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Thousands of Israelis demand release of hostages in Gaza

By
IFP Media Wire
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Israel Protest

The Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported that protesters called for a “comprehensive and not selective deal” that would lead to the release of all detainees in Gaza, alive or deceased.

Several family members of the hostages participated in the protest, chanting slogans that rejected any partial deal that might limit the release to a small number, according to the newspaper.

A number of relatives also gave speeches, urging pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to expedite the conclusion of a comprehensive deal without delay.

The demonstration coincided with the Israeli government’s announcement of its approval to send a delegation to the Qatari capital of Doha to negotiate an exchange deal proposal with Palestinian factions following a “positive” response from Hamas.

The official broadcasting authority stated that mediators are optimistic about bridging the gaps between the two sides, paving the way for an agreement.

Netanyahu is scheduled to leave for Washington early Sunday to meet US President Donald Trump, according to Haaretz.

Tel Aviv estimates that there are 50 hostages, 20 of whom are held captive in Gaza. More than 10,400 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, subjected to torture, starvation and medical neglect, which has resulted in many deaths, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has pursued a genocidal war against Gaza, killing more than 57,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since October 2023.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for 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.

400-year-old Nakhl-Gardani ritual held in Iran’s North Khorasan to mark Ashura

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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With a history spanning over 400 years, the ceremony is considered one of the region’s most significant and symbolic forms of Shia mourning.

Every year on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, large crowds from nearby cities and villages gather to participate in and witness the emotionally charged event.

The central feature of Nakhl-Gardani is the carrying of a large wooden structure, called the “Nakhl,” which symbolizes the coffin of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

The Nakhl is elaborately decorated with black cloth, mirrors, and religious symbols, and is lifted and carried by groups of mourners through the streets as a sign of reverence and collective mourning.

The ceremony is accompanied by recitations of elegies, chest-beating, and prayers, highlighting themes of sacrifice, resistance against oppression, and spiritual solidarity in memory of Ashura.

Tucker Carlson teases interview with President Pezeshkian

By
IFP Media Wire
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The interview comes on the heels of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, as well as US air attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a short video on X, Carlson said the conversation, which was conducted remotely through a translator, will be released “in a day or two.” He acknowledged that he will be criticized for the interview, stating: “Why did we do it anyway? Well, we did it because we were just at war with Iran 10 days ago and maybe again.”

He argued that Americans have “the constitutional right and the God-given right to all the information they can gather about matters that affect them,” including hearing the views of adversaries.

Carlson added that not everything Pezeshkian says can be trusted, but “the point is you should be able to decide for yourself whether you believe it or not.”

Regarding the contents of the interview, the former Fox News host said he avoided questions that were almost certain to yield evasions, such as whether the US strikes crippled Iran’s nuclear program.

“There’s no chance he’s going to answer that question. Honestly, I didn’t bother to ask it,” he added.

Instead, he focused on broader questions like whether Iran is seeking war with the US and Israel.

Carlson went on to say that he once again requested an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an effort to hear from both sides of the conflict.

The purpose of the Pezeshkian interview is “not to get to the absolute truth,” but rather “to add to the corpus of knowledge from which Americans can derive their own opinion,” he stated, adding, “Learn everything you can, and then you decide.”

The American journalist conducted a high-profile interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin last year, in which Putin explained the deep historical roots and national security concerns that led to the Ukraine conflict. Last month, he also interviewed US Senator Ted Cruz, pressing him on his hawkish stance on Iran, while suggesting that Cruz is calling for the overthrow of the Iranian government without having any knowledge of the country.

Lebanese PM denounces Hezbollah’s armed parade in Beirut, orders detain of participants

By
IFP Media Wire
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Hezbollah

On Friday, the Zuqaq al-Blat area in Beirut—just a few hundred meters from the government headquarters—witnessed a parade marking the commemoration of the Ashura ceremonies.

A large number of Hezbollah fighters participated, marching through the streets waving automatic rifles in the air and chanting slogans, including “At your service, Hezbollah.”

This armed parade took place amid escalating official and political calls within Lebanon to place all weapons—including Hezbollah’s—in the hands of the state.

