Vatican calls for global push for 2-state solution as death toll in Gaza continues to rise – Middle East Monitor

The Houthis in Yemen threatened to target any ships linked to companies that cooperate with Israeli ports, declaring this as part of their "fourth phase of the naval blockade" against Israel due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. This escalation follows over 100 attacks on commercial vessels since November 2023, significantly disrupting trade through the Red Sea and maintaining their campaign to support Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

Mohammed al-Qedra, shot while seeking food in Gaza, highlights the dire humanitarian crisis as over 1,000 Palestinians have died attempting to access aid amid Israeli military actions. International organizations criticize Israel's blockade, which exacerbates starvation, with the World Health Organization stating that the situation is man-made and claiming many risk their lives for basic sustenance. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in Scotland to discuss their recent trade deal and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite Starmer's hopes for a reduction in U.S. tariffs, Trump has ruled out changes, while both leaders are under pressure to address the ongoing situation in Gaza marked by widespread hunger and devastation. Want More Context? 🔎

Hamza Jabbari is one of Tunisia's increasing number of informal plastic recyclers, known as "barbechas," driven by economic challenges and rising living costs, with around 25,000 collectors in the country. Many, including migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, have turned to this laborious work as they struggle to make ends meet amid high unemployment and inflation rates. Want More Context? 🔎

The Vatican urged the international community to pursue a two-state solution amid the escalating crisis in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need to halt military attacks that have resulted in significant civilian casualties and suffering. It reaffirmed support for a political resolution based on UN resolutions, condemned violence against civilians, and criticized Israel's blockade and military actions, which have led to nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

Since the UN's 1947 partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, it has played a crucial role in Palestinian affairs, aiming to revive the two-state solution. Key events include the 1948 Nakba, the 1967 Resolution 242 calling for Israeli withdrawal, the 1993 Oslo Accords, and recent US vetoes on Palestinian statehood requests despite global recognition of Palestine by numerous UN members. Want More Context? 🔎