The deliberate destruction of a group, legally contested but historically driven by politics, empire and war.
The Church of England’s General Synod has voted to hear Kairos Palestine II, a document describing Israel as a colonial power and Gaza’s war as genocide. The motion seeks to listen to Palestinian Christian voices and engage with the report, amid criticism from Jewish groups that the language could strain Christian‑Jewish relations.
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he believes Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu belongs before the International Criminal Court and has told the city's law department to review whether existing New York law allows detaining Netanyahu if he visits for the UN General Assembly. President Donald Trump has posted that Netanyahu will not be arrested in the United States.
Five Palestine Action activists convicted of criminal damage at a Barclays branch in Burnley in August 2024 face possible terrorist sentencing after the judge considers a “terrorist connection” to the offence. The development follows Woolwich and Bristol cases where such a connection was recognised.
The Israel Defense Forces have downed a drone and struck Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon after a drone attack targeted troops in Nabatieh Ridge. The incidents prompt warnings near Arab Salim and Nabatieh as strikes continue and regional tensions rise amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Thousands have attended the funeral of Ratko Mladic in Belgrade after his body was flown from The Hague. Serbia has provided military honours and government participation while EU officials and rights bodies have condemned the public glorification. The ceremony has deepened regional tensions and renewed scrutiny of Serbia's EU ambitions.
The Hague District Court has convicted a 66-year-old man, named as Eugene N, of war crimes and genocide for involvement in the 1994 Rwanda killings. The court has said only a lifelong prison term will justice to the victims. Prosecutors opened their case in 2020, more than 30 witnesses were interviewed, and the suspect fled Rwanda after the genocide before settling in the Netherlands.
A California judge has ruled that U.S. visa-revocation and deportation policies targeting noncitizen students for pro-Palestinian advocacy violate the First and Fifth Amendments. The decision follows a Boston ruling and underscores free-speech protections on campuses amid heated debate over Middle East coverage.
The UK has announced a broader policy review on its stance toward Israeli settlements, with ministers signaling potential bans on settlement goods and related services to push for a two-state solution. The stance follows recent calls for a comprehensive reset of UK-Israel relations and ongoing debates over international law.
UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese warns that removing rubble in Gaza risks destroying evidence of alleged international crimes, including genocide, and could trigger international criminal responsibility for those involved. She notes thousands remain buried and calls for independent oversight to preserve evidence and ensure proper documentation.
Serbia has formalised a snap parliamentary election in late October, as President Vucic faces two years of anti-government protests and international scrutiny after the Novi Sad canopy collapse tragedy. The vote tests Vucic’s grip on power as student-led protests demand accountability and broader reforms.
Serbia has held a large funeral for Ratko Mladić, the convicted Bosnian war criminal, with soldiers, several government ministers and church leaders taking part. The event has prompted condemnations from the EU, led to Bosnia downgrading diplomatic ties, and caused EU officials to pause visits and reassess Serbia’s accession prospects.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour after pro-Palestine remarks, prompting other acts to withdraw and drawing scrutiny of venue owners and promoters. Ed Sheeran says the decision was promoter-driven, not his, while fans and artists weigh in on free speech, sponsorship, and accountability. The tour resumes in Philadelphia with uncertainty over lineup and ticketing.
The Crown Prosecution Service has charged Dr. Vincent Brown, a 65-year-old doctor formerly known as Vincent Bajinya, with conduct ancillary to genocide and six counts of murder as a crime against humanity. He is the first person in Britain to face such charges for the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Proceedings have moved to the Old Bailey, with a next appearance scheduled for October 9.
Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel are under intense scrutiny as players debate boycotting amid Gaza war concerns. The team has moved a game to a neutral venue and will play behind closed doors in Belgrade, Serbia, with protests continuing and players weighing their stance.
The South African government has addressed Washington’s five asks on sanctions and refugee policy; the US is reassessing its stance as Pretoria says it has fulfilled parts of the demands while others remain under discussion. New travel sanctions remain disputed as both sides push for a resolution.
Ireland's Nations League clash with Israel in Hungary remains on after players vote by a significant majority to proceed, despite protests and calls for boycott amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. The pre-match press conference and training were delayed and further scheduling changes followed.
Republic of Ireland has determined to play Israel in Nations League fixtures, including a behind-closed-doors match in Serbia, as protests at home continue. The team’s stance follows its collective vote and recent debate over Gaza war coverage.
City Hall’s Strategy to Combat Antisemitism has increased hate-crime funding and education initiatives, but critics say it fails to define antisemitism or address anti-Zionism. Politically charged debate continues as pro- and anti-Israel voices mobilize around a plan aimed at protecting Jewish communities in New York City.
Starbucks has opened two stores in Urumqi, Xinjiang, after selling a controlling stake in its China business to Boyu Capital. The move signals a strategic shift toward domestic growth, even as Western critics label Xinjiang-linked operations controversial. Boyu aims to scale to up to 20,000 stores in China, with Xinjiang as a first stop.