Syria security forces disperse rival protests in Damascus

Armed groups attacked Syria's internal security forces in Sweida, resulting in one death and several injuries, while also violating a ceasefire in the predominantly Druze region. The violence, which intensified following clashes between tribal fighters and Druze factions, prompted government intervention and a U.S.-brokered truce amid ongoing sectarian tensions over resources. Want More Context? 🔎

An Israeli airstrike on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society's headquarters in Khan Younis killed one staff member and injured two others, prompting the organization to condemn the attack as a war crime under International Humanitarian Law. This incident occurred amid escalating tensions in Gaza, where over 60,400 Palestinians have died since October 2023, as the region faces dire humanitarian crises. Want More Context? 🔎

Tens of thousands marched across Sydney's Harbour Bridge in the 'March for Humanity,' demanding peace and aid for Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, with estimates of attendees ranging from 90,000 to 300,000. The protest, supported by various activists including Julian Assange, followed recent diplomatic pressures on Israel, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians in Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed "profound shock" over videos of two malnourished hostages released by Hamas, prompting calls for their immediate release and a truce after nearly 22 months of war. The EU condemned the clips, demanding the release of all hostages and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where ongoing violence continues to claim lives. Want More Context? 🔎

In response to recent statements from Western governments about recognizing a Palestinian state, the article critiques these gestures as potentially misleading, arguing that they often come with conditions that undermine Palestinian self-determination and rights. The author emphasizes that true liberation requires ending the siege and allowing Palestinians to determine their future without external impositions, highlighting the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

UN agencies report that food aid entering Gaza is often looted, diverted, or seized under dangerous conditions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, as nearly 1,400 Palestinians have died waiting for assistance since May. Despite international condemnation of Israeli restrictions on aid distribution, efforts to deliver food are chaotic and insufficient, with the situation described as a "Darwinian experiment" for survival among the desperate population. Want More Context? 🔎