Turkey’s actors, artists under pressure as govt turns up the heat

US Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, has vowed to ensure accountability for the death of US citizen Hosam Saraya, who was killed during unrest in the Druze-majority south of Syria. The Syrian government is cooperating with the FBI investigation into Saraya's abduction and killing, as clashes between Druze militiamen and Sunni Bedouin fighters have resulted in over 1,000 deaths. Want More Context? 🔎

ATHENS (Reuters)Slovenia has imposed an embargo on arms exports, imports, and transit to Israel, following its declaration of Israeli ministers as persona non grata, making it the first European country to do so. Prime Minister Robert Golob announced the measure amid calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid, while Israel criticized potential recognition of a Palestinian state by other nations. Want More Context? 🔎

The U.S. imposed sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization, citing their actions undermining peace efforts with Israel, while Canada, France, and Britain moved towards recognizing Palestinian statehood. The sanctions include visa denials but do not specify individuals; they were timed with an international conference aimed at a two-state solution, amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

US State Sec. Marco Rubio slams countries recognizing PalestineUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized nations that recognize Palestinian statehood, asserting that such actions bolster Hamas's public relations efforts. He highlighted that these countries are inadvertently siding with Hamas, which he claims is winning the narrative war. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli warplanes conducted extensive airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, targeting areas in the Bekaa Valley and districts like Baalbek and Jezzine, marking a significant escalation that breaches a ceasefire agreement. Strikes were reported in towns such as Mahmoudiyeh, Khardali, Jarmaq, and Nasiriyah, with no immediate reports of casualties. Want More Context? 🔎

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is committed to disarming Hezbollah to regain international confidence, amidst US pressure, despite the group's claims that such actions serve Israeli interests. Aoun emphasized the need for Lebanon's sovereignty, demanding the removal of all armed groups' weapons, while Israel continues airstrikes on Hezbollah targets and maintains troop presence in strategic areas of Lebanon. Want More Context? 🔎