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UK Suspends Some Arms Exports to Israel Amid Controversy

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UK’s decision to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses, calling it “shameful” and accusing Britain of emboldening Hamas. Despite UK Defence Secretary John Healey’s reassurances that the UK’s support for Israel remains strong, the move has drawn criticism, particularly given the timing, which coincided with funerals for hostages killed by Hamas.

The UK’s decision to suspend arms sales was driven by legal concerns over potential violations of international law in Gaza, though Amnesty International UK criticized the measures as insufficient. The UK’s arms exports to Israel make up a small percentage of Israel’s defense imports, with the US being Israel’s primary arms supplier. Despite the suspension, key components, such as those for F35 jets, were deliberately excluded due to their widespread use by other countries.

Netanyahu’s response on social media underscored Israel’s determination to continue its military campaign in Gaza with or without British arms, while UK officials, including former shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, acknowledged the unfortunate timing but emphasized the need to follow legal advice. The decision has sparked debate within the Labour Party and calls from some MPs for a complete halt to arms sales to Israel.

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Russia link suspected in Eiffel Tower coffin mystery

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French intelligence officials believe Russia orchestrated a stunt involving five coffins draped in French flags, labeled “French soldiers of Ukraine,” placed near the Eiffel Tower. Three men, seen arriving in a van on Saturday morning, left the coffins, which contained plaster sacks. Police quickly apprehended the driver, a Bulgarian who claimed he was paid €40 by two others to transport the coffins. These two, a Ukrainian and a German, were later caught at Bercy coach station while attempting to board a bus to Berlin. They admitted to being paid €400 to deposit the coffins. All three were presented before a judge on Sunday as a judicial investigation began for “violence with premeditation.”

This incident is being investigated to determine if it was orchestrated from abroad, recalling two recent events where French police suspect Russian involvement. In October, Stars of David resembling the Israeli flag were stenciled in Paris after a Hamas attack on Israel. A Moldovan couple, believed to have been paid by Russian intelligence, was arrested. Last month, red hands were painted on a Holocaust memorial in Paris, with suspects fleeing abroad. One individual involved in the coffins incident had contact with a Bulgarian suspect linked to the red-hands affair, identified as Georgi F. by Le Monde.

Tensions between France and Russia have risen, partly due to President Emmanuel Macron’s stance on potentially sending French soldiers to Ukraine. Recently, discussions about sending French military instructors to Ukraine have intensified, which investigators think might have prompted Russian intelligence to stage the coffins stunt to demonstrate opposition to deeper French involvement in the Ukraine war. Previous incidents included teams with photographers whose images appeared on Russian propaganda websites.

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Sweden prepares for Eurovision with heightened security

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Security measures are being intensified for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city, as large demonstrations are expected to coincide with the event. While police and organizers assert they are well-prepared and aiming for a “joyful” occasion, concerns linger amidst heightened tensions.

The annual Eurovision celebration, typically a lighthearted affair of pop music and showbiz, finds itself under a cloud this year due to Israel’s participation amid the conflict in Gaza. With Sweden already facing elevated security challenges, Malmo braces for one of its most extensive policing endeavors.

Upwards of 100,000 visitors are anticipated to flock to the city on Sweden’s southwestern coast for the world’s largest live music competition. Despite the festive atmosphere adorned with colorful Eurovision banners adorning the streets, apprehensions loom large.

The series of festivities kick off on Saturday, with semi-finals scheduled for next Tuesday and Thursday, culminating in the grand final on May 11. An estimated global audience of 200 million viewers is expected to tune in for the four-hour spectacle.

Law enforcement personnel have been mobilized from across Sweden, with reinforcements from neighboring Denmark and Norway. While Swedish police typically carry arms, additional officers will be equipped with larger weapons as a precautionary measure.

Malmo’s police chief, Petra Stenkula, acknowledges the country’s heightened state of alert, citing a “terror level of four out of five.” She notes that protests against Israel’s participation in the competition have taken place in Sweden, including Malmo.

