On June 26th, approximately 150 pro-Palestinian activists breached a storage facility belonging to OIP Land Systems, a manufacturer of military equipment for Ukraine, causing significant damage. The activists, part of the Stop Arming Israel campaign, targeted the facility believing its equipment was intended for Israel, despite the CEO’s claim that the company has not produced defense systems for Israel in over two decades. Equipped with tools, the protesters vandalized vehicles and offices, resulting in an estimated $1.1 million in damages and delaying a crucial delivery for Ukraine by at least a month. The protest was motivated by Elbit Systems’ ownership of OIP Land Systems, an Israeli defense company, which protesters believe supplies a significant portion of equipment used by the Israel Defense Forces.
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Following allegations of intentional IDF fire on Palestinian civilians at aid distribution sites, Israel’s Military Advocate General initiated an investigation into potential war crimes. This investigation was spurred by claims of deliberate attacks against civilians seeking humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Both the IDF and Prime Minister Netanyahu have rejected the accusations. The probe is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
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According to reports, Iranian authorities have arrested at least 700 Iranian nationals, alleging ties to Israel. This follows reports from KAN News, Israel’s public broadcaster, that six individuals have been executed on suspicion of collaborating with Mossad. The arrests and executions highlight the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, fueled by accusations of espionage and clandestine activities. These actions underscore the complex political landscape and security concerns within Iran.
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In a misguided act of activism, over 100 pro-Palestinian vandals caused more than $1.1 million in damage to Ukrainian military equipment at a Belgian defense facility. The “Stop Arming Israel” group targeted the OIP Land Systems hangar, where they vandalized armored vehicles with hammers and graffiti. Despite the group’s focus on Israeli armament, the damaged equipment was designated for Ukraine, not Israel, and has caused a one-month delay in delivering vehicles. The company has provided hundreds of armored vehicles to Ukraine since the beginning of the war against Russia.
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On Thursday, June 26, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez labeled the situation in Gaza as “genocide,” urging the EU to suspend its cooperation with Israel. This strong condemnation came as rescuers reported 65 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. The conflict has led to famine-like conditions for the population, exacerbated by chaotic aid distribution marred by Israeli military actions, despite the trickle of supplies allowed in after a two-month blockade. The US State Department announced its first direct funding of $30 million for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, with the World Health Organization delivering a small medical shipment.
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The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a 14-year-old student who was allegedly humiliated by a teacher for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of U.S. support of Israel’s war in Gaza. The lawsuit claims the teacher told the student, whose family is of Palestinian descent, to leave the country, resulting in emotional distress. The ACLU argues that the student’s First Amendment rights were violated, seeking financial compensation, while the school district has stated they do not tolerate discrimination but declined further comment due to the ongoing litigation.
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Following a 12-day conflict, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed victory over Israel, asserting Iran had “delivered a hand slap to America’s face.” The conflict, which began with Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and military leaders, escalated with U.S. intervention, leading to a ceasefire negotiated by President Trump. While the U.S. and Israel assessed significant damage to Iran’s nuclear program, Iran reported casualties and damage, and France confirmed its role in intercepting Iranian drones during the conflict. Both sides are attempting to return to normal life following the conclusion of the most intense confrontation to date.
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Following the recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites by the US and Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, claiming the US had “gained nothing” from its involvement in the conflict. The comments came after the US attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting a retaliatory missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Meanwhile, Iran’s Guardian Council ratified a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Both sides are assessing the damage, with conflicting reports on the extent of the destruction, and talks regarding a potential ceasefire are planned between the US and Iran.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced criticism from Representative Kim Schrier during a House subcommittee hearing for spreading vaccine misinformation, particularly regarding measles. Schrier, a former physician, challenged Kennedy, who admitted to never having treated a measles case. Kennedy was also accused of lying to Senator Bill Cassidy about altering the CDC’s immunization advisory committee, which he later replaced with vaccine skeptics. Kennedy has previously made unfounded claims about the measles vaccine and justified religious communities’ refusal to vaccinate.
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Despite recent US bombing campaigns targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Senator JD Vance suggests Iran’s substantial enriched uranium stockpile remains intact. The focus is now on Iran’s ability to enrich the uranium to weapons-grade, and convert it into a nuclear weapon, rather than the uranium’s physical location. While some reports suggest the uranium may have been moved from facilities like Isfahan before the bombings, experts like David Albright note unaccounted-for centrifuges remain a concern. Vance asserts that the bombing achieved its goal by eliminating Iran’s ability to weaponize the fuel, although ongoing negotiations with Iran are necessary to ensure the stockpile’s ultimate disposition.
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John Q. Hosedrinker