Lebanon President affirms commitment to disarmament plan – Middle East Monitor

The Israeli military claims control of 40% of Gaza City amid intensified bombardments, resulting in over 30 deaths in a single day as humanitarian conditions worsen for over two million residents. With a looming offensive expected to displace an estimated one million Palestinians south, international officials are increasingly labeling the situation a "genocide," which Israel vehemently denies. Want More Context? 🔎

A senior EU official, Teresa Ribera, labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, marking the first time a commission member has made such an accusation amidst growing protests and calls for a ceasefire. Israel, which has denied these allegations, faces criticism from the European Commission for human rights violations, while over 62,000 Palestinians reportedly have died since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

Rescuers have recovered 370 bodies from a landslide in the remote village of Tarasin, Sudan, after severe rainfall caused the disaster, with the UN estimating up to 1,000 fatalities. Local residents, along with the Sudan Liberation Movement, are conducting recovery efforts as aid agencies remain unable to access the area, amidst an ongoing conflict that has devastated Darfur. Want More Context? 🔎

An Egyptian official criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “delusional” for considering the cancellation of a gas agreement between Egypt and Israel, emphasizing that Netanyahu cannot handle the repercussions of such a move. Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service, asserted that Egypt has multiple energy options and reaffirmed the gas deal's significance amidst ongoing regional tensions. Want More Context? 🔎

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? 🔎