Israeli naval forces attacked the Global Sumud aid flotilla in international waters approximately 70 nautical miles off Cyprus on Monday, detaining at least 100 activists from 39 countries, including the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, was intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces, with activist Niall Connolly releasing pre-recorded messages calling for help. This marks the third such initiative in a year attempting to break the Israeli siege on Gaza. →
Yasser Abbas, son of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, was elected to the Fatah Central Committee and declared on Monday that the movement will work to "return Gaza to the bosom of Palestinian legitimacy." The statement came as the Fatah Eighth Congress concluded in Ramallah, with Abbas vowing to reassert Palestinian Authority control over the Gaza Strip. →
An Israeli airstrike killed Islamic Jihad commander Wael Abdel Halim and his 17-year-old daughter Rama in a residential apartment near the southern entrance to Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, early Monday. The strike came as Israel continues to violate the fragile ceasefire agreement extended on Friday for another 45 days until early July. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that rescue teams were still searching the rubble. →
Iran announced the establishment of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, with the IRGC threatening to subject internet fiber-optic cables passing through the strait to a new permit system. The announcement signals Tehran's intent to tighten control over the strategic waterway amid ongoing tensions with the US and Israel, with the IRGC stating that "based on its absolute sovereignty over the seabed and subsoil in its waters," it can regulate all passage through the strait. →
A Belgian daily investigation revealed that Israel made concerted efforts to influence two separate legal cases against its officials in Belgium, according to leaked documents obtained by Le Soir. The revelation adds to growing concerns about Israeli attempts to undermine legal accountability mechanisms in European jurisdictions. →
Israeli opposition parties jointly called Monday for dissolving the Knesset and holding early elections, with a bill for the Knesset's dissolution expected to face a preliminary vote on Wednesday. Opposition leader Yair Golan publicly questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fitness to manage the ongoing wars, stating that "Netanyahu is not qualified to manage wars and the army's casualties are increasing." →
Pakistan has deployed thousands of troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia under a joint strategic defense agreement signed last year, Reuters reported Monday citing Pakistani sources. The deployment comes amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israel war on Iran, further reshaping the military landscape of the Gulf. →
Israeli attacks killed at least 7 people in Lebanon on Monday, with Lebanon's Health Ministry updating the total death toll from Israeli aggression since March 2 to 3,020 killed and 9,273 wounded. The attacks came despite the extension of a ceasefire agreement for an additional 45 days. →
Israeli forces raided homes during a new incursion into the southern Syrian village of al-Asha in the Quneitra countryside, conducting searches and patrols. The operation marks another violation of Syrian sovereignty as Israel continues its pattern of cross-border military operations. →
A drone strike targeted an area near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region, with questions emerging about the vulnerability of the UAE's critical infrastructure amid the ongoing regional conflict. →
Fatah's Eighth Congress concluded with significant leadership changes, as the movement's internal disarray was laid bare amid existential threats facing Palestinians. Insiders told Mondoweiss that the meeting may be the "last chance to fix the crisis" facing the dominant Palestinian political faction. →
A former Iraqi defense ministry adviser claimed that Israeli military movements in Iraq's desert areas were carried out under US cover, accusing Washington of having "deceived" officials in Baghdad. The comments follow the discovery of a second alleged Israeli base in Iraq. →
The International Criminal Court (ICC) officially denied issuing new arrest warrants against five Israeli political and military officials, refuting a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz. ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah confirmed the report was "inaccurate" regarding the situation in Palestine. →
Egypt sent advanced air-defense systems and their operators to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait during the US-Israeli war on Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal, marking a strategic shift in Egyptian military doctrine that may have "repercussions for Egypt's national security that could outweigh the gains." →
A report by Israeli newspaper Maariv examined Hezbollah's drone operations against Israeli forces, revealing that the group's fiber-optic-guided drones represent a "weak point" in Israeli air defense systems and are specifically intended to increase "the psychological impact" of attacks. →
Israel's multi-front escalation is accelerating. Today's simultaneous developments — the attack on the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters, the assassination of an Islamic Jihad commander in eastern Lebanon, the expansion of ground operations in Rafah, and the continued bombardment of Gaza — demonstrate that Israel is actively escalating on multiple fronts simultaneously, with no apparent interest in de-escalation despite the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Cairo.
The Gaza ceasefire framework is collapsing under Israeli violations. The daily violations of the October 2025 ceasefire, including the reported killing of a Palestinian in Gaza on Monday and the targeted destruction of remaining medical infrastructure, suggest that the ceasefire exists in name only. Hamas's insistence on a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal as a condition for any deal is being met with Israeli demands for only a temporary pause, making a diplomatic resolution increasingly unlikely.
