Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Norway sanction two Israeli ministers

Ben-Gvir at Israeli demonstration

On Tuesday, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and Australia imposed sanctions on Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich.

The 5 countries released a joint statement alleging that  Ben-Gvir and Smotrich incited “extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.” 

The statement reads, 

Israel intercepts aid ship and detains activists
Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound Madleen aid ship in the early hours of June 9th and detained the 12 activists on board. 
Tamil Canadians condemn racist targeting of Minister Gary Anandasangaree

Tamil organisations across Canada have strongly condemned recent racist and xenophobic attacks targeting Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, warning that such narratives seek to undermine the Tamil Canadian community.

Sri Lanka deploys heavy security as Tamil protests over illegal Buddhist temple continue
An injunction has been issued by the occupying Sri Lankan police in Jaffna against 27 individuals and organisations, as Tamil protests continued against the illegal construction of the Buddhist vihara on privately owned Tamil land.
Center for Peace and Reconciliation ask Sinhalese not to visit occupying temples
The Center for Peace and Reconciliation based in Kilinochchi has issued an appeal to the Sinhalese public to refrain from visiting illegally constructed Buddhist viharas in the North-East, as their construction in the Tamil homeland continues.
British woman faces dire prison conditions in Sri Lanka as drug smuggling case continues
A young British woman accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into Sri Lanka has described the appalling conditions of the overcrowded prison where she is currently being held, as her legal case slowly proceeds through the courts.
UK government confirms ongoing war crimes investigation into British mercenaries in Sri Lanka
The UK government has confirmed that an investigation remains ongoing into allegations that British mercenaries, including former SAS soldiers, may have been involved in the commission of war crimes against Tamils alongside the Sri Lankan military.
Ponnambalam calls for Chemmani site to be officially declared a mass grave
Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and Jaffna parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has urged the Sri Lankan government to officially designate the Chemmani site in Jaffna as a mass grave and to provide immediate funding and protection for the ongoing excavation process.
LGBTQ+ annual Pride Walk held in Jaffna

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Jaffna organised the annual Pride Walk this week, drawing participants from across the Northern Province to call for equality, dignity, and an end to discrimination.

The march began at Nallur Sangiliyan Park and concluded at Ariyakulam Junction, with participants carrying rainbow flags, banners, and placards bearing messages of inclusivity and acceptance. 

Amnesty International calls for transparency in Chemmani mass grave excavations
Amnesty International has urged Sri Lankan authorities to ensure transparency, adequate resourcing, and international standards in the ongoing excavations at the Chemmani-Sindubathi mass grave site in Jaffna, warning that without proper oversight, the process risks failing victims and survivors once again.
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