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Category: World

From Diplomacy to Sports, Israel Faces Growing Global Isolation Amid Gaza War

From Diplomacy to Sports, Israel Faces Growing Global Isolation Amid Gaza War

Fola Badmus09 mins

Israel is facing an unprecedented wave of diplomatic and cultural backlash as its war in Gaza intensifies, with consequences now spreading beyond international politics into trade, entertainment, and global sports. The mounting isolation comes in the wake of a series of controversial military actions, including a ground offensive in Gaza City and a strike against Hamas leaders on Qatari soil. Last week, an independent United Nations commission became the first to officially accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza — a charge echoed by several human rights organizations but categorically denied by the Israeli government. Diplomatic Fallout The consequences are reverberating through Israel’s international alliances. The European Union, Israel’s largest trading partner, has proposed partial trade sanctions, which would suspend parts of its free trade agreement with the country. Meanwhile, countries such as France, Spain, Italy, the UK, and the Netherlands have imposed partial or full arms embargoes against Israel. In August, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund — the world’s largest — announced a divestment from Israeli companies due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged the isolation. Speaking earlier this month, he warned that Israel was entering a period of “a kind of isolation” that could last for years. While he later downplayed the comment, attributing it to the defense sector specifically, the message was clear: Israel may need to reorient its economy and defense industry to reduce dependence on foreign partners. Cultural and Sporting Boycotts Israel is also facing pushback in the cultural sphere. Broadcasters in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain have announced boycotts of the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate in 2026. Irish broadcaster RTE said that participating would be “unconscionable” given the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza. In Belgium, a major music festival in Ghent cancelled a performance by the Munich Philharmonic over concerns about its Israeli conductor Lahav Shani. Organizers cited the lack of clarity on Shani’s stance toward “the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv.” In Hollywood, thousands of actors and filmmakers — including Emma Stone, Olivia Colman, and Andrew Garfield — have signed a pledge not to collaborate with Israeli cultural institutions, accusing them of complicity in “genocide and apartheid.” Sporting Sanctions and Protests The world of sports has not been spared. A major cycling event in Spain was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protests, leading to the cancellation of its final stage due to the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team. Separately, Israeli players withdrew from a chess tournament in Spain after being told they could not compete under their national flag. Israeli officials are now scrambling to prevent suspension from European football tournaments, amid growing calls for Israel’s removal from competitions governed by UEFA. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar confirmed that the government is working behind the scenes to “block the initiative to expel Israel from UEFA.” Meanwhile, several high-profile athletes, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, have publicly condemned the war and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people. A ‘South Africa Moment’? The international backlash has drawn comparisons to the boycott of apartheid South Africa, with growing pressure on governments and organizations to cut ties with Israel. Former Israeli ambassador to South Africa, Ilan Baruch, says the cultural and economic isolation now taking shape could carry real weight. “Eurovision and football are very, very popular,” Baruch told CNN. “If you connect the pressure on Israel’s policies with boycotts in culture and sports, it will make an impact — as it did with South Africa.” Baruch now leads a policy group advocating for recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution. He argues that Israel’s current level of privilege in global trade and diplomacy is no longer sustainable while it “undermines Palestinian human rights and future.” UN Recognition and ICC Scrutiny At this year’s UN General Assembly, several major nations — including Canada, France, and the UK — formally recognized the State of Palestine, further isolating Israel on the diplomatic front. A UN genocide commission has also recommended that the International Criminal Court (ICC) include genocide in its ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is already under an ICC arrest warrant, which has severely limited his international travel. His recent route to New York for the UNGA avoided French and Spanish airspace, countries that could potentially enforce the warrant. Despite the growing divide, the United States continues to support Israel diplomatically. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged criticism of Israel’s recent military actions but insisted that the U.S.–Israel alliance remains “strong.” Looking Ahead While some analysts suggest that this wave of global condemnation may subside after the war, others see it as a turning point. Robert Satloff, executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, warned that some of Israel’s most reliable international allies are “leaving the fold.” “Over time, there’s a clear pattern of once-strong supporters moving in the opposite direction,” Satloff said. As military operations in Gaza continue and global scrutiny deepens, Israel’s standing on the world stage is facing its most serious challenge in decades — one that could reshape its international relationships for years to come.

