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Israel’s attack on Gaza-bound aid ship blatant example of ‘piracy’: Iran

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Esmail Baghaei

The boat called Handala, led by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was roughly 100km west of Gaza late Saturday night when Israeli forces “violently intercepted” it and boarded the vessel, the coalition announced in a statement.

The regime’s forces also detained all 21 international crew members, including journalists and lawmakers.

According to the legal rights center Adalah, Israeli naval vessels dragged the aid ship to the occupied port of Ashdod.

In a statement on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the Israeli regime’s move was a “clear example of piracy and a gross violation of international law.”

It was aimed at advancing the Israeli regime’s policy of genocide in occupied Palestine, continuing the oppressive and inhumane blockade, and intensifying the policy of imposing famine and hunger on the defenseless people in the besieged Strip, he added.

He emphasized that Israel’s attack on the Handala and, before that, the Madleen aid ship were a blatant violation of the principles and rules of international law, urging all governments and international organizations to condemn them.

The Israeli forces, early in June, attacked Madleen, a humanitarian aid vessel that was attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

The Iranian spokesperson stated that the blockade imposed on Gaza must be lifted immediately, and that adequate humanitarian aid should reach the Palestinian people exclusively through a recognized international mechanism.

The Handala, a refurbished fishing boat, had been en route from Malmö, Sweden, to break Israel’s deadly blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid—including baby formula, nappies, food, and medicine—to Palestinian residents.

Support for Palestinians in Britain rises amid humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza: Poll

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gaza War

The findings, by the think tank More in Common, revealed that 29 percent of respondents sympathised more with the Palestinian side in the war, compared to 15 percent who sympathised more with Israel.

This marks an 11-point rise in support for Palestinians since November 2023, just weeks after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October.

This growing support comes against the backdrop of catastrophic conditions in Gaza, where at least 127 Palestinians, including more than 85 children, have died of starvation since Israel’s blockade resumed in March.

More than 1,121 Palestinians have also been killed while seeking aid at distribution sites manned by Israeli soldiers and US security contractors.

Earlier this week, the UK and 27 other countries condemned what they described as “the drip-feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians” seeking food and water.

When asked about Israel’s conduct in the war, 48 percent of respondents said the Israeli military response in Gaza has been disproportionate, compared to 28 percent who disagreed.

The UK’s arms exports to Israel have also been under increasing scrutiny. While dozens of arms export licences were suspended last year, campaigners and many MPs argue the steps do not go far enough. Last week, nearly 60 MPs and peers called for a full arms embargo.

The poll suggests public support for such a move: 41 percent said the UK should stop exporting any weapons to Israel, while only 14 percent supported exporting both offensive and defensive arms.

However, 41 percent of respondents said it was right for the UK government to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, while 29 percent said the decision was wrong.

Palestine Action, known for its direct action targeting UK-based arms manufacturers linked to Israel, was banned earlier this year under terrorism legislation – a move criticised by human rights organisations that argue it criminalises non-lethal protest against military complicity.

Meanwhile, half of Britons surveyed believed Hamas does not represent the views of ordinary Palestinians, compared with 16 percent who did.

Trump claims Hamas stealing food amid Gaza hunger crisis

By
IFP Media Wire
-

The president, while sitting next to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland, was asked for his response to the images of starving children in Gaza.

“When I see the children and when I see, especially over the last couple of weeks people are stealing the food, they’re stealing the money, they’re stealing the money for the food. They’re stealing weapons, they’re stealing everything,” the president said.

He added, “It’s a mess, that whole place is a mess. The Gaza Strip, you know it was given many years ago so they could have peace. That didn’t work out too well.”

The Israeli military has reported that there is no proof that the Palestinian group had systematically stolen aid.

Pres. Pezeshkian: Completion of North–South corridor to be game changer

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

During an unannounced visit to the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the president emphasized that if Iran succeeds in completing the corridor using the mechanisms currently available, it will unlock extensive transit potential connecting Iran with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Azerbaijan.

“If we manage to complete this, it will be a game changer,” he said. “They won’t be able to sanction us anymore.”

The North–South Corridor is a major international transport route aimed at linking Northern Europe with Southern Asia via Iran through both land and sea.
This corridor significantly reduces the time and cost of cargo transport between Europe and Asia.

Iran, Russia, and India are the founding members, with other participating nations including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, and Oman.

Key transit routes run through Iran’s southern ports—such as Bandar Abbas and Chabahar—connecting to the Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond via road, rail, and the Caspian Sea.

One critical project within this corridor is the Rasht–Astara railway, which will connect Iran’s rail network to that of the Caucasus and Northern Europe.

Leader rep. in IRGC: “We never surrender Islamic governance”

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Flag

He declared that the Iranian people may give martyrs, but will never allow enemies to harm their Supreme Leader or compromise the Islamic Republic.

Hajji Sadeghi said the 12-day war revealed the enemy’s miscalculations.

“Despite 46 years of experience with the Islamic Republic, they didn’t understand the force they were facing. They thought decades of economic and cultural pressure had worn down the people—but instead, they witnessed a surge of resilience and loyalty.”

He described the recent confrontation as not just a military conflict, but a war of wills.

