3 h. ago Was Trump’s Venezuelan boat attack a ‘war crime’? Experts say extrajudicial killings violate international law

Attack raises serious questions about president’s legal authority for lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers

Events

12 h. ago ‘BEWARE’: How and why Trump attacked a Venezuelan ‘drug cartel boat’

The attack comes a day after the Venezuelan president accused the Trump administration of plotting a military invasion of his country

Events

39 h. ago Europe live: US treasury secretary indicates growing frustration with Putin over Ukraine

Scott Bessent says ‘all options on the table’ and condemns ‘despicable’ increase in attacks as Russian leader receives warm welcome in Chinain BrusselsBelgium will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly, adding to the growing number of countries seeking to put pressure on Israel and keep alive a two-state solution to end the conflict.“In view of the humanitarian tragedy playing out in Palestine and particularly in Gaza, and in the face of 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 and the Hamas terrorists.” Continue reading...

Politics

40 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

8 d. ago ‘He loved his work deeply’: the five Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza airstrike

Israel has been widely condemned for ‘double-tap’ strike on Nasser hospital in southern Gaza on MondayIsrael’s attack on hospital in Gaza may constitute a war crime on many frontsFive Palestinian journalists were killed in an Israeli double-tap strike on Nasser hospital in southern Gaza on Monday.Israel struck a building at the hospital, killing Reuters journalist Hussam al-Masri and others. Then, after journalists and rescue workers ran to the scene to help their colleagues, a second bomb hit the same spot 15 minutes later. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago In Norway we see ourselves as ethically virtuous – so why is our oil wealth enabling genocide? | Sindre Bangstad

With an election looming, will politicians finally listen to the majority of citizens, who want to divest from Israeli arms companies?Oil has made Norway extremely rich. We have the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, which was established with petroleum revenues in 1990. Headed by the wealthy banker and art investor Nicolai Tangen, the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), has a current value of more than 20 239bn Norwegian kroner (£1.4tr). With holdings in about 8,500 companies in 69 different countries, it is the largest single investor in the world.Norway also purports to have a human-rights-based foreign policy, and the sovereign wealth fund is supposed to adhere to a set of ethical guidelines. Companies may be excluded if there is a risk that they contribute to or are responsible for serious human rights violations, or are involved in the sale of weapons to states that violate international law in armed conflicts. A Council on Ethics makes recommendations about exclusions ...

Politics

3 w. ago World leaders issues Benjamin Netanyahu statement as he vows to take over Gaza City

The UN Security Council held a rare emergency meeting after Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said his military will take control of Gaza City, with officials saying the move would risk violating international law

Politics