Iran and the US remain locked in a dangerous negotiating spiral. Tehran's response to the latest US proposal — demanding the release of frozen assets, lifting of sanctions, and control over the Strait of Hormuz — was deemed "not enough" by Washington, raising the prospect of renewed military strikes on Iran. The US has reportedly set a timeline for completing military preparations, and Israel is actively preparing for a potential resumption of the conflict, with arms shipments through German bases accelerating.
The international legal and diplomatic architecture is shifting against Israel, but enforcement remains elusive. The UK and Germany's suspension of arms export licenses, the widespread condemnation of the flotilla attack, the Belgian investigation into Israeli interference in legal cases, and the growing domestic political pressure on Netanyahu all point to a consolidation of opposition to Israeli policies. However, the lack of meaningful enforcement mechanisms — demonstrated by the continuation of arms shipments through US bases in Germany despite Berlin's stated policy change — reveals the gap between rhetoric and action.
Palestinian political fragmentation continues to deepen the crisis. Yasser Abbas's declaration that Fatah will work to "return Gaza to the bosom of Palestinian legitimacy" underscores the ongoing division between the Ramallah-based PA and Gaza, with no unified Palestinian political strategy to confront the Israeli aggression. The Fatah Congress, described as the "last chance to fix the crisis," appears to have produced a leadership reshuffle but no fundamental strategic reorientation.
The Gulf states are being drawn deeper into the regional conflict. Egypt's secret deployment of air defense systems to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, combined with Pakistan's deployment of troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, signals a militarization of the Gulf that extends far beyond the immediate Iran-Israel theater. The UAE's accelerating Fujairah pipeline project reflects a recognition that the Strait of Hormuz may remain effectively closed for the foreseeable future.
Israeli naval forces attacked the Global Sumud (Steadfastness) aid flotilla in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea on Monday morning, approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Cyprus, detaining at least 100 activists from 39 countries, according to multiple sources. The flotilla, comprising 10 boats from a 60-vessel convoy, was carrying humanitarian aid including food, medicine, and construction materials destined for the Gaza Strip.
According to Al Quds Al Arabi, the Israeli forces intercepted the boats one after another, with live broadcasts showing Israeli naval personnel boarding and seizing vessels. Organizers confirmed that at least six Irish citizens were among those detained, including Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. The Irish Independent reported that Connolly was among those taken into custody.
"These 10 boats were ambushed in international waters, a flagrant violation of international law," said a statement from the flotilla organizers. "This is piracy on the high seas."
Pre-recorded messages from the activists, released after the interception, included warnings from Connolly herself. "If you are watching this video, it means our worst fears have been realized," she said in a message shared by Al Jazeera English. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese urged Mediterranean states to protect the flotilla and "help break Israel's genocidal siege on Gaza."
Italian journalist Alessandro Mantovani, also on board, stressed the importance of "European support for the Gaza mission," according to Anadolu Agency, adding that the flotilla aimed to break both the Israeli siege and the "wall of silence" in Europe.
Israel claimed the operation was legal under its interpretation of maritime law, but critics noted that the interception occurred well outside any Israeli territorial waters. The flotilla is the third such initiative in the past year aimed at breaking the Israeli siege on Gaza, which has created a dire humanitarian situation with severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. →
Yasser Abbas, who was elected to the Fatah Central Committee during the movement's Eighth Congress in Ramallah, stated Monday that Fatah will work to "return Gaza to the bosom of Palestinian legitimacy." Speaking to journalists after receiving congratulations on his election to the highest leadership body of the movement, Abbas said the focus would be on re-establishing Palestinian Authority control over the Gaza Strip.
"We will work to return Gaza to the bosom of Palestinian legitimacy," Abbas said, as reported by Al Quds Al Arabi. The comment reflects ongoing tensions between the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007.
The Fatah Congress, which concluded Sunday, was described as a critical moment for the movement. According to Mondoweiss, insiders said the meeting may be the "last chance to fix the crisis" facing the dominant Palestinian political faction, which has been in disarray amid multiple existential threats, including the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, increasing settler violence in the West Bank, and the broader regional war.
The congress resulted in significant leadership changes, though the full implications for Palestinian political strategy remain unclear. The movement's internal divisions have been exacerbated by the failure to hold Palestinian elections and the deepening rift between the West Bank leadership and Gaza-based factions. →
A Palestinian was killed and four others wounded on Monday in Israeli airstrikes on several areas of the Gaza Strip, according to Al Quds Al Arabi. Medical sources confirmed that the body of the slain Palestinian and two wounded individuals arrived at Nasser Medical Complex in western Khan Younis (southern Gaza) after an Israeli strike near Bani Suhaila roundabout.
