Israeli police criticised after Gaza Flotilla detentions shown in video footage
Israeli police have come under criticism after footage showed activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla kneeling on the ground with their hands tied...
Former Israeli Air Force pilots and activists protested in Tel Aviv yesterday (12 August), demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages. In a separate rally, demonstrators targeted an aid group they accuse of worsening Gaza’s hunger crisis.
Hundreds of former Israeli Air Force pilots and reservists protested outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv who urged Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to oppose an expansion of operations, warning it could endanger hostages and civilians.
Retired Israeli Air Force pilot Guy Poran said, “We support and encourage this chief of staff in his objection to the expansion of the Gaza war, which will serve no goal of security for Israel, will risk the death of the hostages, of Israeli soldiers, of many more innocent Palestinians in Gaza. And will reach no strategic goal for Israel.”
Retired military pilot Jacob Bar Or added, “We are calling the government to bring back all the hostages even if it’s meant to stop the war immediately… The time is running out now.”
Separately, demonstrators gathered outside a Tel Aviv hotel where staff from the American Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were reportedly staying, accusing the organisation of worsening Gaza’s hunger crisis.
Israeli conductor Ilan Volkov said, “Aid must flow to all points with UNRWA and other agencies ready to do their work, so food reaches everyone, not just a few.”
The U.N. has refused to work with the Foundation, citing concerns over neutrality and alleging that its operations militarize aid distribution.
The protests come amid continued Israeli bombardments in eastern Gaza City, which reportedly killed at least 11 people overnight.
In Cairo, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya arrived for talks aimed at reviving a stalled U.S.-backed ceasefire plan after negotiations in Qatar broke down in late July.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume daily passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route from 26 May, 2026, marking a major step in restoring regional rail connectivity after services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Day four of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku brings a packed agenda on sustainable cities and the global housing crisis, with sessions on green housing, smart cities, public spaces and urban rights taking place on Wednesday (20 May) at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, showing close political alignment even though key economic deals were not finalised.
Britain has struck a major trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expected to be worth around £3.7 billion ($4.96 billion) a year in the long run.
FormeFormer Cuban President Raúl Castro has been indicted in the United States, according to a senior Trump administration official. The move marks a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Cuba’s communist leadership.
The red carpet had barely been rolled up after Donald Trump’s departure before Beijing was laying it out again. Vladimir Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday for talks with Xi Jinping, just days after Trump’s own high-profile visit.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed Türkiye-EU relations and rising Middle East tensions during a phone call on Tuesday.
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