Author: Steven Sahiounie

As we’ve reported, Kamala Harris has accepted the Democratic nomination for the presidency. She took to the stage on the last day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). But little space has been afforded to Palestinian Americans or pro-Palestinian delegates in this week’s convention, despite crowds of protesters gathering nearby on a daily basis. Among them is Muhamad Sankari of the US Palestinian Community Network. He says people are turning out, “first and foremost to end the genocide against the Palestinian people [by] the Democratic Party”. “For 11 months now almost, [the Democratic Party] has supported [Israel’s war] unequivocally. So…

The Jordanian field hospital Nablus 3 has treated 32,000 patients in the northern West Bank since its deployment in June, state news agency Petra reported on Friday.Staff have carried out 1,067 operations. A Spigelian hernia operation was conducted by a specialized team on Wednesday for a patient with severe abdominal pain.Nablus residents have expressed gratitude for Jordan’s ongoing assistance to the Palestinian people. Source: Arab News

The Gaza Strip’s first recorded polio case in 25 years has health workers and aid agencies grappling with the steep obstacles to conducting mass vaccination in the war-torn Palestinian territory. Unrelenting airstrikes by Israel more than 10 months into its war against Gaza rulers Hamas, restrictions of aid entering the besieged territory, and hot summer temperatures all threaten the viability of a life-saving inoculation drive. Still, equipment to support the extensive campaign — which UN agencies say could start on Aug. 31 — has already arrived in the region. The Palestinian Health Ministry in the occupied West Bank said last…

A Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal “now is in sight,” the US envoy to the United Nations told the Security Council on Thursday, urging members to press Palestinian militant group Hamas to accept a bridging proposal agreed to by Israel.Months of on-off talks have circled the same issues, but Israel and Hamas have stuck to their demands.US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said a bridging proposal put forward last week by the US, Qatar and Egypt was consistent with a plan outlined by President Joe Biden in May and endorsed by the Security Council in June.“Israel has accepted…

US Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president, capping the four-day party convention in Chicago, Illinois. “I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans,” she said. “You can always trust me to put country above party and self.” “To hold sacred America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power. I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens,…

The Venezuelan Supreme Court certified the reelection of President Nicolas Maduro in last month’s vote, court President Caryslia Rodriguez said in a televised event. “The examination of election materials confirms the outcome of the presidential election of July 28, 2024, as announced by the National Electoral Council, which was won by citizen Nicolas Maduro Moros, president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, for the constitutional term from 2025 to 2031,” the justice said in comments broadcast by Venezolana de Television. In order to verify the outcome of the election, the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court examined voting tallies and other…

The United Nations Security Council convened today for its monthly session to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue. The session featured briefings from UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, and Louisa Baxter, Head of the Emergency Health Unit at Save the Children. During the meeting, council members unanimously stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the facilitation of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, including polio vaccines. They warned of escalating regional tensions if the conflict persists. Wennesland urges immediate ceasefire Addressing the council via video link from Jerusalem, Wennesland…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Ukraine on the first visit since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1992, NDTV said. The details of Modi’s agenda in Kiev have not been disclosed. According to the Indian TV channel, the visit will last just a few hours. The Indian premier is currently staying at a hotel. Modi arrived in the Ukrainian capital after wrapping up his visit to Poland. On Thursday, he met with Polish President Andrzej Duda and his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, in Warsaw. The two sides developed a plan for cooperation for the next few…

Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani during an official visit to Baghdad on Thursday, state news agency SPA reported. During the meeting at the presidential palace, both officials reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields. They also addressed several regional and international issues of mutual interest. Prince Faisal conveyed the wishes of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for further progress and continued prosperity for the government and people of Iraq. Source: Arab News

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s former chief nuclear negotiator, has been nominated as the country’s new foreign minister by recently elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, pending parliamentary approval. Araghchi, who has extensive experience in international affairs and nuclear talks, is seen as a positive choice at a time of high regional tensions. In response to his appointment, several foreign ministers have sent congratulatory messages to Araghchi, wishing him success and expressing hope for developing ties with Iran.Japanese Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa took the lead, sending a letter stating her high hope for Iran to play a more constructive role towards peace and stability…