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New Iran censure looms large over UN nuclear meeting

Diplomats meeting in Vienna on Thursday are to discuss a resolution condemning Iran for insufficient cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, as Tehran warned it would swiftly respond once it passed.Earlier this week, European powers and the United States formally submitted a censure motion critical of Iran to the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: New Iran censure looms large over UN nuclear meeting

ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, Deif

The International Criminal Court on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, as well as Hamas's military chief Mohammed Deif.The unprecedented move drew a furious reaction from Netanyahu, who denounced it as anti-semitic."Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and accusations made against it," he said.Israel's closest allies, including the United States, also denounced the warrants against the Israeli politicians, but rights groups including Amnesty International welcomed them.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, Deif

Between bomb craters: Taxis stuck on war-hit Lebanon-Syria border

Stuck in no man's land on the war-hit Lebanon-Syria border, cab driver Fadi Slika now scrapes a living ferrying passengers between two deep craters left by Israeli air strikes.The journey is just two kilometres (about 1.2 miles), but Slika has no other choice -- his taxi is his only source of income."My car is stuck between craters: I can't reach Lebanon and I can't go back to Syria. Meanwhile we're under threat of (Israeli) bombardment," said the 56-year-old."I work and sleep here between the two holes," he told AFP.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Between bomb craters: Taxis stuck on war-hit Lebanon-Syria border

Iran activist sews lips in protest after fellow campaigner's suicide

A prominent Iranian activist has sewn his lips together and is holding daily protests in Tehran following the apparent suicide last week of a fellow campaigner, he posted on social media on Thursday.Hossein Ronaghi said he stitched his lips together in protest at the restrictions authorities placed on the funeral last week of Kianoosh Sanjari, who friends said committed suicide after warning he would take his own life if political prisoners were not freed.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran activist sews lips in protest after fellow campaigner's suicide

Spain holds 1st talks with Palestinian govt since recognising state

The Spanish and Palestinian prime ministers signed four agreements on Thursday at an intergovernmental meeting in Madrid, the first since Spain officially recognised the state of Palestine in May.The gathering, held at Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's official residence, is a "symbol of Spain's commitment to the present and future of Palestine", the Spanish government said in a statement.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Spain holds 1st talks with Palestinian govt since recognising state