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Former Chinese Agriculture Minister Sentenced to Death with Reprieve for $38M Bribery

Fola Badmus03 mins

Beijing, China — Sept. 29, 2025 — China’s former Minister of Agriculture, Tang Renjian, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting more than 268 million yuan ($38 million) in bribes over a 17-year period, according to a statement released Sunday by the People’s Court of Changchun in Jilin province. The court said Tang’s crimes were “particularly severe,” causing major losses to state and public interests. Although the sentence includes a two-year reprieve — a common practice in China that can lead to life imprisonment if the individual demonstrates good behavior — the ruling underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on high-level corruption. Tang was found guilty of accepting bribes in both cash and property from 2007 to 2024, while serving in various government roles including governor of Gansu province and vice chairman of the Guangxi autonomous region. The court noted that Tang had confessed to his crimes and expressed remorse, which was taken into consideration during sentencing. His conviction marks the latest development in President Xi Jinping’s wide-reaching anti-corruption campaign, which has ensnared numerous top officials in recent years. While supporters of the campaign argue it strengthens governance and accountability, critics contend it also serves as a political tool to eliminate rivals and tighten Xi’s control over the Communist Party. Tang’s sentencing follows a string of similar cases, including the downfall of former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, both of whom were investigated for graft. Li was removed from office after just seven months and later expelled from the Communist Party. His successor, Dong Jun, is also reportedly under investigation. The ruling against Tang highlights Beijing’s continued crackdown on corruption at the highest levels of government, a cornerstone of Xi’s leadership since taking power in 2012.

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Russia Claims Gains in Ukraine as Lavrov Calls for Renewed Dialogue With U.S. at UN

Russia Claims Gains in Ukraine as Lavrov Calls for Renewed Dialogue With U.S. at UN

Fola Badmus04 mins

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told delegates at the United Nations headquarters on Saturday that there is still hope for renewed Russian-American dialogue, particularly following the recent summit in Alaska. “We have some hopes for the continuation of the Russian-American dialogue, especially after the summit in Alaska,” Lavrov said during his speech. He suggested the Trump administration was taking a more “realistic” approach to resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Russia and the US bear a special responsibility for the state of affairs in the world and for avoiding risks that could plunge humanity into a new war,” he added. Lavrov’s UN address came amid new battlefield claims by Moscow. The Russian military announced on Saturday that its forces had captured three more villages in eastern Ukraine: Derylove and Maiske in the Donetsk region, and Stepove in the Dnipropetrovsk region. These gains come as part of a continued Russian push in the southeast, with fighting intensifying in multiple directions. In response, Ukraine claimed to have successfully carried out a drone strike on an oil pumping facility in Russia’s Chuvashia region. A Ukrainian official told Reuters: “The SBU [Ukrainian Security Service] continues to impose sanctions on the Russian oil sector, which brings the aggressor country excess profits that go to the war against Ukraine.” Meanwhile, an overnight Russian artillery and drone barrage killed one person and wounded 12 others in Ukraine’s Kherson region, with rail infrastructure also damaged in the neighbouring Odesa region, Ukrainian officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a Ukrainian delegation would travel to the U.S. in late September or early October for high-level arms negotiations. He also confirmed that Ukraine had already received one U.S.-made Patriot air defence system from Israel, with two more expected to arrive before the end of the year. Tensions remain high around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has experienced a four-day blackout, the longest since the war began in February 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for the disruption at the Russian-occupied facility. Though the plant’s six reactors have been offline since early in the war, it still requires electricity to maintain cooling and safety systems to prevent reactor meltdown.

