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Midweek Update
There is a new strategy of war PR coming out of Israel and the goal is to turn Palestinians against Hamas. The Palestinians in the West Bank have always struggled to trust Hamas as they believed it was an agent of the IDF.
The US has also released a statement to deter any European nations from recognising a State for the Palestinians, threatening them with consequences.
PM Netanyahu barely survived to keep his coalition alive, as calls within Israel are growing for his dismissal. He must now demonstrate that he can take on British PM Starmer to revoke the sanctions against the extremists in his parliamentary coalition.
The Austrian’s are in mourning in after a US inspired terror attack in their schools. Youngsters are clearly far too influenced on social media radicals.
And, finally, President Trump is struggling to assert his authority in California. The President seems to be caving on all his threats, but he is the master of spin.
This week’s world news briefing – Gaza flotilla, Columbian Presidential hopeful killed, and the US and China make nice
From Gaza and Ukraine to California, the world reels from conflict, protests, and political tantrums
As summer edges in ( temperatures are set to shoot up this week), so are the blood pressures global leaders. From Israeli kidnapping Greta’s peace ship to Donald Trump’s stand-off with the governor of California, Today’s world briefing captures the tension, backlash, and diplomatic ripples unfolding in real time.
Round up – Greta is using her influencer status to take on the Israeli government. Whilst politicians aim to dismiss her as insignificant, her videos are reaching millions and that is the purpose in Gaza, the world is rising up and determined to hold leaders dictators to account, even if politicians don’t. President Trump is fresh off his spat with Elon Musk, and he’s already moved onto round two, this time taking on California.
A story form New York mayoral election which shocked viewers, when AIPAC was able to place a question to Muslim mayor hopeful, to pledge his allegiance to Israel on a TV debate. With viewers tweeting, is Israel the 6th borough or New York City?
In a desperate attempt to build some PR, For the first time in a year Israel has allowed a few selected media operators in a guided tour to the killing of Sinwar, Which hours later the BBC debunked as a fake edited video.
Piers Morgan is on a crusade to vindicate himself from his stance of standing with Israel in the first 18 months of the genocide. He ridiculed the lawyers for Israel spokesperson on his show, and trapped her in her lies.
From celebrations of PSG, Paris celebrated another epic weekend at Roland Garos, with Alcarez and Sinner showing tennis is not dead after the retirement of Rafael Nadal.
A moment for nature: a beautiful colour butterfly which spans every continent except Antartica. Tis the time for The swallowtail butterfly and its cousins, 550 species), makes an appearance in the UK which is rare, as it begins its June appearance in East Anglia’s wetlands.
📅 Key Cultural & Business Events – This Week
Coming Up This Week
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UEFA Euro 2024 Group Stages continue – official site
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Venice Biennale 2025 – art world’s spotlight remains in Italy – visit site
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Global Trade Summit in Abu Dhabi – UAE hosts top economic leaders
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G7 Finance Ministers meeting in Frankfurt
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WHO emergency summit on heat-related deaths – Geneva, June 12
🎨 Art Spotlight
Paris: “Reclaiming Nature” at Palais de Tokyo – This provocative exhibition explores how indigenous artists interpret land, climate, and resistance in the Anthropocene. Event link
Thought of the day
In the past two years, AI notetakers have spawned everywhere. Google, Microsoft, Otter.ai and many other firms pitch their AI notetakers as the most convenient way to “boost meeting productivity”.
But do you really want these bots as your guests at your next meeting?
You cannot escape the fact that AI can only give you the answer based on the best optimised information on the internet, which is not necessarily the most accurate answer.
Another issue is, AI notetakers are horrible at interpreting someone’s words and meaning when they take notes.
Worse still, if in the event, your company is sued, then this information would be discoverable in a lawsuit or tribunal, because its always on record.
🌼 Flower of the Week
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Blooming across central Europe and the UK in May, the cornflower symbolises hope and remembrance. Once a weed of wheatfields, it’s now a protected wildflower in France and Germany.
🐦 Bird of the Week
Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
This reclusive songbird is arriving from Africa. Best heard at dusk, its powerful, melodic call echoes through southern woodlands — though habitat loss has made it harder to find.
🇺🇸 Los Angeles Protests Escalate as Tensions Mount Over Immigration Crackdown
🔗 Link: The Guardian – Los Angeles protests erupt over immigration arrests
📰 Summary:
Mass protests erupted across Los Angeles following a string of aggressive immigration raids led by federal authorities, targeting undocumented communities in the city. Demonstrators blocked highways, held vigils, and clashed with police over what activists are calling an “escalation in racialised state violence.” The raids reportedly authorised under a new federal directive, resulted in hundreds of detentions, sparking outrage from human rights groups and immigrant advocacy organisations. Local officials have criticised the lack of coordination with city authorities, while the White House defended the operations as a “lawful enforcement of immigration policy.”
