Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, Updates from Gaza and Syria. Plus, the EU and the US play tariff chicken. Locally, PTI launches protest drive, thousands in Bajaur rally for peace, and new agri-trade authority established.

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Around The World

Updates from Gaza. Ten people, including six children, have been killed in an air strike while waiting to fill water containers in central Gaza on Sunday. The airstrike comes as talks on agreeing a new ceasefire deal and hostage release continue in Doha, with faded optimism that an agreement can be quickly reached.

Meanwhile, criticisms of Israel’s plan to set up an internment camp in Gaza are growing, with an Israeli opposition leader saying it would amount to a “concentration camp” if Palestinians there are not allowed to leave. Eight United Nations agencies in Gaza have said they may have to stop their operations in Gaza entirely without adequate fuel, as UNRWA said another infant has died of malnutrition on Sunday.

Two to tango. The European Union has delayed retaliatory tariffs on exports from the US as officials scramble to reach a trade deal with Washington ahead of Trump’s deadline. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said that the bloc would extend its suspension of countermeasures as it continued negotiations. The EU’s announcement comes after Trump unveiled plans to slap a 30 percent tariff on European and Mexican exports from August 1. 

Clashes in Syria. At least 30 people have been killed in clashes in southern Syria as authorities sent forces to de-escalate the situation. Scores of people were also injured in the violence between Bedouin Sunni tribes and fighters from the Druze religious minority in the city of Sweida. Fighting between different minority groups has escalated since the collapse of the Assad regime in December.

Pakistan

Tea party. PTI’s top leadership and lawmakers arrived in Lahore on Saturday to formally launch a nationwide protest movement aimed at securing the release of Imran Khan ahead of the two-year anniversary of his imprisonment. The leaders, after holding discussions in Islamabad, set up camp at a farmhouse in Raiwind, despite police raids and arrests of some PTI workers. During a late-night meeting, CM Gandapur emphasized provincial-level protest planning, criticized the establishment’s unofficial control over the country, and urged party members to escalate protests. 

Peace & persist. Thousands of people in Bajaur gathered on Sunday for a peace rally to protest against rising lawlessness and targeted killings, following the murder of peace activist Maulana Khan Zeb. Organized by locals, the rally featured white flags and banners calling for peace and drew a massive turnout, making it the largest such gathering in the district. 

Speakers, including lawmakers and party leaders, condemned the deteriorating security situation, criticized federal and provincial authorities for inaction, and warned of larger protests if peace was not restored. They paid tribute to Khan Zeb’s efforts for peace, with all markets and public transport in the district shut down in solidarity.

Crop cops. Pakistan has established the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) under the reform drive of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) — a civil-military body formed in 2023 to fast-track investment in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, IT, and defense production (👀). The move aims to modernize the agriculture sector, improve food safety standards, and boost export competitiveness as part of broader economic reforms to attract foreign investment and enhance transparency in a sector that contributes 19% to Pakistan’s GDP and employs nearly 38% of its workforce.

What Else Is Happening?

⚽Chelsea delivered a shocking 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer scored two superb goals and created another for Joao Pedro, cinching the victory.

🪙Bitcoin crossed the $120,000 level for the first time on Monday, marking a milestone for the world's largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week.