Epal European Palestinian Media Center Bulletin, Issue No. 2500, Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

1. Eleven Killed, Including Jabalia Police Chief, Amid Continued Israeli Ceasefire Violations
Israeli forces continued to violate the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip through demolitions, shelling, and gunfire in various parts of the territory.
Eleven Palestinians were killed, including one who later succumbed to previous injuries, while several others were wounded in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, as violations of the ceasefire agreement continue.

2. Smotrich: NIS 1.3 Billion Allocated for the Construction of 34 Settlements in the West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the allocation of NIS 1.3 billion (approximately $434 million) for the construction of 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In a statement, Smotrich described the decision by the Israeli Security and Political Cabinet approving the budget as “historic” and “a day of celebration for Israel and the settlements.”

He added: “We are strengthening Israel’s security, eliminating the idea of establishing a terrorist state in the heart of the country, and reinforcing our control over the West Bank.”

3. “Umm Lison”: Palestinian Neighborhood Faces Jerusalem’s Largest Settlement Project
Israeli authorities plan to transform Umm Lison, a densely populated Palestinian neighborhood of around 800 homes located between Jabal al-Mukabber and Sur Baher in occupied East Jerusalem, into what would become the largest settlement neighborhood in the city.
The move is viewed as a significant escalation aimed at expanding Israeli settlements in the heart of Palestinian communities and fundamentally altering the area’s urban character.

4. Marwan Barghouti Injured by Rubber Bullet Inside Israeli Prison
According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Information Office, citing the wife of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, he was shot in the leg at point-blank range with a rubber bullet by an Israeli prison guard, sustaining injuries and bleeding during a new assault inside the prison.
Fadwa Barghouti stated that the family learned of the incident after their latest visit, adding that the assault coincided with what she described as an incitement report issued by the Israeli Prison Service, amid growing international calls for his release aimed at undermining his symbolic national status.

5. Digital Campaign Calls for the Release of Southern Gaza Ambulance Director Dr. Anis Al-Astal
The family of imprisoned physician Dr. Anis Al-Astal announced the continuation of its digital and public campaign under the hashtag #FreeDrAnisAlAstal, calling for urgent international intervention to pressure Israel to release him immediately and end what they describe as his arbitrary detention.
Israeli forces detained Dr. Al-Astal, director of the ambulance unit in southern Gaza, on December 2, 2023, while he was leading an internationally coordinated medical convoy with the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate wounded and sick patients from Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

6. Rise in Fetal Deaths in Gaza Amid the Ongoing War
The Ministry of Health recorded 921 cases during the past month. The bodies of 19 newborn infants and miscarried fetuses are currently being kept at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Doctors say the continuing war, the blockade, Israeli attacks, malnutrition, forced displacement, and the collapse of healthcare services have contributed to increasing rates of miscarriage and congenital abnormalities among fetuses.

7. Video: Israeli Settlers Assault Journalists in the West Bank
Israeli settlers reportedly attacked journalists working for CNN with clubs and knives in the Binyamin Regional Council settlement area in the central occupied West Bank.
Europe
8. Delegation from the Palestinians in Europe Conference Offers Condolences to Qatar on the Passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
A delegation from the Palestinians in Europe Conference, including Majed Al-Zeer and Amin Abu Rashid, visited the State of Qatar’s Consulate General in Istanbul to offer condolences on the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The delegation was received by Consul General Nayef bin Jassim and members of the diplomatic staff.

The delegation stated that the late Emir left a lasting legacy through his support for the Palestinian cause and Arab and Islamic issues. They also praised Qatar’s support for the Palestinian people, particularly during the war in Gaza, as well as his contribution to the development of Arab media through the establishment of Al Jazeera.

Europe
9. Dozens of German Lawmakers Call on Israel to Release Detained Gaza Doctors
Fifty members of the German Parliament have called on Israel to release Palestinian doctors detained from the Gaza Strip unless “credible and legally verifiable charges” are brought against them.
In an open letter published by the German Press Agency (dpa), the lawmakers expressed concern over the detention conditions of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. They called for adequate medical care for him and other detained doctors, as well as the disclosure and legal review of any charges brought against them in accordance with the rule of law.

10. Red Ribbons Campaign Calls for Immediate Implementation of Decision to Resume Red Cross Visits to Palestinian Prisoners
The “Red Ribbons for the Release of Hostages and Palestinian Prisoners” campaign called on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to take urgent action to ensure the immediate implementation of the Israeli Supreme Court’s decision issued on June 3, 2026, which lifted the blanket ban on ICRC visits to Palestinian prisoners.
The campaign stated that although the ruling represents an important legal step, its real value depends on its practical implementation through the resumption of regular, independent humanitarian visits, which have been suspended since October 2023, allowing monitoring of prisoners’ conditions and safeguarding their humanitarian rights.

11. European Union Continues Preparing Trade Restrictions on Israeli Settlements
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced that EU ambassadors have been tasked with continuing work on measures to impose trade restrictions targeting Israeli settlements.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said ministers discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip. She also noted that the second meeting of the Palestine Donors Group, held alongside the ministers’ meeting, succeeded in raising approximately €900 million.

