Category: Middle East

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has criticised the Spanish Government over calls for the release of activists detained by Israeli authorities, urging Madrid to instead investigate the identities and background of those behind the flotilla mission.

In a series of posts on X on Thursday, Danon alleged that organisers of the flotilla, identified as GSF, were linked to criminal activities and militant groups. “The truth about the organisers of the flotilla has been revealed: arrests in Tunisia for money laundering, insurance fraud, incitement to terrorism, and even sexual harassment,” he wrote.

“Those who are led by terrorists should not preach to Israel about morality or international law.”

Danon further claimed that the individuals involved were “Hamas operatives in disguise” rather than genuine human rights activists.

“Instead of Spain demanding the release of the ‘activists,’ it should check who is really behind this flotilla,” he stated.

“When the flotilla’s leaders are Hamas terrorists, the goal is not aid, but terror and provocation.”

The Israeli envoy also criticised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over the decision to honour United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese.

Danon described the recognition as “shameful,” accusing Albanese of anti-Israel bias and alleging that Spain was legitimising what he termed a campaign of incitement against Israel.

“Israel’s detractors join together, but their hatred is laid bare for all to see,” he wrote.

“While many countries reject this evident campaign of incitement, Spain decides to officially legitimise it.”

Sánchez had earlier defended the recognition, stating that public responsibility carried a moral obligation “not to look the other way,” while describing Albanese as “a voice that upholds the conscience of the world.”

The latest exchange highlights growing diplomatic tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the wider international debate over humanitarian missions, human rights concerns, and accusations exchanged between Israel and its critics.

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Iran has reiterated that there is no military solution to the growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving the United States, warning that further escalation could plunge the region into a deeper crisis.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that recent developments in the strategic waterway underscored the need for political dialogue rather than military confrontation.

“Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis,” Araghchi stated, adding that diplomatic talks were making progress through mediation efforts led by Pakistan.

He also cautioned the United States and the United Arab Emirates against being drawn into what he described as a regional “quagmire” by “ill-wishers.”

Araghchi dismissed the “Project Freedom” initiative announced by Donald Trump, describing it instead as “Project Deadlock.”

Earlier, Trump accused Iran of targeting vessels belonging to countries not directly involved in the dispute, including a South Korean cargo ship, and suggested that Seoul should participate in the maritime security initiative.

The U.S. president further claimed that American forces had destroyed seven Iranian “fast boats,” stating: “It’s all they have left.”

Trump also rejected Iranian claims that Tehran had successfully struck a U.S. military vessel, saying that apart from the South Korean cargo ship incident, “there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”

He added that U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine would address a news conference on Tuesday morning to provide additional details on the situation.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and rising tensions in the area continue to raise fears of wider regional instability and disruptions to global energy supplies.

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Monday as the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched from Iran, signalling a possible collapse of the fragile ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that explosions and loud sounds heard across various parts of the country were linked to ongoing interception operations by the UAE’s air defence systems.

“UAE air defence systems are actively engaging missiles and UAV threats,” the ministry stated, adding that the noises reported nationwide were the result of defensive military operations targeting incoming aerial threats.

The latest development came shortly after Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for attacks targeting U.S. naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime oil routes.

The reported exchange marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities and raises concerns over wider instability across the Gulf region, particularly involving U.S. military interests and allied states.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the United States nor Israel had issued an official response to the claims or the unfolding military developments.