The attacks constitute ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement that has been in effect since October 10, 2025. The daily breaches have prevented the delivery of humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza's devastated infrastructure, with hospitals, schools, and residential areas continuing to come under fire.
In a separate development, a Palestinian was reported killed in Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood after an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle, according to local medical sources cited by RT Arabic. The report did not provide further details on the identity of the victim. →
The Israeli-imposed restrictions on Gaza's crossings, particularly the Rafah crossing with Egypt, continue to deepen the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip, according to RT Arabic. The report described Gaza as "an incubator for diseases and epidemics" and "a space for daily killing and destruction."
The closure of crossings has prevented the entry of essential supplies, including food, medical equipment, and fuel, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The World Health Organization and other UN agencies have repeatedly warned that the siege is creating conditions for famine and disease outbreaks.
The Global Sumud flotilla attack on Monday was the third major attempt this year to bring aid to Gaza by sea, reflecting the desperation of the international civil society to bypass the Israeli blockade. Organizers of the flotilla had hoped to deliver supplies to Gaza's port, which was destroyed by Israeli bombardment earlier in the conflict. →
A Palestinian man, Mahmoud Ziad Mahmoud al-Amla (32), died Monday from critical wounds sustained Sunday when Israeli forces shot him near the town of Beit Aula, north of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The ministry confirmed that al-Amla was shot by Israeli soldiers stationed at a military checkpoint, and succumbed to his injuries a day later.
The killing comes amid a broader escalation of Israeli military operations across the West Bank, including the reported destruction of five Palestinian villages in the South Hebron Hills — Khirbet al-Fakhit, Khirbet al-Hadidiya, and three other hamlets in the Masafer Yatta area — displacing an estimated 1,200 residents. According to Amnesty International, the demolitions were carried out under the pretext of the area being a "closed military firing zone," and the organization condemned the act as a "war crime" under international law, as it constitutes the forcible transfer of a protected civilian population.
The European Union called the demolitions "unacceptable" and urged Israel to halt all settlement expansion and forced displacement. Israeli and international human rights groups noted that many of the affected families were already living in tents and caves after previous demolitions. →
The Israeli organization Breaking the Silence published a video testimony from an Israeli soldier who described how the military systematically misleads soldiers and justifies crimes against Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. The soldier stated that troops were told that killing children constituted "collateral damage" and that ethnic cleansing was referred to as "voluntary migration."
The testimony has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, with many commentators noting that it confirms longstanding allegations about the Israeli military's rules of engagement in Gaza and the West Bank. "They told us that killing children is 'collateral damage' and that ethnic cleansing is 'voluntary migration,'" the soldier said in the testimony, which was translated and reported by Al Jazeera Arabic.
The Breaking the Silence organization, which collects testimonies from Israeli soldiers about their service in the occupied territories, has faced increasing harassment from Israeli authorities in recent years. →
An Israeli airstrike killed Islamic Jihad commander Wael Abdel Halim and his 17-year-old daughter Rama after a guided missile hit an apartment housing a Palestinian family on the outskirts of the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek early Monday, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA).
The NNA said "the Israeli enemy" targeted the apartment near the southern entrance to Baalbek shortly after midnight. Rescue and emergency teams were still searching the area for any additional casualties, the agency reported.
The attack comes amid continued Israeli violations of the fragile ceasefire agreement that was announced on April 17, 2025, and extended on Friday for another 45 days until early July. The strike represents a significant escalation, as Baalbek is located deep inside Lebanese territory, far from the border area where most Israeli attacks have been concentrated.
Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group, did not immediately issue a formal response to the killing of its commander. The group maintains a significant presence in Lebanon's Palestinian refugee camps and has been involved in cross-border operations against Israel during the current conflict. →
Lebanon's Ministry of Health announced Monday that the cumulative death toll from Israeli aggression since March 2 has reached 3,020 killed and 9,273 wounded, according to RT Arabic. The updated figures come as Israeli attacks killed at least 7 people across Lebanon on Monday alone, despite the extension of the ceasefire agreement for an additional 45 days.
Al Jazeera English reported that the attacks came just days after Lebanese and Israeli officials agreed to the ceasefire extension, raising serious questions about the viability of the agreement. The Health Ministry's figures represent only confirmed casualties, with actual numbers believed to be significantly higher as many victims remain trapped under rubble.
The areas worst affected include southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Hospitals across Lebanon remain overwhelmed, with shortages of medical supplies and personnel hindering treatment efforts. →
A report by Israeli newspaper Maariv examined the Lebanese group Hezbollah's drone operations against Israeli forces, revealing that the group's fiber-optic-guided drones represent a specific challenge to Israeli air defense systems. The report, translated and analyzed by Middle East Monitor, focused particularly on an attack near Rosh Hanikra over the weekend that wounded four Israelis, one critically.