12. Weekly Protests Continue in Leicester Condemning the War in Gaza
Demonstrators gathered for the 52nd consecutive week despite difficult weather conditions to protest what they describe as international complicity and to demand the immediate and unconditional release of kidnapped pediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who they say was detained because of his humanitarian and medical work treating Gaza’s children.
Organizers of the movement in the United Kingdom reaffirmed their rejection of silence or retreat, stressing their determination to continue public pressure and expand boycott campaigns until the Palestinian people achieve full freedom.

13. Calls to Halt the Rosebank Oil Project Over Alleged Support for Israel
The calls are based on reports suggesting that profits from the Rosebank oil project could benefit Ithaca Energy, a company owned by the Delek Group, which has faced criticism over its activities in conflict zones and alleged fuel supplies to military entities.
The petition also urges the British government to review fossil fuel licenses granted to companies found to be involved in supporting activities considered illegal in the Palestinian territories, while calling for stronger diplomatic efforts to end the humanitarian crisis and ensure compliance with international law.

14. Palestinian Flag Raised at the Irish National Cross Country Championships
The 2026 Irish National Cross Country Championships witnessed visible displays of solidarity with the Palestinian people, as athletes and event organizers raised Palestinian flags and wore keffiyehs during the official competitions held in Lanesborough, County Longford.
The initiative took place over the weekend with the support and organization of the group “Irish Athletes for Palestine,” affirming public and sporting opposition in Ireland to Israeli actions.

15. Church of England Approves “Gaza Genocide” Document and Votes to Review Investments Linked to Israel
The General Synod of the Church of England voted overwhelmingly, by 253 votes to 47, in favor of a historic motion committing the Church to solidarity with the Palestinian people and support for nonviolent resistance to the Israeli occupation, after four years of postponement.
Meeting in York, the Synod also pledged to engage with the declarations of Kairos Palestine, including its 2025 document describing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide and an attempt to erase the Palestinian presence.

16. Police Arrest Activists Who Blocked Entrance to Rheinmetall Office in Berlin
German police dispersed a protest organized outside the Berlin offices of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.
Forty anti-war activists blocked access to the company’s offices in protest against what they described as the company’s profits from weapons deals used to kill civilians and fuel military rearmament.

International
17. Activist Virgie Chambers Arrested in Spain Over Gaza Relief Funding Investigation
Spanish authorities on the island of Ibiza arrested American activist and billionaire Virgie Chambers following an extradition request and an international arrest warrant issued by the United States. Human rights advocates described the move as politically motivated retaliation targeting individuals who finance solidarity initiatives and humanitarian relief efforts for the Gaza Strip.
Chambers appeared before a Spanish judge, who denied his release on bail pending extradition to the United States, where he faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years. U.S. prosecutors have charged him with international money laundering and conspiracy, alleging that he transferred $7.5 million in material support to Hamas after leaving the United States in 2023.

18. Washington Considers Sanctions Against the International Criminal Court to Protect U.S. and Israeli Officials
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering imposing travel restrictions, revoking visas, and expanding economic sanctions against judges and officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), while also pressuring several countries to withdraw from the Court and cut its funding.
According to the report, these measures are intended to weaken the Court’s ability to operate and isolate it diplomatically, in response to investigations involving U.S. military operations and legal proceedings targeting Israeli leaders over alleged crimes committed during the war.

19. Pro-Israel Demonstrators Confront Anti-War Protesters Outside The New York Times
Tensions erupted outside the headquarters of The New York Times after demonstrators supporting Israel confronted activists protesting against the war in Gaza with mocking remarks and chants denying alleged crimes committed in the territory.
The confrontation occurred during a sit-in and demonstration organized by activists accusing the newspaper of media bias and editorial support for Israel’s military campaign.

20. Journalist Challenges the European Commission Over Claims of Aid to Gaza
Walid Nassar, Executive Director of Ajyal Radio Network, publicly challenged a European Commissioner by questioning why even cigarette lighters are reportedly prevented from entering the Gaza Strip.
Nassar argued that Gaza’s residents are struggling to obtain the most basic necessities of life and questioned the value of European pledges of billions of euros in aid while, according to him, the international community remains unable to ensure the entry of essential everyday supplies.

21. Employees Distance Themselves from Chubb During Protest Over Alleged Links to Israeli Arms Industry
Workers and activists continued protesting outside Sentinel Building in the United Kingdom against the global insurance company Chubb. According to the report, several employees and workers entering the building publicly insisted that they did not work for the company, seeking to avoid being associated with its activities.
The protests stem from Chubb’s alleged provision of insurance coverage and liability protection to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense manufacturer. Protesters argue that this relationship enables the continued production of military drones used in the war in Gaza.

22. Katz: Gaza’s Destruction Is a Deliberate Policy
In remarks described as an explicit acknowledgment of Israeli policy in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated during a visit to northern Gaza that the widespread destruction he observed was “the result of a deliberate policy,” adding that seeing it gave him “a good feeling.”
In an interview broadcast by Israel’s Channel 14, Katz also said he intends to establish three military-oriented settlement outposts in the Gaza Strip.

23. International Campaign Launched Against Sexual Violence Toward Palestinian Prisoners
Palestinian prisoner advocacy organizations, together with several former detainees, have launched an international campaign against sexual violence targeting Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention facilities.
The press conference, held at the Al-Bireh Municipality Hall, was attended by representatives of prisoner advocacy groups, human rights organizations, and several former detainees who stated that they had been subjected to sexual violence, including rape, while imprisoned in Israeli prisons.