Saudi Arabia – Middle East Monitor

Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the country will recognize the state of Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September, emphasizing a commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East. This declaration follows similar announcements from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France, with Abela having initially planned recognition in May during a postponed conference on Palestine. Want More Context? 🔎

An Iranian lawmaker, Mojtaba Zarei, has claimed that Iran successfully installed a spy camera inside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home, marking a significant alleged breach of security. His statements, emphasizing Iranian intelligence's proximity to Netanyahu, have not been officially confirmed or denied by Israeli authorities and are viewed as part of the ongoing psychological warfare between Iran and Israel. Want More Context? 🔎

Moral unravellingIsraeli journalists Gideon Levy and Amira Hass, among others, express deep concern over the moral decline of Israel due to its violent policies and the normalization of collective punishment, warning that such actions jeopardize both the occupied and the occupier. The international community, including the ICC, is increasingly scrutinizing Israel's conduct, raising legal and diplomatic risks that could lead to significant consequences for Israeli leaders and military personnel. Want More Context? 🔎

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state at a UN meeting in September unless Israel takes significant actions to improve the situation in Gaza, including a ceasefire and commitment to a two-state solution. This follows France's recent pledge to recognize Palestine, amid warnings of a famine crisis in Gaza, as highlighted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Want More Context? 🔎

An Israeli settler, identified as Yinon Levy, fatally shot Palestinian teacher Odeh Hathaleen in Umm Al-Khair village during a confrontation involving a bulldozer from an Israeli settlement. Hathaleen, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was known for his activism and was a father of three; Israeli police are investigating the incident, which has drawn international attention. Want More Context? 🔎

President Donald Trump indicated he may skip the G20 summit in South Africa in November, planning to send a representative instead due to his disapproval of the country's policies, including its land policy and a case accusing Israel of genocide. Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa have escalated over various issues, including Trump's executive order to reduce financial assistance and strained diplomatic relations over South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment policies. Want More Context? 🔎