Hope Rises for New Talks on Gaza Cease-fire as Israel Scales Back Demands

The US has dismissed an upcoming international conference on the two-state solution at the UN as “unproductive” and “ill-timed,” stating it undermines current diplomatic efforts and could prolong conflict while empowering Hamas. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce criticized the conference and French President Macron's recognition of a Palestinian state, calling them counterproductive gestures amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza where over 59,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

During talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Turnberry golf resort, President Donald Trump threatened to launch new U.S. attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities if Tehran attempts to restart its nuclear program, which the U.S. previously targeted. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of a decisive reaction to any renewed aggression, asserting that Iran's nuclear ambitions are strictly civilian. Want More Context? 🔎

The European Commission has proposed curbing Israel's access to the Horizon Europe research funding program due to concerns over Israel's compliance with humanitarian aid commitments in Gaza, following pressure from multiple EU countries. This proposal, which requires approval from a qualified majority of EU member states, could affect Israeli participation in key EU research initiatives amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis announced the rescue of 10 seafarers from the Greek-operated cargo ship Eternity C, which they attacked and sank in the Red Sea earlier this month, marking a resurgence in their maritime assaults. The Houthis have vowed to target vessels linked to Israeli ports, while Greece plans to send a salvage vessel to aid shipping security following these incidents. Want More Context? 🔎

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, stated that the kingdom will not normalize relations with Israel until a Palestinian state is established and the Gaza conflict ends, linking recognition to the two-state solution's progress. During a conference co-hosted with France, he emphasized that normalization discussions are impossible amid ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

Donald Trump stated there is "real starvation" in Gaza, contrasting Israeli PM Netanyahu's denial, while UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher highlighted the urgent need for vast food supplies, noting that recent aid was insufficient. Despite Israel's efforts to allow aid into Gaza, the WHO reported a spike in malnutrition-related deaths, indicating the humanitarian crisis is worsening. Want More Context? 🔎