Progressive candidates, including those backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, secured key victories in New York primary elections, signaling a leftward shift within the Democratic Party. Incumbent Dan Goldman lost his seat, highlighting divisions over the Israel-Gaza war.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the severing of all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Saar accused Kallas of "acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness" after she reportedly compared Israel to South Africa's apartheid regime during a visit to Mexico. Diplomatic relations have been strained since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
Gaza's health ministry reported nearly 1,000 deaths since the start of the ceasefire, with five Israeli soldiers also killed. The total death toll since October 7, 2023, has reached 73,001, with over 173,200 wounded. The ministry's records are considered reliable by UN agencies and experts, though they do not differentiate between civilians and militants.
Tensions between the US progressive Jewish diaspora and the Israeli government escalated during the Israel Day Parade in NYC. Protesters, including Jewish activists, demonstrated against Israeli officials like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, condemning the actions in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank. The event highlighted a growing divide within the global Jewish community regarding Israel's policies.
Israeli authorities deported French journalist Alice Froussard, known for her criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. France supports her but acknowledges Israel's right to deport. Minister Amichai Chikli accused her of supporting Hamas.
France hosts the second 'Paris Call' at the Arab World Institute, bringing together Palestinian and Israeli civil society activists and opinion leaders to push for a two-state solution amidst the ongoing Gaza war. Despite diplomatic challenges and Israel's refusal to send its foreign minister, the conference aims to keep the peace process alive and present practical solutions.
Turkish President Erdogan and Israeli PM Netanyahu exchanged sharp criticisms, escalating tensions between the two nations. Erdogan accused Netanyahu of genocide and regional threats, while Netanyahu called Erdogan an anti-Semitic dictator. The dispute follows recent verbal clashes between their ministers.
Nearly 5,000 academics and students from Belgian universities have signed an open letter demanding an end to all institutional collaborations with Israeli institutions involved in violations of international law, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
France has banned Israel from participating in Eurosatory, a major international arms show, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision prohibits Israeli government representatives and national pavilions, restricting displays to non-offensive air defense systems.
Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi approved plans for continued operations on the Lebanon border, vowing to inflict systematic and ongoing damage on Hezbollah and weaken Iran's capabilities.
Israel intensified efforts to reach Hamas leaders since Oct 7, 2023, facing initial difficulties due to their use of tunnels. While easier to target Hezbollah and Iran, Israel struggled with Hamas, eventually succeeding through family contacts and surveillance, leading to the assassinations of key figures like Mohammed Deif and others.
Activists Kim Ah-hyun and Kim Dong-hyun, released by Israel, urged South Korea to sanction Korean companies involved in the Gaza war. They cited the Korea National Oil Corporation's gas field development and Hanwha's defense agreements with Israel as complicity in alleged war crimes.
Croatia's President Zoran Milanović stated he will not accept the credentials of a new Israeli ambassador due to the current Israeli government's policies, particularly its actions in Gaza. He accused Israel of violating norms by announcing the ambassador's name before approval.
Bulgaria's Dara won Eurovision with 'Bangaranga' on Saturday, marking the country's first victory. Israel came second amid protests and a boycott by five nations over its actions in Gaza.
Thousands protested outside the Eurovision final in Vienna against Israel's inclusion, while five countries boycotted the event due to the war in Gaza. Critics accuse organizers of double standards for banning Russia but not Israel.
British Palestinians report feeling silenced and facing hostility due to their activism and identity related to the Gaza war. They fear professional repercussions and public judgment, while also experiencing grief over family suffering. Activists highlight solidarity from the British public and criticize media and government responses.
Ireland boycotts Eurovision 2026 due to tensions with Israel over the Gaza war, amidst other UK-centric news on TV filming locations, hospital funding, and Russell T Davies' new drama.
Thousands of people have taken part in the Palestine Marathon and Half Marathon which returned to the West Bank city of Bethlehem after a two-year pause because of restrictions over the Gaza War.
Israeli media reports suggest Israel is preparing to resume fighting because of the impasse in talks with Hamas.
It was one of the deadliest Israeli strikes of the Gaza war, devastating one extended family. A year and a half later, the survivors find their loved ones' remains.
Palestinians in the West Bank and central Gaza voted Saturday in the first municipal elections since the Gaza war began. Nearly 1.5 million people were registered to vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and 70,000 in Deir el-Balah. Turnout by 5pm was 40.62% in the West Bank and just 21.2% in Gaza.
Palestinians are casting ballots in municipal elections across the West Bank, while voting in Gaza remains severely restricted due to displacement and security concerns. The elections are seen as a rare form of civic engagement following the postponement of national polls.
Palestinians in the West Bank and Deir El-Balah area of Gaza began voting Saturday in the first municipal elections since the Gaza war began. Nearly 1.5 million people are registered to vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with 70,000 in Gaza. The election features limited political competition with most lists aligned with President Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party or running as independents, while Hamas-affiliated lists are absent. Many cities have only one list submitted, automatically winning without a vote. The election is viewed by some as an exercise in demonstrating continued Palestinian existence rather than meaningful political change.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged the EU to terminate its association agreement with Israel, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of committing genocide in Gaza and violating international law. Spain will formally propose the termination at Tuesday's EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg, requiring unanimity from all 27 member states. The proposal follows a letter from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia accusing Israel of breaching the agreement through approval of the death penalty and settler violence in the West Bank.
