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"UK Foreign Minister Cameron Defends Continued Arms Sales to Israel"
1 year ago•Source: Al Jazeera English
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3.57 min•1 year ago
Democratic Leaders Push for Halt to U.S. Arms Sales to Israel
Congressional Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, are pressuring President Biden to halt weapons transfers to Israel in response to the Gaza war and humanitarian crisis. Senators Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen, and Elizabeth Warren are among those calling for a suspension of military aid to Israel until it meets humanitarian benchmarks and facilitates the flow of provisions into Gaza. The Biden administration, traditionally supportive of Israel, recently abstained from a UN vote demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and has now called for an immediate ceasefire.
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Israel Clarifies Stance Amid Controversy Over Gaza Population Movement Plans
Originally Published 2 years ago — by POLITICO
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has clarified on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the expulsion of Palestinians is not the official stance of the Israeli government, despite calls for such measures by some members of Prime Minister Netanyahu's government. This statement comes in the wake of a deadly conflict with Hamas that has resulted in over 24,000 deaths, predominantly in Gaza. The U.S. State Department has condemned the inflammatory rhetoric of Israeli Ministers advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. Herzog also highlighted the national trauma Israel is experiencing, including the ongoing captivity of hostages taken during the October 7 attack by Hamas.
"Blinken's Middle East Diplomacy Targets Ceasefire and Regional Stability Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Voice of America - VOA News
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a diplomatic mission in the Middle East, meeting with leaders in Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, Greece, and other nations to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite calls for a ceasefire, the U.S. supports Israel's military campaign, which aims to neutralize Hamas's control over Gaza. Blinken's discussions focus on curbing civilian casualties, increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and preventing regional spillover of the conflict. The U.S. opposes the forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza and is working on a postwar strategy that excludes Hamas from future governance.
"Maldives Political Firestorm: Leaders' Racist Remarks Ignite Outrage and Calls for Boycott"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Times of India
Maldivian minister Zahid Rameez has caused a diplomatic stir with offensive comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visit to Lakshadweep. Rameez's remarks, which included mocking Indian tourism and accusing India of imitating Sri Lanka, have led to a social media backlash and a trending #BoycottMaldives movement. The controversy is heightened by Rameez's previous requests for Indian citizenship. The Maldivian government has sought to distance itself from the incident by clarifying that Rameez's statements are his own and do not reflect the government's position.
"China Hits Five US Arms Firms with Sanctions Over Taiwan Sales"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
China announced sanctions against five U.S. military manufacturers in retaliation for a recent U.S. arms sale to Taiwan. The sanctioned companies include BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions. These measures are a response to a $300 million U.S. deal to support Taiwan's tactical information systems, which China claims undermines its sovereignty and threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait. The sanctions will involve asset freezes and prohibitions on Chinese entities engaging with the targeted companies. This move comes just before Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13.
"Europe's Strategy for a Potential Trump Victory in the Next Election"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Worldcrunch
As the world faces a record number of national elections, the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency could have significant global implications, particularly for Ukraine, the Middle East, and NATO. Europe is urged to prepare by leading support for Ukraine, establishing a war economy, and enhancing its defense industry in anticipation of possible U.S. military disengagement under Trump. The article emphasizes the need for Europe to adopt a new strategic posture to defend its economic and industrial interests amid rising global rivalries and internal populist threats.
"Maldives Controversy: Officials Criticized for Remarks on PM Modi, Calls for Tourism Boycott Emerge"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NDTV
Former Maldivian ministers criticized current government officials for derogatory comments made on social media against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remarks led to a backlash, including a social media boycott campaign, which could impact the Maldives' economy heavily reliant on tourism. The Maldivian government has since suspended the ministers involved, and former officials are urging for a maintenance of the historically strong and respectful relationship between Maldives and India.
"Polish Farmers End Ukraine Border Protest Following Government Agreement"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by POLITICO Europe
Polish farmers have ceased their blockade of the Medyka-Shehyni border crossing with Ukraine after the government agreed to their financial support demands, although restrictions on Ukrainian imports were not included. The deal includes corn subsidies, fixed agricultural taxes, and increased loans, pending legislative approval and the European Commission's consent. Despite the agreement, farmers and Polish truckers continue to express concerns over the impact of Ukrainian imports and the potential EU membership of Ukraine on Poland's economy.
"Blinken Addresses Escalating Gaza Tensions Amidst Middle East Diplomatic Push"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Bloomberg
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described the situation in Gaza as 'dire' amidst concerns of a potential escalation into a wider Middle East war. During his visit to Jordan, Blinken emphasized the importance of speeding up humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and discussed the future governance of Gaza post-conflict. His efforts are part of the Biden administration's strategy to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from expanding.
"Italian Minister Advocates for EU Army Creation"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters.com
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has advocated for the creation of a European Union army, emphasizing the need for a collective defense mechanism to maintain peace and protect EU citizens amidst global tensions. He suggests that a unified military force is essential for an effective European foreign policy and to stand alongside major world powers. Tajani also proposes a streamlined EU leadership with a single presidency. The idea comes in the wake of increased defense cooperation within the EU following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the expansion of NATO.
"Somalia Officially Scraps Ethiopia-Somaliland Port Agreement"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Bloomberg
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has nullified an agreement that allowed the self-declared independent region of Somaliland access to the Red Sea in partnership with Ethiopia, labeling the deal as "illegal" and signing a law to repeal it. This move underscores the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding Somaliland's claim to sovereignty and its international agreements.