Hezbollah published footage of the drone strike targeting the tourist site, demonstrating the group's growing sophistication in drone warfare. According to the Maariv report, Hezbollah fighters "deliberately target exposed personnel in the absence of shelters in Israeli settlements along the border."
The report noted that Hezbollah's use of drones over the border area and northern settlements is "intended to increase the psychological impact of the attacks beyond the physical damage they may cause." The Israeli military has acknowledged that the fiber-optic-guided drones represent a "weak point" that is difficult to counter with existing electronic warfare systems.
This assessment aligns with earlier Israeli security source statements reported by Middle East Monitor, acknowledging that Hezbollah's arsenal "cannot be destroyed without a political breakthrough." →
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced Monday the establishment of a new authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to subject internet fiber-optic cables passing through the strategic waterway to a permit system, according to Al Quds Al Arabi and Anadolu Agency.
"Following the imposition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, based on its absolute sovereignty over the seabed and subsoil in its territorial waters, can regulate all passage through the strait," the IRGC said in a social media post, as reported by Al Quds Al Arabi.
The new body will provide "operational updates and developments related to the strategic waterway," according to Anadolu. The announcement signals Tehran's intent to tighten control over one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, through which approximately 20% of global oil passes daily.
Iranian state television reported that "passing through the Strait of Hormuz requires making certain arrangements so that the IRGC Navy issues the necessary permit for passage, which is granted to non-hostile parties and non-military vessels."
The timing of the announcement is significant, coming as the US and Iran remain locked in negotiations mediated by Pakistan over the terms of ending the war between them. Iran's latest counter-proposal to the US reportedly demands control over the Strait of Hormuz as a key condition. →
Iran has sent its response to the latest US proposal to end the war through Pakistan as mediator, Al Jazeera English reported Monday. Iran's demands include the release of assets frozen abroad, the lifting of sanctions, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials told Axios that the Iranian offer is "not enough" and "raises the prospect of renewed war," according to RT Arabic. "Iran presented an updated proposal to reach an agreement to end the war, but the White House believes it is not sufficient to reach an agreement," the Axios report said, citing a US official.
The exchange of proposals comes as military preparations continue on both sides. Middle East Monitor reported that Israeli media indicated growing belief within the Israeli administration that US President Donald Trump could soon give the "green light" for renewed attacks on Iran. A timeline for completing military preparations has been set, according to Israel's Channel 13.
The US has outlined five key conditions for a deal with Tehran, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, as reported by Middle East Monitor. The specifics of those conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but they are believed to include a halt to Iran's nuclear enrichment program, an end to ballistic missile development, and a cessation of support for regional militias.
Pakistan's mediation efforts face significant limitations, according to Al Jazeera English, with analysts noting that Pakistan's ability to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran is constrained by its own complex relationship with both countries. Pakistani Interior Minister's recent visit to Tehran for meetings with Iranian leadership was followed by a call between Pakistani and Qatari top diplomats to discuss efforts to revive the stalled talks, as reported by Anadolu. →
Large-scale shipments of weapons and ammunition have been transported to Israel through US military bases in Germany over the past 24 hours, according to a report by Israel's Channel 13 translated by Middle East Monitor. Dozens of cargo aircraft arriving from Israel at US bases in Germany were reloaded with ammunition before returning to Israel shortly afterward.
The report said the Israeli army remains on high alert over the possible resumption of attacks on Iran, with a timeline set for completing military preparations. Significantly, Channel 13 added that there is a "growing belief within the Israeli administration" that Trump could soon give the "green light" for renewed attacks on Iran.
This revelation comes despite the UK and Germany's recent announcements of suspensions of new arms export licenses to Israel. On June 12, The Guardian reported that the UK and Germany both cited a "clear risk" that weapons could be used in violations of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza. The German Economy Ministry confirmed it is halting all new permits pending a review.
The apparent contradiction between Germany's stated policy and the continued use of US bases on German soil for arms shipments to Israel highlights the gap between European rhetoric and actual enforcement. Israel's Defense Ministry announced on April 30 that it had received a new shipment of US-made munitions, and the Channel 13 report suggests the flow of weapons has not been interrupted. →
Iran's IRGC unveiled the new "Khorramshahr-4" liquid-fueled ballistic missile on Monday, claiming a range of 2,500 kilometers — sufficient to reach Israel and parts of Europe, according to Reuters. The missile was displayed during a military parade marking the anniversary of the 1989 death of Ayatollah Khomeini.