Read a full WTX News report on the LA protests
💬 Political Reactions (3 linked tweets):
- 🇺🇸 President Donald Trump: “Our laws will be enforced — no exceptions. Thank you to ICE and law enforcement. 🇺🇸” (🔗)
- 🇺🇸 CA Gov. Gavin Newsom: “Los Angeles is not a warzone. These raids are shameful and dangerous. #NoRaids” (🔗)
- ✊🏽 @SoCalActivista: “We stood together tonight in LA because silence = complicity. #AbolishICE” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- The Guardian: Framed with strong human rights emphasis, highlighting state overreach and protester voices.
- Fox News: Describes protesters as “disruptive mobs,” praising law enforcement’s “restraint” and “patriotism.”
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
- Tone: Negative
- Why: The article emphasises civil unrest, government overreach, and community trauma, underscoring a tense and polarised national moment.
🇨🇦 Canada to Boost Defence Spending to Hit NATO Target
🔗 Link: Bloomberg – Canada Plans to Hike Defense Spending
📰 Summary:
Canada is set to announce a significant increase in its defence budget to meet NATO’s 2% of GDP spending target, according to sources reported by The Globe and Mail. The decision comes amid rising pressure from allies, particularly the United States, which has criticised Canada’s current defence contributions as falling short. The announcement is expected within weeks and may include new funding commitments to modernise Canada’s military and strengthen continental defence under NORAD. The move could shift Canada from one of NATO’s laggards to a more active contributor as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
Read a full WTX News report on Canada’s defence spending
💬 Political Reactions:
- 🇨🇦 Former PM Justin Trudeau: “We are committed to defending our allies and our values. More to come.” (🔗)
- 🇨🇦 Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre: “Too little, too late. Trudeau failed our forces for years.” (🔗)
- 🌐 Public Commentator @MapleMilitia: “About time Canada steps up. Hope this isn’t just for show. #NATO” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- Bloomberg: Presents the news with a neutral, investment-focused lens, noting potential market impacts and diplomatic alignment.
- The Globe and Mail: More nationalistic in tone, emphasising sovereignty and security leadership in North America.
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
- Tone: Neutral
- Why: While the report highlights a strategic policy shift, it maintains a matter-of-fact tone without political spin or emotive language.
CliffNotes
- LA protests erupt as Trump deploys troops
- Protests began on Friday over Trump’s immigration crackdown
- So far, 300 National Guard troops deployed as Newsom argues with Trump
LA Protests Erupt as Trump Deploys Troops
What happened
Downtown Los Angeles saw chaos as protests against Trump’s immigration crackdown escalated. With over 300 National Guard troops deployed—without the governor’s request—clashes broke out, self-driving cars were torched, and police used rubber bullets and tear gas. Trump inflamed tensions by declaring, “if they spit, we hit,” while LA officials accused him of provoking unrest.
What next
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal intervention as a “dictator move” and demanded troop withdrawal. Trump fired back, mocking state leaders and vowing to expand military presence. With protests continuing and over 100 immigration arrests already made, the standoff over federal versus state power is far from over.
🌐 US–China Trade Talks Extend in London
🔗 Link: [Reuters – US‑China trade, minerals talks in London set to extend to second day]
📰 Summary:
High-level trade negotiations between the United States and China are underway in London, extending into a second day at Lancaster House. With the primary goal of reviving a 90-day truce established in Geneva, discussions include rare earth mineral exports, export control rollbacks, and tariff pauses.
The US delegation is led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while China is represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
The dialogue follows a positive call between Presidents Trump and Xi, with Trump describing early progress as “going well,” though officials remain cautious. The truce previously boosted markets, but experts note underlying tensions persist, with doubts about lasting breakthroughs amid strategic decoupling trends.
Read a full WTX News report on the second day of trade talks between the two superpowers
💬 Political Reactions:
- 🇺🇸 President Donald Trump: “Only getting good reports from London. We’re doing well with China. China’s not easy.” (🔗)
- 🇨🇳 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: “Constructive dialogue demonstrates mutual respect and willingness to stabilise trade.” (🔗)
- 🌏 @GlobalTradeWatch: “Rare‑earths must be the litmus test. No handshake, no deal. #SupplyChainSecurity” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- Reuters: Delivers a straight, fact-driven account, quoting officials and offering context on past truce, market reactions, and supply‑chain risks.