Despite the absence of specific threats to the event, security concerns remain elevated, particularly following a series of Quran-burnings last August that sparked outrage in the Muslim world. An internal police report underscores Sweden as a “priority target” for violent jihadist groups, citing various potential risks including unrest, cyber attacks, and broadcast disruption.

Authorities have deployed extensive surveillance measures, including cameras and drones, while implementing airport-style security checks at venue entrances. Bags are prohibited for guests attending the event.

Malmo’s security director, Per-Erik Ebbestahl, emphasizes the city’s readiness, citing months of planning and collaboration with counterparts in Liverpool, the host of last year’s competition.

While Malmo has previously hosted notable events such as a papal visit and a Holocaust Remembrance conference, the current security landscape presents new challenges, particularly regarding large gatherings and generalized threats towards Sweden.

The sentiment is echoed by Ebba Adielsson, the executive Eurovision producer, who acknowledges the political controversies surrounding this year’s event but hopes they won’t overshadow the festivities. Israeli contestant Eden Golan’s participation has drawn attention, given the politically charged nature of her song.

Tensions are palpable in Malmo, with its diverse population expressing mixed sentiments. While some members of the Jewish community feel nervous, others from the Palestinian community have been vocal in their opposition to Israel’s participation.

Protests against Israel’s involvement in Eurovision are anticipated, with multiple demonstrations planned throughout the week. Police are bracing for potentially large-scale rallies, with measures in place to ensure public safety.

Despite the offstage tensions, Eurovision enthusiasts remain hopeful for a successful and enjoyable event. Amidst the challenges, the spirit of Eurovision prevails, with festivities planned to celebrate the competition’s cultural significance.

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EU to tighten Iran sanctions after Israel attack

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The European Union has expanded sanctions on Iranian drone and missile producers in response to Iran’s recent attack on Israel. European Council President Charles Michel stressed the significance of further isolating Iran, highlighting the need for decisive action.

These new sanctions build upon existing measures implemented by the EU, including penalties for Iran’s involvement in supplying drones to Russia. The decision to escalate sanctions was reached during a summit in Brussels, marking the first gathering of the bloc’s leaders since the attack on Israel.

In the wake of Iran’s assault, which involved a barrage of over 300 missiles and drones from multiple countries, the international community has urged restraint to prevent the situation from spiraling into a wider conflict. Despite calls for caution, Israel has not ruled out a potential response to the aggression.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of de-escalation following the summit, encouraging Israel to leverage diplomatic channels to strengthen its position in the region. Scholz’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among global leaders to mitigate tensions in the volatile Middle East.

Meanwhile, Israel has appealed to its allies to take robust action against Iran, advocating for sanctions on Tehran’s missile program and the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. However, the EU and UK have not yet followed the United States in designating the IRGC as such.

In addition to EU sanctions, the United States is also considering imposing new penalties on Iran. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the potential for disrupting Iran’s terrorist financing and targeting its oil exports as areas of focus. Furthermore, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan affirmed that Iran’s missile and drone programs, alongside the IRGC and Iranian defense ministry, would be subject to forthcoming sanctions.

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Germany faces genocide case over Israel weapon sales

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Nicaragua has asked the UN’s highest court to halt German weapons sales to Israel at the start of a landmark case.

Germany is accused of breaching the UN genocide convention by sending military hardware to Israel and ceasing funding of the UN’s aid agency.

Berlin rejects the claims and will present a defence to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday.

In 2023 some 30% of Israel’s military equipment purchases came from Germany, totalling €300m ($326m; £257m).

The allegations build on a separate case taken by South Africa in January, where judges in the Hague ordered Israel to take “every possible measure” to avoid genocidal acts. The court also ordered Hamas to release all hostages taken from Israel during its 7 October attacks immediately.Israel rejects accusations that it is engaging in genocidal acts in its campaign in Gaza, and has insisted it has the right to defend itself.

More than 33,000 have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry there says, the majority of them civilians. Gaza is on the brink of famine, with Oxfam reporting that 300,000 people trapped in the north have lived since January on an average of 245 calories a day.

