Czechs Export €49.8M Arms to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
8.1.25
Czech Amnesty International has criticized the country's €49.8M arms exports to Israel in 2024, citing possible violations of international law amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Czech Foreign Ministry defends the shipments as non-lethal and legal, while Amnesty warns that a lack of transparency may indicate complicity in war crimes.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Doraiswami, criticized Western hypocrisy for continuing to source energy-related materials from Russia despite condemning India's relationship with President Vladimir Putin. He pointed out that several European countries purchase rare earth and other energy products from Russia, while urging India to avoid doing so. This selective nature of international relationships was highlighted by Doraiswami, who noted that many countries maintain ties with nations problematic for India without being asked to prove their loyalty through such choices.
Embraer, the third-largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, will not be affected by US President Donald Trump's 50% import tariffs due to its products being included on a list of around 700 exempt items. The company had previously reported that the tariff would make sales unfeasible. Embraer supports dialogue between the Brazilian and US governments for a positive outcome. The US Chamber of Commerce for Brazil estimates that $18.4 billion in Brazilian exports are exempt from tariffs, with aircraft sales to the US totaling $2 billion last year.
France will send four flights of humanitarian aid to Gaza, carrying 10 tons each, departing from Jordan. The aid is described as "urgent" and comes amid a dire situation in Gaza, where a mass famine scenario has been warned by an international organization. The population is struggling to access basic necessities due to limited humanitarian access, with children under five dying from hunger-related complications.
Germany Threatens Statehood if Israel Annexes West Bank
8.1.25
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has signaled that his government may accelerate recognition of a Palestinian state if Israel annexes the West Bank. Ahead of a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany's commitment to a two-state solution, stating that recognizing a Palestinian state is crucial for the process to begin. This move comes as other European governments, including Germany's traditionally close ally Israel, face growing pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, stating that they constitute serious violations of international law. The Palestinian enclave is severely affected, with much of it in ruins after nearly 22 months of war. The UN warns that the dire conditions in Gaza may lead to famine for nearly half a million people by September, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding there.
India Defies Trump's Trade Ultimatum Amid Tensions
8.1.25
India plans to defend its interests while pursuing talks with the US in parallel, amid rising tensions between the two nations. The move comes as Donald Trump slams the door on trade negotiations, urging India not to give in and chart a new trade path. Experts say this could lead to significant changes in global trade dynamics.
India's state-run oil refiners have halted Russian oil imports due to shrinking discounts and pressure from former US President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs and sanctions, shifting to Middle Eastern and African oil instead. The move comes as India is the world's third-largest oil importer and Russia's biggest buyer of seaborne crude, a vital revenue earner for Moscow. Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd have stopped buying Russian crude in the past week, amid a tariff row with the US. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on Russian oil, leading to a halt in purchases by Indian refiners such as Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports.
India Rejects F-35 Jets Over Trump's Tariffs Threat
8.1.25
India has reportedly decided against buying US-made F-35 fighter jets following Donald Trump's 25% tariff on Indian exports. The decision comes after President Trump announced the tariffs, which India is unlikely to retaliate against immediately. Instead, the Narendra Modi government is exploring options such as boosting US imports and increasing purchases of natural gas, communication equipment, and gold to placate the White House.