Hundreds gathered in Nablus, West Bank, to mourn US-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was killed by Israeli forces while protesting against Israeli settlements in Beita. Eygi was honored with a procession by Palestinian security forces, and her death was condemned by Turkiye and labeled "tragic" by the United States. Since the conflict's escalation following Hamas’s October 7 attack, over 662 Palestinians and at least 23 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank.
Changing gears to global economics, the World Trade Organization emphasized that open trade alone is insufficient to bridge the economic gap between wealthy and developing nations. In its 2024 report, the WTO highlighted that lower-income countries engage less in international trade and receive fewer investments, while suggesting comprehensive strategies integrating open trade with supportive policies to enhance inclusiveness.
On a more hopeful note, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has announced she has completed chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer and will resume public duties within the coming months. The 42-year-old wife of
Prince William anticipates a light schedule of engagements through the end of the year, having attended King Charles III’s ceremonial birthday parade in June and presented the men’s winner’s trophy at Wimbledon in July.
Meanwhile, UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned
Afghanistan's newest "vice and virtue" laws that severely restrict women's rights, labeling them "outrageous" and "unparalleled." These laws, enforced by the Taliban government since its 2021 takeover, include restrictions on women raising their voices, singing, reading poetry aloud, and mandate full body and face coverings when outside the home.
In UK politics, Baron Carlile of Berriew, a Jewish member of the UK’s House of Lords, supported Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to partially suspend Britain's arms sales to Israel, citing legal risks of breaching international law. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses due to concerns over potential violations amid Israel's conflict with Hamas.
Lastly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared the death and destruction in Gaza as the worst he has seen during his tenure, urging for an immediate ceasefire. He highlighted the United Nations' offer to monitor any ceasefire and reiterated the need for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite skepticism from Israel.