Latest news with #Israel-Palestinian
BBC News
14 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
MPs urge UK to immediately recognise Palestinian state
The UK should immediately recognise the state of Palestine, a majority of MPs on the Commons foreign affairs committee have said. It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces fresh calls from within Labour's ranks to make the move, amid warnings of mass starvation in Gaza, and after France indicated it would be doing so within months. In a new report, the Labour and Lib Dem MPs on the select committee argue that statehood is an "inalienable right" that should "not be made conditional".But their two Tory colleagues said a state of Palestine should only be recognised as part of a long-term political solution to the conflict in the Middle East, echoing the Labour government's position. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday evening that his country would officially recognise a Palestinian state at a UN meeting in Keir has previously said the UK should reserve recognition of Palestinian statehood for when it would have the "greatest impact" - without specifying when this would in a report published on Friday, the committee said the government should make the move "while there is still a state to recognise". "An inalienable right should not be made conditional," the report adds."The government cannot continue to wait for the perfect time because experience shows that there will never be a perfect time."That section of the report was backed by all six Labour MPs who voted, including chairwoman Dame Emily Thornberry, and the two Lib Dems on the was not endorsed by its two Conservative members, Aphra Brandreth and Sir John Whittingdale, who said the UK should only back the move as part of a wider two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian is not unusual for select committees to be split on controversial issues but they will normally try to speak with one Tory MPs on the foreign affairs committee made an unsuccessful attempt to change the report to reflect their views, arguing that recognition should accompany the release of hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023, and the creation of Palestinian authorities without Hamas 60 MPs reportedly called for the UK to immediately recognise Palestine in a letter earlier this month, with London major Sir Sadiq Khan also making the call on Wednesday. In a statement on Thursday evening condemning "unspeakable and indefensible" conditions in Gaza, Sir Keir said statehood was an "inalienable right".He reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the conflict, adding this would "put us on a path" towards recognising a Palestinian Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had earlier said Labour ministers were "deeply committed" to recognition, but they wanted it to be "meaningful," adding: "At the minute, there is not a Palestinian state there". 'Not listening' Most countries - about 139 in all - formally recognise a Palestinian state, although many European nations - and the United States - say they will only do so as part of moves towards a long-term resolution to the Ireland and Norway formally took the step last year, hoping to exert diplomatic pressure to secure a ceasefire in currently has limited rights to participate in the work of the UN, and is also recognised by various international organisations, including the Arab argue recognition would largely be a symbolic gesture unless questions over the leadership and extent of a Palestine state are addressed their report, the MPs acknowledged that the Israeli government "is not listening to the UK," and was only "sporadically" listening to the United States, by far its most significant military to the BBC on Tuesday, former UK Foreign Office boss Lord McDonald argued recognition itself "doesn't really amount to very much," adding that a Palestine state lacked defined borders or an "agreed government". Aid distribution call The report comes after the UK and 27 other countries condemned the "drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians" seeking food and water in foreign ministry rejected the countries' statement, saying it was "disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas".In the rest of their report, which was endorsed unanimously, the MPs called for a UN-led system to distribute aid in Gaza, replacing the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in place since also said the UK should justify how "allowing indirect exports" of British parts for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel complies with the UK's obligations under international UK says it does not export the parts directly to Israel, but rather to manufacturing centres abroad as part of a global programme, and it cannot prevent Israel from obtaining the components. Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to read top political analysis, gain insight from across the UK and stay up to speed with the big moments. It'll be delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Spotify faces global boycott over CEO's military investments
