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Pope condemns Gaza war's ‘barbarity' as 93 reported killed by Israeli fire while waiting for food

Pope condemns Gaza war's ‘barbarity' as 93 reported killed by Israeli fire while waiting for food

The Guardian4 days ago
Good morning.
Pope Leo XIV has condemned the 'barbarity' of the war in Gaza and the 'indiscriminate use of force' as Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 93 Palestinians had been killed queueing for food, and Israel issued fresh evacuation orders for areas packed with displaced people.
Gaza's health ministry said scores were killed by Israeli fire while waiting for UN aid trucks entering through the northern Zikim crossing with Israel. It was one of the highest reported death tolls among repeated recent cases in which people seeking food have been killed by Israeli fire.
Elsewhere nine others were reportedly shot dead near an aid point close to Rafah in the south, where dozens of people lost their lives just 24 hours earlier, while four were killed near another site in Khan Younis, a spokesperson for the civil defence agency, Mahmud Basal, said.
What has Israel said about the killings? Israel's military said soldiers had shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who it claimed posed a threat, and it was aware of some casualties. But it said the numbers reported by officials in Gaza were far higher than its initial investigation found. It did not immediately comment on the incidents in the south.
Migrants at a Miami immigration jail were shackled with their hands tied behind their backs and made to kneel to eat food from styrofoam plates 'like dogs', according to a report published today into conditions at three overcrowded south Florida facilities.
The incident at the downtown federal detention center is one of a succession of alleged abuses at Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (Ice) operated jails in the state since January, chronicled by advocacy groups Human Rights Watch, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and Sanctuary of the South from interviews with detainees.
Dozens of men had been packed into a holding cell for hours, the report said, and denied lunch until about 7pm. They remained shackled with the food on chairs in front of them.
Why else is Ice in the news? An 82-year-old man in Pennsylvania was secretly deported to Guatemala – a country to which he has no connection – after visiting an immigration office last month to replace his lost green card, according to his family, who have not heard from him since and were initially told he was dead.
US carrier Alaska Airlines grounded its flights after an IT outage yesterday that affected its systems, the company said, without specifying the nature of the outage, marking the second time it has grounded its fleet in just over a year.
The Seattle-based airline said there would be residual impacts to its operations throughout the evening, without providing more details.
Did a cyber-attack cause the IT problems? Microsoft stated yesterday that there were 'active attacks' on its server software used by government agencies and businesses but Alaska did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment on whether the outage was related to the Microsoft announcement.
The Ecuadoran government has extradited the notorious drug trafficker Adolfo Macías to the US, more than a year after he escaped from a high-security prison. The flight transporting Macías, also known as 'Fito', landed in New York state last night.
Pakistan has arrested 11 suspects after a video emerged on social media of a woman and a man being shot dead for marrying against the wishes of their families, in an 'honour' killing, authorities said.
Donald Trump has demanded that the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Cleveland Guardians revert to their old names, both of which were abandoned in recent years due to being racially insensitive to Native Americans.
Superbugs could cause millions more people to die worldwide and cost the global economy just under $2tn a year by 2050, modelling shows. The research found the US, UK and EU economies would be among the hardest hit, prompting accusations that recent extreme aid cuts are self-defeating.
When lightning struck on 4 July along the remote North Rim of Grand Canyon national park, sparking a small wildfire in a patch of dry forest, few predicted the terror and loss that lay ahead. The decision to let the small blaze burn – before it suddenly burst through its containment lines – has drawn scrutiny. Now those who love the remote North Rim are reckoning with the destruction.
Climate change-induced food price shocks are on the rise and could lead to more malnutrition, political upheaval and social unrest as the world's poorest are hit by shortages of food staples. The price jumps will have knock-on effects around the world.
Ellen DeGeneres has confirmed that she moved to the UK because of Donald Trump. At a conversation event yesterday, she told broadcaster Richard Bacon: 'We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like: 'He got in.' And we're like 'We're staying here.''
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Anti-Trump protests make me embarrassed to be Scottish
Anti-Trump protests make me embarrassed to be Scottish

