A UN commission of inquiry has determined that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing the scale of killings, aid blockades, and displacement as evidence. The report, which is the strongest UN finding to date, accuses senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of inciting genocide. The COI’s conclusions are based on interviews, verified documents, and satellite imagery, and it concluded Israeli authorities had committed “four of the five genocidal acts” listed in the 1948 genocide convention. Israel has vehemently rejected the report and accused the commission of having a political agenda.
Read More
Luxembourg announced its intention to recognize the state of Palestine, with a final decision expected at the U.N. General Assembly in New York later this month, aligning with calls from European leaders for an end to the war in Gaza. This declaration follows a U.N. General Assembly vote endorsing steps toward a two-state solution, with a deadline before its September 22nd meeting. This shift comes amid mounting pressure, including statements from the EU, with actions such as pausing payments to Israel and sanctioning individuals.
Read More
A UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing reasonable grounds to believe four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the start of the war. The report highlights statements by Israeli leaders and the pattern of conduct by Israeli forces as evidence of genocidal intent. This includes actions such as killing members of a group, causing serious bodily and mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group, and preventing births. The Israeli foreign ministry has vehemently rejected the report, labeling it as “distorted and false,” while the commission maintains its findings are the strongest and most authoritative to date.
Read More
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking a “clear position” from former U.S. President Donald Trump to help end the war with Russia. Zelensky desires a U.S.-backed agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine, including the ability to purchase advanced weaponry. He believes Trump could take “strong personal steps” to halt Russian aggression, citing the need for Trump to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has acknowledged the deep animosity between the two leaders and has indicated a willingness to mediate talks, though the Kremlin’s interest in negotiations remains uncertain.
Read More
In response to recent airspace violations by Russian drones over Poland, the UK government has announced the deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoons to join a NATO mission. These jets from RAF Coningsby, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, will bolster NATO’s eastern flank, reinforcing air defenses alongside forces from Denmark, France, and Germany. The Eastern Sentry operation, a move to deter Russian aggression, was initiated after incidents that brought Poland “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.” The Foreign Office has also summoned the Russian ambassador over the unacceptable violations.
Read More
Finland’s Defence Forces are closely monitoring the Zapad-2025 military exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus amid heightened security concerns, as highlighted by General Janne Jaakkola. These exercises, occurring against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and efforts to destabilize Western nations, demonstrate Russia’s objectives and available resources. Jaakkola pointed out the potential for the exercises to be a basis for future actions, drawing parallels to the Zapad-21 exercises that preceded the war in Ukraine, while emphasizing the potential for “unexpected turns” during Zapad-2025. In response to the exercises, Poland and Latvia have already taken steps to close their borders with Belarus and Russia.
Read More
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that India’s trade practices with the U.S. are imbalanced, with India benefiting from U.S. markets while imposing tariffs on American goods, like corn. He highlighted the lack of reciprocal trade, citing the country’s large population that doesn’t purchase U.S. agricultural products. Lutnick emphasized President Trump’s stance on fair and reciprocal trade, warning that India must lower its tariffs to maintain a favorable business relationship with the U.S. He also noted the administration’s imposition of high tariffs on India, which the Indian government has deemed unfair.
Read More
After witnessing a brother’s suffering from ALS, the author expressed his firm belief in the right to choose death. He stated that he would choose to die when he has significant trouble communicating. Furthermore, a key aspect of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) regulations mandates consent be confirmed right before the procedure, giving the patient the option to withdraw.
Read More
Ukraine targeted Russian oil production capacity, launching a series of drone strikes over a weekend. Attacks hit the Primorsk oil terminal, impacting sanctioned oil tankers and onshore loading equipment, potentially cutting loading capacity in half. Subsequently, the Kirishi oil refinery, a key supplier to St. Petersburg, was also targeted. In addition to drone strikes, a fuel train on the Orel-St. Petersburg railroad was blown up by Ukrainian operatives. President Zelensky emphasized that such attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure are effective.
Read More
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded the Armed Forces for halting Russia’s offensive in the Sumy region and making gains along the border. Zelenskyy specifically acknowledged the 225th Separate Assault Regiment and the 71st Jaeger Brigade for their contributions. He stated that Russia’s offensive in Sumy had been derailed due to sustained losses, with Ukrainian forces advancing toward the border. Furthermore, independent reports indicate that Ukrainian troops have broken through towards Konstiantynivka, and the national flag was raised over the village of Zarichne.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker