UN calls reports about possible expansion of Israeli Gaza operations ‘deeply alarming’

Russia has formally protested to Israel over an alleged attack on a Russian diplomatic vehicle near the settlement of Givat Assaf, with the Russian foreign ministry claiming that the vehicle was targeted by settlers while Israeli military personnel were present and did not intervene. The Russian embassy in Tel Aviv has submitted an official complaint to Israeli authorities regarding the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump refrained from expressing his stance on a potential Israeli military takeover of Gaza, stating the focus should be on improving food access for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly in favor of a complete military takeover, as he met with senior security officials to discuss the situation. Want More Context? 🔎

The president of J Street, Jeremy Ben-Ami, has publicly acknowledged that Israel has violated the international genocide convention in Gaza, citing actions such as denying basic necessities and the destruction of infrastructure. He expressed a personal struggle with this realization, asserting that Israeli leaders will ultimately face accountability for their actions amid ongoing military offensives that have resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

A provision in the US Senate's draft defense spending bill would require the Pentagon to report to lawmakers before reducing troop levels in Syria, ensuring that any changes meet the mission's objectives against ISIS. This measure aims to prevent a potential withdrawal during Syria's volatile transition, as tensions rise between Kurdish forces and the Assad regime over political autonomy and integration. Want More Context? 🔎

A pair of Turkmen dissident bloggers, Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov, have been missing in Turkey since July 24, raising concerns they may be targeted by Turkmen intelligence after their release from a deportation center. Rights groups warn they could face physical harm or secret expulsion to Turkmenistan, where they risk torture and persecution due to their criticism of the Turkmen regime. Want More Context? 🔎

Former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has been appointed as the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) by President Masoud Pezeshkian, tasked with overseeing national security issues, especially emerging threats. This leadership change follows a recent war with Israel that resulted in over 1,000 Iranian casualties, and Larijani replaces Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, who will become Pezeshkian's deputy. Want More Context? 🔎