State media quoted IRGC commander Hossein Salami as saying the missile is equipped with a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) designed to evade missile defense systems. The announcement is widely seen as a direct message of deterrence amid escalating tensions with Israel over the war in Gaza and Iran's nuclear program.
Western analysts expressed skepticism about the claimed capabilities but acknowledged the system could pose a significant challenge to Israeli and allied defenses if the specifications prove accurate. The Khorramshahr-4 represents an evolution of Iran's existing missile technology, which has been a central point of contention in negotiations with the US.
The unveiling coincided with heightened military posturing on both sides, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly convening the security cabinet (the "cabinet") on Monday evening to discuss the Iran file, according to Al Quds Al Arabi. →
Pakistan has deployed thousands of troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia under a joint strategic defense agreement signed last year, Reuters reported Monday, citing Pakistani sources. The deployment is part of the strategic partnership between the two countries and comes amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israel war on Iran.
According to Al Jazeera Arabic, which translated and reported the Reuters story, the Pakistani military has stationed aircraft and personnel in the Kingdom as part of the bilateral security arrangement. The agreement, signed in 2025, provides for mutual defense cooperation and joint military exercises.
The deployment reshapes the military landscape of the Gulf region, adding a major Muslim-majority nuclear power to the defense architecture of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons and has one of the largest standing armies in the world, making its military presence in the Gulf a significant strategic development. →
The UAE is accelerating construction of a second Fujairah (West-East) pipeline, with operations targeted for 2027, according to Middle East Monitor. The project, announced by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, would expand ADNOC's ability to move crude directly to Fujairah beyond the existing Habshan-Fujairah pipeline's capacity of about 1.8 million barrels per day.
The timing is critical, as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran-related conflict has disrupted roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies. The pipeline would reduce the UAE's exposure to potential disruptions at the strait, giving Abu Dhabi more freedom to manage exports, expand production, and strengthen its economic leverage.
The strategic shift reflects a broader recognition among Gulf states that the Strait of Hormuz may remain effectively contested for the foreseeable future, requiring alternative export routes. The pipeline also strengthens the UAE's position in ongoing regional negotiations by reducing its vulnerability to Iranian threats of strait closure. →
RT Arabic published a feature on Monday examining public sentiment in Tehran regarding the possibility of renewed military strikes, particularly given US threats. The report, based on interviews with Tehran residents, found that Iranians "rejected the principle of imposing dictates on their country" and expressed "their lack of desire for war."
The feature captured the mood on the streets of the Iranian capital, where residents voiced a mix of defiance and concern. While expressing readiness to defend their country, many Iranians expressed hope that the diplomatic track could succeed in preventing a new round of hostilities.
"Iranians rejected the principle of imposing dictates on their country, affirming their lack of desire for war," the RT Arabic report summarized, highlighting the tension between popular sentiment and the escalating military posturing on both sides. →
A Belgian daily Le Soir investigation has revealed that Israel made concerted efforts to influence two separate legal cases against its officials in Belgium, according to Anadolu Agency. The investigation, based on leaked documents, shows Israel sought to "quash two Belgium cases involving senior Israeli figures."
The revelation comes amid a broader pattern of Israeli attempts to undermine legal accountability mechanisms in European jurisdictions. The specific cases have not been fully detailed, but they relate to complaints filed against Israeli military and political officials for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Belgian investigation adds to a growing body of evidence showing Israeli diplomatic and intelligence efforts to interfere with legal proceedings in Europe, including witness intimidation, covert lobbying, and attempts to influence judicial outcomes. →
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Sunday officially denied a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz claiming that it had issued new arrest warrants against five Israeli political and military officials, according to Middle East Monitor. ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said in a statement to journalists that the report was "inaccurate," stressing that the court "denies issuing any new arrest warrants in the current situation in the State of Palestine."
Earlier on Sunday, Haaretz reported, citing an unnamed diplomatic source, that the court in The Hague had issued secret arrest warrants against three Israeli political officials and two military officials. The report was widely circulated before the ICC's denial.
The false report came amid ongoing international legal efforts to hold Israeli officials accountable for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ICC had previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif in November 2024, though these have not been enforced. →
The city of Brussels witnessed a massive popular march on Sunday commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, with broad participation from Belgian civil society organizations, labor unions, and human rights and environmental associations, according to Middle East Monitor.
The march, which began at Brussels-North Station and proceeded toward the city center, was organized by the Belgian National Coalition for Palestine, a coalition comprising dozens of institutions and organizations active in human rights, trade union work, and international solidarity.