Nicaragua says Germany’s arms sales to Israel, which totalled $326.5m last year – a tenfold increase on 2022 – make it complicit in Israel’s alleged war crimes.

Components for air defence systems and communications equipment accounted for most of the sales, according to the DPA news agency.Germany was also one of 15 Western nations which suspended funding for the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) over allegations that some of the agency’s staff were involved in the 7 October attacks on Israel.

According to papers filed with the ICJ, Nicaragua wants the UN’s top court to order Berlin to halt weapons sales and resume funding of the aid agency, one of the few international bodies still operating in Gaza.

It says in the absence of such measures, “Germany is facilitating the commission of genocide and is failing in its obligation to do everything possible to prevent the commission of genocide”.

Speaking as the trial opened, Alain Pellet, a lawyer for Nicaragua, said it was “urgent that Germany suspend continued sales.

“Germany was and is fully conscious of the risk that the arms it has furnished and continues to furnish to Israel,” he told judges.

Berlin has rejected the allegations, but has remained tight-lipped about its legal strategy ahead of the hearings.

“We note Nicaragua’s lawsuit and we deny the allegations as unjustified”, government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s right to self-defence, but he has faced increasing domestic hostility to the continuation of arms sales to the country.

On Sunday, a group of civil servants wrote to the German leader calling on the government to “cease arm deliveries to the Israeli government with immediate effect”.

“Israel is committing crimes in Gaza that are in clear contradiction to international law and thus to the Constitution, which we are bound to as federal civil servants and public employees,” the statement said, citing January’s ICJ ruling.

In January’s case, the ICJ ruled that “at least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the Convention”.

But critics of the case have been quick to highlight that Nicaragua itself has a spotted human rights record, with its government accused of cracking down on opposition. In March, the UK’s mission to the UN accused President Daniel Ortega’s government of a “relentless” crackdown on human rights and civil liberties.

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France bans 28 Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

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France has taken decisive action by announcing the ban of 28 Israeli settlers who stand accused of perpetrating attacks against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. This move aligns with similar measures enacted by other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which have also imposed restrictions on individuals involved in comparable activities. The French government’s decision comes amidst escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting a firm condemnation of such actions.

In a statement issued by the French foreign ministry, the country emphasized the gravity of the situation, denouncing the unacceptable violence perpetrated against Palestinian civilians. France, along with Poland and Germany, collectively announced sanctions against Israelis implicated in attacks within the West Bank. This concerted effort underscores the international community’s recognition of the need to address the escalating tensions and safeguard the rights of Palestinians in the region.

The French government reiterated its stance on the illegality of colonization under international law, emphasizing the imperative to halt such activities. It emphasized the necessity of ending colonization to pave the way for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, thereby enabling Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely. France also expressed its intention to pursue sanctions at the European level, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach among European Union member states in addressing the ongoing conflict.

While the individuals affected by these measures have not been publicly named, the broader context underscores the gravity of the situation. The imposition of sanctions by France and other nations reflects a concerted effort to address the escalating violence and promote stability in the region. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such actions serve as a testament to the importance of upholding human rights and seeking avenues for peaceful resolution.

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Ireland women’s basketball team refuse to shake hands with Israel

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During a EuroBasket 2025 qualifier in Riga, the Ireland women’s basketball team declined to shake hands with the Israeli team before the match. Israeli player Dor Saar accused the Ireland team of being “quite anti-Semitic,” which Basketball Ireland strongly refuted, calling the comments inflammatory and inaccurate.

Before the game, the Ireland players stood for their anthem beside their bench rather than at the center court, a departure from the usual protocol. Despite concerns expressed by Irish players and pressure to boycott the fixture due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the match proceeded. Basketball Ireland reported Saar’s comments to Fiba Europe and explained their decision not to participate in traditional pre-match rituals.

Earlier, Basketball Ireland’s CEO warned of heavy fines and expulsion from the competition if the team boycotted their matches with Israel, stating it would harm women’s international basketball for years. Saar’s remarks were made in an interview on the Israeli Basketball Association’s website, where she suggested that the Irish team’s perceived animosity fueled a desire for a strong performance from Israel.

