Events in GAZA

The families of Israeli hostages, held captive since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, are calling for a nationwide strike to protest the Israeli security cabinet's decision to take control of Gaza City. They will have the backing of the October 7 Council, which represents the bereaved families of soldiers who died at the start of the war, along with "hundreds" of companies and "thousands of citizens who have announced their intention to take the day off." Meanwhile, Australia has recently announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September. Additionally, New Zealand's foreign minister has suggested that his country is considering a similar move. These developments are contributing to the growing isolation of the US from some of its closest allies.