The UK High Court ruled in favor of journalist Owen Jones in a libel case filed by BBC Middle East editor Raffi Berg, finding that Jones’ article was an opinion supported by evidence from BBC staff testimonies.
Several European countries, including France, have begun talks with Iran to secure safe passage for their commercial vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz following disruptions caused by Iranian retaliation to US attacks, amid concerns over energy market impacts and the regional conflict.
Israel has closed Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem for the fourteenth straight day, barring Palestinians from entering on Ramadan’s last Friday. Heavy military presence and strict controls restricted access, with officials condemning the unprecedented ban on Taraweeh prayers and Itikaf inside the mosque since 1967.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that Oman will not normalize relations with Israel nor join the US-Israeli “Board of Peace,” noting that their assault on Iran seeks to weaken Tehran, block Palestinian statehood, and promote normalization with Israel.
Felicia Eriksson, Sweden’s representative for Eurovision 2026, opposes Israel’s participation citing the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Following her remarks, five countries withdrew from the contest. The EBU reminded participants that political statements are prohibited, amid rising tensions over Israel’s participation.
Iceland and the Netherlands filed declarations to intervene in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ, raising the number of participating countries to 18 amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel ordered the displacement of hundreds of thousands in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs amid threats to make the area resemble Gaza, following military escalation that caused hundreds of casualties in Lebanon.
Indictments against Israeli soldiers accused of gang rape and sexual assault of a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman prison in 2024 were dropped by the Israeli military’s top lawyer, amid reports detailing the assault and the victim’s severe injuries.
