Italy suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel

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Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni gives a speech in Rome, Italy, on March 11, 2026. [Riccardo De Luca – Anadolu Agency]

Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defense agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

“In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel,” ANSA news agency reported citing Meloni’s talk with reporters in the northeastern city of Verona.

She further said international efforts should continue to advance peace negotiations in order to stabilize the situation in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Meloni also urged caution on the issue of Russian gas.

The defense agreement, whose renewal the government decided to suspend, has been in force since 2016.

Intending to enhance defense capabilities, the agreement focuses on cooperation across several sectors, ranging from defense industries to procurement policies, with responsibility for the defense ministries.

It includes the import, export, and transit of weapons, the organization of armed forces, the training and education of military personnel, and the exchange of knowledge and technical data.

READ: Spanish premier slams Israel for violating international law

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingItaly suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel

Sanctioned tanker crosses Hormuz despite US blockade

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A view of the vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz following the two-week temporary ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran on the condition that the strait be reopened, seen in Oman on April 08, 2026. [Shady Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

International maritime tracking data on Monday evening showed that an Iranian “shadow fleet” oil tanker had successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, despite the start of a US-imposed naval blockade on Iranian exports.

The ship-tracking platform Kpler reported that the tanker Elpis, which has been under US sanctions since last year, traversed the strait carrying a shipment of oil, in a direct defiance of the tightened US measures that officially came into force earlier on Monday. 

In contrast, other vessels were seen avoiding the crossing. Reports indicated that a tanker registered in Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, changed course towards the United Arab Emirates, while a third vessel halted off the Iranian coast.

These developments come amid heightened tensions in the region. Satellite images showed a decline in traffic through one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes as the new US restrictions began to take effect.

READ: US begins blockading ships entering or exiting Iranian ports

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a witch with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a witch with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Continue ReadingSanctioned tanker crosses Hormuz despite US blockade

Amnesty warns French bill could criminalise solidarity with Palestinians

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Demonstrators march through central Paris carrying Palestinian flags, banners and symbolic displays denouncing the death penalty and Israel’s policies toward Palestinians, during a protest organized by CAPJPO-Europalestine, as French police officers monitor the procession, in Paris, France on April 9, 2026. [Ümit Dönmez – Anadolu Agency]

Amnesty International warned on Monday about the potential impact of a proposed French law aimed at penalising anti-Zionism, saying it could effectively make support for Palestinians a criminal offence.

In a statement posted on the X platform, the organisation’s France branch criticised what is known as the “Yadan law”, warning it could lead to “criminalising support for Palestinians”.

The statement said French MP Caroline Yadan plans to submit the bill to the National Assembly on 16 April, cautioning that it could open the door to “extremely serious abuses”.

The draft law, first introduced in November 2024, proposes penalties for denying the existence of the State of Israel or comparing it to the Nazi regime.

READ: Algerian president, Pope Leo XIV call for justice for Palestinians

The French parliament is set to begin debating the bill, titled “Combating new forms of antisemitism”, starting on 16th April.

Supporters of the Palestinian cause and left-wing lawmakers oppose the proposal, arguing it could be used to punish anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel under the guise of tackling antisemitism.

More than 500,000 people have signed a petition on the parliament’s website opposing the bill, while a protest against it was held in Paris on Sunday.

READ: Israeli army detains 30 Palestinians in West Bank raids

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Continue ReadingAmnesty warns French bill could criminalise solidarity with Palestinians

Hezbollah launches ‘hard-to-detect’ drone for first time: Israeli broadcaster

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Firefighters work where rockets fired by Hezbollah reportedly struck several locations in Nahariya, Israel’s northern Galilee region, on March 16, 2026. [Samir Abdalhade – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Hezbollah launched at least 40 drones towards northern Israel on Monday, causing significant damage. Among them was a drone deployed for the first time, equipped with an optical guidance system that makes it difficult to detect.

According to the broadcaster, one of the drones crashed in the settlement of Kiryat Shmona. 

It said only a small number of the drones were intercepted, while the rest struck targets, causing heavy damage, without providing further details.

Kan added that the new drone is considered an advanced aerial system, resistant to electronic warfare and difficult to detect or stop. It said the drone can manoeuvre inside buildings, carry up to 5 kilograms of explosives, and reach ranges of tens of kilometres.

Separately, the Israeli website Globes reported that Hezbollah has recently begun using FPV (first-person view) drones to target Israeli tanks and armoured personnel carriers in southern Lebanon.

READ: UNESCO-listed shrine destroyed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingHezbollah launches ‘hard-to-detect’ drone for first time: Israeli broadcaster

Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon and Tyre’s ancient citadel

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Smoke rises as the Israeli army carries out airstrikes on multiple locations in southern Lebanon on February 28, 2026. [Ramiz Dallah – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting the town of Qantara and the outskirts of Tibnin, while artillery shelling struck the ancient citadel of Tyre, a site listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

According to the Lebanese National News Agency, the citadel area includes the shrine and tomb of Prophet Simeon the Just, raising concerns over damage to cultural and historical heritage.

Israeli drones and artillery also targeted multiple towns and villages across southern Lebanon, amid continued escalation.

READ: UNESCO-listed shrine destroyed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

An earlier airstrike on the town of Bustan resulted in the deaths of several Syrian workers, while another strike on Nabatieh al-Fawqa killed a young man.

Israeli air operations have also extended to the southern suburbs of Beirut and areas in southeastern and northern Lebanon, alongside a ground incursion that began in mid-March.

The escalation follows ongoing hostilities since 2nd March, after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli-controlled areas in response to US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28th February.

Israeli airstrikes continue across Lebanon, contributing to rising casualties and increasing concerns over further regional escalation.

READ: Algerian president, Pope Leo XIV call for justice for Palestinians

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingIsraeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon and Tyre’s ancient citadel