The UK government has announced a ban on Israeli students attending the Royal College of Defence Studies, effective next year. This unprecedented move, the first of its kind since the college’s founding in 1927, is a direct response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which has drawn global condemnation. The decision aligns with other measures, such as the exclusion of Israeli officials from arms exhibitions and the suspension of arms export licenses, reflecting growing international pressure. This action has sparked outrage from Israeli officials, who have criticized it as discriminatory and disloyal.
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The Netherlands has joined Ireland and other nations in threatening to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the ongoing loss of life in Gaza as the primary reason. Dutch broadcaster AvroTros specifically mentioned the death of journalists in Gaza as a key factor in their decision. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) acknowledges the concerns of its members regarding the conflict and is currently consulting on how to manage participation amid geopolitical tensions. Ireland has also expressed similar concerns, citing the “unconscionable” loss of life in Gaza as a reason for potentially withdrawing from the contest.
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An Iranian lawmaker has urged Qatar to expel U.S. forces and allow the deployment of Iranian missiles, a move intended to counter Israel following an Israeli strike in Doha that killed Qatari and Hamas figures. This proposal, which Tehran views as a necessary response to U.S. complicity in the attack, signals Iran’s growing desire to expand its military influence in the Persian Gulf. The situation places Qatar in a difficult position, needing to balance its strong ties with the U.S., including hosting a significant American military base, and its developing relationship with Iran. These events highlight the ongoing friction in the Middle East, raising the risk of a broader conflict.
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Amid the escalating conflict, displaced Palestinians sought refuge within the walls of Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Smoke billowed into the air as the fighting persisted, further intensifying the already dire humanitarian situation. This image, captured on November 8, 2023, highlights the hospital’s role as a shelter during the ongoing clashes between Hamas and Israel. The photograph, by REUTERS/DOAA ROUQA, underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians.
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During the announcement of sanctions against Israel, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that Spain’s limited military capabilities, specifically the lack of nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, and large oil reserves, prevents it from unilaterally stopping the war in Gaza. Sanchez announced an arms embargo and import ban against Israel, aimed at stopping the “genocide” in Gaza, a move that sparked a diplomatic row. This rhetoric and action further deteriorated relations between Madrid and Jerusalem, which had already been strained by Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state and criticism of Israel’s conduct. The sanctions led to reciprocal actions, including the recall of Spain’s ambassador from Tel Aviv and a ban on the entry of two Israeli ministers into Spain.
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Qatar has again been targeted by missiles, raising questions within the ruling family about hosting both a terrorist organization and a major US military base. This has led to a halt in Gaza peace talks brokered by Qatar, endangering hostages and exacerbating the suffering of Gazans. Israel’s recent actions, backed by the US, demonstrate the ability to strike across the region. A potential backlash to these actions, however, may target US interests instead of Israeli ones.
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Hamas claimed responsibility for a shooting in Jerusalem that resulted in six fatalities. Two gunmen attacked a bus, prompting police to shoot them dead, while a third suspect was arrested. Following the attack, Israel ordered the demolition of the attackers’ homes and the revocation of work permits for hundreds of their relatives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene, offering condolences and declaring a war against terror, as the attack left about 15 injured, with six in serious condition.
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The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), carrying aid and activists including Greta Thunberg, reported that one of its vessels was struck by a drone off the coast of Tunisia. Footage posted online showed the vessel being hit and a fire breaking out on the main deck. Tunisian authorities initially denied a drone was involved, suggesting the explosion originated inside the vessel, but the incident is under investigation. The flotilla aims to break Israel’s siege on Gaza, and this is not the first time aid ships en route to Gaza have faced such incidents.
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The UK government has determined that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza. This position marks a shift from the prior stance, which deferred the decision to the courts. This new stance was made after the UK’s Foreign Secretary held an emergency meeting to discuss the Israel-Iran conflict. The updated assessment reflects the UK’s evolving understanding of the situation.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken strong action against Israel’s offensive in Gaza, openly using the term “genocide” and announcing a series of measures. These measures include a complete arms embargo, a ban on ships and aircraft carrying military support from docking or landing in Spain, and a prohibition on entry into Spain for individuals involved in the alleged genocide. Additionally, Spain will increase humanitarian aid, enhance its presence at the Rafah border, and prohibit the import of products from illegal settlements. Despite criticism from Israel, which has accused Spain of antisemitism, Sánchez aims to position Spain at the forefront of international pressure to end the conflict, though the effectiveness of these actions is acknowledged to be limited.
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John Q. Hosedrinker