The debate was intensified by a proposal presented by US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack to Lebanese officials during his visit to Beirut in mid-June

The proposal calls for Hezbollah to surrender all its weapons by the end of this year at the latest, in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from five points it occupies in southern Lebanon and the release of funds allocated for the reconstruction of areas devastated by the recent Israeli war.

While Hezbollah’s armed parade received widespread reactions and criticism from several political forces, the party has yet to respond to the criticisms by the time of publication.

The strongest reaction came from Salam, who emphasized in a post on X Saturday that such parades are “unacceptable under any circumstances and for any justification.”

He added: “I contacted the ministers of interior and justice, requesting them to take all necessary measures to enforce the laws, arrest those responsible, and refer them for investigation.”

In response to Thomas Barrack’s proposal, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem Wednesday rejected any Israeli intervention in Lebanon’s internal discussions about the “weapons issue,” stressing that the party “will not hand over its weapons to the Israeli enemy.”

In a televised speech on Friday, Qassem said: “Those who demand the resistance (Hezbollah) surrender its weapons must first demand the departure of the aggression (Israel). It is unreasonable not to criticize the occupation and demand only (that) those who resist it relinquish their arms.”

He added: “Whoever accepts surrender must bear the consequences; we, however, will never accept it.”

Lebanon is currently preparing to send a draft response to Barrack’s proposal, according to local media.

Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities have repeatedly stressed over the past months the necessity of consolidating weapons under state control.

In April, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated: “We will implement ‘monopoly of weapons by the state,’ but we are waiting for the appropriate circumstances to determine how to apply it, and ‘the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s weapons requires resorting to dialogue.’”

Israel launched an assault on Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, escalating into a full-scale war by Sept. 23, 2024. More than 4,000 people have been killed, over 17,000 wounded, and nearly 1.4 million displaced, according to official data.

Despite a ceasefire reached last November, Israeli forces have conducted near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, saying they are targeting Hezbollah’s activities.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of at least 231 people and injuries to more than 500, since the agreement was signed.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply. Israeli forces continue to maintain a presence at five border outposts.

Britain resumes diplomatic ties with Syria during its 1st ministerial visit in 14 years

By
IFP Media Wire
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Saturday became the first UK minister to visit Damascus in 14 years, meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani as part of a high-profile visit aimed at bolstering regional security.

“As the first UK minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad’s brutal regime, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country,” Lammy said in a statement.

He added the UK will support the Syrian government’s efforts to deliver “a stable, more secure, and prosperous future for all Syrians,” noting that regional stability is in Britain’s national interest.

During the visit, Lammy also met with Syrian civil defense volunteers, known as the White Helmets, to learn about their work in clearing unexploded ordnance and providing emergency medical care.

He also met women-led businesses supported by the UK’s economic recovery program in Syria, in a move that underscores Britain’s commitment to sustainable development in the region.

The UK has announced a £94.5 million package of assistance, which includes humanitarian aid, education initiatives, and a livelihoods program, as well as assistance to countries hosting Syrian refugees.

“The fall of Assad presents an opportunity for the new Syrian government to fully declare and destroy Assad’s evil chemical weapons program,” Lammy stated.

He reiterated the UK’s support for an inclusive political transition in Syria, saying that re-engagement with Damascus would help prevent vulnerable Syrians from being exploited by people smugglers across Europe.

“A stable Syria is in the UK’s interests, reducing the risk of irregular migration, ensuring the destruction of chemical weapons, tackling the threat of terrorism, and delivering the Government’s Plan for Change,” he continued.

Iranian president hails Leader’s presence at Ashura ceremony: “The Hussainiya of Iran will endure forever”

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

In a message posted on his official X social media account, President Pezeshkian shared a photo of the Leader attending the Ashura gathering at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya and wrote: “The Hussainiya of Iran will endure and remain forever. You remain in my soul and spirit, O homeland… Sing, O Iran.”

The President’s post referred to a moment during the ceremony when Ayatollah Khamenei addressed eulogist Mahmoud Karimi and encouraged him to sing the patriotic anthem “Ey Iran,” a widely cherished song that resonates deeply with Iranian national identity.