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At Least 36 Dead, Over 50 Injured at Actor-Politician Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu

At Least 36 Dead, Over 50 Injured at Actor-Politician Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu

Fola Badmus03 mins

At least 36 people, including eight children and 16 women, have died and more than 50 others were injured in a tragic stampede during a political rally led by popular Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The event, organised by Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, drew massive crowds as part of his ongoing state-wide campaign tour ahead of the 2026 state elections. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating that 58 individuals were currently hospitalised. He is scheduled to visit the area on Sunday. “This unfortunate incident is deeply saddening,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a statement on X. Videos circulating on social media show Vijay atop a campaign vehicle, tossing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police assistance as the crowd surged beyond control. The actor later expressed his grief online, saying: “My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow.” Authorities have deployed at least 44 doctors from the nearby districts of Tiruchirappalli and Salem to assist with the emergency response. In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Stalin has announced compensation of ₹1 million (approximately $11,280) to the families of those who lost their lives. An official inquiry into the incident has also been launched. This is not the first time safety concerns have plagued Vijay’s political events. During the launch of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in October 2024, media reported at least six deaths due to crowd-related issues. Despite restrictions imposed by local police, including limits on convoy size and venue capacity, turnout at Vijay’s rallies has consistently overwhelmed public infrastructure. Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars for over three decades, formally entered politics last year and has positioned his party as an alternative to both the ruling DMK and Prime Minister Modi’s BJP. His campaign has rapidly gained traction, drawing tens of thousands of supporters across the state. The tragedy has cast a shadow over his rising political movement and raised urgent questions about crowd control and event safety in India’s high-stakes election campaigns.

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Iran Recalls Ambassadors to UK, France, and Germany as UN Sanctions Snap Back

Iran Recalls Ambassadors to UK, France, and Germany as UN Sanctions Snap Back

Fola Badmus06 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: Published September 27, 2025 Tehran – Iran has recalled its ambassadors from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in response to the reimposition of United Nations sanctions, which come into effect on Sunday. State media reported Saturday that the Iranian envoys were summoned back to Tehran “for consultations,” following what the Iranian government described as “irresponsible” action by the three European nations—collectively known as the E3—to trigger the UN’s snapback mechanism. The E3 set the process in motion a month ago, accusing Tehran of non-compliance with nuclear obligations. The move follows a deadly 12-day conflict in June between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which left over 1,000 people dead, according to Iranian authorities. On Friday, efforts by Russia and China to delay the sanctions through a UN Security Council resolution failed, with only four countries backing their proposal. The snapback sanctions officially begin at 00:00 GMT on Sunday, reinstating global bans on cooperation with Iran’s nuclear, military, banking, and shipping sectors. The news triggered an immediate reaction in Iranian markets, with the rial plummeting to an all-time low—trading at over 1.1 million per US dollar on the open market in Tehran. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed this week that inspections had resumed at some Iranian sites, but did not specify whether this included facilities damaged in the June airstrikes. In Moscow, Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami criticized the IAEA for not condemning the bombings of Iranian nuclear infrastructure by the U.S. and Israel. Despite diplomatic efforts at the recent UN General Assembly in New York, Western powers rejected Iranian proposals to delay the snapback, citing a lack of meaningful progress. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said there was no reason to negotiate further, accusing the U.S. and Israel of attempting to destabilize Iran’s government. “If the goal had been to resolve concerns on the nuclear programme, we could easily do that,” Pezeshkian said, reiterating that Iran has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons. U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff defended the sanctions, calling them “the right medicine,” but insisted Washington remains open to dialogue. However, global consensus remains fractured. Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky dismissed the sanctions as “null and void,” and China has continued to import Iranian oil despite pressure from Washington. The U.S. has since imposed new penalties on Chinese firms linked to Iranian energy imports. The renewed sanctions mark a full reinstatement of measures previously lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, which former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018 in favor of a “maximum pressure” campaign. At the UN on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged no delay in implementing the snapback and suggested Israel could again target Iranian nuclear facilities if necessary. Still, Iran’s leadership signaled restraint. Pezeshkian said Tehran would not quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, warning that adversaries were looking for “superficial pretexts to set the region ablaze.” Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) marked the first anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and senior Iranian commander Abbas Nilforoushan in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. The IRGC vowed continued “smart resistance” against Israeli and American actions. In a related development, Iran’s judiciary announced that four individuals had been convicted for allegedly working with Israel’s Mossad and the outlawed MEK group. Two received death sentences; the other two were given life imprisonment. Iran’s top national security official, Ali Larijani, attended a memorial event in Lebanon on Saturday, declaring that “it is now clear Israel shows mercy to no country.” As sanctions take hold, Iran’s response—and how strictly the world enforces the measures—will shape the next chapter in the escalating standoff.

