Syria affirms state’s sole role in preserving sovereignty amid Suwayda unrest – Middle East Monitor

A flotilla of 20 boats carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists, including Greta Thunberg, departed from Barcelona to deliver medical and food supplies to Gaza, aiming to challenge Israel's blockade. Following a previous failed attempt due to stormy weather, the mission plans to converge with another group from Tunis, despite Israeli authorities labeling such efforts as publicity stunts. Want More Context? 🔎

Google signed a $45 million contract with the Israeli prime minister’s office to run a digital advertising campaign promoting Israeli messaging during the Gaza crisis, explicitly labeled as hasbara, or state propaganda. Despite international condemnation and reports of famine in Gaza, the campaign included ads denying hunger, while Google also faced scrutiny for its involvement in Project Nimbus, a military cloud computing partnership with Israel. Want More Context? 🔎

Iran envoy blasts US over Venezuela policiesTehran's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, condemned the US's actions against Venezuela, stating they pose "a serious threat to international peace and security." He labeled these policies as hostile and illegal, violating the UN charter. Want More Context? 🔎

Gaza principal slams Hamas, calls them 'murderers'Saad Al-Mashalal, a school principal in Gaza, condemned Hamas as 'murderers' following the death of his son during one of the group's attacks on aid distribution sites in Khan Yunis. His remarks were shared in a video released by COGAT, highlighting the violence inflicted by the terror group. Want More Context? 🔎

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned Israel for endangering its peacekeepers after an Israeli drone dropped grenades near UN personnel on the Blue Line, marking a serious violation since the November 2023 ceasefire. UNIFIL reaffirmed its commitment to its mission and criticized Israel's claims regarding Hezbollah's presence, while emphasizing the need for Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese sites as per international law. Want More Context? 🔎

Civil groups in Italy, including port workers, have pledged to close ports if Israel seizes vessels from the “Global Sumud Flotilla” aimed at breaking the Gaza blockade. This announcement follows Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's threats to detain participants as terrorism suspects, as around 20 ships have departed from Barcelona and Genoa, with more expected to join. Want More Context? 🔎