Key facts
- Four UK pro-Palestine activists were sentenced to prison for a raid on an Israeli arms company.
- The Israeli military intercepted drones near the Lebanon border.
- France and Qatar expressed optimism about a potential US-Iran agreement.
- Hezbollah claimed attacks on Israeli military targets in southern Lebanon.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned an event promoting illegal Israeli settlement land sales.
- India protested the deaths of three Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz.
Four pro-Palestine activists from the group Palestinian Action have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from five to eight years for a raid on an Israeli arms company's site in Bristol. Judge Jeremy Johnson at Woolwich Crown Court described the August 2024 raid on Elbit Systems as a "terrorist act." The activists stated their goal was to dismantle drones and weaponry they believed would be used in Gaza.
In parallel diplomatic developments, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed cautious optimism about a potential peace deal between the US and Iran, urging both sides to seize the opportunity. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi indicated that an agreement could be reached in the coming days, describing it as a two-stage process focusing first on ending the war and then on sensitive political issues like the nuclear file and sanctions.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed held calls with his Turkish and Saudi counterparts, discussing progress in the negotiations and expressing hope for a swift signing of an agreement. Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also discussed the negotiations with the Qatari Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported intercepting drones near the Lebanon border and stated another drone fell within Israeli territory. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli Merkava tank and soldiers in southern Lebanon.
Separately, London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned an event promoting illegal Israeli settlement land sales in the occupied West Bank. India also reiterated its strong protest to the US over the deaths of three Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz.