Netherlands approves ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements
The Dutch government has given final approval to a decree banning the import, purchase and sale of goods from unlawful Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The measure is due to take effect on September 22. It marks a formal step by the Netherlands to restrict trade linked to settlements in the occupied West Bank.The government announced the approval on Tuesday, and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen told parliament that the trade ban had already been planned, with only the implementation date newly set. Under the decree, Dutch companies will also be barred from brokering services that facilitate trade... [Continue Reading]
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Belgium approves ban on imports from Israeli settlements as EU remains deadlocked
Belgium has approved a ban on importing goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The decision was taken at the federal government's final cabinet meeting before the summer break, according to the Belgian News Agency. It makes Belgium one of a small but growing number of European countries to act unilaterally on the issue.The move fulfils a commitment made last year amid concern over Israel's bombardment of Gaza and the scale of the death toll there. Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prevot had pressed EU counterparts earlier this week in Brussels for a bloc-wide ban, but ministers remain... [Continue Reading]
French parliament approves assisted-dying bill, pending constitutional review
France's National Assembly has approved a landmark assisted-dying bill that would create a legal right to the practice for adults with incurable illnesses under strict conditions. Lawmakers passed the text by 291 votes to 241 after an intense ethical and political debate. The measure still needs approval from the Constitutional Council before it can take effect.The bill would allow a person to receive a lethal substance if they request it, with the substance either self-administered or administered by a doctor or nurse if the patient is physically unable to do so. Access would be limited to adults who are French... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
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