Trump, Starmer to meet in Scotland, with trade and Gaza on agenda

The Israeli army has dismissed and jailed three soldiers from the Nahal Infantry Brigade for refusing to return to combat in Gaza, citing a "deep internal crisis" after enduring traumatic experiences and losing comrades. Since the war's onset, military data reports 895 Israeli soldier fatalities and 6,134 injuries, while the ongoing offensive has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, drawing international condemnation and war crime allegations against Israeli leaders. Want More Context? 🔎

A senior Hamas official, Ali Baraka, accused Israel of using claims of a "humanitarian truce" to mislead international opinion while committing violence against Palestinians in Gaza, where many are suffering from starvation. He urged global and humanitarian bodies to intervene, criticizing the silence surrounding Israel's actions as complicity in ongoing atrocities against civilians. Want More Context? 🔎

Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas in Gaza, stated that ongoing negotiations are futile while the siege and starvation persist, emphasizing that immediate aid access is crucial for talks to proceed. He expressed surprise at the withdrawal of the occupation from negotiations and criticized their insistence on controlling aid distribution and establishing a buffer zone in Rafah for displaced individuals. Want More Context? 🔎

The Houthis in Yemen threatened to target any ships linked to companies that cooperate with Israeli ports, declaring this as part of their "fourth phase of the naval blockade" against Israel due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. This escalation follows over 100 attacks on commercial vessels since November 2023, significantly disrupting trade through the Red Sea and maintaining their campaign to support Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

Mohammed al-Qedra, shot while seeking food in Gaza, highlights the dire humanitarian crisis as over 1,000 Palestinians have died attempting to access aid amid Israeli military actions. International organizations criticize Israel's blockade, which exacerbates starvation, with the World Health Organization stating that the situation is man-made and claiming many risk their lives for basic sustenance. Want More Context? 🔎

Hamza Jabbari is one of Tunisia's increasing number of informal plastic recyclers, known as "barbechas," driven by economic challenges and rising living costs, with around 25,000 collectors in the country. Many, including migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, have turned to this laborious work as they struggle to make ends meet amid high unemployment and inflation rates. Want More Context? 🔎