📰 Hamas pushes back on Trump and Witkoff’s criticisms, demands US pressure Israel
Hamas rejected criticism from top U.S. officials regarding ceasefire talks with Israel, claiming progress had been made and blaming Israel for obstructing agreements. The U.S. pulled its team from ceasefire talks in Qatar, accusing Hamas of acting in bad faith and lacking a desire for peace. Netanyahu’s office also recalled the Israeli negotiation team due to Hamas’ response. President Trump expressed disappointment in Hamas and speculated they did not want to make a deal. Despite the setback, Qatar and Egypt, along with the U.S., reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza. Talks are expected to resume next week, according to reports.
📰 Europeans meet with Iranian officials face-to-face for first time since Israel, US bombings as sanctions loom
European diplomats met with Iranian officials in Istanbul for the first time since recent bombings by Israel and the U.S. The meeting lasted four hours, with plans for further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Sanctions lifted in 2015 could be reinstated if Iran fails to comply. European nations could use the “snapback” mechanism to reimpose U.N. sanctions if Iran violates conditions. European leaders warned of sanctions being reinstated by the end of August without progress on Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran seeks support from China and Russia to stall U.N. sanctions before nuclear talks with Europeans. European diplomats suggest a possible delay in triggering the snapback mechanism if Iran engages diplomatically, cooperates with the IAEA, and addresses concerns about its uranium stockpile. Iran vows retaliation if the UN Security Council issues snapback sanctions on the anniversary of the nuclear deal. Iran insists on the U.S. rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal, expressing distrust towards the U.S.
The U.S. bombed Iran’s nuclear sites in June, following Israel’s earlier bombing, leading to retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel and a U.S. Army base in Qatar. A ceasefire was agreed upon between Israel and Iran shortly after. The IAEA reported a significant increase in Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, raising concerns.
📰 US, Israel announce targeted killings of terror leaders in Syria and Lebanon
The U.S. and Israel conducted separate counterterrorism operations resulting in the killing of terror leaders from ISIS and Hezbollah. In Syria, CENTCOM troops eliminated senior ISIS leader Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani and his two sons, who posed a threat to U.S. and Coalition Forces. The raid also targeted three women and three children who were unharmed. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the relentless pursuit of ISIS terrorists to ensure the safety of the region and allies. In a parallel operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed Ali Mohammad Hassan Qoutan, a key figure in Hezbollah, involved in rebuilding the organization after the death of its leader. The IDF highlighted Qoutan’s activities as a violation of agreements between Israel and Lebanon, amidst ongoing conflicts with Iran and Hamas since 2023.
📰 Trump shrugs off France’s recognition of Palestine as Rubio, prominent Republicans blast move
French President Emmanuel Macron announced his plan for France to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly next September. President Trump responded more mildly compared to other top Republicans who strongly condemned the move. Macron emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for Gaza, while also calling for Hamas demilitarization and Gaza’s reconstruction. The recognition of Palestine by France is seen as largely symbolic and does not automatically grant full diplomatic ties or UN membership. Israeli officials strongly objected to Macron’s plan, with Prime Minister Netanyahu condemning it as rewarding terror and risking creating another Iranian proxy.
📰 Grieving parents of American terror victim plead with top criminal prosecutor for justice
The article discusses the pressure on Jordan to extradite Hamas terrorist Ahlam Aref Ahmad al-Tamimi, responsible for the 2001 Jerusalem pizzeria bombing that killed three Americans. The parents of one victim, Malki Roth, are advocating for her extradition, emphasizing the need for justice for all victims. The U.S. State Department has a $5 million reward for information leading to al-Tamimi’s capture. The U.S. government is pushing Jordan to hold al-Tamimi accountable for her role in the bombing. Despite being on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list, al-Tamimi remains at large, openly boasting about her actions and calling for more terrorism against Israel. The article highlights the challenges in securing al-Tamimi’s extradition due to Jordan’s strategic relationship with the U.S. and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring her to justice.
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