In a speech on the eve of Belgium’s National Day, King Philippe called for stronger European leadership in the face of threats to international law and condemned the situation in Gaza as a “disgrace to humanity.” He highlighted the importance of upholding human rights and safeguarding human dignity, urging Europe to remain true to its core values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Furthermore, the King expressed support for an immediate end to the crisis in Gaza and emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine. Finally, he underscored the urgency of forming a new regional government in Brussels to address domestic concerns that directly impact citizens.
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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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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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Or Levy, a 34-year-old Israeli man, emerged from Hamas captivity after 491 days, bearing the physical and emotional scars of his ordeal, which included being held underground and surviving on minimal food. Upon his release, he learned that his wife had been killed in the October 7th attacks, adding to the complex emotions of reuniting with his son, Almog. Levy found solace and strength in a mantra, “He who has a ‘why’ can bear any ‘how’,” that he shared with his fellow hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and now dedicates his life to Almog. Despite the joy of being with his son, Levy remains haunted by the hostages still held in Gaza and hopes for a deal that will bring them home.
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Israel says deadly Gaza church strike was mistake after Trump call. The news that Israel has expressed deep regret over a strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church, calling it a “stray ammunition” incident and a tragic loss of innocent life, immediately feels like a carefully crafted statement. The response, including the sharing of grief with the families and the faithful, seems almost too polished, too quick, especially considering the context. The fact that this statement followed a call from Donald Trump only adds another layer of complexity. It’s hard not to interpret this as a reaction to external pressure, a damage control exercise rather than a genuine expression of remorse.… Continue reading
Donald Trump has criticized his supporters for being gullible, accusing them of believing a “radical left” hoax regarding the Epstein case. Meanwhile, a Guardian investigation revealed that European missile manufacturer MBDA is selling components for bombs used in attacks that have killed Palestinian civilians in Gaza. In US politics, the Senate approved Trump’s plan to cut billions from foreign aid and public broadcasting budgets. Syria’s president condemned Israel for its strikes, while a study showed Neanderthals had unique food preparation preferences.
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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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An Israeli air strike in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of ten people, including six children, while they were waiting to fill water containers. The Israeli military acknowledged a “technical error” caused a munition to fall short of its intended target, initiating a review of the incident. Eyewitnesses reported a drone fired a missile at the crowd near a water tanker. This tragic event occurred amid an escalation of Israeli aerial attacks across the Gaza Strip, with the ICRC reporting a surge in weapon-related injuries and deaths, particularly near aid distribution sites.
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Next week, over 20 countries will gather in Bogota for an emergency summit, co-hosted by Colombia and South Africa, to address Israel’s violations of international law. The Hague Group, initially comprised of eight nations, aims to coordinate diplomatic and legal actions to counter what they see as a climate of impunity. The summit will focus on devising specific legal, diplomatic, and economic measures to halt Israel’s actions against Palestinians, with a focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Key figures and participating countries have been named. The Hague Group hopes to strengthen the impact of international law and hold Israel accountable, particularly due to the non-compliance of certain states with existing international legal obligations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood