US Ambassador Mike Huckabee stated that Gulf states face a strategic choice between Israel and Iran following the recent Israeli-US war on Iran affecting several Middle Eastern countries.
Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a plan to seize strategic areas in the occupied West Bank in response to EU sanctions on Israeli settlers and settler groups over increased violence against Palestinians. The EU sanctions target three settlers and four organizations, while some EU states call for further measures including tariffs on settlement products.
Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal waved a Palestinian flag during FC Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations amid large crowds in Barcelona, a city recognized for its pro-Palestinian activism since the start of the Gaza conflict.
The European Union agreed to sanction Israeli settlers and settler organizations over violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as well as senior figures of the Palestinian resistance movement, which condemned the move as hypocrisy and racism. The decision follows the lifting of a long-standing veto by Hungary’s new prime minister.
Syrian rights organizations raise alarm over the abduction of dozens of Syrians, including children, by Israeli forces, with many families unaware of the hostages’ whereabouts or detention conditions. Shadi Zeina has been held since near the Syrian border for three months.
Israeli authorities expelled Father Louis Salman from Palestine after refusing to renew his residency following a prolonged security investigation. He conducted his final Mass in Beit Sahour before leaving for Jordan amid wide Palestinian condemnation, viewing the move as part of broader actions against Palestinian Christian clergy.
Microsoft conducted an internal investigation revealing non-transparent conduct regarding its work with Israel’s Defense Ministry, leading to the removal of its Israel country manager and placing the branch under French oversight. The probe exposed Israeli military units using Microsoft services for extensive surveillance of Palestinians, triggering widespread controversy and criticism.
Amnesty International criticized the European Broadcasting Union for allowing Israel an international platform at Eurovision 2026 while it continues genocide, unlawful occupation, and apartheid against Palestinians, prompting Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland to withdraw in protest.
