US congressman detained by Israeli
settlers armed with US-made rifles
in West Bank
July 11th, 6:09pm
(PressTV)
US Congressman Ro Khanna says he was detained by illegal
Jewish settlers armed with US-made rifles during a visit to
the occupied West Bank this week.
Speaking to Reuters on Thursday from a Palestinian village,
Khanna said his delegation’s van was surrounded by
settlers carrying M4 rifles, a day earlier, while
touring an area of the southern West Bank.
"We were at a village that Israeli settlers had destroyed.
They had destroyed the school, they had destroyed
that village, and we were just looking at it,"
Khanna said.
"And these hoodlums come in with machine guns – M4, an
American-made machine gun – and they detain us. They
block off the road. And then -- they call the IDF and the
IDF is on their side, not on the side of the Americans,"
he said, referring to the Israeli military.
An aide to Khanna who was in the group, Cameron Kasky, said
they were held for more than an hour before appealing to the
US embassy in al-Quds for assistance. He said officers who
appeared to be police eventually intervened, allowing the
group to continue its journey.
Khanna, a progressive Democrat congressman from California
who is weighing a 2028 presidential bid, said he deliberately
limited his trip to the occupied West Bank, to gain “an
unfiltered view of territory Israel captured in the
1967 Middle East war.”
"If you're unwilling.. to speak up for Palestinian human rights,
if you're unwilling to speak up against the genocide in Gaza,
the apartheid in the West Bank, then - you - are morally
compromised," he added.
Khanna said the visit had left him ----- "more
resolved to consider" running for president.
He is the second Democrat considering a White House bid to visit
the region this week. In Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Rahm Emanuel,
former chief of staff to former president Barack Obama, said
Israeli violence against Palestinians - was eroding support
for the US-Israeli alliance.
Support for the Israeli regime among Democrats fell from 59%
in 2018 --- to 22% in May, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.
While Israel has long enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington,
a growing number of Democrat lawmakers are now calling for
an end to the $3.8 billion in annual US military aid, which
includes funding for weapons systems, such as M4
rifles, and missile interceptors used by Israel.
Most countries and the United Nations consider Israeli settlements
in the West Bank illegal under international law, citing the Fourth
Geneva Convention's prohibition on transferring an occupying
power's civilian population.... into occupied territory.
Illegal Israeli settlers ------- assault Palestinian
workers, destroy farm in occupied West Bank
Illegal Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian municipal
workers south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, and
destroyed a farm northwest of the city.
Palestinians regard the West Bank, together with Gaza and
East al-Quds, as integral parts of a future independent
Palestinian state.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees (UNRWA) has described Israeli violence in the
occupied West Bank as a "silent war" that has largely
escaped global scrutiny.
According to the Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance
Commission, illegal settlers carried out 3,488 attacks across
the occupied West Bank during the first half of the year,
killing at least 17 Palestinians.
Since October 2023, more than 1,179 Palestinians have been
killed in the occupied territory, with nearly a quarter of
them.... being children, according to UNRWA.
The UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, have
adopted numerous resolutions declaring Israel's settlement
activities in the occupied Palestinian territory --- illegal
--- under international law.
______________________________
Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah chief vows
to carry on resistance path,
rejects enemies’ threats
July 11th, 11:16am
(PressTV)
The secretary general of the Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah - says
his group will continue the path of resistance, dismissing
the enemies’ threats and calling upon the country's
government officials and political leaders - to
respect the will and demands of the
Arab nation.
“The oppressors should know it is very difficult and unbearable for
us to see the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei, who also served as leader of freedom-loving people
and supporter of the world’s oppressed, assassinated while
his killers are oblivious....... to divine punishment,” Abu
Hussein al‑Hamidawi said in a statement on Friday.
He added, “Thanks be to God who bestowed upon us the grace of
adhering to the guidelines of Ayatollah Khamenei for several
decades. We will stand committed to his path, and
draw inspiration from his thoughts.”
Hamidawi emphasized that his comrades have long
been present on the battlefields - and have been
engaged in various confrontations.
He pointed to the fight against the tyranny of the deposed Baath
regime of slain Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, their struggle
against the occupation of the US-led military coalition ever
since they invaded Iraq in March 2003, their elimination
of the terror cells of the al-Qaeda and Daesh Takfiri
militant groups in Iraq and in neighbouring Syria,
the strikes against US bases across West Asia
--- during the Hamas-led Operation al-Aqsa
Flood, as well as ----- Iran’s retaliatory
operations to fight the US-Israeli
12-day war of aggression ----
as notable examples of
such a fact.
"You have proven -- that the authentic Iraqi people will remain
committed to their resistance line and continue their
jihadist approach - in resisting global arrogance,"
the statement read.
Hamidawi also vowed his resistance group’s unwavering support
for Iran’s Islamic Revolution, and pledged its full allegiance to
its new leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei.
The Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah chief stated that the mass participation
of Iraqis ...in the farewell and funeral processions for Ayatollah
Khamenei proved --- beyond doubt --- that they are a nation
of resistance and jihad.
“That significant presence ----- was like a million-strong and decisive
referendum, during which devoted Iraqis once again exhibited their
support and commitment to the Axis of Resistance and its armed
struggle,” Hamidawi said.
He finally called on Iraqi political leaders and officials to respect the
will of the resilient and steadfast nation, and to strictly refrain from
aligning themselves with the sinister plots of arrogant powers.
“We warn them against straying off the correct path. Our nation will
then voice its opinion and take fateful decisions, and no amount of
regret - would change the past,” Hamidawi concluded.
_____________________________________
Armed Forces closely monitoring
enemy movements.. across
coasts, borders, strategic
areas: Tehran
July 11th, 11:17am
(PressTV)
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says the country's armed forces
are maintaining constant vigilance across Iran's coasts, islands,
borders, and other sensitive locations, stressing that they are
closely monitoring enemy movements to safeguard the
nation's security.
