Eurotopics.net

The expansion of the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip is prompting growing criticism of the Israeli military's operations. A number of people have also been killed or wounded in skirmishes at aid distribution points run by the Israeli- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The Greek government has announced plans to tighten the immigration laws. Illegal residence in the country is to be punishable with up to five years in prison and the maximum period of detention pending deportation will increase from 18 to 24 months. In addition, previous provisions which gave irregular immigrants the chance to obtain a residence permit after seven years in the country, is to be abolished.

Following the victory of Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by the right-wing conservative PiS party, in Poland's presidential runoff election, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that he will seek a vote of confidence in the Sejm. Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate of the liberal-conservative government camp, was narrowly defeated by Nawrocki on Sunday, having secured 49.1 percent against Nawrocki's 50.9 percent. Commentators stress the European dimension of the result.