New year hope and joy reign in a Damascus freed from Assad

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold a cabinet meeting next week to discuss the situation in Gaza amid increasing pressure to recognize a Palestinian state. This comes after over 220 UK MPs urged Starmer to follow France's lead in recognizing Palestine, while he maintains that such recognition should occur only as part of a negotiated peace deal. Want More Context? 🔎

Jordan and the UAE have air-dropped 25 tonnes of aid into northern Gaza amid a "tactical pause" in fighting by Israel, which has faced international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis. Despite this, nine people were reported killed by Israeli fire near aid routes, while many Gazans struggle with severe food shortages and malnutrition. Want More Context? 🔎

During a meeting in Turnberry, Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel must make a decision regarding next steps in Gaza, especially after Hamas has become less willing to negotiate on hostage releases. He emphasized the urgency of securing the release of hostages, noting that Hamas's stance has recently "hardened." Want More Context? 🔎

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a threat to Iran, stating that attacks could resume, targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly if threats against Israel persist. This follows a 12-day conflict initiated by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24. Want More Context? 🔎

Jordanian and Emirati planes delivered food to Gaza as Israel initiated a "tactical pause" in military operations to address a worsening hunger crisis, with the Israeli military conducting its own airdrop. Despite these efforts, the UN reported that a third of Gaza's population faced severe food shortages, and humanitarian officials warned that airdrops alone would be insufficient to alleviate the situation. Want More Context? 🔎

In Gaza, the act of resistance against occupation faces scrutiny that often overshadows the injustices of the oppressor, with expectations unfairly placed on those who resist. True liberation movements, as history shows, arise instinctively in the face of oppression, and it is unjust to demand that resisters conform to diplomatic standards while enduring violence and subjugation. Want More Context? 🔎