missiles

Court binds Oroklini weapons cache suspects to trial, seeks motive

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Court binds Oroklini weapons cache suspects to trial, seeks motive

Two men, aged 46 and 35, were remanded in custody and committed for trial on July 1 in connection with a large weapons cache found in an Oroklini cemetery. The defendants face serious charges related to possessing explosives and firearms without a license. The cache, believed to be linked to underworld figures, included an array of weapons such as missiles, explosives, and a silenced pistol. Police are awaiting forensic results to determine if the weapons were used in past crimes and to identify potential accomplices through fingerprints or DNA evidence. Bail was rejected for both suspects, who will await trial in Central Prisons.

Russia says it will strike British targets if UK weapons are used to hit its territory

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Russia says it will strike British targets if UK weapons are used to hit its territory

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow will retaliate with strikes on British targets if British weapons are used by Ukraine to strike Russian territory. This warning was issued in response to British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s statement that Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to hit targets inside Russia. Russia has decided to hold exercises this month to simulate the launch of tactical nuclear missiles in reaction to this remark.

Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

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Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

Ukraine launched a major attack on Crimea and Russian regions with missiles and drones, causing an oil refinery in southern Russia to halt operations. Russian air defenses shot down the missiles and drones. The Ukrainian-launched drones carried bigger charges than previous attacks, including steel balls. Russia has reported a rise in Ukrainian attacks on its territory, prompting President Putin to carve out a buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine. The White House reiterated its policy of not encouraging Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against Russian territory. Russia captured a village in Kharkiv region and considers Crimea and other regions part of Russia, while Ukraine and its allies reject this stance. President Zelenskiy is determined to eject all Russian troops from Ukraine and expects Russia to escalate its offensive. Ukraine lacks sufficient air defenses to defend itself, and the West is concerned about the outcome of a potential defeat for Russia.

Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as Israel faces World Court challenge

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Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as Israel faces World Court challenge

Israeli forces engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters in Jabalia, Gaza, while militants attacked tanks in Rafah. The U.S. military started delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza. Residents reported destruction in Jabalia, with homes and shops being demolished. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have killed over 60 militants in recent days. The conflict has led to widespread hunger and a collapsed medical system in Gaza. Over 630,000 people have been displaced in Rafah since the military offensive started. Israel is facing accusations of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza.

Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises – and what to watch for?

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Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises – and what to watch for?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will involve missile forces in the Southern Military District, alongside aviation and navy units, with Belarus also participating. The significance lies in linking the drills to current tensions, with mock warheads likely to be used in training exercises. The message is seen as nuclear signaling to deter NATO and the West from escalating the conflict in Ukraine. There is speculation about Russia’s potential use of tactical nuclear weapons defensively, rather than offensively on the battlefield.

Banning UK arms exports to Israel would strengthen Hamas, UK’s Cameron says

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Banning UK arms exports to Israel would strengthen Hamas, UK’s Cameron says

David Cameron stated that stopping British arms sales to Israel if it launches a ground assault on Rafah in the Gaza Strip would strengthen Hamas. Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate more of the southern city as it prepares for a ground attack, despite U.S. President Joe Biden’s threat to withhold weapons. Cameron believes that Britain should not support an operation in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. He mentioned that less than 1% of Israel’s weapons come from Britain and are controlled by a strict licensing system. Cameron suggested that changing the approach to arms exports could strengthen Hamas and make a hostage deal less likely.

Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

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Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.

Could Israel keep the lights on and water running during a regional war?

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Could Israel keep the lights on and water running during a regional war?

Israeli utilities have prepared for the possibility of conflict with Gaza by deploying backup generators and filling water reservoirs. The Energy Minister reassured Israelis that there is no need to panic about blackouts as Israel has multiple sources of electricity generation. Concerns have arisen about potential damage to critical infrastructure if a full conflict with Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement occurs. State-owned utilities are stockpiling inventory and fixing damaged equipment along the Gaza and Lebanon fronts. National water carrier Mekorot has filled reservoirs and set up backup power systems to ensure water supply for at least a week. Check Point Software Technologies has reported a doubling of cyber attacks on Israeli organizations, with many attributed to Iranian groups. Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that Israel has the ability to generate electricity from various sources across the country in case of emergencies.

France shares more proposals with Israel over southern Lebanon

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France shares more proposals with Israel over southern Lebanon

French officials have proposed measures to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as the cross-border strikes between the two sides have been escalating over the past six months. The proposals aim to implement U.N. resolution 1701 and include Hezbollah pulling back 10km from the Israeli border and Israel halting strikes in southern Lebanon. France, with historical ties to Lebanon, is trying to work as an intermediary to prevent a wider regional conflict.

Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

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Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

Eli Harel, a former Israeli soldier, is prepared to rejoin the army to fight Hezbollah if a full-blown war breaks out. Hezbollah has been engaging in escalating cross-border strikes with Israel, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. Thousands of residents on both sides of the border have been displaced, increasing calls for military action against Hezbollah. The Israeli military is preparing for a potential war with Hezbollah, which could result in massive destruction in both countries.