Telegraph

time29 minutes ago

  • Telegraph

Anti-Trump protests make me embarrassed to be Scottish

During a previous visit to Scotland by Donald Trump, the late comedian Janey Godley caused a stir by holding up a placard describing the president as a c-word. To many this appeared vulgar and offensive, and just a little lacking in imagination. But to many within Scotland, this insult soared into the stratosphere of Wildean pithiness, revealing Godley's genius, courage and – this is Scotland, after all – her downright goodness as a human being. To many Scots, however, the knowledge that Godley's insult was being broadcast across the globe and would be seen by our American friends was a source of embarrassment. Name-calling? That's the apotheosis of political satire in Scotland? Really? Today there will be more protests at the start of the president's five-day visit to Scotland, which will take in his two golf courses here. If only there were a way of explaining to our American cousins that such protests are less about the president himself or his policies, or even about the contempt in which the protesters hold the US citizens who voted for him last year. They are about one thing and one thing only: the protesters themselves. The Trump visit is a public relations opportunity for the likes of Scottish Green MSPs and activists, as well as a hodgepodge of the usual people: the climate change, refugee rights, trans rights and, naturally, anti-Israel activists. Perhaps they imagine that their earnest sloganising and placard-waving will have some influence on the president himself – in which case, it's disturbing that they harbour such ignorance of the nature of their hated target. More likely, they probably believe that their antics will impress and attract their fellow Scots, although to what end who can tell? When the president has dusted off his golf clubs and set off home across the Atlantic, the chief aim of the protesters will have been achieved: they will feel good about themselves. They will still retain just a modicum of the righteous indignation that motivated them to rehearse, memorise and perform the weekend's radical slogans, but the feeling will be one of overwhelming self-satisfaction that they stuck it to The Man and – more importantly – that they were captured on video doing so. For the sane majority of Scots and their fellow Brits, the visit by an American president – any American president – is a valuable opportunity to forge a deeper friendship and to develop new trade, political and military ties. Having Trump could be particularly advantageous to the UK, given the uncertainty in the global economy over the US administration's threatened and actual tariff regime. Britain has managed so far to escape the worst of the policy's impacts and even secured a comprehensive US-UK trade deal. There is far more to be gained from treating the president with respect than with derision. But that's not how our domestic army of middle-class, virtue-signalling, keffiyeh-adorned protesters see things. Their need to be seen protesting Trump – and it is a need, not a preference – simply must be sated. During the president's first term, even the House of Commons surrendered to this performative self-indulgence, with the then Speaker, John Bercow, shredding his obligations to political neutrality and announcing that he would not authorise the use of Westminster Hall for Trump to address both houses of Parliament – even before such a request was made. The announcement had its intended effect, not so much in its rebuke to the president (even if he had been aware of the Speaker's snub) but in the thousands of Twitter users praising Bercow as 'progressive'. Consider this question: were this weekend's protesters unable to share memes and videos of their activities on social media, if the TV news cameras didn't cover their activities or invite them to explain their personal animosity towards the president, would they bother to turn out at all? If a protest happens and nobody notices, does it make a sound? Fortunately for the semi-skimmed oat milk latte crowd, such a scenario is unlikely. They will have their few seconds of notoriety on the TV news bulletins and across Twitter/X and Instagram. They will not seek to try to understand why a man like Donald Trump was elected in the first place, or why their preferred candidate was so humiliatingly rejected. It is enough for them to be angry – or appear to be angry – at the president's very presence in their country. But a plea to all my American friends: please don't assume that these protests represent the whole, or even a large minority, of Scotland. They do not. They're just embarrassing attention-seekers that we all must put up with in a modern democracy. Like toddlers, they'll eventually get tired of their own tantrums and have to be put to bed, leaving the grown-ups to have an adult conversation in their absence.