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Europe Faces Escalating Hybrid Threats as Russia’s Shadow Looms Larger

Europe Faces Escalating Hybrid Threats as Russia’s Shadow Looms Larger

Fola Badmus07 mins

COPENHAGEN — Without firing a single shot, Russian President Vladimir Putin has managed to bring the impact of the Ukraine war to millions of Europeans far from the front lines — through what officials increasingly view as a wave of “hybrid attacks.” The recent disruption of air travel in Denmark — caused by drone sightings that led to multiple airport closures — has highlighted the growing threat. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the nation on Thursday, warning that Europe must prepare for “more violent and frequent hybrid attacks as a new reality.” While she stopped short of directly blaming Russia, she made clear where the concern lies. These kinds of incidents — marked by anonymity, uncertainty, and confusion — are becoming more common across the continent. Frederiksen emphasized one of the key goals of such attacks: undermining public trust in state institutions. Similar incidents have raised alarms elsewhere. Over 20 drones reportedly entered Polish airspace, while a 12-minute violation of Estonian airspace has prompted questions about whether such actions are due to pilot error or an intentional escalation by Moscow. A widespread hacking incident affecting airport operations across Europe further deepened suspicions. Despite the presence of a Russian naval vessel off Denmark’s coast, authorities have not definitively attributed the airport disruptions to Moscow. Denmark’s military intelligence admitted they were not yet able to name a culprit. However, the country’s internal security service, PET, warned of a high risk of Russian sabotage. Denmark, which has supplied Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, drone support, and long-range missile systems, has been one of the more outspoken European nations on the threat posed by Russia. The dilemma facing Western governments is how to respond to hybrid attacks — which can range from cyber intrusions and sabotage to disinformation — without either underreacting or playing into Russian psychological tactics. Officials are caught between the risks of premature blame and the dangers of inaction. As one European military official put it: “It’s easier to justify shooting down a Russian jet if you’ve spent months making the case for what they’ve already done.” Across Europe, the shadow of sabotage is growing. In the UK, suspected Russian operatives have recruited criminals to carry out arson attacks against supply depots for Ukraine. Several individuals have already been convicted under the UK’s National Security Act. Poland has also prosecuted Ukrainian nationals allegedly paid by Russian agents to commit similar acts. Meanwhile, incidents like airport check-in software breaches and cyberattacks on infrastructure — including a London nursery — are muddying the waters, potentially carried out by criminal gangs rather than direct state actors. Still, the broader effect is clear: Russia has successfully extended the psychological footprint of the war, forcing European nations to confront its spillover effects firsthand. The timing is notable, as the U.S. under the Trump administration pressures Europe to shoulder more of its own defense responsibilities. The resulting tension has had a double effect: strengthening the arguments of both those who argue for appeasing Putin to end the chaos, and those who believe Russia’s appetite for aggression demands an uncompromising military response. At the same time, these hybrid threats risk diverting attention and resources from the immediate front lines in Ukraine, where Russia’s summer offensive has failed to capture large territory but continues to bombard civilian infrastructure relentlessly. The cost of countering these hybrid threats is growing. European governments are now facing the dual challenge of bolstering cyber and infrastructure resilience while maintaining a round-the-clock aerial defense along NATO’s eastern border. But the economics are daunting. Intercepting a $30,000 drone with a missile from a Dutch F-35 can cost tens of thousands of euros — a model that becomes unsustainable in the long term. NATO countries may soon face the difficult choice between absorbing minor intrusions or maintaining a prohibitively expensive constant defense. Even for the Kremlin, the strategy carries risks. Outsourced sabotage operations might misfire, resulting in civilian deaths on NATO soil and triggering a stronger-than-intended response. There’s also the chance that criminal organizations take advantage of the confusion, or that political instability in the U.S. — particularly under the unpredictability of Donald Trump — leads to an extreme and uncoordinated reaction. In the end, the hybrid war unfolding across Europe may be a tactical gift for Putin. But like all gifts, it comes with strings — and potentially serious consequences.

