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As of early September 2025, Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund has divested from Caterpillar and five major Israeli banks over ethical concerns tied to Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The fund cited violations of international humanitarian law linked to Caterpillar's bulldozers and the banks' financing of Israeli settlements. It is ending contracts with external Israeli asset managers and intensifying ethical reviews, while rejecting full divestment from all Israeli companies.
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Belgium will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly on September 9, 2025, contingent on Hamas releasing all Israeli hostages and relinquishing political control in Gaza. The move aligns with France and the UK, signaling increased European pressure on Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Belgium will also impose 12 sanctions on Israel, including bans on settlement goods and restrictions on Israeli officials.
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A deadly terror attack in Jerusalem has heightened tensions in Gaza, with Israel and Hamas engaged in ongoing conflict. US President Trump issued a final warning to Hamas, while debates over US military aid to Israel intensify amid shifting political support and international scrutiny. The situation remains volatile as diplomatic efforts continue.
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Belgium plans to recognize Palestine at the UN, citing Gaza's humanitarian crisis, while facing criticism from Israel's leadership. The EU remains divided, with some countries imposing sanctions against Israel and others hesitating to act. Tensions escalate as Gaza's situation worsens.
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Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the government to improve conditions for Palestinian prisoners, ruling that they must be provided with sufficient food for basic survival amid ongoing conflict. The decision follows reports of malnutrition and abuse in detention facilities during the nearly two-year war on Gaza.
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On September 17, 2025, the European Commission proposed suspending parts of its trade agreement with Israel and sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers over the Gaza conflict. The EU plans to freeze €20 million in bilateral support to Israel, targeting exports worth €6 billion. However, divisions among member states, including Germany and Italy, threaten the adoption of these measures amid escalating violence in Gaza and recent Israeli strikes in Qatar.
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On September 11, 2025, Flanders Festival Ghent cancelled a Munich Philharmonic concert led by Lahav Shani, citing unclear stance on Israel's Gaza war. The decision sparked accusations of antisemitism from German and Belgian officials. Germany invited Shani to perform in Berlin as a show of support, highlighting tensions over cultural boycotts amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
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Spain has joined countries threatening to boycott Eurovision if Israel participates, citing Gaza conflict. The move follows protests and diplomatic tensions, with the European Broadcasting Union consulting members on managing geopolitical issues. The contest is scheduled for Vienna in May 2026.
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Amid ongoing Israeli bombardment, Gaza residents face displacement, suffering, and despair. The US and Israel propose a ceasefire plan, but trust is low. Palestinians express fears of betrayal, while displaced families seek safety and stability. The humanitarian crisis deepens as the conflict persists today, September 30, 2025.
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Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a strategic mutual defense agreement on September 17, formalizing their alliance to deter aggression and enhance regional security. The pact emphasizes joint response to threats, with Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities potentially extending to Saudi Arabia. The move reflects shifting regional alliances amid tensions over Israel, Iran, and India.
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Slovenia has barred Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu from entering the country, citing an ICC arrest warrant. The move aligns with Slovenia's criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza and its support for international law, following previous bans on Israeli officials and an arms embargo.
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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will hold an online vote in early November to decide whether Israel's broadcaster KAN will participate in Eurovision 2026, amid mounting calls for a boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Several countries threaten to withdraw if Israel is allowed to compete.
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Germany's recent arms exports to Israel, valued at over €2.4 million, continue despite government claims of a freeze. Critics argue the restrictions are superficial, with ongoing approvals revealing a gap between official policy and actual practice amid international and domestic criticism.
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At the UN General Assembly, Israel faces widespread criticism over Gaza war, with many countries condemning its actions. Netanyahu's speech was met with walkouts and protests, amid calls for accountability and sanctions. The global debate highlights Israel's growing diplomatic isolation in the context of ongoing conflict.
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Ahead of a UN meeting, Emirati officials warned Israel against annexing parts of the West Bank, emphasizing that such actions could harm regional stability and the Abraham Accords. The UAE reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and expressed concern over recent Israeli military actions and regional tensions.
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Mass protests across Italy occurred on Saturday, driven by a national strike supporting Palestinians and condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. The protests responded to the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces, with demonstrations including calls to suspend Israel from international sports and political condemnation from Prime Minister Meloni. The protests were largely peaceful but disrupted transportation and services nationwide.
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Multiple concerts in Europe and Turkey have been canceled or withdrawn due to artists' pro-Israel stances amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The cancellations include bands and singers like Disturbed, Morrissey, and Robbie Williams, citing safety concerns and political protests. The controversy highlights the cultural fallout from the Gaza war.
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A Brown University study reports the US has allocated approximately $10 billion more for security aid and military operations in the Middle East over the past two years. The aid heavily supports Israel’s military efforts in Gaza, with additional costs for strikes in Yemen and Iran. The reports are critical of Israel’s reliance on US assistance amid ongoing conflict.
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An 18-year-old IDF soldier, Cpl. Ermias Bahata, collapsed and died during training in southern Israel. Suspected to be an allergic reaction, his death is under investigation. This rare incident follows a previous IDF allergy-related death in 2015.
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The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
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A UNCTAD report estimates Gaza's reconstruction will cost over $70 billion and take decades, citing war and restrictions that have caused an unprecedented economic collapse. Israeli military actions continue despite a ceasefire, with ongoing violations and casualties. The West Bank also faces severe downturns.
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The European Broadcasting Union has introduced new voting rules for Eurovision to address concerns over political influence and promotion campaigns, especially related to Israel's participation following recent conflicts. Changes include limiting votes per person and tightening promotion regulations, amid threats of boycotts from some countries.
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Several European broadcasters, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza's humanitarian crisis and political interference. The EBU plans rule changes to address voting manipulation, but a vote on Israel's inclusion is imminent.