Going full antisemitic

Hi Global Recap readers,

Guess what? You can now listen to our newsletter.

If you want to multitask and keep up with us while running errands, just click Read Online in the top right corner of the email, then hit the play button.

It’s a game-changer for staying in the loop while on the go!

🇵🇸 GAZA
Hamas Names New Leader

After rumors circulated online, it appears that Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as the new leader of its political bureau following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.

This move signals a continuation of the group’s radical stance since the October 7 attack on Israel.

Sinwar’s Appointment

Before being announced as the overall leader of Hamas, Sinwar was the group’s chief in Gaza.

• Sinwar has been hiding in Gaza, dodging Israeli attempts to kill him, which earned him the derogatory nickname “Tunnel Sinwar.”

• Sinwar’s leadership is expected to make ceasefire negotiations more challenging.

Background

Sinwar has a long history with Hamas and a reputation as a ruthless enforcer.

• He spent half his adult life in Israeli prisons.

• Sinwar was elected as Hamas’ leader in Gaza in 2017.

• He is considered one of the most powerful Hamas leaders left alive.

Ceasefire Talks

Efforts to reach a ceasefire continue, but Sinwar’s appointment complicates matters.

• Sinwar is expected to have the final word on any ceasefire agreement.

• The White House has declined to comment on his appointment.

• Negotiations are ongoing, but mutual recriminations from Hamas and Israel persist.

Regional Tensions

The appointment has heightened tensions in the region, with Israel and Iran on high alert.

• Israel braces for a potential attack from Iran following Haniyeh’s assassination.

• The region is on the brink of a wider conflict, with ongoing rocket fire from Gaza.

🇻🇪 VENEZUELA
Maduro’s Blaming “Zionism” Now

He’s pointed fingers at his opposition. He’s even blamed Elon Musk.

Now, his new target? The Jews.

Blaming the Jews

While the majority of the world does not recognize his election victory due to evidence of voter suppression and outright rigging of numbers, Maduro is taking a page out of the antisemitism playbook.

• He is accusing Jews of controlling the media and driving the opposition.

• Maduro claims “international Zionist” forces were behind the recent protests against Maduro’s alleged election fraud.

Opposition Crackdown

At the same time, Maduro continues to suppress opposition leaders and supporters.

• On Monday, Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek Saab, launched a criminal probe against opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and leader Maria Corina Machado.

• This follows their letter urging the country’s security forces to “stand by the people” protesting President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed July 28 election victory.

• Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is leading protests despite threats.

🇯🇵 JAPAN
Nagasaki Snubs Israel

US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel will not attend this year’s atomic bombing memorial service in Nagasaki on Friday due to Israel’s exclusion.

Note: Hiroshima was bombed on August 6, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.

Decision to Skip

• The US Embassy stated the decision was “politicized” by Nagasaki’s exclusion of Israel.

• Emanuel will honor the victims at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo instead.

Nagasaki’s Stance

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki explained the decision.

• Suzuki cited concerns over potential protests or attacks due to the Middle East conflict.

• He emphasized the need for a peaceful and solemn atmosphere.

Hiroshima’s Approach

Hiroshima took a different approach by inviting the Israeli ambassador.

• The Hiroshima ceremony included 50,000 attendees, including Emanuel and other envoys.

• Palestinian representatives were not invited to Hiroshima’s ceremony.

International Reaction

Envoys from other nations expressed concern over Israel’s exclusion.

• Five Group of Seven nations and the European Union will send lower-ranking envoys to Nagasaki.

• They urged Nagasaki to reverse the decision to maintain the ceremony’s universal message.

🇨🇳 CHINA
Drones Buzz Neighbor’s Airspace

China’s military drones have been making waves, quite literally, as they were spotted flying along the coast of Vietnam twice in the past week.

This comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Recent Drone Flights

Chinese drones were detected near Vietnam on August 2 and 7.

• The drones, identified as WZ-10s, flew from Hainan Island into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

• These flights were tracked by Flightradar24, marking the first time such military flights were visible for tracking.

Drone Capabilities

The WZ-10 drones are no ordinary flying machines.

• They boast semi-stealth characteristics, making them less visible to radar.

• With a cruise speed of 385 mph and an endurance of 20 hours, these drones are built for long missions.

Joint Exercises

In the meantime, Vietnam and the Philippines are gearing up for joint Coast Guard training exercises.

• The drills aim to enhance maritime cooperation between the two countries.

• Scheduled to start on Friday, these exercises come at a time of heightened regional tensions.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Ukraine Pierces Russian Border

Russia is currently engaged in intense battles against Ukrainian forces that have penetrated the Kursk region, marking one of the largest incursions since the war began in February 2022.

While Ukraine asserts that “Russia does not control the border,” Russia maintains that it is still battling Ukraine’s incursion.

Major Battles

Russia reports ongoing fierce battles in the Kursk region.

• Ukrainian forces have penetrated the border, leading to intense fighting.

• Russia claims to have destroyed 50 armored vehicles, including tanks and personnel carriers.

• The fighting is concentrated around the border town of Sudzha.

Strategic Importance

The battles are happening at a crucial juncture in the war.

• Sudzha is the last operational trans-shipping point for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine.

• The Kursk region is also home to a significant nuclear power station.

• Both sides are vying for a stronger bargaining position ahead of potential peace talks.

Civilian Impact

Unfortunately, civilians are caught in the crossfire as well.

• A Ukrainian attack drone hit an ambulance, killing the driver and a paramedic.

• A cathedral and other buildings were set ablaze by Ukrainian shelling, though no injuries were reported.

• Medical institutions in the region are replenishing blood supplies in response to the conflict.