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BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc

BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc

BRICS leaders are meeting in New Delhi this weekend as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and U.S.-China tensions test the group's unity

Former Diplomats Warn Israel of Deteriorating Western Relations Amid Sanctions

Former Diplomats Warn Israel of Deteriorating Western Relations Amid Sanctions

Former senior Israeli diplomats are expressing strong criticism regarding the deterioration of Israel's relations with Western countries, particularly in light of recent sanctions imposed by Britain and other nations. They attribute this decline to an ongoing diplomatic failure, citing factors such as violence by Jewish extremists in the West Bank, the announcement of the E1 construction plan, the absence of a diplomatic horizon, and Israel's conduct towards friendly countries. Diplomats like Jeremy Issacharoff, former ambassador to Germany, and Daniel Carmon, former ambassador to India, emphasize that the lack of an enlightened Israeli policy in the Palestinian context has neutralized Israel's diplomatic ability to prevent hostile international moves. They argue that the international community, which previously refrained from practical steps against Israel regarding settlements, is now acting due to the perceived extinguishing of a peace process and insufficient action against Jewish terrorism.

Modi holds talks with Putin and Iran's president before BRICS summit of 11 nations

Modi holds talks with Putin and Iran's president before BRICS summit of 11 nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have held talks before a BRICS summit in New Delhi

Adalah Accuses Israeli Universities of Discrimination Against Arab Students Post-October 7

Adalah Accuses Israeli Universities of Discrimination Against Arab Students Post-October 7

The Adalah organization, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, has released a report titled 'Apartheid in Israeli Academia: Arab Students After October 7, 2023,' alleging discriminatory disciplinary policies against Arab students in Israeli higher education institutions. The report claims that universities implemented a stricter disciplinary track for Arab students, often referred to as 'Palestinian' students, compared to Jewish students. Adalah states that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Arab students based on social media posts, including criticism of government policy, the IDF, or the war in Gaza, references to the October 7 attack, sharing humanitarian reports, Quranic verses, prayers, or Palestinian identity symbols. The University of Haifa, for instance, reportedly suspended Arab students less than 24 hours after October 7, 2023, based on social media posts, without prior proceedings or hearings. Adalah provided legal representation or advice in 100 cases, with 80 resul...

French Diplomat Indicates Support for EU Sanctions on West Bank Settlements

French Diplomat Indicates Support for EU Sanctions on West Bank Settlements

A French diplomat has stated that France is considering the type of sanctions it will impose on settlements in the West Bank. Speaking to Israeli army radio, the diplomat indicated that France would adhere to any decision made by the European Union to impose such sanctions and would support such a measure at the EU level. Currently, there is no specific date set for a decision on imposing sanctions, as it requires consultations among all relevant parties. The diplomat noted that this process is somewhat similar to legislative procedures undertaken by Britain, which could take up to nine months. He also mentioned that no Israeli official has contacted the French government to discuss the consequences of potential sanctions or to prevent such a step, and France would not be surprised by Israeli countermeasures.

How Did Hummus Achieve Global Popularity

How Did Hummus Achieve Global Popularity

Hummus, a Levantine dip, spread, or savory dish, has transcended its Middle Eastern origins to become a globally recognized and consumed food. Made...

Former Israeli Diplomats Criticize Government's Handling of Western Sanctions and Diplomatic Relations

Former Israeli Diplomats Criticize Government's Handling of Western Sanctions and Diplomatic Relations

Former senior Israeli diplomats are expressing strong criticism regarding Britain's sanctions against Israel and similar measures taken by other Western countries in response to Israeli policies in the West Bank. While some disagree on the appropriate Israeli response, there is a consensus among many that the deterioration in relations with Western nations is a result of ongoing diplomatic failures. These diplomats point to several factors, including violence by Jewish extremists in the West Bank, the announcement of the E1 construction plan, the absence of a diplomatic horizon, and Israel’s conduct toward friendly countries. Jeremy Issacharoff, former Israeli ambassador to Germany, stated that Israel must immediately act to prevent further deterioration in the West Bank and violent activity by Jewish extremists against Palestinians. He also noted that the declared intention to build in the E1 area, which could effectively prevent a Palestinian state, along with the proliferation of new settlements, invite...

UAE President Reportedly Warned Netanyahu of Major Hamas Operation Days Before Oct. 7 Attack

UAE President Reportedly Warned Netanyahu of Major Hamas Operation Days Before Oct. 7 Attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly warned by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed about a major Hamas offensive just ten days before the October 7, 2023, attack, according to an Israeli newspaper report. The Haaretz daily stated that bin Zayed informed Netanyahu that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza at the time, was planning an operation that could lead to bloodshed, destabilize the region, and undermine the Abraham Accords. However, Netanyahu reportedly reacted with "relative calm," assuring bin Zayed that Israel was prepared and that an attack was more likely to originate from the occupied West Bank. Hamas fighters subsequently killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in the October 7 attack. Netanyahu's office has denied the report, calling it an "absolute lie" and stating that he did not speak with the UAE president during the period in question. The UAE's Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Florida Congressman Randy Fine Threatens Boycott Against British Companies Over UK Settlement Trade Restrictions

Florida Congressman Randy Fine Threatens Boycott Against British Companies Over UK Settlement Trade Restrictions

Florida Congressman Randy Fine has issued a warning that British companies complying with the UK's new settlement trade restrictions could face a boycott from Florida. This action could potentially bar these companies from conducting business with Florida's state and local governments. Fine referenced Florida's existing "Prohibition against contracting with scrutinized companies" law, which specifically prohibits contracts with companies that boycott Israel. According to Fine, if British businesses' operations in Florida necessitate official interaction with state or local authorities, their ability to operate within the state could be terminated. He cited Airbnb's previous attempt to boycott Israeli settlements in 2019 as a precedent, where the same law reportedly compelled the company to reverse its decision to avoid bankruptcy. Fine emphasized that Florida is a significant trading partner for Britain and warned that the UK's actions could result in substantial financial losses for British firms.

Iran-backed fighters in Yemen and Iraq are joining forces to threaten the Gulf, officials say

Iran-backed fighters in Yemen and Iraq are joining forces to threaten the Gulf, officials say

Regional officials tell The Associated Press that Yemen's Houthi rebels helped Iraqi militias launch drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in July

Iran is forging a new ring of proxies to threaten US allies in the Gulf, officials say

Iran is forging a new ring of proxies to threaten US allies in the Gulf, officials say

Regional officials tell The Associated Press that Yemen's Houthi rebels helped Iraqi militias launch drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in July

Nicaragua Accuses Germany at ICJ of Enabling Gaza Genocide Through Arms Sales to Israel

Nicaragua Accuses Germany at ICJ of Enabling Gaza Genocide Through Arms Sales to Israel

Nicaragua has formally accused Germany at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention. The accusation stems from Germany's continued supply of weapons and military support to Israel, which Nicaragua alleges facilitates acts of genocide in Gaza. Nicaragua's lead lawyer, Carlos José Argüello Gómez, argued that Germany's close political, commercial, and military ties with Israel mean it was, or should have been, aware of a serious risk that genocidal acts were being committed. Germany, which is Israel's second-largest arms supplier after the United States, has rejected these allegations and requested the court to dismiss the case. Israel is not a party to these specific proceedings and denies that its conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide. The current hearings are focused on the ICJ's jurisdiction to hear Nicaragua's case, with a ruling on this expected later this year. If the case proceeds, a final judgment could take several years.