IMF lifts 2025 growth forecast on ‘fragile’ easing in trade tensions

Hezbollah leader refuses US calls for disarmamentNaim Qassem, Hezbollah's deputy leader, rejected US pressure to disarm the group, stating that demands to submit arms equate to submitting to Israel. In a televised address, he emphasized that Hezbollah would not surrender its weapons, framing their struggle as a duty that endures regardless of time. Want More Context? 🔎

Britain plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel improves conditions in Gaza and commits to a two-state solution, following France's similar announcement. The two-state solution, aimed at establishing Palestine alongside Israel, faces significant challenges, including expanding Israeli settlements and unresolved core issues from the 1947 UN partition plan and subsequent conflicts. Want More Context? 🔎

The anticipated ceasefire deal following the Israeli Defense Forces' successes has collapsed, with Iran reportedly instructing Hamas to resist negotiations instead of proceeding with a resolution. This development highlights Tehran's subtle but significant influence over the dynamics of the conflict in Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

Gaza's civil defense agency reported that 14 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in incidents near aid distribution sites amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis, with over 60,000 deaths in Gaza since the conflict escalated after Hamas's October 2023 attack. While Israel confirmed firing near these sites, it disputed casualty figures, as media restrictions hinder independent verification. Want More Context? 🔎

In a coordinated effort, 17 countries, including Arab League members and the EU, urged Hamas to transfer governance of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority to salvage the two-state solution, amid ongoing conflict and Israeli occupation. The declaration condemned violence from both sides and called for international support for Palestinian sovereignty, while Israel dismissed the initiative as rewarding terrorism. Want More Context? 🔎

The EU is considering suspending Israeli access to its Horizon Europe research funding in response to Israel's actions in Gaza, marking a potential first step against Israel. The proposal, which requires a qualified majority to pass, aims to freeze funding for Israeli startups due to alleged human rights violations, though it faces opposition from some member states and criticism for being insufficient from human rights organizations. Want More Context? 🔎