In a message posted on his X account on Saturday, Esmaeil Baghaei
said that despite the intense summer heat "the valiant defenders of
the noble homeland in the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of
Iran, on the coasts, islands, borders and other sensitive points of
the country - with vigilant and watchful eyes, keep the enemy's
movements under surveillance --- and safeguard the security
and tranquility of dear Iran."
The spokesman praised the dedication of Iran's military personnel
serving in sensitive operational areas, saying they continue to
carry out their duties with vigilance and commitment to
protecting the country's territorial integrity and
national security.
Baghaei also extended his appreciation.. to members of the armed
forces, describing them as brave defenders of the homeland who
shoulder the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the country..
without seeking recognition.
"We send greetings and salutations to all the brave warriors and
valiant defenders of the homeland - and the selfless forces who,
without fanfare, shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting
this land," he wrote.
He added that the Iranian nation values the armed forces' sincere
efforts, steadfastness, and sacrifices, and takes pride in their
strong and continuous presence, in defending the country.
Baqaei’s comments come on the heels of the warning by Iran’s
security chief that any attack on the country’s infrastructure
will be met with direct retaliation.
The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
condemned the hostile rhetoric by the US president,
describing Donald Trump - as the world’s most
hated figure.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said the Israeli regime, which is
behind Washington’s evil acts, won’t be safe from the blows
by the Iranian armed forces.
___________________________________
EU economy battered
by illegal war on Iran
July 11th, 10:02am
(PressTV)
EU finance ministers are assessing the mounting economic costs
facing the 27-nation bloc following the illegal aggression against
Iran carried out by the United States and Israel.
They refuse, however, to describe the war as illegal.
The tensions between the United States and Iran;
how important is it for the EU economy that the
situation is resolved?
''It's massively important.
''We know.. that the Strait of Hormuz has now become the
economic knot of the global economy, and as you know,
the EU is less directly exposed to the crisis than Asia,
but we have suffered from higher prices.
''We've seen it in growth numbers for the first half.''
Roland Lescure, French Economy Minister
The French economy minister urges lasting peace between the
US and Iran as EU ministers weighed the economic impact of
Washington’s war on Iran.
Questions are growing over the EU's energy security ahead of
winter, with uncertainty hanging over global supply chains
and energy markets. Analysts say.... much of that
uncertainty stems from the illegal war on
the Islamic Republic.
Inflation remains stubbornly high across the EU,
while interest rates continue to put pressure
on households and businesses.
At the same time, the latest data from Eurostat, the EU's
statistical agency, shows that 72.4 million people
across the bloc ...are at risk of poverty.
Economic impact of war
against Iran on the EU
The EU economy faces stagflation, productivity issues, and high
energy costs, exacerbated by the conflict. While multinationals
in arms, energy, and banking sectors profit, ordinary
businesses and consumers - suffer.
Poverty is the sharpest measure of the crisis. Millions more in the
EU, including many in full-time work, are struggling to make
ends meet ....as living costs continue to rise.
Critics say the economic uncertainty is ultimately driven by the
Israeli regime, which they argue -- is steering US foreign policy.
Outside the Council of the EU, demonstrators are demanding
that Tel Aviv be held accountable for its crimes, particularly
in Gaza.
''There are obviously deep trade connections between Israel and
the European Union, with agreements such as the EU-Israel
Association agreement, that allow for both trade and
investment in Israel and continued cooperation in
research projects, and that's why we would be
opposed to continuing with that.''
Paddy Dwyer, EU Institutions Employee
EU parliamentarians demand
sanctions --------- on Israel
Millions of ordinary Europeans continue to feel
the economic fallout ---- from the illegal war
against Iran waged by the US and Israel.
Back inside the council, ministers were pondering
what might happen next, given Trump's volatility.
''Renewed hostilities in recent days have again
resulted in increases in oil and gas prices.
''The Commission will continue to monitor these
developments and their impact on growth
and inflation ...very closely.
Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Commissioner
for Economy and Productivity
For millions of Europeans, however, it's not
about monitoring the economy, but living
with its consequences.
__________________________________
China announces temporary export ban
on helium - due to escalated tensions
in West Asia
July 11th, 8:57am
(PressTV)
China has announced a temporary export ban on
helium -- due to escalated tensions in West Asia.
The ban, which took effect upon announcement, was made
in a joint notice released on Friday ----- by the Ministry of
Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
The notice explained that the helium export ban
is in accordance with China's foreign trade law.
It added that additional changes
will be announced separately.
By imposing the export ban, Chinese officials aim to secure
the domestic supply chain .......amid rising global tensions.
International trade experts say the export ban by one of
the world's top manufacturers of critical items and
commodities used in different industries - will
affect the global supply ....and prices.
China's temporary export ban on helium takes place amid the
resumption of military conflict in West Asia, threatening to
trigger new shortages of helium, which is used in the
electronics industry, by chip manufacturers.
Helium, is an essential gas component
used in semiconductor manufacturing.
US-Israeli war on Iran causes shortage
of global sulfuric acid supplies: Report
A WSJ report says the US-Israeli war on Iran --- is the
cause of a global shortage of sulfuric acid supplies.
Earlier this year, China announced
an export ban on sulfuric acid.
The unprovoked US-Israeli war on Iran and the effective
blockage of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a shortage
of sulfuric acid --- with prices on the rise.... after
shipments in the region.... which accounts
for a quarter of global production, were
largely stalled since military strikes
began ---- on February 28.
Sulfuric acid is a critical chemical ingredient
--------- used for fertilizer production, metal
processing and battery manufacturing.