading to the ship’s rerouting to Cyprus. The incident prompted diplomatic contact between Israeli and Greek officials, showcasing rising discontent in Greece over the situation in Gaza.
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Following reports of tensions between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli tourists, a group of Israeli teenagers were attacked on the Greek island of Rhodes after leaving a nightclub. According to the victims, some of the teens were physically assaulted while one of the attackers filmed the encounter. The incident began when a man approached the group and then called over a large number of people. The teenagers scattered to hide as they were chased by the attackers, with local police later escorting them back to their apartment.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, were attacked by the Israeli military, causing extensive damage and endangering staff. These attacks, coupled with tank shelling and airstrikes, led to numerous Palestinian casualties and the detention of WHO staff members. The WHO warehouse was damaged on Sunday by an attack, while the health sector is already struggling with limited supplies. Despite the attacks, the WHO has stated it will remain in Deir al-Balah and expand its operations.
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On Sunday, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that at least 93 Palestinians were killed when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd seeking humanitarian aid. The incident occurred near Gaza City, marking yet another instance of casualties among civilians attempting to access food supplies. Pope Leo XIV condemned the “barbarity” of the war in his Angelus prayer, following an Israeli strike on a Catholic church sheltering displaced people, and urged for an end to the conflict. The pope also called on the international community to uphold humanitarian law, protect civilians, and respect the prohibition of collective punishment.
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Following a ban, over 100 arrests have been made across the UK at events related to Palestine Action. Demonstrations took place in multiple cities, including London, Manchester, and Bristol, with arrests primarily made under the Terrorism Act 2000. Police confiscated signs and made arrests for supporting the group, while Defend Our Juries criticized the government’s actions. A high court hearing is scheduled to challenge the ban, which has been widely condemned by UN experts and civil liberties groups, while the home secretary announced the ban following Palestine Action activists breaking into RAF Brize Norton.
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Israeli troops opened fire on Gazans seeking food aid, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 people near Rafah. Witnesses reported the shooting occurring kilometers from an aid distribution point, while the Israeli military stated troops identified suspects near the aid site, and was investigating the reports of casualties. Despite this, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied any incidents “at or near” its distribution sites. Tragically, a doctor at Nasser hospital stated that many of the victims had “severe” gunshot wounds, and a UNRWA official described the aid distribution system as a “death trap.”
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On Saturday, at least 32 Palestinians were killed near aid distribution hubs in southern Gaza, as Israeli troops opened fire on crowds seeking food from the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The shooting occurred near sites operated by the GHF, which aims to replace the U.N.-led aid system, where local witnesses reported indiscriminate fire, while Israel’s army claimed only to fire warning shots. Witnesses described the chaos, with victims being shot in the head and chest, and local hospitals reported a significant number of casualties. Additionally, further airstrikes throughout the region resulted in even more casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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The Israeli military announced it struck the entrance of the Syrian army’s headquarters in Damascus, citing actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria, particularly in Sweida. This action followed intensified clashes in Sweida after a ceasefire between government forces and Druze fighters collapsed. The IDF stated the strike was carried out under the direction of Israel’s political leadership and that they are monitoring developments. The Druze, a religious minority, have a significant population in Syria and have expressed concerns over the direction of the new government.
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President Emmanuel Macron of France has withdrawn from a United Nations conference focused on the future of the Gaza Strip and the recognition of a Palestinian state. The conference’s purpose was to deliberate on post-war plans for Gaza and to facilitate the phased recognition of a Palestinian state. The event aimed to address the aftermath of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. This decision by Macron reflects a shift in the French position.
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John Q. Hosedrinker