July 18, 2025

Israel targets Syria's Sweida in new strike "Israel has launched a new air strike in southern Syria's Sweida city. The attack late on Thursday targeted the outskirts of the city. The strike came a day after the Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed a new ceasefire agreement in the city, which includes full reintegration of the southern province under central government authority. Israel has been targeting the capital, Damascus, as well as Sweida and Daraa. Meanwhile, the United States has said it opposed its ally Israel's strikes in Syria but did not take up the matter with Tel Aviv. " Israel's bloodbath in Gaza continues "Israel has killed at least 94 Palestinians and wounded 367 others in besieged Gaza over the last 24 hours amid its ongoing genocide in the enclave. The death toll since Israel's resumption of the genocide on March 18 after a two-month truce has also climbed to 7,843, in addition to 27,933 others wounded. The majority of the victims are women and children. Meanwhile, Israel bombed the Catholic Holy Family Church in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood, the only Catholic church in Gaza, killing at least three people and wounding several others including the priest of the church. "Ukraine, US considering major drone deal" "President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are considering a deal that involves Washington buying battlefield-tested Ukrainian drones in exchange for Kiev purchasing weapons from the US. Ukrainian drones have been able to strike targets as deep as 1,300 kilometers into Russian territory. Zelenskyy has said drones were the key tool that has allowed his country to fight with Russia's for more than three years." Slovenia bans Ben-Gvir, Smotrich over Gaza's 'unbearable situation' "Slovenia has become the first EU member state to formally declare two Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as persona non grata, citing their role in what it called the ""unbearable situation"" in Gaza. Slovenia's move follows its June recognition of the State of Palestine. Meanwhile Belgium is mulling to impose sanctions against Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza does not improve." G20 finance chiefs meet under tariff cloud in South Africa "South Africa has urged G20 countries to provide global and cooperative leadership to tackle challenges, including rising trade barriers, as the bloc's finance chiefs met under the shadow of President Donald Trump's tariff threats. Host South Africa, under its presidency's motto ""Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability"", has aimed to promote a Pan-African agenda, with topics including the high cost of capital and funding for climate crisis action."

Israel bombs Syria, kills 3, wounds dozens "At least three people have been killed and 34 others wounded as Israel launched a wave of air strikes on the Syrian capital. Israel carried out strikes on the General Staff Complex and the Presidential Palace, known as Qasr al-Shaab, in Damascus. The Israeli army confirmed the air strikes and called the attack on the Presidential Palace a “warning strike.” Israeli fighter jets also staged several air strikes on the southwestern province of Daraa and Qatana city in the Damascus countryside." Israel kills scores in Gaza including aid-seeking Palestinians "Israel has killed at least 68 people in Gaza on Wednesday, including several starving Palestinians who suffocated from tear gas while waiting at US-backed, so-called aid sites in the hope of getting some food. The killings took place in Khan Younis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Jabalia, Deir al Balah and Netzarim Corridor." "Türkiye slams Israeli strikes on Damascus" Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry has condemned recent Israeli air strikes targeting central Damascus, calling them a deliberate attempt to undermine Syria’s efforts toward peace, stability, and security. The ministry said the latest attack by Israel on Damascus, following its previous military interventions in southern Syria, constitutes an act of sabotage against Syria’s attempts to restore peace and order. Ankara warned that such actions threaten to derail a rare opportunity for the war-torn country to move toward normalisation." Illegal Israeli settlers seize control of historic Ibrahimi Mosque "Israeli authorities have stripped the Palestinian-run Hebron municipality of administrative powers over the Ibrahimi Mosque and transferred them to a council of illegal Jewish settlers. Located in the Old City of Hebron, which is under Israeli occupation, the Ibrahimi Mosque is surrounded by approximately 400 illegal Israeli settlers protected by about 1,500 Israeli soldiers. The mosque complex is believed by Abrahamic religions to hold the remains of Prophet Abraham and his family." Türkiye's Fidan denounces Israel's genocide in Gaza " Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has condemned Israel’s genocide in Gaza in strong terms during an address to the United Nations Security Council, saying the war has turned the Palestinian enclave into a ""concentration camp"" and accused Israel of systematically targeting civilians. Fidan said over 2 million people are enduring unspeakable suffering in Gaza. He also cited Israel's forced mass displacement, widespread destruction, and the deliberate blocking of humanitarian aid in the besieged enclave."