- CNBC: Adds interpretive colour and analysis on export‑control pressures and political backdrops, making it more US‑market oriented.
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
- Tone: Neutral–cautiously positive
- Why: The tone is measured—reporting confidence from officials while flagging ongoing friction and scepticism.
🇺🇦 Poland Accuses Russia of Airspace Breach in Escalation Over Ukraine
📍 Source: The Guardian / BBC
Poland claims (unverified independently) that Russian military jets briefly violated its airspace during a bombing run near Ukraine’s western border. Warsaw has summoned Moscow’s ambassador, calling the incident “a reckless provocation.” The incident coincides with intensified Russian airstrikes on Lviv. NATO officials expressed concern, warning Russia to avoid drawing member states into direct confrontation. Russia denies any violation.
Sentiment: 🔥 Tense / escalating but does not provide actual evidence.
Media bias:
- The Guardian: Focuses on Poland’s NATO concerns and Russia’s denial.
- BBC: Confirms NATO backing and urges de-escalation.
- RT (contrast): Frames Poland as “overreacting.”
🔗 The Guardian – Ukraine war briefing
Political reaction:
- 🔗 Polish PM Donald Tusk – “Poland will not tolerate airspace violations.”
- 🔗 NATO – “We stand ready to defend every inch.”
- 🔗 Public tweet – “This is how wars expand.”
A round up of what the Politicians have been doing.
*Denotes wanted for war crimes.
Keir Starmer is being rather quiet this week, avoiding the media on winter fuel payments u-turn but he is due at PMQs tomorrow.
PMQs update – the PM has a good afternoon, the Chancellor fed the public with optimism and growth, even though it was mainly long term. Does that mean Labour is winning?
US president Trump is in box office, as is usual self saying something ‘Trumpish’ rather than answering the question. His spat with Elon seems to have subsided as he takes on California.
The Crown Prince has been busy with the Hajj pilgrimage, but behind closed doors he is meeting with allies on what response the Saudi’d should have for being blocked access to the West Bank.
President Macron has been the most vocal western critic of Israel. and the backlash by pro-Israeli media in France, is telling.
They have thrown there weight behind a resurgent Le Pen who is now taking aim ate the top EU job, gathering a coalition of far-right fanatics from other European countries.
Benjamin Netanyahu, is the face of genocide, he knows his days are numbered. The West is already diverting support for his opposition as he (his gov’t) continue to deny genocide, starvation and innocent deaths. Dubiously claiming to have killed 30,000 Hamas fighters, out of the 56,000 Palestinians killed, with 80%, women and children.
✍️ Quote of the Week
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but because we do not dare that they are difficult.” – Seneca.
A fitting reminder as global pressure mounts—bold action begins with awareness.
Exposé: Israel accused of arming gang to disrupt Gaza aid
Summary:
A bombshell investigation reveals that Israel allegedly armed a gang to disrupt aid distribution in Gaza. The gang was reportedly involved in looting humanitarian supplies, while being covertly backed by Israeli operatives to discredit Palestinian governance structures. The Guardian exposé builds on internal Israeli leaks and on-the-ground testimonies.
Why it matters:
This deeply troubling strategy, if confirmed, adds to the evidence of information and aid manipulation in Gaza. It raises new questions about Israel’s conduct during the conflict and its use of covert proxies to destabilise civilian relief operations.
Coming Up This Week
-
UEFA Euro 2024 Group Stages continue – official site
-
Venice Biennale 2025 – art world’s spotlight remains in Italy – visit site
-
Global Trade Summit in Abu Dhabi – UAE hosts top economic leaders
-
G7 Finance Ministers meeting in Frankfurt
-
WHO emergency summit on heat-related deaths – Geneva, June 12
Art Spotlight
Paris: “Reclaiming Nature” at Palais de Tokyo – This provocative exhibition explores how indigenous artists interpret land, climate, and resistance in the Anthropocene. Event link
✍️ Thought of the day
We’ve delveoped this need to move on to the ‘next thing’ standing in one place seems to make one anxious. That may be because of the way we are being engineered, the thirst for more. But the negative impact of that is, we rarely get to enjoy the moment.
When enjoying a meal, a walk in nature, or any other activity, pay attention to the details and fully experience it, just stand still (figuratively) and process what you have done, The next, more is not always better.
A bit of travel inspiration from some of our favourite places and best deals.
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