Eurotopics.net

In light of the deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, Israel has agreed to 'humanitarian' ceasefires. This is intended to enable aid deliveries via safe corridors. Large convoys of trucks and airdrops of supplies are now reaching the starving population. Commentators debate the potential impact of Israel's concessions.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced on X that France will recognise Palestine as a state. Almost 150 UN member states have already recognised Palestinian statehood, but there are certain key Western countries that have yet to do so, including the US and the UK, which have UN veto powers. What can Macron achieve with his announcement?

The Northern Irish rap band Kneecap will not be allowed to perform at Budapest's Sziget Festival in August. Hungary's government justified the decision saying they spread 'antisemitic hate speech, which supports terrorism and terrorists.' The immigration authorities have now imposed a three-year entry ban on the band members. The move is causing quite a stir in Hungary.

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the EU-China summit in Beijing on Thursday. Relations between the two sides are extremely tense, with Brussels accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices and supporting Russia militarily in its war against Ukraine. Observers examine the relationship between the two unequal partners.

Volodymyr Zelensky will restore the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities. Following fierce criticism from both Ukrainians and his Western allies, the president announced that he would submit a new bill to parliament repealing the regulations passed this week. What conclusions can be drawn from this sudden reversal?