Trump warns Canada over Palestinian state recognition
President Donald Trump has warned that Canada’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state could jeopardize trade talks with the US “That will make it very hard for us to make a trade deal with them. Oh Canada!” he wrote on Truth Social, according to BBC.
The warning comes ahead of Trump’s 1 August deadline for countries to strike trade deals with the US or face higher tariffs. Canada’s move follows similar announcements from the UK and France, increasing diplomatic pressure around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Palestinians have welcomed the recognition as a symbolic but meaningful step, though doubts remain over the two-state solution’s future, BBC reported.
Meanwhile in Gaza, a hospital reported 54 dead and 400 injured near a food crossing. Israel denies involvement. US envoy Steve Witkoff is in Israel and may visit Gaza aid sites.
Trump’s tariffs on India spark growth concerns
President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, along with an unspecified penalty, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons, according to BBC.
Experts warn the move could dent India’s economic growth. Icra cut its GDP forecast from 6.5 percent to 6.2 percent, while Nomura estimates a 0.2 percent hit. Markets reacted negatively to the news.
The tariffs come despite recent efforts by India to ease trade tensions. Analysts say the move could hurt India’s competitiveness and weaken its chances of attracting global manufacturing investment, BBC reported.
UN says Congo rebels killed scores of farmers, M23 suggests 'smear'
An M23 rebel attack on farmers and other civilians in east Democratic Republic of Congo killed 169 people earlier this month, a U.N. body told Reuters, in what would be one of the deadliest incidents since the Rwanda-backed group's resurgence, Reuters reported.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa told Reuters it would investigate but the report could be a "smear campaign".
The U.N. rights body's account has not been previously reported and emerged as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration pushes for peacebetween Congo and Rwanda that it hopes will unlock billions in mineral investments, according to Reuters.
Cambodia urges Thailand to return captured soldiers after ceasefire
Cambodia has urged Thailand to return 20 of its soldiers captured after they reportedly crossed into Thai-held territory, hours after a ceasefire ended recent border clashes, Al Jazeera reported.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said negotiations are underway and called for their safe and immediate return. “We will do our best to continue negotiations with the Thai side to bring all our soldiers back home safely,” she stated.
Thailand confirmed 18 soldiers are in custody and will be returned after legal procedures are completed. Officials say the troops are being treated in accordance with international humanitarian law, according to Al Jazeera.
