Hundreds gathered in Nablus, West Bank, to mourn US-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was killed by Israeli forces while protesting against Israeli settlements in Beita. Eygi was honored with a procession by Palestinian security forces and her death was condemned by Turkiye and labeled "tragic" by the United States. Since the conflict's escalation following Hamas’s October 7 attack, over 662 Palestinians and at least 23 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized that open trade alone is insufficient to bridge the economic gap between wealthy and developing nations. In its 2024 report, the WTO highlighted that lower-income countries engage less in international trade and receive fewer investments, suggesting that comprehensive strategies integrating open trade with supportive policies are necessary to enhance inclusiveness.

On a lighter note, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has announced she has completed chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer and will resume public duties within the coming months. The 42-year-old wife of Prince William anticipates a light schedule of engagements through the end of the year, following her recent appearances at King Charles III’s ceremonial birthday parade and Wimbledon.

However, back on the international front, UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned Afghanistan's latest "vice and virtue" laws that severely restrict women's rights, labeling them as "outrageous" and "unparalleled." These laws, enforced by the Taliban government, include restrictions on women raising their voices, singing, and reading poetry aloud, along with mandating full body and face coverings, which Turk stressed severely suppress women’s freedoms.

Turning to the UK, Baron Carlile of Berriew, a Jewish member of the House of Lords, supported Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to partially suspend Britain's arms sales to Israel due to legal concerns. The suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses was announced by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy amid fears of potential violations in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

And over in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih reinforced the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering an open and competitive investment environment under Vision 2030 strategies. Al-Falih emphasized Saudi Arabia’s active participation in global forums, robust economic management, and plans to attract international investment by promoting near-shoring and green energy, striving to position the country as an appealing global investment hub.