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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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France Closes Israeli Arms Displays at Paris Airshow, Sparking Diplomatic Tensions


France has shut down four major Israeli weapons stands at the Paris Airshow, citing concerns over the display of offensive weaponry. The decision, which affected Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Uvision, has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials and defense companies.

French authorities reportedly instructed Israeli firms to remove offensive or kinetic weapons from their exhibits. When they refused, organizers erected black partition walls, effectively isolating the Israeli industry pavilions from the rest of the exhibition. The move comes amid growing tensions between France and Israel, particularly regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its recent strikes on Iran.

Israel’s defense ministry condemned the decision as "outrageous and unprecedented," accusing France of using political and commercial motives to exclude Israeli defense products. Industry leaders also voiced frustration, with IAI’s president likening the partitions to historical segregation, while Elbit Systems’ senior vice president suggested France was attempting to stifle competition.

The Paris Airshow’s organizers have stated they are working to mediate the situation and find a resolution. However, the incident underscores the shifting dynamics in France-Israel relations and the broader debate over arms sales and military ethics on the global stage.

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