Israel's bloodbath in Gaza continues amid raids in occupied West Bank "Israel has killed over 50 Palestinians across besieged Gaza on Tuesday. The attacks took place in Rafah, Gaza City, Jabalia and Khan Younis. In occupied West Bank Israeli forces abducted at least 35 Palestinians, including children and former prisoners, in a series of overnight raids. The arrests took place in the cities of Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jenin, Tulkarem, Alkhalil, and Bethlehem, according to a joint statement from the Commission of Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoner Society," "UN Rapporteur urges global action against Israel to stop Gaza genocide " "The United Nations' special rapporteur for besieged Gaza and the occupied West Bank has said that it's time for nations around the world to take concrete actions to stop the ""genocide"" in the blockaded enclave. Francesca Albanese spoke to delegates from 30 countries meeting in Colombia to discuss the Israeli genocide in Gaza and ways that nations can try to stop Israel's carnage. Albanese said the Israeli economy is structured to sustain the occupation that has now turned genocidal." "US court blocks move to end protected status for Afghans " "A US federal appeals court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary protected status (TPS) for thousands of Afghan nationals living in the country. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency stay on the termination order on Monday, which was set to take effect July 15. More than 82,000 Afghans were evacuated to the US following the Taliban's takeover in 2021 after the US’ chaotic withdrawal. " US launches probe into Brazil's trade practices "The United States has launched an investigation into Brazil’s trade practices, escalating tensions between the two countries and potentially laying the groundwork for punitive tariffs on South America’s largest economy. The probe, announced by the Office of the US Trade Representative will assess whether Brazil’s policies are ""unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict US commerce.""" July 15 defeated coup attempt a ‘critical turning point’ in Türkiye’s history: Erdogan " Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the defeated July 15 coup attempt in 2016 marked one of the most critical turning points in Türkiye’s history, Speaking at the commemoration ceremony for July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day at parliament in Ankara Erdogan said the coup attempt was a tough test that the state and the nation overcame with pride. Erdogan expressed gratitude to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives, the veterans who defended the nation, the citizens who filled the streets to resist the coup attempt, and the millions abroad who supported Türkiye during that critical night."

Türkiye commemorates victory against the 2016 coup attempt Israel kills several Palestinians in Gaza’s civilian camp, hospital strikes Texas flood death toll rises to 131 Pentagon picks Google, OpenAI, xAI for $200M AI contracts Trump demands Russia end Ukraine war in 50 days

Trump says Gaza ceasefire could be days away "US President Donald Trump said a Gaza ceasefire deal could be wrapped up within the week. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, he noted talks are progressing and hinted at a breakthrough soon. He confirmed that Israel has agreed to the proposed terms for a 60-day truce, with the deal now in Hamas' hands. Qatar and Egypt are mediating, and Hamas has responded positively, showing readiness to move forward. " Trump approves Patriot missiles for Ukraine "Trump announced the US will send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine but says the EU is paying the bill. “We’re not paying anything for it,” he said, calling it good business for the US. He took a jab at Putin, accusing him of double talk: “He talks nice and then bombs people at night.” Trump didn’t say how many missile systems will be delivered." Australia launches biggest war games ever "Australia kicked off its largest-ever military drill, with 35,000 troops training across the country. “Talisman Sabre 2025” includes forces from over 15 partner nations and, for the first time, extends into Papua New Guinea. The exercise reflects growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, especially around Taiwan. The three-week drills will cover land, sea, and air operations, showcasing serious regional coordination." Sudan: RSF attack kills 11 civilians, including children "At least 11 civilians, among them three children, were killed in a deadly RSF attack in North Kordofan, Sudan. The Sudan Doctors Network slammed it as one of the most brutal assaults yet. Over 30 others were injured, including nine women and pregnant civilians. Medical officials are calling on the UN and African Union to intervene and stop the violence." Erdogan pushes for ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ "President Erdogan says Türkiye is pushing to erase terrorism from the region’s agenda for good. In a call with UAE President Al Nahyan, he reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to regional security under its ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ initiative. Al Nahyan welcomed the move and said it would greatly enhance stability."

* Israel kills 100 Palestinians in Gaza as truce hangs in balance * US may deport migrants to third countries with just six hours' notice * Israeli opposition leader accuses Netanyahu of obstructing Gaza deal * North Korea offers full support to Russia on Ukraine * Türkiye has won: Erdogan says after PKK terrorists disarm

Israel continues relentless bloodbath in Gaza Zelenskyy confirms resumption of delivery of US weapons US judge blocks immigration raids in California over racial profiling claims Palestinian-American beaten to death by illegal Zionist settlers UN welcomes PKK terrorist group disarmament

Israel kills 66 Palestinians, including children, in Gaza Iran says nuclear cooperation depends on IAEA ending ‘double standards’ ICC deputy prosecutor says 'crimes against humanity' ongoing in Sudan Brazil threatens US with retaliatory tariffs over Trump’s 50% levies US expands benefit restrictions for immigrants under Trump policy shift

Israel kills nearly 50, including children, across Gaza Trump assails ex-FBI, CIA heads amid reports of criminal probe US resumes delivering some weapons to Ukraine South Korea court issues arrest warrant for ex-president Yoon Trump imposes 50% tariffs on all Brazilian goods

Israel's bloodbath in Gaza continues Trump, Netanyahu hold second meeting as Gaza ceasefire talks narrow Spain launches probe into Netanyahu over Gaza aid ship attack Bulgaria becomes 21st member to adopt euro after EU nod Türkiye reaffirms support for Syria at cooperation panel in Damascus