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Israeli minister Ben-Gvir under investigation in Italy over Gaza flotilla

Israeli minister Ben-Gvir under investigation in Italy over Gaza flotilla

ROME, June 8 (Reuters) - Italian prosecutors put Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir under investigation over the treatment of activists who were part of a Gaza flotilla last month, a judicial source said on Monday.

More sanctions could be imposed on Israeli settlers in 'coming days', France says

More sanctions could be imposed on Israeli settlers in 'coming days', France says

PARIS, June 7 (Reuters) - Israeli settlers could face further sanctions in coming days in protest at the escalation of illegal settlements in the West Bank and a surge in violence by settlers against Palestinians, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Sunday.

France and Allies Plan Sanctions on Israeli Individuals Over West Bank Violence

France and Allies Plan Sanctions on Israeli Individuals Over West Bank Violence

France, along with several allies, is preparing to impose coordinated national sanctions on individuals linked to violence in the West Bank. This move comes amid escalating violence by Israeli settlers and the expansion of settlements, which many Western countries view as detrimental to the prospects for a Palestinian state. The sanctions, which may include asset freezes and travel bans, are being discussed at the national level due to a lack of unanimity within the European Union. France is coordinating with countries such as Britain and Norway, although the final list of participating nations is not yet clear. The announcement of these measures is expected in the coming days, as France hosts a meeting in Paris to discuss the issue further.

French Jewish Lawyers Warn Proposed Israel Sanctions May Increase Antisemitism

French Jewish Lawyers Warn Proposed Israel Sanctions May Increase Antisemitism

French Jewish lawyers have expressed concerns that France's proposed sanctions on Israeli individuals could embolden Israel's adversaries and further isolate French Jews. France, in collaboration with several European countries, is considering imposing coordinated national sanctions targeting individuals linked to violence in the West Bank. These measures, which may include asset freezes and travel bans, are yet to be finalized. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has voiced concerns over the intensification of illegal colonization in the West Bank and Israeli settler violence against Palestinians. The European Union has previously blocked efforts for tougher measures against Israel, leading some countries to pursue national sanctions. French Jewish MP Caroline Yadan highlighted the incomprehension within the French Jewish community regarding these sanctions, which they perceive as a shift in France's historical relationship with Israel.

The Latest: Trump to attend NBA Finals Game 3 between Knicks and Spurs with increased security

The Latest: Trump to attend NBA Finals Game 3 between Knicks and Spurs with increased security

President Donald Trump, a longtime New York Knicks fan, had confirmed that he would attend the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999

IAEA calls on Iran to 're-engage' as West pressures it with resolution

IAEA calls on Iran to 're-engage' as West pressures it with resolution

By Francois Murphy VIENNA, June 8 (Reuters) - U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi called on Iran on Monday to "re-engage" with him so inspections can resume at sites the U.S. and Israel bombed a year ago, as the U.S. led a push for a resolution to that effect at the agency's board.

Factbox-From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children's social media access

Factbox-From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children's social media access

GDANSK, June 8 (Reuters) - Australia in December became the world's first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube and Meta's Instagram and Facebook.

Germany and France Terminate Joint Fighter Jet Project Amid Disagreements

Germany and France Terminate Joint Fighter Jet Project Amid Disagreements

Germany and France have decided to abandon their collaborative effort to develop a new-generation fighter jet, known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This decision was reached after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron concluded that the project, which was initiated in 2017, could not overcome persistent disagreements. The project aimed to replace France's Rafale jets and the Eurofighter used by Germany and Spain by 2040. However, disputes over leadership, control, and technological specifications between the involved companies, Dassault Aviation and Airbus, have stalled progress. The project also faced challenges due to differing national requirements, with France needing a nuclear-capable jet that could land on aircraft carriers, unlike Germany.

Italian Coastguard Recovers 10 Bodies After Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Malta

Italian Coastguard Recovers 10 Bodies After Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Malta

Italian rescuers have recovered 10 bodies following the capsizing of a migrant boat in waters off Malta. The vessel, which departed from Libya with approximately 60 people on board, overturned about 45 nautical miles east-southeast of Malta. According to the Italian coastguard, a fishing boat in the vicinity managed to rescue around 48 individuals alive. The search and rescue operations are ongoing, coordinated by Maltese authorities, after Malta requested assistance. This incident is part of a larger pattern of perilous crossings in the central Mediterranean, where at least 827 people have died this year attempting the journey from North Africa to Italy and Malta, as reported by the UN’s International Organization for Migration.

Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich Banned from Ireland Amid Controversy

Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich Banned from Ireland Amid Controversy

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin has announced that Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have been banned from traveling to Ireland. The decision, reportedly made by Ireland's Justice Ministry, comes amid accusations that the ministers' actions and rhetoric have been inflammatory and contrary to Ireland's values. The ban reflects ongoing tensions between Israel and European nations over policies and actions in the Middle East. The move has sparked discussions about diplomatic relations and the potential for broader EU-level sanctions against the ministers.

Netanyahu Asserts No Hezbollah Deal Exists Amid Calls for Tougher Action

Netanyahu Asserts No Hezbollah Deal Exists Amid Calls for Tougher Action

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that no agreement exists with Hezbollah regarding a ceasefire, as the militant group has opposed the current proposal. During a Security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that he would not seek approval for the ceasefire unless Hezbollah agrees to its terms. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other ministers have called for intensified military actions against Hezbollah, arguing that the current situation requires a stronger response. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been instructed to clear Hezbollah infrastructure south of the Litani River, with the aim of maintaining a security buffer and preventing Hezbollah's rearmament.

House Democrats Urge U.S. to Pressure Israel on West Bank Construction Amid Tensions

House Democrats Urge U.S. to Pressure Israel on West Bank Construction Amid Tensions

Eighty-five House Democrats have called on the U.S. administration to exert pressure on Israel to halt construction in the E1 area of the West Bank. This area is strategically significant as its development could effectively divide the West Bank, complicating the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state. The lawmakers emphasized that the opportunity for meaningful diplomatic intervention is closing rapidly, urging immediate action from the U.S. administration. This appeal comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including the killing of an 18-year-old Palestinian by Israeli forces, who alleged his involvement in firebomb attacks. Additionally, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have condemned a visit by a far-right lawmaker to Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, citing the diversion of troops, including those stationed in Lebanon.