Iran rejects US proposals over ‘Excessive Demands’

For decades, support for Israel was one of the few foreign policy issues that united both major political parties in the United States. That long standing consensus is now showing signs of breaking down as growing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the conflict with Iran and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close relationship with Republican leaders reshape opinion within the Democratic Party. Public support for Israel among Democratic voters has fallen sharply in recent years. More Democratic candidates are openly criticizing Israeli government policies and several have built successful election campaigns around calls to reassess Washington’s military and diplomatic support for its longtime ally. The shift has become increasingly visible in Congress, where many lawmakers who once backed military assistance without question are now calling for restrictions or major changes. The change was highlighted this month when nearly half of House Democrats voted in favor of an amendment that sought to block military aid to Israel. Although the proposal ultimately failed, the level of support marked a significant departure from previous years when similar measures would have attracted little backing. Israel receives $3.8 billion in annual US military assistance and has also secured billions of dollars in additional emergency funding over the past several years. Democratic leaders remain divided over the issue. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment, arguing that it was too broad. However, senior party figures including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark voted in support of it. The differing positions reflect an increasingly difficult debate within the party over whether military assistance should continue without conditions, be limited to defensive equipment or be suspended altogether. Senator Chris Coons, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed hope that Israel’s upcoming elections could improve relations between the two allies. He suggested that new political leadership in Israel might help restore bipartisan support in Washington and move beyond the current period of tension. Coons also argued that Netanyahu has prolonged conflicts for political reasons, a claim that adds to the growing criticism from within the Democratic Party. Recent polling shows how public opinion has shifted. A Quinnipiac University survey conducted in June found that nearly half of all American voters believe the United States is too supportive of Israel. Among Democrats, that figure rose to 66 percent, a dramatic increase compared with the results recorded when the question was first asked in 2017. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, dismissed concerns that bipartisan backing is disappearing. He said that despite intense political debate, support for Israel continues to remain strong across large sections of both major parties. The issue has become especially important in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, where voters are choosing between candidates with sharply different positions on Israel. Representative Haley Stevens has defended close ties with Israel and argues that the relationship strengthens economic growth and national security. Her opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, has strongly criticized continued military support and says American resources should be invested at home rather than funding Israel’s military campaign. The debate follows nearly three years of conflict that began after Hamas launched its October 2023 attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage. Since then, Gaza health authorities say more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military operations. Israel rejects accusations of genocide and maintains that it is fighting Hamas while taking measures to reduce civilian casualties. Political analysts say the war has significantly influenced younger Democratic voters, many of whom have become more critical of Israeli government policies. Campus protests and growing public demonstrations have increased pressure on Democratic leaders to reconsider traditional positions on military aid. Some observers also believe the issue contributed to divisions within the party during the 2024 presidential election campaign. The debate is spreading beyond Michigan into congressional races across states including New York, Florida and Colorado, where candidates are increasingly making Israel a central campaign issue. Progressive organizations argue that opposition is directed mainly at Netanyahu’s government rather than Israel itself, while more traditional pro-Israel groups continue to defend the alliance. Despite the growing disagreement, many Democratic lawmakers continue to support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. However, an increasing number are questioning the policies of the current Israeli leadership and calling for greater humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, signaling that the party’s approach to one of America’s closest allies is undergoing a significant transformation.