The demonstration evolved into both a political and popular platform aimed at pressuring European governments to adopt more stringent positions regarding the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Organizers called for an immediate end to the war on Gaza and the suspension of the European partnership agreement with Israel. The annual commemoration of the Nakba — the "catastrophe" of Palestinian displacement in 1948 — took on heightened significance this year as Palestinians in Gaza face what many international legal experts have called a genocide. →
The United Kingdom and Germany have both announced immediate suspensions of new arms export licenses to Israel, citing updated legal assessments that there is a "clear risk" the weapons could be used in violations of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza, according to The Guardian.
The British government, in a written ministerial statement, said the decision covers components for fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Germany's Economy Ministry confirmed it is halting all new permits pending a review. The announcements came after months of legal pressure from NGOs and a growing domestic political backlash in both countries.
Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the moves, calling them "deeply disappointing" and accusing the two countries of giving "material support to Hamas." The decisions mark a significant shift in European policy toward Israel, though their practical impact remains uncertain given the continued flow of US arms through European bases. →
Germany warned Monday that the ongoing war with Iran represents a "serious threat to the global economy," according to Anadolu Agency. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil urged efforts to end the conflict, stabilize the region, and secure free sea lanes ahead of G7 talks.
"Berlin urges efforts to end conflict, stabilize region, secure free sea lanes ahead of G7 talks," the Anadolu report quoted Klingbeil as saying. The German warning reflects growing concern among European nations about the economic fallout from the disruption of maritime trade through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
The economic impact has already been felt in European markets, with energy prices rising and supply chains disrupted. The Egyptian Stock Exchange lost 76 billion Egyptian pounds in two days, according to RT Arabic, as regional geopolitical fears spread to emerging markets. →
US President Donald Trump launched a new attack on major media outlets and the Democratic Party in a post on his "Truth Social" platform Monday evening, according to RT Arabic. Trump claimed that even if Iran "surrendered completely," the "corrupt media" would celebrate it as an Iranian victory.
"He attacked US President Donald Trump in a post on his Truth Social platform Monday evening, strongly attacking major media outlets and the Democratic Party," RT Arabic reported. The post reflects the domestic political dynamics around the Iran conflict, with Trump seeking to preemptively shape the narrative around the outcome of negotiations or potential military action.
Trump's comments come as his administration is locked in difficult negotiations with Iran, and as domestic political pressure mounts over the direction of US foreign policy in the Middle East. →
Israeli forces conducted a new incursion into the southern Syrian village of al-Asha in the Quneitra countryside on Monday, raiding homes and conducting searches, according to Anadolu Agency citing local sources. Israeli troops carried out the searches during the operation, which marks another violation of Syrian sovereignty.
The incursion is part of a broader pattern of Israeli military operations inside Syrian territory, particularly in the Golan Heights area and the Quneitra countryside. Israel has increasingly conducted operations inside Syria under the pretext of targeting Iranian-linked positions, though the Quneitra incursion appears to be a ground operation rather than an airstrike.
Syria has repeatedly protested Israeli violations of its sovereignty to the United Nations, but international enforcement mechanisms have not prevented continued Israeli military activity on Syrian soil. →
Former Iraqi defense ministry adviser Maen al-Jubouri said in a media interview Sunday that Israeli military movements in Iraq's desert areas were carried out under US cover, accusing Washington of having "deceived" officials in Baghdad, according to Middle East Monitor.
Al-Jubouri said the discovery of a second alleged Israeli base in Iraq was "less shocking" than the discovery of the first and did not come as a major surprise. "These bases were imposed by the circumstances the region went through. We know Iraq has been a theatre for many operational and military activities," he said.
He added that Iraq's military geography had given both Israel and the United States room to operate freely. Asked whether he truly believed Israeli bases existed in Iraq, al-Jubouri replied that "Israeli military movements in Iraq are a reality that cannot be denied."
The comments follow a recent Al Jazeera Arabic program that discussed the discovery of secret bases in Iraq and raised concerns about Israeli operational capabilities within Iraqi territory. The program also discussed the "preparation for the execution of Palestinian prisoners," a separate but related development highlighting the interconnected nature of regional conflicts. →
Egypt sent advanced air-defense systems and their operators to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait during the US-Israeli war on Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal as reported by Middle East Monitor. The decision, made secretly and without parliamentary approval, represents a strategic shift in Egyptian military doctrine.
The report noted that this shift — from Cairo's traditional stance of refusing involvement in any war outside its borders — may have "repercussions for Egypt's national security that could outweigh the gains." The revelation has sparked suspicion and controversy among the Egyptian public, with many questioning the missions and objectives of Egyptian forces in the Gulf.
