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Israel Intensifies Operations in Gaza, Proposes Resettlement to South Sudan
The Israeli military has escalated its operations in Gaza City, demolishing over 300 homes and killing more than 100 Palestinians in a single day. Reports indicate Israel is discussing with South Sudan the potential resettlement of Gaza’s population to the East African nation, raising concerns about forced displacement. Additionally, 12 Palestinians have died from starvation in the past two days, with the total starvation deaths reaching 239, including 106 children. UN experts have accused Israel of “medicide” by targeting Gaza’s healthcare system and workers. Democracy Now!
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Global Protests Condemn Israel’s Killing of Journalists in Gaza
Protests erupted worldwide following Israel’s targeted strike on a media tent outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, which killed six journalists, including five from Al Jazeera, among them prominent correspondent Anas Al-Sharif. Demonstrators in cities like London decried the attack as part of a broader assault on press freedom, with 192 journalists and media workers killed in the region since October 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The protests highlight fears of losing an entire generation of Palestinian journalists. Democracy Now!
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New Zealand MP Ejected for Criticizing Inaction on Gaza
Green Party lawmaker Chlöe Swarbrick was ejected twice from New Zealand’s Parliament for calling out colleagues’ “spineless” inaction on Gaza and urging sanctions against Israel for war crimes. Swarbrick’s remarks emphasized the need to uphold the Genocide Convention and support a sanctions bill addressing Israel’s occupation of Palestine, sparking debate about parliamentary responses to international conflicts. Democracy Now!
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Israeli Minister Announces New Settlements to Block Palestinian Statehood
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to build over 3,000 settlement homes in the E1 area, aiming to sever the West Bank from occupied East Jerusalem. Smotrich declared the plan would “bury the idea of a Palestinian state,” prompting condemnation from Palestinian officials as an extension of genocide and annexation policies. The move aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s support for a “Greater Israel” vision. Democracy Now!
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UN Warns Israel Over Sexual Violence by Armed Forces
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned Israel of potential inclusion in a report on sexual violence by armed forces, citing documented patterns of abuse against Palestinian prisoners, including genital violence and degrading strip searches. The warning underscores growing international scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of detainees amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Democracy Now!
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Trump Threatens Russia with “Severe Consequences” Over Ukraine Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump warned Russia of “very severe consequences” if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire at a summit in Alaska on August 15. The warning follows Trump’s virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, with Zelensky rejecting proposals to cede Donbas regions. The summit will also address Arctic cooperation, reflecting strategic interests in the region. Newsweek
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Trump Plans Long-Term Federal Takeover of Washington, D.C. Police
President Trump announced plans for a long-term federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s police force, despite violent crime being at a 30-year low. The move, accompanied by deploying 800 National Guard troops, has been criticized by Mayor Muriel Bowser as an “authoritarian push.” A viral incident involving a man throwing a sandwich at a federal officer highlights tensions over the crackdown. Democracy Now!
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Peru Grants Amnesty to Police and Soldiers for Past Human Rights Abuses
Peru’s President Dina Boluarte signed a law granting blanket amnesty to military and police officers accused of human rights abuses during the 1980-2000 internal conflict. Human rights groups, including activist Gisela Ortiz, condemned the move as undermining accountability for government atrocities, reflecting Peru’s ongoing struggle with its authoritarian past. Democracy Now!
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UN Rejects Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces’ Rival Government Declaration
The UN Security Council rejected the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) declaration of a rival government in Sudan, citing threats to the country’s territorial integrity and regional stability. The council also demanded the RSF lift its siege on El Fasher, where fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands and deepened a hunger crisis amid cholera outbreaks. Democracy Now!
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Over 100 Aid Groups Condemn Israel for Blocking Gaza Aid
More than 100 aid organizations accused Israel of “weaponizing aid” by obstructing supplies to Gaza, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis with millions in aid blocked. The closure of the Rafah crossing since May 2024 and security risks to aid convoys have worsened famine risks, despite International Court of Justice orders to allow unhindered assistance. Israel denies the claims, citing security checks. News18