Seven individuals have been jailed in Kuala Lumpur’s Sentul area for allegedly kidnapping a Bangladeshi businessman. The abduction occurred on June 26 in front of a mosque. Of those arrested, two are Bangladeshi nationals — Sohel Rana and Shahjahan — while the remaining five are from Myanmar. The suspects are accused of kidnapping for ransom. Deputy Prosecutor Iman Nurhideya Izani confirmed that bail was not requested due to the seriousness of the offense.

Dutch Foreign Minister Kasper Veldkamp announced that Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will no longer be welcome in the Netherlands due to accusations of inciting violence and supporting ethnic cleansing.

Veldkamp stated that their actions endanger any prospects for peace and violate fundamental principles of international law.

In response, the far-right minister Ben-Gvir declared, “Even if I am banned from the entire continent of Europe, I will continue to serve my country.”

Additionally, the Dutch Foreign Minister revealed that since October 7, 2023, the Dutch government has revoked 11 export licenses related to Israeli military equipment and dual-use goods. However, two licenses connected to components of the Iron Dome missile defense system have been approved.

Furthermore, the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands will be summoned for urgent discussions.

Saudi Arabia and France have jointly called for “clear, time-bound, and irreversible” steps toward implementing a lasting two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In a joint declaration, the two countries proposed forming an interim administrative committee in Gaza immediately after a ceasefire. This body would operate under the Palestinian Authority. They also suggested deploying an international stabilization mission under a UN Security Council mandate.

The statement urged Israeli leadership to publicly commit to the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state. Additionally, it called for an end to settlement expansion, land annexation, and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem—describing these actions as critical obstacles to peace and regional stability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that "no one is starving in Gaza," asserting that Israel has allowed humanitarian aid throughout the conflict. "If we hadn’t, no one would be left alive there," he stated.

However, former U.S. President Donald Trump responded by pointing to widely circulated images of emaciated children in Gaza, saying, “Those kids look very hungry.”

Despite international pressure leading to temporary humanitarian pauses, Gaza residents report that little to no real change has occurred on the ground. Israel blames Hamas for obstructing aid deliveries, alleging the group seizes relief supplies to consolidate power. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to support this claim.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning, stating that the UK will formally recognize Palestine as an independent state by September if the ongoing war in Gaza does not cease and meaningful steps toward a sustainable peace process are not taken.

The UK has also urged Israel to halt its settlement expansion plans and called on Hamas to release all hostages. Israel criticized the move, claiming it would “reward Hamas” and undermine diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities have welcomed the UK's potential decision to grant statehood recognition.

Residents of Gaza have condemned the international community’s practice of airdropping aid, calling it humiliating and dehumanizing.

Ahmed Fayez Fayad, a local resident, said, “We are not dogs waiting for food from the sky. We deserve to live with dignity.” A mother struggling to feed her children added, “My child cries from hunger, and I have to endure this humiliation? We don’t want aid—we want our rights.”

A local teacher summed up the sentiment: “We are not beggars. We just want the right to live safely and with dignity.” Meanwhile, the UN continues to pressure for an end to the blockade on Gaza.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil a plan this week to recognize the State of Palestine, according to The Times. At least seven cabinet members are pressuring Starmer to fulfill this election pledge made by the Labour Party prior to their July 2024 victory.

Sources say the UK Prime Minister has also shared the details of his recognition plan with European leaders.

Two leading Israeli human rights organizations—B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights—have jointly accused the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza. Their report details extensive atrocities, including mass killings of women, children, and the elderly, widespread displacement, and deliberate starvation. They highlight the destruction of civilian infrastructure, depriving Palestinians of essential services like healthcare and education. B’Tselem director Yuli Novak stated, “This is a deliberate campaign against civilians aimed at eradicating an entire population.” The groups urged the U.S. and Europe to take decisive action.

Four people, including a Bangladeshi-origin NYPD officer, were killed in a mass shooting at an office building in New York City. The officer, Didarul Islam (36), had served in the NYPD for over three years. The gunman, identified as Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, had a history of mental illness and took his own life after the attack. Two others were injured. Officer Islam leaves behind a pregnant wife and two young children.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a $60 million food aid initiative for Gaza and plans to establish a U.S.-operated “Free Food Center” in the region. During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized the urgency of food security for the people of Gaza, urging other nations to join the humanitarian effort. “I recently saw images of starving children in Gaza. No one can deny that reality,” Trump stated. PM Starmer also acknowledged the humanitarian crisis, calling it deeply disturbing.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has issued a direct threat to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and warned of renewed strikes on Iranian territory. Iran has yet to officially respond. Earlier, Donald Trump remarked that while Khamenei is a vulnerable target, the U.S. had no immediate plans to remove him.

Following Israel's withdrawal from ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that it is now up to Israel to decide its next steps. Speaking ahead of a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump noted that Hamas has become increasingly uncooperative in talks. He emphasized the critical need to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for a significant increase in food aid to the besieged territory.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to call an emergency cabinet meeting next week, with Gaza likely to top the agenda, according to government sources. Although Parliament is in summer recess until September 1, the urgency of the Gaza situation may prompt an early session. Recognition of the Palestinian state is expected to be a central issue. Starmer recently stated that the UK would only recognize Palestine as part of a final peace agreement—a stance that has disappointed many within his own Labour Party, who favor swift recognition akin to France.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized the detention of Bengali-speaking Muslims, calling it "illegal." He alleged that the central government is engaging in a systematic campaign to oppress minorities and marginalized communities.

Owaisi stated, "This government is strong against the weak and weak against the strong. Most of those detained are Indian citizens—construction workers, sanitation workers—poor people who cannot afford to fight back legally. The administration is exploiting their vulnerability."

He further added, “Arresting someone merely for speaking Bengali is unacceptable and illegal. Language-based arrests have no place in a democratic society.”
Owaisi also condemned the practice of deporting Indian Bengali Muslims under the guise of repatriating illegal Bangladeshi migrants, stating, “Sending thousands of Indian citizens away based on isolated incidents is not just unlawful—it’s inhumane.”

The United Arab Emirates and Jordan have conducted food airdrops over Gaza, delivering 25 tons of aid between Saturday and Sunday. Footage shows parachutes carrying supplies over Khan Younis. While the origin of all the aid items hasn't been fully verified, reports suggest that Israel continues using food as a weapon in its siege on Gaza, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.