UN warns of dire consequences if Israel expands Gaza offensive
A senior UN official has raised alarm over reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may expand military operations across the entire Gaza Strip.
Speaking to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, warned that such an escalation could have catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and further jeopardize the lives of remaining Israeli hostages, Xinhua reported.
He emphasized that under international law, Gaza must remain a part of any future Palestinian state.
Lithuania seeks NATO support after explosive drone enters airspace
Lithuania has called for NATO’s help to strengthen its air defences after a Russian military drone carrying explosives entered its airspace from Belarus. The drone, found near Vilnius, was safely neutralised by Lithuanian forces, according to Firstpost.
Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys called it a sign of Russia’s war spilling into NATO territory and urged immediate NATO action, including more patrols. It’s the second such incident in a month.
Defence officials said mobile units and short-range air defences are being deployed. Similar airspace breaches have also been reported in other NATO countries. Lithuania warned Belarus to prevent future incidents or face consequences, Firstpost reported.
EU suspends retaliatory tariffs on US imports worth €93bn
The European Commission has suspended planned retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth €93bn, just before they were set to take effect on August 7. The move follows a trade deal between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump, under which the EU will buy more American energy and face a 15 percent tariff on most exports to the US, Xinhua reported.
The decision drew criticism from Germany, with Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil calling the EU’s stance “too weak.” The suspension lasts six months, with the option to reinstate tariffs if commitments aren’t met.
UN pushes for global plastics treaty amid health and pollution crisis
Delegates from 180 countries have begun talks in Geneva to negotiate a global treaty on plastic pollution, following a breakdown in talks last year, according to Firstpost.
UN officials warned plastic waste is causing severe harm to the environment and human health, with microplastics now found across the planet and inside human bodies.
Disagreements remain, especially between oil-producing nations resisting production limits and others pushing for stronger action, Firstpost reported.
Over 400m tonnes of plastic are produced annually, yet less than 10 percent is recycled. A Lancet report warns plastic pollution could cost the world $1.5trn a year in health-related losses.
