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

Two resolutions proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders to block arms sales to Israel over civilian casualties in Gaza were defeated in the U.S. Senate, although they received more support than earlier proposals. The votes, which saw all Democratic support against Republican opposition, reflect a growing concern among some lawmakers about Israel's military actions, as international calls for humanitarian assistance in Gaza increase. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli forces reportedly killed at least 30 people and injured 300 when they opened fire on a crowd awaiting humanitarian aid in northern Gaza, while the Israeli military claimed no knowledge of any casualties. The UN criticized the insufficient pauses in military operations for aid delivery amidst a deepening hunger crisis, as the ongoing conflict has left Gaza's population facing famine and resulted in over 60,000 deaths since the war began. Want More Context? 🔎

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK leader Keir Starmer discussed the Gaza crisis, reaffirming support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians. While Australia has yet to formally recognize Palestine, Albanese's government emphasizes the need for a ceasefire, aid acceleration, and preventing Hamas's involvement in a future Palestinian state. Want More Context? 🔎

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September, contingent on democratic reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including elections without Hamas. This decision follows similar announcements from the UK and France, amid rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza, though it has faced criticism from Israel and Canada's Conservative Party. Want More Context? 🔎

Canada, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, a move Israel condemned as part of a "distorted campaign." The recognition aims to uphold the two-state solution, contingent on reforms by the Palestinian Authority and a commitment to demilitarization, as hopes for peace diminish amid ongoing conflicts and territorial issues. Want More Context? 🔎

The U.S. imposed sanctions on a shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of a senior Iranian political advisor, targeting over 115 entities and vessels involved in transporting Iranian and Russian oil. These measures aim to disrupt Iran's funding for its nuclear program and other destabilizing activities, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to applying maximum pressure on Tehran. Want More Context? 🔎