Politics

Britain expressed disappointment vote was not made on basis of evidence-based assessment of impact of UNIFIL’s withdrawal

Paul Salem said Lebanese state has not exercised full control over its territory for many years which means there could be a vacuum if peacekeeping mission were to suddenly withdraw

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the vote saying UNIFIL had completely failed to prevent Hezbollah’s military buildup

About 10000 peacekeepers are stationed in southern Lebanon a region long dominated by Hezbollah

Premature withdrawal would harm communities on both sides of Blue Line and set back efforts for long-term political agreement

Lebanese and European officials have warned premature withdrawal of UNIFIL could jeopardize the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah since November

Paul Salem said over time international forces in Lebanon UNIFIL or otherwise should not be needed

The U.N. Security Council voted to terminate the U.N.’s peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon over next two years

Mayor Haris Doukas responded in social media post that city authority does not accept lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians and children in Gaza and that it fully respects its visitors and supports right to free expression of its citizens

Pavlos Marinakis spokesman for Greek government called events in Syros outrageous adding that antisemitism and any other form of fascism and racism will not be tolerated

Thousands rallied peacefully in Athens smaller protests took place in other city squares and on islands

When same boat arrived in Crete protesters clashed with riot police officers who used tear gas

Katz described slogans like Kill Zionists Save Lives as antisemitic and incitement to action

He added that city does remove such graffiti

Banners read Not in our name and Stop the Genocide

Police kept small protest at distance scuffled with few activists made eight arrests

Israel’s ambassador to Greece Noam Katz argued publicly with mayor of Athens accusing him of not doing enough to make Israelis feel safe and failing to clear city of anti-Israeli graffiti

Air traffic controller radioed Free Palestine to cockpit of El Al passenger plane shortly after takeoff from Charles de Gaulle Airport Paris

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested arrival of cruise liner carrying Israeli tourists in Agios Nikolaos Crete July

Israel’s national soccer team coach was shoved by passerby shouting Free Palestine in Athens Greece according to his spokesman