The political fate of Palestinians is bound to the personal fate of Marwan Barghouti. After more than two decades in an Israeli jail for murder, the charismatic 66-year-old is by far the most popular Palestinian leader, widely regarded as the only figure capable of uniting factions riven by ideology and enmity. Though a member of Fatah, Mr Barghouti has criticised abuses by the Palestinian Authority and has won respect within Hamas ranks.
Behind the scenes: The call between Trump and MBS, which was not previously made public, took place after the Gaza peace summit in Egypt last month. A U.S. official with direct knowledge of the call said Trump told MBS he'd managed to end the war in Gaza, and now wanted the crown prince to move toward normalization with Israel. MBS said he was willing to work on it with the Trump administration, the U.S. official said.
He has spent 14 years in pain, adjusting to paralysis below the waist. But Munib al-Masri Jr, 37, says he forgives the Israeli soldier who shot him. Masri is among Palestinians who welcomed the UK's recognition of Palestinian statehood last month but are pushing the government to go further. The Britain Owes Palestine campaign that Masri is part of wants the UK to formally apologise for what they say is its historical role in creating the Middle East crisis.
I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it. It's not going to happen, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding There's been enough. It's time to stop now. Trump made the comments as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving in New York to deliver an address to the United Nations on Friday.
While a historic decision, Western states' recognition of Palestine needs to come with more action, analysts say. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia have recognised Palestinian statehood, a symbolic response to Israel's ongoing war on Gaza and territorial expansion in the occupied West Bank. More states, including France and Portugal, are expected to recognise Palestine in the coming days after the announcements on Sunday.
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 and Hamas terrorists. This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground.
Prevot also announced "tough sanctions" on the Israeli government. "Any form of antisemitism or the glorification of terrorism by Hamassupporters will also be strongly condemned," Prevot posted on his X account. According to Prevot, Belgium "had to take decisive decisions to increase the pressure on the Israeli government and the Hamas terrorists" in the face of the current situation in both the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The United Kingdom has said that Israeli officials will not be allowed to attend a major defense trade show next month in London. The move comes amid a deepening diplomatic rift between the two long-standing allies over Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The UK this month said it plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in Septemberunless Israel took specified steps toward ending the war in Gaza.
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