Tag: politics

President Donald Trump was surprised by two recent Israeli airstrikes—one that hit the only Catholic church in Gaza and another in Damascus, Syria—and immediately phoned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to demand corrective action, the White House confirmed. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump “enjoys a good working relationship” with Netanyahu but was displeased by both incidents. After the church strike last Thursday, Trump insisted that Netanyahu publicly label the attack a mistake. He followed up again when Israeli jets struck targets in Syria’s capital, a move that clashed with U.S. efforts to stabilize the war-torn country. Despite their close alliance, Trump and Netanyahu have often disagreed behind the scenes. Leavitt noted that while they coordinated this summer’s joint air campaign against Iranian interests, personal distrust has periodically strained their partnership. Nevertheless, Trump wasted no time in making clear his objections to the latest bombings. Leavitt also highlighted ongoing U.S. diplomatic initiatives in Syria under Secretary of State Marco Rubio—efforts to ease tensions by lifting certain sanctions and supporting the new Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. These measures aim to prevent further escalations even as Israel pursues security objectives in the region. Meanwhile, Trump had pinned hopes on Netanyahu’s recent Washington visit to advance a Gaza ceasefire, secure hostage releases from Hamas, and expand humanitarian corridors. Despite Trump’s optimism, no breakthrough was announced. Talks continue, with both the White House and Hamas awaiting a response to the latest truce proposals. Leavitt emphasized the president’s urgent concern over civilian suffering, noting that more than 1,000 people have died seeking aid in Gaza since late May, and praised Trump’s push to deliver humanitarian assistance “in a peaceful manner where more lives are not being lost.”

In a historic move, US President Donald Trump’s Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, announced that the administration has declassified and released over 230,000 pages of documents related to the assassination of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). The files, made public after nearly six decades of speculation and demands for transparency, shed new light on the FBI’s investigation into King’s death, including internal memos, possible leads, and key testimonies. Notably, the documents include details of a former cellmate of James Earl Ray — the man convicted for King’s murder — who allegedly discussed an assassination plot with him. Gabbard shared the update on social media platform X, stating that the release was aimed at addressing the longstanding questions surrounding MLK’s assassination. This development follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump on January 23, just three days after assuming office, directing the declassification of any remaining files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., according to a report by Xinhua news agency. Back in 1977, a US court had ordered that the records — over 240,000 pages collected by the FBI — be sealed and preserved by the National Archives and Records Administration, blocking them from public access. The Trump administration informed King’s family, including his two surviving children Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, of the decision. While their teams are currently reviewing the records, some members of the King family have voiced opposition to the public release. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains one of the most revered leaders of the American civil rights movement, globally remembered for his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance against racial segregation. His “I Have a Dream” speech continues to inspire generations in the fight for justice and equality.

At least 73 Palestinians were killed on Sunday while attempting to access humanitarian aid at various distribution points across Gaza, according to a report by the Associated Press. The highest number of fatalities occurred in northern Gaza, where at least 67 individuals were killed near the Zikim crossing with Israel. The figures were confirmed by the health ministry in Gaza and local hospitals. It remains unclear whether the deaths were caused by Israeli military fire, armed gangs, or both. However, several eyewitnesses claimed that Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd. Health workers stated that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over recent weeks while trying to obtain food and supplies at Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) distribution centers. The GHF is supported by both the United States and Israel. In addition to the fatalities, more than 150 people were injured in Sunday’s incidents, many of them critically. New Evacuation Orders Amid Ceasefire Talks In a separate development, the Israeli military issued new evacuation warnings for central Gaza on Sunday. The order affects areas between Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, severely restricting civilian and humanitarian movement in the already devastated enclave. The timing of the evacuation order coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. The United Nations has reportedly asked Israel to clarify whether its facilities in southwestern Deir al-Balah are included in the latest evacuation zone. The area covered by the new evacuation spans from previously cleared zones all the way to the Mediterranean coast. The directive is expected to significantly disrupt aid operations and civilian access to shelter and essential services. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned that the army will carry out intense strikes on militant targets and urged civilians, including those living in makeshift tents, to relocate to the Muwasi area on Gaza’s southern shore—a designated “humanitarian zone” with limited infrastructure and resources. Earlier in July, the Israeli military announced that it had gained control over more than 65% of the Gaza Strip. The recent developments raise fresh concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory.

Iran, along with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, is set to hold critical nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday. The discussions come in the wake of renewed pressure from the three European countries—collectively known as the E3—who have warned that a failure to resume meaningful negotiations could lead to the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Tehran by the end of August. These talks will be held at the deputy foreign minister level, as confirmed by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. This marks the first formal engagement since the E3 and the European Union’s foreign policy chief held a joint call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday. The dialogue follows a volatile period triggered by joint attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States a month ago. The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), originally involved Iran and six world powers—China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and the US. The agreement provided Iran with sanctions relief in return for strict limitations on its nuclear activities. However, the US unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under President Donald Trump, escalating tensions. Since then, diplomatic efforts have been ongoing, with five rounds of US-Iran talks previously held in Oman, though those discussions hit roadblocks over issues like Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. Western powers have insisted that Iran reduce its enrichment activities to near zero to avoid the risk of weaponisation, a demand Tehran continues to resist, insisting its nuclear programme is purely for civilian purposes. The latest round of talks comes after the Israeli-American offensive killed senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of civilians. The US later claimed to have “obliterated” three major Iranian nuclear sites. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24. Iran has accused the US of complicity in the Israeli strikes and has warned the E3 against resorting to pressure tactics. “If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the ‘snap-back’ for which they lack absolutely moral and legal ground,” Araghchi said last week. As international attention turns to Istanbul, the outcome of these talks could determine whether diplomacy is restored—or whether another chapter of sanctions and hostilities awaits.