For many, going a day without music feels unthinkable because it has become a vital part of their lives. Imagine having to power through an intense workout session without your favorite playlist, or commuting to work without the voice of your favorite podcast host to keep you company. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Spotify is a Swedish audio streaming service for digital music, podcasts, and video that allows users to access a wide range of content worldwide. Since launching in 2008, it has become the most popular music streaming service, with over 678 million users and 268 million paying subscribers. Related: Walmart, Sam's Club makes major donation for Texas flood relief Over the last few months, major ongoing global conflicts have taken over the news, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestinian crisis, the civil war in Sudan, and the Israel-Iran tensions, to name a few. With so much chaos worldwide, music has been the only thing keeping people sane, allowing an outlet for those struggling with their emotions during these challenging times. However, a shocking revelation has completely shattered people, putting Spotify at the center of a major controversy. Recently, it was discovered that Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, is leading an investment of around $700 million into the European defense tech startup Helsing through his venture capital firm Prima Materia. Founded in 2021, Helsing is a German military tech firm that develops AI-based warfare systems, such as battlefield drone surveillance, cybersecurity tools, aircraft, submarines, and more. Related: Spotify makes huge strategy change that will impact its business This significant investment has prompted a global boycott of Spotify (SPOT) by many users and artists, who view this move as a conflicting action promoting war rather than world peace and unity. "As Europe rapidly strengthens its defence capabilities in response to evolving geopolitical challenges, there is an urgent need for investments in advanced technologies that ensure its strategic autonomy and security readiness," said Ek in a statement. Thanks to its latest investment rounds, Helsing is valued at around $12 billion, which places it among one of Europe's most valuable tech startups. In response, many outraged independent musicians, including Deerhoof, Skee Mask, and Poolroom, have willingly removed their music from the platform to speak out against Ek's support for European military technology. More Business News: T-Mobile makes harsh decision to lock in crucial deal approvalsStarbucks executives to get huge bonus as baristas demand better payCheesecake Factory faces truly disturbing charges Those who oppose the CEO's recent investment, including music critic Anthony Fantano, are asking Spotify to donate to more peaceful causes, such as those that support struggling artists and the music economy. "If you care about music as a cultural necessity…put some of that cash back into the artists, not battle tech," Fantano posted on social media. This move prompted users, especially in the U.S., to use their personal social media platforms to raise awareness of this topic and call for a boycott of Spotify Premium, asking users to cancel their subscriptions. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
US sanctions UN rights expert for Palestinian territories
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday announced Washington was sanctioning the United Nations special expert on the Palestinian territories, following her criticism of Washington policy on Gaza. 'Today I am imposing sanctions on UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt (International Criminal Court) action against US and Israeli officials, companies, and executives,' Rubio said on social media. In a subsequent statement he slammed the UN expert's strident criticism of the United States and said she recommended to the ICC that arrest warrants be issued targeting Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rubio also attacked her for 'biased and malicious activities,' and accused her of having 'spewed unabashed antisemitism (and) support for terrorism.' US slams UN conference on Israel-Palestinian issue, warns of consequences He said she escalated her contempt for the United States by writing 'threatening letters' to several US companies, making what Rubio called unfounded accusations and recommending the ICC pursue prosecutions of the companies and their executives. 'We will not tolerate these campaigns of political and economic warfare, which threaten our national interests and sovereignty,' Rubio said. Albanese has leveled broadsides against the policies of US President Donald Trump, particularly the plan he announced in early February to take over the Gaza Strip and resettle its residents elsewhere. That proposal, short on details, faced a resounding rejection from Palestinians, Middle East leaders and the United Nations. Albanese dismissed the Trump proposal as 'utter nonsense' and an 'international crime' that will sow panic around the world. 'It's unlawful, immoral and… completely irresponsible because it will make the regional crisis even worse,' she said on February 5 during a visit to Copenhagen.
