On September 18, 2025, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stirred controversy by referring to Gaza as a “real-estate bonanza.” Speaking at a real-estate conference in Tel Aviv, he said there is a “business plan … on President Trump’s table” to turn Gaza into a profitable investment area once the current conflict ends. (The Siasat Daily)…
Early on September 8, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded at the Ramot Junction bus stop in northern Jerusalem. Two assailants opened fire on passengers during the morning rush hour, resulting in at least five fatalities and dozens injured, including several in critical condition ([turn0news19], [turn0news20], [turn0news39]). According to Israeli Police, the attackers arrived by vehicle,…
On September 3, 2025, Utrecht University in the Netherlands declared itself the first Western academic institution to institute a full institutional academic boycott of Israel in response to the ongoing Gaza war and allegations of genocide against Palestinians. According to Hübert Wilco Hazeleger, Rector of Utrecht University, this decision reflects a moral imperative prompted by…
On September 3, 2025, Israel successfully launched a new reconnaissance satellite, Ofek-19, described as a strategic cornerstone to enhance monitoring across the Middle East (AP News, www.israelhayom.com). Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the satellite’s importance, underscoring Israel’s resolve to conduct “persistent and simultaneous surveillance of any point throughout the Middle East” (AP News). Maj. Gen….
On August 31, 2025, Iran-backed Houthi forces raided United Nations offices in Sanaa, targeting both the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF facilities. At least one UN employee was detained during the raid, while several other staff members went out of contact and are likely detained as well. Officials confirmed the escalating crackdown follows closely…
At a recent EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen, policymakers unanimously called on the United States to reconsider its decision to revoke visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA), including President Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) (The Siasat Daily, Xinhua News). The U.S….
On August 28, 2025, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (the “E3”) formally activated the United Nations’ “snapback” sanction mechanism against Iran. This process, rooted in the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA), allows for the reinstatement of previously lifted sanctions—without the possibility of veto by Iran’s allies on the UN Security Council. The sanctions could be…
On August 24, 2025, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei categorically rejected the notion of direct negotiations with the United States, asserting that Washington seeks nothing less than Iran’s submission. He labelled such expectations “offensive” and declared that Iran will never comply with demands to be “obedient” to U.S. interests—a stance he called “unsolvable.” (Reuters,…
The Palestinian group Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, following mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar. The proposal, which was presented on Monday, has been agreed to by all Palestinian factions. Israel has not yet officially responded to the proposed agreement. The ceasefire plan calls for a 60-day truce, during…
On August 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to declare support for or opposition to a full Israeli military takeover of Gaza, stating that the decision would be “pretty much up to Israel.” When questioned about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan to reoccupy the entire Gaza Strip, Trump said he was concentrating on…