US blasts ‘reckless' Macron as France is first G7 nation to recognise Palestine state – in ‘face slap' to Oct 7 victims
US blasts ‘reckless' Macron as France is first G7 nation to recognise Palestine state – in ‘face slap' to Oct 7 victims

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

US blasts ‘reckless' Macron as France is first G7 nation to recognise Palestine state – in ‘face slap' to Oct 7 victims

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AMERICA has hit out at Emmanuel Macron for being "reckless" after he announced France will officially recognise a Palestinian state. The White House described President Macron's controversial decision as a "slap in the face to the victims of October 7". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The US has hit out at Emmanuel Macron for being 'reckless' after he announced France will officially recognise a Palestinian state Credit: AFP 7 Palestinians have been living out of tents in Khan Yunis surrounded by rubble for almost two years now Credit: Getty 7 France will become the first G7 nation to view Palestine as its own state starting in September Credit: AFP France will become the first G7 nation to view Palestine as its own state starting in September, Macron said on Thursday. Just 140 out of 193 UN members currently view the State of Palestine. Notable exceptions include the US, UK, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Macron announced the move on X as he wrote: "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. read more in Palestine PUTIN'S USEFUL IDIOTS Pro-Palestine protesters damage military equipment headed to UKRAINE "We must also guarantee the demilitarisation of Hamas, and secure and rebuild Gaza. "Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. "There is no alternative." A formal announcement will be made at a session of the UN General Assembly in New York in five weeks time. Macron has already sent a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming his decision. The US was quick to condemn Paris as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington "strongly rejects" the announcement. Starmer's barmy one in one out migrants plan has a fundamental flaw which means it WON'T work Rubio issued a scathing statement on social media as he said: "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. "It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." The US has been one of Israel's main allies since the Hamas terror attack sparked an all out war in Gaza back in 2023. In the almost two years since, Israel has launched several military operations targeting those who helped to orchestrate the massacre. The airstrikes, ground offensives and constant bombardments of the Gaza strip have led to serious concerns over the safety and future of Palestinian civilians. At least 59,106 people have been killed in Gaza since, according to the Gazan health ministry. And almost two million Palestinians have reportedly been displaced from the region. Israel has vowed to continue on the war path until they have secured the release of all of the remaining hostages snacthed on October 7. 7 French President Emmanuel Macron meets with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas last year Credit: AFP 7 The US was quick to condemn Paris as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington 'strongly rejects' the announcement Credit: Getty 7 Hundreds of Palestinians seized trucks carrying flour as they entered in Khan younis the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also been adamant that Hamas must be wiped out in its entirety so they cannot attack ever again. Netanyahu issued his own aggravated statement on France's move as he said it "rewards terror". He also warned it "risks creating another Iranian proxy" in the Middle East where Israel has already been facing constant attacks from Hamas and the Houthis. "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it," Netanyahu said in a post on X. "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism". Hamas praised Macron and said France's decision was a "positive step in the right direction" and urged all other countries to follow their lead. Paris' decision is now set to place further pressure on those nations yet to declare a Palestinian state like the UK. Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting calls, including from his own MPs, to join France and recognise a State of Palestine. Starmer is yet to announce any such move but did release a statement on Thursday saying statehood is an "inalienable right of the Palestinian people". But he believes a ceasefire in the region is a much more pressing issue to end the bloodshed. Sir Keir said a temporary pause on the conflict would "put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution". An "emergency call" between the UK, France and Germany is due to take place today to discuss "what we can do urgently to stop the killing".