Iran’s former FM Zarif: Leader’s public appearance discredits fabricated rumors

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Javad Zarif

In a post on the social media platform X, Zarif wrote, “The fearless presence of the Supreme Leader at a public mourning gathering permanently shattered the illusion-based lies propagated by mercenary experts.”

He urged Iranians to “wake up and recognize that this nation will never surrender.”

Zarif, who also served as Vice President in Massoud Pezeshkian’s administration, stressed the importance of standing “on the right side of history” and warned against making threats toward Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei participated in a packed Ashura night eve mourning ceremony at the Imam Khomeini Hosseiniyah in Tehran, alongside people from various social backgrounds.

The event featured religious sermons and eulogies. At the end of the ceremony, Ayatollah Khamenei encouraged eulogist Mahmoud Karimi to perform the patriotic anthem “Ey Iran,” which was sung in the presence of the audience.

EU to propose sanctions on Israel: Report

By
IFP Media Wire
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European Parliament

The EU’s diplomatic service is expected to present a list of options to EU ambassadors on Wednesday. Among the options are reportedly a partial or full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, sanctions on Israeli government ministers, military officials and extremist settlers, trade restrictions, an arms embargo, and the suspension of scientific cooperation.

While most of these measures have been discussed informally in the past, this is the first time they will be laid out formally in writing, Euractiv reported. EU foreign ministers are said to be scheduled to review the proposals on July 15.

Any move to impose sanctions on Israel would require the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states, which is widely seen as unlikely. Hungary, for instance, has been a consistent backer of Tel Aviv, blocking EU sanctions on Israeli settlers last year.

According to Euractiv, the document follows an internal EU review of the Association Agreement last month, which found “indications of a breach” of Israel’s human rights commitments. Israel has strongly dismissed the review.

In late June, the European Council called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza while sounding the alarm about “the unacceptable number of civilian casualties and the levels of starvation.” The Council also urged Israel to fully lift its blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to flow in. Although Israel claimed to have done so, numerous media outlets reported little real change on the ground.

There are currently no EU sanctions imposed on Israel. However, the EU has in the past sanctioned certain Israeli individuals and organizations, mainly those it described as “extremist” settlers in the West Bank who were allegedly involved in violence against Palestinian residents.

After Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in 2023, the latter retaliated with a military operation in Gaza, which led to unprecedented destruction. Around 60,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis were killed in the fighting, according to official figures.

Hamas’ changes to Gaza ceasefire proposal ‘unacceptable’: Israeli PM’s office

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Gaza War

“The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

“In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages – on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to – be continued,” it read.

The statement added that the negotiation team will leave Sunday for Qatar to hold talks.

Hamas announced late Friday it submitted its response to mediators regarding the proposal after completing internal consultations with Palestinian factions and forces.

The Palestinian resistance group described the response to the proposal as “positive” and confirmed its “serious readiness to immediately enter a round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing” the proposal.

Tel Aviv estimates that there are 50 hostages, 20 of whom are held captive in Gaza. More than 10,400 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, subjected to torture, starvation and medical neglect, which has resulted in many deaths, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has pursued a genocidal war on Gaza, killing more than 57,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since October 2023.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for 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.

Aide to Iranian parliament chief: IAEA chief Grossi not welcome in Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
IAEA Grossi

Amir Ebrahim Rasouli, in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV on Saturday, stated, “We will never allow the IAEA Director General to set foot in Iran.”

The comments comes a week after President Massoud Pezeshkian formally enacted legislation requiring the government to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA in response to recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites amid the nuclear agency’s “biased stance.”

Rasouli stated that Grossi had shared confidential information, including the names of Iranian nuclear scientists, with Israel.

He further accused that IAEA inspectors of “being engaged in espionage activities” at Iran’s nuclear facilities and “playing a role in the assassination of Iranian scientists.”

While asserting that diplomatic channels remain open, Rasouli emphasized that any future negotiations must address an “imposed war” by Israel last month against Iran and clearly assign responsibility.

He warned against threats directed at Tehran, stating, “We possess a range of weapons that could surprise attackers if any miscalculation is made.”

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