A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 26 people dead and causing widespread damage across several cities. The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.4. It struck at around 7:34am local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region at a depth of about 107 kilometres. The tremor was felt across much of Colombia and in neighbouring Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. Authorities warned residents to remain alert as aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquake. Local officials reported deaths in several parts of the country. Three children were among those killed in Calima El Darién after a wall collapsed. Other fatalities were reported in Zarzal, Buenaventura, Manizales and Pereira. Pereira officials reported 18 deaths, while authorities in Manizales confirmed additional fatalities. Rescue teams continued assessing the situation as reports of casualties and damage were updated. Cali was among the worst-affected cities. Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed, with people reportedly trapped under the rubble. He requested additional rescue personnel from Bogotá and Medellín to assist emergency teams. Residents were urged to leave buildings if they noticed major cracks or believed the structures were unsafe. Serious damage was also reported in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó. Regional authorities said several people were injured and buildings were damaged. Rescue workers were deployed to assess affected areas and search for people who may be trapped. Manizales also suffered significant structural damage. Images and videos showed part of the Cathedral Basilica’s clocktower leaning dangerously. A five-storey building was also seen collapsing as people evacuated nearby areas. The earthquake caused panic in Bogotá, where residents rushed out of homes and workplaces. Emergency sirens sounded across parts of the capital. People gathered in streets as buildings and traffic lights shook during the tremor. Bogotá authorities initially reported cracks in some structures but said there was no immediate indication of major infrastructure damage. The earthquake also disrupted air travel. Colombia’s civil aviation authority suspended operations at several airports after damage was reported at facilities in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura. Operations at Popayán airport were also suspended because of volcanic ash. Officials said the Colombian Geological Service recorded two aftershocks, measuring 2.8 and 4.8. The stronger aftershock was widely felt. Colombian authorities described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the country in roughly a decade. Emergency agencies continued damage assessments while rescue operations remained underway. President Abelardo De La Espriella said he had taken direct charge of the emergency response. He ordered the creation of a unified command centre to coordinate rescue and relief efforts and said he would travel to Pereira to monitor the situation. The disaster comes less than two months after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24. Those quakes killed more than 6,100 people and caused extensive destruction.

Fourteen Arab and Palestinian organisations have issued an urgent appeal calling for immediate international action to protect occupied East Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque, warning that recent Israeli measures are threatening the city’s religious heritage and historic identity. The groups said the situation has reached a critical stage and argued that stronger global intervention is needed to prevent further escalation. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the organisations expressed concern over what they described as increasing Israeli actions aimed at changing the existing status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. They said recent developments have targeted not only Al Aqsa Mosque but also the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem and the city’s Arab, Islamic, and Christian character. Al Aqsa Mosque is considered Islam’s third holiest site. The same area is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, believed to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab Israeli war and later declared the entire city its capital in 1980, a move that has not been recognised by most of the international community. According to the appeal, Israeli authorities have allowed an increase in visits to the Al Aqsa compound by Jewish groups under police protection. The organisations claimed these actions, along with restrictions placed on Muslim worshippers, are attempts to alter the long standing arrangements governing access to the holy site. The statement also raised concerns about attacks on worshippers, restrictions placed on religious leaders, and measures targeting guards responsible for protecting the mosque. The groups argued that these actions undermine freedom of worship and threaten the historical and legal status of one of Islam’s most important religious landmarks. Beyond the mosque itself, the organisations accused Israel of expanding settlements, demolishing Palestinian homes, revoking residency rights, carrying out excavations around the Old City, and increasing pressure on both Islamic and Christian religious sites. They warned that these policies are changing the city’s demographic and cultural landscape while placing Jerusalem’s diverse religious heritage at risk. The appeal also highlighted concerns over the city’s Christian community. It said restrictions affecting churches, religious institutions, and Christian leaders threaten the long established Christian presence in Jerusalem and weaken the city’s multicultural identity. The organisations argued that international statements of concern are no longer enough to address the situation. They called for coordinated political, legal, and human rights efforts to stop actions they consider violations of international law. They also urged governments and international institutions to ensure accountability and prevent further changes to the city’s status. The statement specifically called on Jordan, which holds custodial responsibilities for Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, to intensify diplomatic efforts and encourage stronger international engagement. The groups said Jordan’s role remains essential in defending the religious and historical significance of the city’s sacred places. Describing Jerusalem as a shared historical, cultural, and religious responsibility, the organisations stressed that protecting the city requires practical measures rather than symbolic declarations. They said preserving the rights of its residents and safeguarding its holy sites should remain an international priority. The appeal was signed by several organisations, including the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, the Al Quds International Institution, the Arab National Congress, the European Palestinian Conference, and the Islamic National Conference. The statement comes as tensions continue to rise across the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military raids and settler related violence have increased since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Palestinian officials say thousands of people have been injured or arrested during this period, while violence has intensified further following recent deadly clashes near Nablus involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers, and Israeli forces.