Egyptian political analysts have raised concerns about the potential dangers of involvement in a war that they say has nothing to do with Egypt. The secret deployment also raises constitutional questions, as it was reportedly done without the approval of the Egyptian parliament. →
Israeli opposition parties jointly called Monday for dissolving the Knesset and holding early elections, with a bill for the Knesset's dissolution expected to face a preliminary vote on Wednesday, according to Al Quds Al Arabi. The joint statement from opposition leaders urged all Knesset members to support the bill, saying: "Instead of continuing to support a dysfunctional Knesset, we call on everyone to support the dissolution of the Knesset and go to early elections."
Opposition leader Yair Golan, a former deputy chief of staff of the Israeli military, questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fitness to manage the ongoing wars. "Netanyahu is not qualified to manage the wars and the army's casualties are increasing," Golan told reporters, as translated and reported by Al Quds Al Arabi. Golan said he was not sure that Netanyahu possesses the "physical and mental fitness necessary to manage the ongoing wars."
Adding to Netanyahu's political troubles, the Tel Aviv District Court accepted his request Monday to postpone a hearing in his corruption case for "security reasons," pushing it to Tuesday. The court and the prosecutor's office approved the request, according to public broadcaster KAN, without giving further details. The delay came as the Israeli army attacked the Global Sumud flotilla, suggesting Netanyahu may be using security crises to avoid legal scrutiny. Middle East Monitor noted that the hearing was originally scheduled for Monday morning, and the flotilla attack began shortly before. →
Israel received the credentials of Mohamed Haji as the first ambassador of the breakaway Somaliland region in Tel Aviv on Monday, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. The Israeli president accepted the diplomatic credentials in a ceremony at his official residence.
The move reflects deepening ties between Israel and the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized as a sovereign state by the international community, including the United Nations.
The diplomatic opening comes amid Israel's efforts to expand its influence in Africa and the Red Sea region, particularly as the Houthi movement in Yemen has disrupted Red Sea shipping and targeted Israeli-linked vessels. The establishment of diplomatic relations with Somaliland provides Israel with a strategic foothold on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden. →
Fatah's Eighth Congress concluded on Sunday with significant leadership changes, as the movement's internal disarray was laid bare amid existential threats facing Palestinians, according to Mondoweiss. Insiders told the publication that the meeting may be the "last chance to fix the crisis" facing the dominant Palestinian political faction.
The congress saw the election of a new Central Committee and Revolutionary Council, with Yasser Abbas among those elected to the highest leadership body. However, the fundamental strategic divisions within Fatah — between those advocating for negotiations with Israel and those calling for resistance — remain unresolved.
The movement's leadership has been criticized for its failure to hold Palestinian elections, its security coordination with Israel in the West Bank, and its inability to address the crisis in Gaza. The congress was initially hailed as an opportunity for renewal, but the outcome has been met with skepticism by many Palestinians who see the leadership as disconnected from the realities of daily life under occupation and war. →
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Monday that the conflict in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is causing "severe damage to the entire neighboring region and to Europe in general," according to RT Arabic. Fidan's comments came amid ongoing Turkish mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
Turkey has maintained a dual-track policy toward the Ukraine war, supplying drones to Ukraine while maintaining close energy and economic ties with Russia. Ankara has positioned itself as a potential mediator, hosting several rounds of talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials.
The conflict in Ukraine has had significant spillover effects on the Middle East, including disruptions to grain supplies and energy markets that have exacerbated food insecurity in the region. The war has also diverted international attention and resources away from the crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere in the Middle East. →
The US Treasury Department announced Monday that it is extending the sanctions exemption for Russian oil transactions for an additional 30 days, according to RT Arabic. The extension covers "operations for the sale and transport of Russian oil and petroleum products loaded on ships" and is intended to stabilize global energy prices.
The decision reflects the complex dynamics of global energy markets, where sanctions on Russian oil have contributed to price volatility that affects both Western consumers and developing economies. The extension comes as the US simultaneously pressures Iran with sanctions while maintaining some flexibility in its approach to Russian energy.
Russia remains one of the world's largest oil producers, and its exports continue to play a critical role in global energy markets despite Western sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. The extension suggests that Washington is balancing its geopolitical objectives with the need to maintain stable energy prices. →
More than one million people have returned to the Sudanese capital Khartoum after the Sudanese army recaptured it, according to Al Jazeera Arabic and Al Jazeera English, despite severe shortages of water, electricity, and basic services. The return of displaced residents "exceeds expectations," according to reports from the capital.
"After years of displacement and war, the island of Tuti and Khartoum have begun to recover their residents amid moving scenes of tears and embraces," Al Jazeera Arabic reported. "Thousands of Sudanese have returned to their destroyed homes, while residents try to snatch life and hope."