eNCA
07-07-2025
- Business
- eNCA
BRICS nations slam Trump tariffs, condemn strikes on Iran
BRFAZIL - BRICS leaders at a summit on Sunday took aim at US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" import tariffs and recent Israeli-US strikes on Iran. The 11 emerging nations - including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - account for about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output. The bloc is divided about much, but found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars - even if they avoided naming him directly. Voicing "serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff" measures, BRICS members said the tariffs risked hurting the global economy, according to a summit joint statement. They also offered symbolic backing to fellow member Iran, condemning a series of military strikes on nuclear and other targets carried out by Israel and the United States. AFP | Mauro PIMENTEL In April, Trump threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties, before offering a months-long reprieve in the face of a fierce market sell-off. Trump has now warned he will impose unilateral levies on partners unless they reach "deals" by August 1. In an apparent concession to US allies such as Brazil, India and Saudi Arabia, the summit declaration did not criticize the United States or its president by name at any point. - No show - Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to US and western European power. But as the group has expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia and others, it has struggled to reach meaningful consensus on issues from the Gaza war to challenging US global dominance. BRICS nations, for example, collectively called for a peaceful two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict - despite Tehran's long-standing position that Israel should be destroyed. An Iranian diplomatic source said his government's "reservations" had been conveyed to Brazilian hosts. Still, Iran stopped short of rejecting the statement outright. In perhaps a further sign of the diplomatic sensitivities, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister skipped Sunday's discussions entirely, according to a Brazilian government source. Saudi Arabia is among the world's leading beneficiaries of high-tech US military exports and is a long-standing US partner. AFP | Mauro PIMENTEL The political punch of this year's summit has been depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who skipped the meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. The Chinese leader is not the only notable absentee. Russian President Vladimir Putin, charged with war crimes in Ukraine, also opted to stay away, participating via video link. He told counterparts that BRICS had become a key player in global governance. The summit also called for regulation governing artificial intelligence and said the technology could not be the preserve of only rich nations. The commercial AI sector is currently dominated by US tech giants, although China and other nations have rapidly developing capacity. By Facundo Fernández Barrio
Sinar Daily
07-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
BRICS nations slam Trump tariffs, condemn strikes on Iran
The 11 emerging nations -- including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- account for about half the world's population and 40 per cent of global economic output. 07 Jul 2025 09:27am US President Donald Trump stops to gesture at the US flag as he walks on the South Lawn from Marine One to the White House in Washington, DC on July 6, 2025, after spending the weekend at his residence in Bedminster, New Jersey. - (Photo by ALEX WROBLEWSKI / AFP) RIO DE JANEIRO - BRICS leaders at a summit on Sunday took aim at US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" import tariffs and recent Israeli-US strikes on Iran. The 11 emerging nations -- including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- account for about half the world's population and 40 per cent of global economic output. The bloc is divided about much, but found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars -- even if they avoided naming him directly. Voicing "serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff" measures, BRICS members said the tariffs risked hurting the global economy, according to a summit joint statement. They also offered symbolic backing to fellow member Iran, condemning a series of military strikes on nuclear and other targets carried out by Israel and the United States. In April, Trump threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties, before offering a months-long reprieve in the face of a fierce market sell-off. Trump has now warned he will impose unilateral levies on partners unless they reach "deals" by Aug 1. In an apparent concession to US allies such as Brazil, India and Saudi Arabia, the summit declaration did not criticise the United States or its president by name at any point. BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday are expected to decry US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. - (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP) - No show - Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to US and western European power. But as the group has expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia and others, it has struggled to reach meaningful consensus on issues from the Gaza war to challenging US global dominance. BRICS nations, for example, collectively called for a peaceful two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict -- despite Tehran's long-standing position that Israel should be destroyed. An Iranian diplomatic source said his government's "reservations" had been conveyed to Brazilian hosts. Still, Iran stopped short of rejecting the statement outright. In perhaps a further sign of the diplomatic sensitivities, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister skipped Sunday's discussions entirely, according to a Brazilian government source. Saudi Arabia is among the world's leading beneficiaries of high-tech US military exports and is a long-standing US partner. The political punch of this year's summit has been depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who skipped the meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. The Chinese leader is not the only notable absentee. Russian President Vladimir Putin, charged with war crimes in Ukraine, also opted to stay away, participating via video link. He told counterparts that BRICS had become a key player in global governance. The summit also called for regulation governing artificial intelligence and said the technology could not be the preserve of only rich nations. The commercial AI sector is currently dominated by US tech giants, although China and other nations have rapidly developing capacity. - Facundo Fernández Barrio, Andrew Beatty / AFP More Like This
