Gaza conflict
Sir Keir Starmer to meet Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, and Emmanuel Macron in Germany
The leaders of the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France will talk about the situation in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine. Sir Keir Starmer will fly to Germany on Friday to meet with Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, and Emmanuel Macron to discuss the Middle East crisis. The leaders of the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France will meet to discuss the increasing humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, where the UN has warned that basic supplies for survival are running low, as well as the need for a hostage solution and de-escalation, Downing Street announced.
The U.S. is already at war
Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel yesterday in revenge for Israel's death of Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week and of Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. United States President Joe Biden directed the US military to assist Israel in neutralizing the missiles - not that Israel does not already have multiple layers of ultra-sophisticated protection against incoming projectiles, allowing it to slaughter people left and right while suffering minimal damage in return.
Netanyahu to Reject Ceasefire Calls, Vows to Fight Hezbollah ‘Until Victory’ in UN Address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to dismiss any hopes for a ceasefire in his upcoming United Nations speech, as Israel commits to continue its battle against Hezbollah militants "until victory." On Wednesday, Britain joined the United States, France, and other allies in proposing a 21-day ceasefire. Sir Keir Starmer, during his UN address, urged both sides to "step back from the brink." However, Netanyahu, upon arriving in New York last night, firmly rejected the truce proposal. He stated that Israeli forces would maintain their offensive against Hezbollah strongholds "with full force" and continue until Israel’s objectives are met.
Netanyahu demands Philadelphi Corridor authority in any truce
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for him to do more to ensure the release of Israelis held captive in the Gaza Strip after 11 months of fighting. Netanyahu is facing domestic outrage and pressure from US President Joe Biden after Israeli soldiers discovered the remains of six hostages over the weekend, including 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin. On Monday, however, he made it clear that he was unwilling to compromise.
Foreign secretary declares UK arms sales suspension to Israel
David Lammy stated that the restriction was not an arms embargo, but there was a "clear risk" that some UK weapons would be used in violation of international law. The UK will halt some arms sales to Israel, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said. Mr Lammy stated that the decision was made following an examination of export licences for UK guns, which discovered a "clear risk" that they may be used to commit "a serious violation of international humanitarian law".
Harris defends policy adjustments on major areas in his first interview
In her first interview since entering the presidential campaign, US Vice President Kamala Harris defended her decision to shift her position on essential subjects. The Democratic nominee was pressed on whether her immigration and climate policies have changed since she ran for president in 2019. "I think the most crucial and fundamental component of my policy view and actions is my beliefs have not altered," she stated to CNN's Dana Bash."
Israel and Hezbollah exchange heavy fire in a significant escalation
Israel has announced it carried out a series of preemptive strikes in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from launching a large-scale missile and drone attack. Israel's military reported that jets destroyed thousands of missile launchers belonging to the Iran-backed armed group on Sunday morning. Hezbollah and its Amal allies said three fighters were killed.
Mason stripped of SNP whip due to ‘unacceptable’ Gaza posts
SNP MSP John Mason has been stripped of his party whip after making "completely unacceptable" social media statements on the conflict in Gaza. The action comes only days after External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson was spotted standing alongside Israel's Deputy Ambassador to the UK, Daniela Grudsky . Many SNP figures are harshly critical of Israel's actions in the Middle East, and the diplomatic encounter sparked an internal backlash.
Putin expresses worry about Gaza civilian casualties to Abbas
Russian President Vladimir Putin has informed Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas that he is "concerned" about the large number of Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza. In a meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, Abbas described Russia as one of the Palestinian people's "dearest friends," while Putin reiterated Russia's support for a two-state solution. "Everyone is fully aware that, sadly, Russia must now protect its interests and its people with armaments in hand. But what is going on in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, does not go unnoticed by us," Putin stated, according to a Kremlin transcript
As Middle East simmers, European leaders urge moderation
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have urged Iran and its allies to desist from planned strikes on Israel in response to the recent assassinations of prominent Hamas and Hezbollah members. On Monday, the leaders of the three European governments released a joint statement urging "de-escalation and regional stability" in the Middle East, as well as an immediate ceasefire. The death of two Iran-aligned leaders last month heightened global concern that the battle in Gaza will expand into an all-out regional warfare.
How Israeli colonies are encroaching on the West Bank during Gaza conflict
As Israel conducts a deadly war on Gaza, settlers are taking advantage of the absence of public focus on the occupied West Bank to drive Palestinians from their homes there. The International Court of Justice, the world's top court, will declare on Friday whether Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful, a decision that may enrage Israeli settlers and the broader settlement movement.
Over 7,350 West Bank Palestinians detained amid Gaza conflict
The Israeli authorities summoned Hashim Matar to the police station in occupied East Jerusalem at the beginning of November. He was questioned for ten days regarding his perceived allegiance to Hamas and membership in the Palestinian organization. Matar and the other detainees were confined to a small chamber between interrogations, where they were subjected to punches, kicks, and baton strikes.
Politics News
Mason stripped of SNP whip due to ‘unacceptable’ Gaza posts