3 h. ago Netanyahu says that Trump told him to ‘go into Gaza with full force’ and ‘finish’ the war

The Israeli PM claimed he is facing US pressure to abandon partial ceasefire deals with Hamas, according to Israeli reports

Politics

6 h. ago Belgium to recognise Palestinian state at UN and sanction Israel – Middle East crisis live

Foreign minister says move is not aimed at Israeli people but ‘ensuring their government respects international and humanitarian law’The Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea has done an explainer in July with a section looking at what recognising Palestine would look in practice. Here is an extract:Recognition is a symbolic step but one that would infuriate the Israeli government, which argues that it would encourage Hamas and reward terrorism.It is in effect a formal, political acknowledgment of Palestinian self-determination – without the need to engage in thorny practicalities such as the location of its borders or capital city.In light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law, given its international obligations, including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government an...

Politics

23 h. ago Time for tea: Whittard of Chelsea opening new UK stores after sales surge

The retailer posted a 9.1% rise in net revenues to £49.8 million for 2024, with UK sales up 6.5% to £42 million.

Events

23 h. ago Storms and Israeli ‘terror cell’ threats: What we know about Greta Thunberg’s blockade

Israel was said to be drafting up plans to arrest Thunberg and other activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla and detain them

Events

25 h. ago Gaza aid flotilla carrying Greta Thunberg returns to port due to storm

After departing Barcelona with much fanfare, it was forced to turn back overnight

Events

29 h. ago Trump’s Gaza plan involves ‘voluntary’ relocation of Palestinians – and giving them $5,000 each: report

Proposals reportedly being considered by White House would see six to eight ‘dynamic, modern and AI-powered smart planned cities’ erected on land torn apart by two years of war

Politics

44 h. ago ‘We fear we are next’: Palestinian journalists in Gaza targeted by Israeli smear campaigns

With the Committee to Protect Journalists warning that more reporters are at risk of being killed by Israeli ‘war crimes’, Bel Trew and Nedal Hamdouna hear from those whose work places them firmly in the firing line

Politics

46 h. ago Israeli attacks on Gaza City kill dozens ahead of planned offensive

Hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering in Gaza City as Israel’s leaders discuss a plan for attack

Events

52 h. ago Two months after its war with Israel, Iran braces for another showdown

As Europe considers triggering the JCPOA's snapback mechanism and reimposing sanctions, Independent Persian’s editor-in-chief Camelia Entekhabifard warns about the possibility of a second Iran-Israel war

Politics

52 h. ago Palestinians flee Gaza City as escalating Israeli offensive kills 77

Israeli official reveals plan to halt or limit aid into northern Gaza even as malnutrition kills 10 more people

Events

60 h. ago Detectives investigating 'at least 70 charities' with links to the Israel

The Charity Commission said criminal investigations could take place into groups 'supporting different sides of the Middle East conflict' (pictured).

Politics

68 h. ago Yemen’s Houthi rebel group confirm their prime minister has been killed in Israeli airstrikes

The prime minister of Yemen's Houthi government, Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rhawi has been killed in an Israeli strike, according to a news agency run by the group, citing a statement by the head of the organisation’s Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat.

Politics

3 d. ago Revealed: What Tony Blair and President Trump spoke about during White House meeting on Gaza

The former Prime Minister held talks on the Middle East process with the US President and his son-in-law Jared Kushner , with whom he has worked with for months, on August 27.

Politics

3 d. ago Middle East KFC operator to diversify away from US brands after Gaza boycott

Sales at fast-food franchise operator tumbled when consumers turned on western outlets over American support for Israel

Politics

3 d. ago Middle East KFC operator Americana to move away from US brands after Gaza boycott

Sales at fast-food franchise operator tumbled when consumers turned on western outlets over American support for Israel

Politics

3 d. ago UN human rights staff urge leadership to declare Israel’s war in Gaza a genocide

Internal letter also calls on UN member states to suspend arms sales, saying ‘criticising Israel is not enough’Middle East crisis – live updatesHundreds of employees of the United Nations’ leading human rights agency have backed an internal letter telling its leadership to declare Israel’s offensive in Gaza a genocide and to call on UN member states to suspend arms sales to Israel.The 1,100-word letter, signed by about a quarter of the 2,000 staff of the Geneva- and New York-based Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), says the Israeli offensive in Gaza meets the legal threshold of genocide and that this means “arms sales, transfers and related logistical or financial support to Israeli authorities” constitutes a clear breach of international law by all those involved. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago 'Entitled woman on flight thought she could steal my plane seat but I got last laugh'

A woman has shared her frustration after an 'entitled' passenger tried to steal her plane seat – but she managed to get the last laugh with a cutting response on the flight

Events

4 d. ago Israel says body of hostage returned as military begins Gaza City offensive

Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas-led militants almost 22 months ago, roughly 50 remain in Gaza including 20 that Israel believes to be alive

Events

4 d. ago 'Hijacker' arrested after 'trying to steal plane' and take it to the Middle East

Investigations are ongoing after Australian police arrested a man who had allegedly attempted to 'hijack' a passenger jet and divert it to the Middle East earlier this year

Events

4 d. ago Israel declares Gaza City a ‘dangerous combat zone’ ahead of planned offensive

The military did not confirm whether residents or aid groups had been notified of the plans

Politics