The newspapers are leading with Israel’s decision to expand its operations in Gaza as part of its ongoing conflict with Hamas. According to reports, Israel was poised for a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza after launching a series of strikes. Witnesses describe the bombardment as the most intense of the war so far and fear spreads among civilians in Gaza as they report the most intense air strikes since the conflict began three weeks ago.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has also been highlighted with reports of basic services collapsing and disease spreading. With internet and electricity down in Gaza, around 2.3 million people living there have been cut off from the outside world. Mothers in Nuseirat and Jerusalem are writing their children’s names on their bodies to help with identification if they’re killed. It is a stark reminder of the daily challenges faced by those living in the territory.
Meanwhile, in the UK, counter-terrorism officers have warned of increased hostile-state activity in Britain linked to the Iranian regime, inflaming tensions in the country by stoking Gaza protests. There have also been reports of NatWest shares plunging by 10% after it cut its profit outlook for the year. This comes after the bank published a report into its treatment of politician Nigel Farage.
The Times also reports on how police are preparing for further pro-Palestine protests, due to take place in London this weekend. Iranian agents are reportedly stoking the demonstrations, using a “campaign of online disinformation” to try and create unrest in Britain.
Finally, according to The Guardian, the guestlist for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s AI safety summit at Bletchley Park next week is “in disarray”. The situation in Israel and Gaza has led to worries inside Downing Street that the event may lack world leaders. However, the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, have confirmed their attendance
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More