The return of residents comes as the Sudanese Armed Forces have regained control over much of the capital following intense battles with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) . However, the city's infrastructure remains largely destroyed, with many returnees finding their homes damaged or completely destroyed. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with nearly 20 million people facing acute hunger, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. →
The Russian military struck the western outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Odesa with a powerful strike targeting a concentration of French military instructors involved in Ukrainian attacks on Crimea and other Russian regions, according to RT Arabic citing Russian official Sergei Lebedev.
"The Russian army targeted the western outskirts of Odesa with a powerful strike where a group of French trainers involved in Ukrainian terrorist attacks on Crimea and other areas of Russia were stationed," RT Arabic reported. The strike represents an escalation in the conflict, with Russia directly targeting foreign military personnel on Ukrainian soil.
The incident highlights the increasing involvement of Western military trainers and advisors in the Ukraine conflict, as European countries have expanded their training programs for Ukrainian forces. France has been one of the most vocal European supporters of Ukraine, providing military equipment and training. →
Belarus and Russia held joint military drills on the "combat use of nuclear weapons" on Monday, according to Anadolu Agency citing Minsk. The Belarusian defense ministry said the exercises are aimed at "enhancing the armed forces' readiness to use modern weapons."
The drills come amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO over the war in Ukraine. Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russian forces and has hosted Russian tactical nuclear weapons under an agreement announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023.
The exercises are part of a series of military drills between the two countries that have raised concerns in neighboring NATO member states, particularly Poland and the Baltic states. Lithuania separately announced plans to create a minefield along its border with Russia, according to RT Arabic, citing the "alleged Russian threat." →
The Republican primary race to unseat US Representative and Israel critic Thomas Massie in Kentucky has become the most expensive House primary in history, with pro-Israel groups pouring millions of dollars into the contest, according to Politico as analyzed by Middle East Monitor.
Ad spending in the Kentucky race has topped $32 million, surpassing previous House primary records. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) , its super PAC United Democracy Project, and the Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund have spent more than $9 million in a bid to defeat Massie, while prominent pro-Israel Republican donors have contributed millions more to a Trump-aligned super PAC supporting his opponent.
"Build and keep a wall" — the primary race is being seen as a test case intended to warn lawmakers that criticism of Israel can cost them their seat, according to Middle East Monitor. The massive spending on a single House race demonstrates the lengths pro-Israel organizations are willing to go to enforce political discipline on Israel's most outspoken critics.
Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, has been a consistent critic of US military aid to Israel and has voted against resolutions supporting Israel's war on Gaza. The race has drawn national attention, with Al Jazeera English also reporting on the Kentucky primaries as a key contest to watch. →
The United Arab Emirates paid more than $6 million to a secretive US reputation management firm tied to whitewashing a client's link to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, to manipulate Google search results and suppress damaging reporting about its ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al-Otaiba, according to a New York Times investigation reported by Middle East Monitor.
The investigation focused on Terakeet, a Syracuse-based firm specializing in search engine optimization and online reputation management for powerful clients. The payment was intended to suppress negative coverage of Al-Otaiba, who has been a central figure in UAE-US relations and a key architect of the Abraham Accords.
The revelation comes amid broader questions about the UAE's use of financial influence to shape its international image and suppress negative reporting. The UAE's ambassador has been one of the most influential diplomatic figures in Washington, with close ties to successive US administrations. →
Italian journalist Alessandro Mantovani, aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, stressed the importance of European support for the Gaza mission, according to Anadolu Agency. "The Gaza flotilla seeks to break both the Israeli siege and the 'wall of silence' in Europe," Mantovani said in a statement before the Israeli interception.
The journalist's comments highlighted the dual nature of the flotilla's mission: to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza while also confronting European governments' reluctance to take meaningful action against the Israeli siege. The flotilla's participants came from 39 countries, with a significant European contingent.
Mantovani's presence on the flotilla, and his subsequent detention, may add pressure on European governments to respond more forcefully to the Israeli interception of civilian vessels in international waters. →
Italy has sentenced a Palestinian man to four years in prison over videos found on his phone, according to Electronic Intifada. Ahmad Salem was convicted under anti-terrorism laws for possessing videos that authorities deemed to be extremist content.
The case has drawn criticism from human rights groups who argue that Salem's prosecution is politically motivated and represents an overreach of anti-terror legislation. The sentencing comes amid a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism across Europe, with activists increasingly facing legal consequences for expressing solidarity with Palestine.
The Electronic Intifada report noted that Salem's case is part of a pattern of European states using anti-terror laws to target Palestinians and their supporters, often based on flimsy evidence and without due process. →