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Eurovision: Finnish artists want Israel barred from contest over Gaza war

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Over 1,400 Finnish music industry professionals have signed a petition urging the exclusion of Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest due to alleged “war crimes” in Gaza. They are also calling for Finland to withdraw from the competition if Israel is not banned. The petition highlights concerns about Israel participating in Eurovision to enhance its image, and it follows similar demands made by Icelandic musicians to their broadcaster Rúv.

Yle, the Finnish broadcaster, is currently monitoring the stance of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of Eurovision. Signatories accuse Yle of double standards, pointing to its prompt call for a ban on Russia from the 2022 contest. Yle’s response suggests that the situation in Israel and Gaza is not considered equivalent to the inter-state aggression seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to Ville Vilén, a Yle representative.

The EBU has affirmed Israel’s participation in Eurovision, emphasizing that the event is for broadcasters, not governments, and that Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, complies with all competition rules. Yle plans to engage with the petition’s authors, and the EBU has previously stated that Eurovision is a non-political event, with Israel’s participation spanning 50 years.

This year’s Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Malmö, Sweden, and the UK will be represented by pop star Olly Alexander. Alexander faced criticism for endorsing a statement accusing Israel of genocide, with Israel dismissing the arguments as “absurd” and attributing them to anti-Israel bias. The Gaza conflict, mentioned in the context of the petition, has resulted in a significant loss of lives, displacement, and humanitarian challenges in the region.

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Man grabs Greta Thunberg’s microphone after pro-Palestinian chants at climate rally

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The disruption of Greta Thunberg’s speech at the climate protest in Amsterdam highlighted the intersection of climate activism and political tensions. The man’s attempt to wrestle the microphone away underscored the challenges of maintaining a focused message in the midst of broader geopolitical issues.

Chants advocating for Palestine were a backdrop to the incident, emphasizing the diverse perspectives within the protest crowd. Earlier, the curtailment of another activist’s speech demonstrated the sensitivity surrounding expressions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has been contentious, with varying interpretations. While some view it as a call for the end of Israel’s occupation, others see it as a threat to Israel’s existence.

In the aftermath of the interruption, Greta Thunberg and the assembled crowd united in chanting “no climate justice on occupied land,” blending environmental concerns with geopolitical awareness. The incident reflected the challenge of navigating a global movement, where diverse voices and perspectives converge.

Thunberg’s previous social media posts supporting Palestine had stirred controversy, illustrating the complexities of balancing different issues within the broader context of activism. Accusations of not adequately acknowledging the plight of Israeli victims of Hamas attacks added another layer to the ongoing debate over the role of prominent figures in addressing complex political conflicts.

Ultimately, the Amsterdam event highlighted the intricate dance between climate activism and political advocacy, emphasizing the need for thoughtful navigation of these intersections to maintain a cohesive and impactful movement.

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Macron calls on Israel to stop killing Gaza’s women and babies

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In this news article, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his stance on the conflict in Gaza. He condemned the bombing of civilians in Gaza, stating that there is “no justification” for it, and called for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to protect civilians. Macron also condemned the actions of Hamas, recognizing it as a terrorist organization, while urging other leaders, including those in the US and the UK, to join his calls for a ceasefire.

On the topic of Ukraine, Macron characterized Russia’s invasion as imperialism and colonialism, emphasizing the duty of his country and others to support Ukraine in its defense. He warned of the potential threat posed by a victorious Russia to other former Soviet states and the entire continent.

Macron also discussed online extremism, singling out Facebook’s parent company Meta and Google for not fulfilling their promises to moderate hate speech on their platforms. He expressed concern about insufficient moderators for French language content on many online platforms.

Regarding climate change, Macron mentioned its role in contributing to terrorism, citing the example of Lake Chad in West Africa, where the effects of global warming led to political instability.

In summary, Macron called for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemned the actions of both Israel and Hamas, expressed support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, criticized online platforms for inadequate moderation, and highlighted the link between climate change and terrorism in certain regions.

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