Council order owner to repaint over Palestinian flag beach hut on iconic seafront because it does not adhere to 'standards'
Council order owner to repaint over Palestinian flag beach hut on iconic seafront because it does not adhere to 'standards'

Daily Mail​

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Council order owner to repaint over Palestinian flag beach hut on iconic seafront because it does not adhere to 'standards'

A Labour-led council have ordered an owner to repaint over their Palestinian flag beach hut on an 'iconic' seafront, claiming that it fails to adhere to 'standards'. Brighton and Hove City Council have declared that Alison Leasley, who has had her beloved beach hut for six years, is in breach of her beach hut licence as strictly vertical stripes or a solid colour are permitted. The retired psychotherapist, who described the decision as 'pathetic', was initially told she had just three days to remove the design, though this was later extended to a week. Were she not to remove the flag, which the council say has received numerous complaints, the public body insisted they would do it themselves and then charge her for the work. In an email addressed to Ms Lesley, a member of the council said that the body have a 'very strict policy on the presentation of beach huts'. Defending their decision, they added that the Palestinian flag 'is likely to interfere with community cohesion', with the likelihood of causing 'distress and upset'. Speaking to The Argus, Ms Leasley described the decision as 'one-sided' and 'unfair', arguing that another beach hut along the popular stretch of seafront has been painted with a French flag for the last two years. She said: 'I told the council for every one person who has made a complaint I can find ten that would approve.' The 77-year-old insisted that the beach hut was painted in a bid to show support for those in Palestine amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Local councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism, told the Argus that the public body had asked Ms Lesley to repaint the beach hut 'as the current design doesn't adhere to the licence agreement and painting standards'. Adding that the beach huts along the seafront are an 'iconic feature' and should therefore be protected as such, Cllr Miller said: 'It's important licence holders comply with their agreements'. Members of the Hove Beach Hut Association, a local forum for residents who own their own residence along the beachfront, shared mixed responses regarding the council's decision. While one declared they could 'only hope' that Ms Lesley removed her license as a result of the controversial painting, another insisted that the 'fun police' should 'get a life', arguing that the decision was unjustified. In October 2023, Brighton and Hove Council announced controversial plans for a 10 per cent effective sales tax for beach hut owners in a bid to plug a £70million black hole in its budget. The fee, based on the sale price from April 2023, was proposed by councillors in lieu of raising the annual £503.60 licence fee and ownership transfer fee of £82 if they sell up. However, owners of the iconic huts insisted that the terms of the licences amounted to 'extortion' and accused the council of 'bullying' and 'coercive behaviour'. With huts selling for up to £35,000, the decision could mean that owners have to pay the council a massive £3,500. 'This is outrageous. It is nothing other than a stealth tax,' said Paula Ford, who has owned a beach hut for 30 years, 'It's a shocking move by the council and they should be ashamed of themselves. 'The huts don't belong to the council. They are privately owned by us, but we just site them on land owned by the council.' There are 459 beach huts on Hove seafront that are privately owned by residents in the seaside resort, with the annual cost of licences generating around £192,000 for the council. According the council, the value of these huts has risen to a range of between £25,000 and £35,000, depending on their location and condition. David and Susie Howells, who have owned their beach hut for 20 years, said: 'The beach huts on the promenade are a much-photographed attraction and beach hut owners all play our part as a community that adds value to the seafront experience for both residents and visitors to Brighton and Hove.' Serena Mitchell, who bought her hut in 2017, also described the proposals as a 'stealth tax'. She said: 'They use the word 'fee' as councils are not legally allowed to charge a tax on property sales. The Government can and do.' Ms Ford (pictured) said: 'This is outrageous. It is nothing other than a stealth tax. 'The huts don't belong to the council. They are privately owned by us, but we just site them on land owned by the council' Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the council's culture, heritage, sport, tourism and economic development committee, said: 'Currently the council is not benefitting in any way from the profit made on the sale of a beach hut when most of the value is due to its prime position on the seafront. 'If the transfer fee is introduced, then the additional revenue can be reinvested back into seafront services such as our lifeguards. 'It's an extremely challenging time for local government finances, and the potential income will go towards providing essential life-saving services while offering council land for hut owners to enjoy the seafront.'

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