“For over 20 years they’ve tried to break the people’s resolve and drive a wedge between them and the system. But they failed. The resistance shown has guaranteed the future of the Revolution.”

Echoing themes of sacrifice and steadfastness, he concluded, “We will offer our lives, but never surrender our guardianship or Islamic rule. And we will never allow our enemies to touch our Supreme Leader.”

More Gazans, including children, die from starvation amid Israeli blockade

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Gaza War

“Hospitals recorded six new deaths in the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition, including two children who exhausted by hunger,” the ministry said in a statement.

The new fatalities brought the death toll from starvation in Gaza since October 2023 to 133, including 87 children.

“These numbers reflect the catastrophic impact of the ongoing Israeli blockade and the prevention of food and aid deliveries into Gaza,” the ministry said.

Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza for 18 years, and since March 2 has shut down all crossings, blocking the entry of aid convoys and ignoring international calls to reopen them.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 59,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

At least 18,500 Israeli soldiers injured since outbreak of Gaza war: Report

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Israel Army

The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said that the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division received 18,500 soldiers and other security forces wounded with varying severity.

However, official Israeli military figures widely differed, saying that only 6,145 soldiers have been injured and 895 others killed.

According to the daily, more than 10,000 Israeli soldiers have suffered from mental health ailments, including 3,679 diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The paper added that 9,000 soldiers submitted requests to have psychological injuries recognized, including anxiety, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression in 2024 alone.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 59,800 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

Rubio says Trump ‘losing patience with Russia’, despite giving Putin 50-day peace accord deadline

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Russia Ukraine War

Rubio’s remarks come nearly two weeks after Trump gave Russia a 50-day deadline to agree to a peace deal or face “severe” tariffs. Since the announcement, Russia has only intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities and continued to advance along the front line.

Rubio said Trump is eager to secure a peace deal and end the war he “inherited” from the Biden administration, and described the president’s growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Despite having very good interactions with Vladimir Putin and phone calls, it never leads to anything,” Rubio continued, adding, “So, the time has come for some action.”

Critics say Trump’s latest 50-day timeline effectively gives the Kremlin seven more weeks to continue launching deadly airstrikes across Ukraine. The proposed tariffs, at around 100%, are also below the 500% rates proposed in a bipartisan Senate bill targeting countries that buy Russian oil.

Rubio also acknowledged in the Fox News interview China’s growing role in prolonging the war, accusing Beijing of propping up Moscow’s economy and military efforts.

“China is giving Russia as much aid as they can get away with without being discovered,” Rubio said, adding, “There’s no way Putin could have sustained this war without Chinese support, particularly buying his oil.”

Rubio also highlighted the geopolitical triangle between Russia, China, and Iran, suggesting Beijing benefits from a prolonged war that keeps the U.S. distracted.

Following talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing earlier in July, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to deepen strategic cooperation and hailed the partnership as “a model for a new type of international relations.”

Despite China’s repeated claims of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, its support for Russia’s economy and defense industry has established Beijing as one of Moscow’s most crucial partners.

Ukrainian officials reported the presence of Chinese components in Russian attack drones, and intelligence suggests Beijing may be helping Moscow bypass sanctions to ramp up drone production.

Iranian MP criticizes draft bill targeting ‘false news’ on social media

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran's parliament

During a parliamentary session on Sunday, Azari voiced his opposition to the bill’s urgency status, warning that its approval would harm press freedom and the journalism profession.

Azari stated that the proposed legislation includes punishments for media outlets which, in his view, could create a “safe haven” for corrupt individuals in both governmental and non-governmental sectors.

“The bill is too underdeveloped to manage the complexities of cyberspace,” he said.

He further criticized the bill’s use of vague and interpretive language, citing terms like “false content,” “public confusion,” “stakeholder,” and “irreparable damage,” which, he argued, are open to arbitrary interpretation.

Azari warned that if passed, the bill could result in an overload of criminal cases and place additional strain on the judiciary.

He called for a more thoughtful and precise approach to regulating online content, emphasizing the need to uphold freedom of expression and prevent legislative overreach.

Israel announces ‘tactical suspension’ of military operations in three parts of Gaza

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Gaza War

The suspension began at 10 am local time (0700GMT) in three key areas of Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City, covering parts of the central, southern, and northern Gaza Strip, the Israeli army spokesman said, according to the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Al-Mawasi is a stretch of sandy coastal territory running from southwest Deir al-Balah through western Khan Younis to western Rafah in southern Gaza. It has become a zone where many displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.

The announcement came hours after Israel’s Channel 12 reported that top Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, had agreed to a limited humanitarian pause. No exact timeframe was provided for the end of the suspension.

Since May 27, Israel has launched a separate aid distribution initiative through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), bypassing the UN and international humanitarian agencies. The move has been widely rejected by the global relief community. The GHF is supported by the US.

Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers continue to open fire on Palestinians who gather near distribution centers, killing hundreds.

Gaza’s hunger crisis has spiraled into a humanitarian catastrophe. Harrowing footage shows severely emaciated residents, some reduced to skin and bone, collapsing from exhaustion, dehydration, and prolonged starvation.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 59,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

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