As Palestinians Return to Gaza City, Elation and Despair Mix

Lebanon's cabinet will convene to discuss disarming Hezbollah amid U.S. pressure and concerns over potential Israeli strikes. The meeting follows a proposal from U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack for a national defense strategy, while Lebanese officials fear that a lack of a clear decision could escalate tensions, particularly given Hezbollah's significant support within the Shi'ite community. Want More Context? 🔎

On July 26, Israel announced humanitarian corridors for aid in Gaza but simultaneously intensified violence, resulting in over 1,054 deaths at distribution points since December 2023. Critics argue that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, funded by the U.S., is ineffective and serves as a facade for Israeli military actions, exacerbating the starvation crisis instead of alleviating it. Want More Context? 🔎

International human rights organizations have condemned US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff's denial of famine in Gaza, emphasizing the existence of a humanitarian crisis affecting over two million Palestinians, which has resulted in 159 deaths, including 90 children. They urged the UN and ICC to investigate the systematic starvation as a war crime, call for a ceasefire, and demand the lifting of media bans to expose these conditions. Want More Context? 🔎

Yair Netanyahu, son of the Israeli Prime Minister, accused Qatar of being the root of a global antisemitism wave in an X post, likening it to "modern-day Nazi Germany" and criticizing its Emir and his mother. His comments arise amid the "Qatar-gate" investigation into potential financial ties between close associates of his father and the Qatari government, raising concerns over state security. Want More Context? 🔎

Oil giant Saudi Aramco reported its 10th consecutive quarterly profit drop, with second-quarter profits down 22% year-on-year to 85 billion riyals ($22.67 billion), due to lower crude and refined product prices. As Saudi Arabia aims to reduce oil dependence through its Vision 2030 project, analysts predict continued downward pressure on oil market forces, despite Aramco's CEO's optimism for increased demand later this year. Want More Context? 🔎

Saudi Aramco reported a 22% profit decline in Q2, totaling 85 billion riyals ($22.67 billion), marking ten consecutive quarters of profit drops due to falling crude oil and product prices. The company's market value has decreased by over $800 billion since 2022, despite strong market fundamentals and expectations for increased oil demand in the latter half of 2025. Want More Context? 🔎