UN cautions Israel that registering occupied West Bank land could ‘legitimize the occupation’ – Middle East Monitor

More than twenty former Belgian diplomats have signed an open letter urging the federal government to take action against Israel, criticizing its treatment of the Palestinian people and calling for measures such as sanctions and recognition of Palestinian statehood. Political experts view this unprecedented public criticism as a significant signal, reflecting growing pressure on the government to adopt a clearer stance on the issue. Want More Context? 🔎

Newly declassified British documents reveal that former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak supported US and British plans to militarily defeat Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War, suggesting that his regime would fall post-defeat. Mubarak advised UK Prime Minister John Major to disregard Arab public opinion and emphasized the importance of humiliating Saddam to ensure his removal by his own generals. Want More Context? 🔎

Turkey has commenced natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Syria, with annual deliveries projected at two billion cubic meters to support the country's recovery from civil war devastation. The gas will enhance electricity generation, particularly for a power plant with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, benefiting around five million households by addressing severe power shortages. Want More Context? 🔎

Concise OverviewFrance, the UK, and Canada plan to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly, driven by humanitarian rhetoric and conditions for Palestinian Authority reforms. However, this recognition does not directly address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza or the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising questions about its practical implications. Want More Context? 🔎

On August 2, 2025, Israeli airstrikes and shootings in Gaza killed at least 27 Palestinians, including 16 civilians awaiting humanitarian aid. This incident is part of a larger offensive that has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, amidst widespread destruction and severe food shortages in the region. Want More Context? 🔎

Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, aiming to revitalize the two-state solution amid ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, which is deemed illegal by international law. The situation for Palestinians is dire, with increased settler violence and displacement, prompting local leaders to express fear and defiance against calls for annexation. Want More Context? 🔎