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Death Toll from Israeli Strikes on Sanaa Rises to 9, Including Women and Children

Fola Badmus03 mins

The death toll from Israeli air raids on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, has risen to nine, including four children and two women, according to the Houthi-run authorities. The strikes occurred on Thursday and targeted what the group described as residential areas and civilian infrastructure. In a statement on Friday, the Houthis said that at least 174 people were also wounded, including 59 children. Rescue and civil defence teams are continuing to search through the rubble for additional victims. The Houthis condemned the air raids, accusing Israel of targeting civilian areas in the capital, which they have controlled since 2014. Yemen’s internationally recognised government remains based in the southern city of Aden. Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, released a video on Friday claiming to show fighters targeting Israeli military vehicles in Gaza. According to the group, one Merkava tank was hit with a Yassin 105 shell in the Tal al-Hawa area of southern Gaza City. The Qassam Brigades also said it struck another tank and a bulldozer in the al-Shati refugee camp earlier this week using a shell and an explosive device. The timing of the attacks was not independently verified. Medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced it has suspended its operations in Gaza City due to intensified Israeli military activity around its clinics. The organisation cited extreme risks to its staff and patients as Israeli tanks and air strikes encircle the area. “Our clinics are encircled by Israeli forces … this is the last thing we wanted, as the needs in Gaza City are enormous,” said Jacob Granger, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Gaza. MSF reported carrying out over 3,600 consultations last week, including treatment for trauma injuries, malnutrition, and maternal care. The group warned that hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped in Gaza City, while hospitals across the Strip face critical shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and personnel.

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Netanyahu Faces Global Backlash at UN, Vows to Continue Gaza War Despite Protests and Walkouts

Fola Badmus04 mins

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, defending Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and criticizing Western nations for recognizing a Palestinian state. His remarks came as protests erupted outside the UN headquarters in New York and many delegates walked out of the chamber in protest as he approached the podium. Netanyahu said Israel must “finish the job” in Gaza, referencing the 2023 Hamas-led attacks that killed over 1,100 people. He warned that recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by some Western countries would, in his words, encourage terrorism and bring shame on those governments. The Israeli leader, currently facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, addressed a near-empty hall. Meanwhile, thousands demonstrated outside, demanding an end to the war, which has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians according to local authorities in Gaza. During his speech, Netanyahu also addressed Israeli captives held in Gaza, promising their families that the government had not forgotten them. He said Israel would not stop its campaign until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated. He claimed his message was being transmitted directly into Gaza through loudspeakers and cellphones, warning Hamas fighters to surrender or die. Critics, including members of Israel’s own parliament, argue that Netanyahu’s refusal to accept a ceasefire has prolonged the conflict and prevented hostage negotiations. Netanyahu also presented what he called a “seven-front war” Israel is fighting across the region, including Gaza, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. He used a map titled “The Curse” to illustrate what he sees as Israel’s ongoing regional threats. He strongly criticized Western countries that have recognized Palestinian statehood, though he spared the United States, which remains Israel’s closest ally and top military supporter. Netanyahu claimed that behind closed doors, Western leaders had thanked him for Israel’s role in fighting terrorism. Throughout the speech, members of the US delegation applauded, but other delegations remained silent or were absent. Netanyahu also denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, arguing that Israel’s efforts to warn civilians before attacks prove otherwise. He also denied that Israel is responsible for the widespread famine reported in Gaza, blaming Hamas for diverting humanitarian aid. However, a report from USAID earlier this year found no evidence of Hamas systematically stealing or selling US-provided aid. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s speech as tired and unproductive, noting that it failed to offer a strategy for ending the war or freeing the hostages. Gaza’s government also rejected the speech, saying it was filled with falsehoods aimed at justifying war crimes.

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