Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan condemned the ongoing Gaza war, accusing the Israeli government of committing atrocities and jeopardizing Israel’s international standing. He directly criticized the government’s leadership, asserting their actions are morally reprehensible and endanger Israel’s existence. Golan’s comments drew sharp rebukes from Prime Minister Netanyahu and other government officials, who accused him of incitement and spreading blood libels. Conversely, some opposition figures defended Golan, arguing his criticism targeted government policy, not the IDF soldiers.
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Following the UK’s condemnation of Israel’s “cruel and indefensible” blockade of Gaza aid, trade negotiations between the two countries have been suspended. The Israeli ambassador has been summoned to the Foreign Office to address the government’s concerns. Simultaneously, the UK announced new sanctions targeting individuals and organizations involved in violence against Palestinians. This action underscores the UK’s commitment to holding Israel accountable for its actions and advocating for a resolution to the conflict.
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Prominent El Salvadoran human rights lawyer Ruth Eleonora Lopez, a vocal critic of President Nayib Bukele and advocate for deported Venezuelan migrants, was arrested on Sunday. Authorities allege embezzlement from a decade prior, a charge rejected by Cristosal, the human rights group where Lopez works. Her arrest, condemned by Amnesty International and other groups, is viewed as a manifestation of increasing authoritarianism under Bukele’s administration. The refusal to disclose Lopez’s location or allow legal access further fuels concerns about due process violations.
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The EU implemented its seventeenth sanctions package against Russia on May 20th, targeting nearly 200 vessels within Russia’s shadow fleet and addressing hybrid threats and human rights violations. This action follows previous announcements regarding increased pressure on Russia, including potential sanctions against supporting financial institutions. Work has already begun on an eighteenth package, potentially targeting banks outside the EU that aid Russia’s military. The EU’s stance remains firm: escalated Russian aggression will be met with progressively stronger countermeasures.
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A nationwide phone and internet outage affecting all major Spanish providers, including Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone, began around 5 am, leaving millions without service. The outage, impacting calls, texts, and mobile data, disrupted emergency services in some areas, necessitating the activation of alternative numbers. The problem stemmed from a failed network update by Telefónica, Spain’s second-largest company, which manages much of the country’s telecom infrastructure. This incident follows a major electricity blackout just four weeks prior, raising concerns about Spain’s infrastructure resilience.
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Russia’s drastically declining birth rate, reaching levels unseen since the late 18th or early 19th century, has prompted the government to restrict access to key demographic data. This follows a reported drop in births of 6-7 percent in February and 3-4 percent in March 2025. The Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) now only publishes cumulative yearly figures, concealing the severity of the crisis. This secrecy coincides with ongoing government efforts to boost the birth rate, including financial incentives and proposed legal changes.
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Russia’s recent failed missile test exposes deep flaws within its military-industrial complex, undermining its strategic deterrence and the credibility of its nuclear threats. This incident, following a previous devastating missile strike in November 2024, reveals vulnerabilities in even Russia’s most advanced weaponry. The failure casts doubt on the effectiveness of Russia’s intimidation tactics, which rely heavily on the perceived power of its arsenal. Consequently, the myth of Russian military invincibility is eroding as its actions increasingly contradict its boasts. This weakening of Russia’s perceived strength contrasts sharply with the strengthening defenses of Ukraine and its allies.
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A major UK study reveals that half of Britons feel disconnected from society, with over 40 percent feeling like strangers in their own country. This sense of alienation is linked to various factors, including economic hardship, changes in social interaction, and a perceived lack of trust, exceeding concerns solely about immigration. Significant generational and socioeconomic disparities exist in these feelings, with younger and lower-income individuals reporting higher levels of disconnection and pessimism. The researchers emphasize the need for increased opportunities for social interaction and mutual understanding to address this widespread social fragmentation.
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Following a Hamas attack, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, prompting condemnation from Britain, France, and Canada who deemed the actions disproportionate and threatened further action if humanitarian aid restrictions weren’t lifted. Netanyahu, vowing to take control of all of Gaza, cited pressure from key allies as the reason for easing the blockade, though aid remains severely limited. Despite international pressure and criticism, Israel’s far-right government continues its offensive, aiming for complete victory and potentially displacing the Gazan population. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a catastrophic death toll and widespread destruction.
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President Trump has reportedly increased pressure on Israel to end its conflict with Hamas, threatening to withdraw support if the fighting continues. This pressure followed Israel’s mobilization of reservists and intensified Gaza bombings. While Israel initially halted humanitarian aid, it has since resumed limited deliveries, with the UN expressing concern over insufficient aid levels. Simultaneously, Israel announced a new, US-backed humanitarian aid mechanism to prevent famine in Gaza while maintaining its military operation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker