A number of Palestinians lost their lives following Israeli airstrikes targeting a well-known café in Gaza. At the same time, Israeli troops shot at Palestinian individuals close to an area where humanitarian supplies were being distributed. More details from Axofa follow.
Scores of Palestinians killed as Israeli forces open fire across Gaza
British authorities examining incident during Glastonbury performance following pro-Palestinian slogans directed against Israeli military forces
Iran sets official fatality count from 12-day conflict at 935
European nations denounce Iran's "threats" directed at the United Nations' atomic energy agency.
Here’s an overview of key events involving Gaza, Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle Eastern conflict as they unfolded on Monday, June 30:
An Israeli airstrike hits a beachside café in Gaza, resulting in at least 20 fatalities.
A strike from the air hit a café in Gaza City on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least twenty individuals, as reported by local medical officials and eyewitnesses.
Al-Baqa Café served as a favored meeting point for individuals looking for Wi-Fi connectivity, electrical power outlets, and a setting suitable for working remotely.
A witness present in the café at the moment recounted to The Associated Press: “Suddenly, a military aircraft struck the building, causing tremors akin to an earthquake.”
According to a report by Reuters news agency, medical personnel stated that among those affected were women, children, and a regional reporter.
The strike occurred following Israel's issuance of an evacuation directive covering extensive areas in northern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces stated they were examining details regarding the airstrikes, noting that their operations focused on militant targets in northern Gaza, such as communication hubs and leadership structures. They also mentioned efforts being made to reduce civilian casualties during these actions.
British court dismisses case brought by Palestinian organization accusing U.K. of providing Israel with components for combat aircraft
A Palestinian human rights organization called Al-Haq has failed in its legal challenge against the UK government over arms exports to Israel, including components for F-35 combat aircraft and various defense materials.
The human rights organization claims that these transactions breach both UK and global legal standards, potentially implicating the British government in alleged wartime offenses committed against Palestinians.
A government representative stated that the decision demonstrated the existence of strict regulations governing exports.
Al-Haq and allied organizations such as the UK-based Global Legal Action Network, Amnesty International, and Oxfam called the decision a disheartening disappointment.
“Regardless of today’s result, this case has amplified the voices of the Palestinian people and garnered considerable public backing, and this is only the beginning,” stated Shawan Jabarin, Al-Haq's General Director.
WATCH: British law enforcement examining performances at Glastonbury from Kneecap, Bob Vylan
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WATCH: U.K. authorities revisiting acts performed at Glastonbury by Kneecap and Bob Vylan
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WATCH: Police in England analyzing stage appearances made at Glastonbury Festival featuring artists Kneecap and Bob Vylan
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WATCH: United Kingdom officers going over footage of Glastonbury concert sets delivered by bands Kneecap and Bob Vylan
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WATCH: Metropolitan forces studying performance recordings taken during Glastonbury’s shows with groups Kneecap & Bob Vylan
Iran says over 900 individuals have been killed due to Israeli attacks throughout the conflict.
State media reported on Monday that 935 individuals lost their lives in Iran over the course of the 12-day conflict with Israel, according to a statement from an official representative of the country’s judicial system.
The deceased included 38 children and 132 women.
This represents a significant rise compared to the earlier count reported by Iran's Health Ministry, which stood at 610.
Based in Washington, the organization Human Rights Activists announced this past weekend that their findings indicate more than 1,190 individuals have lost their lives.
Israeli civilians residing in settlements assault military personnel and law enforcement officers in the occupied West Bank region.
On Monday, the Israeli military reported that Israeli settlers attacked both soldiers and police officers, as well as damaged military vehicles and a security facility in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli media reported that the settlers aimed at the commander of the Binyamin Regional Brigade outpost in the West Bank, labeling him a "traitor."
This follows another settler assault from last week that left at least three Palestinians dead.
On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz convened a gathering of all security agencies to address the recent event.
Fire from Israeli forces leads to multiple fatalities near an aid distribution location close to Gaza.
Witnesses, medical facilities, and health officials reported that at least 22 individuals lost their lives and around 20 more sustained injuries as a result of Israeli gunfire during an attempt to access urgently required humanitarian assistance in southern Gaza.
The event occurred approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) away from the Gaza Humanitarian Fund location, where assistance is provided to Palestinians, many of whom were returning home via the sole available path after receiving supplies at the distribution point.
Gaza local Yousef Mahmoud Mokhimar reported to the Associated Press: 'They shot at us without discrimination.'
He stated that he had been wounded in the leg, adding that another individual was injured during an attempt to save him.
Over 500 Palestinians have lost their lives during attempts to access humanitarian assistance within the last month via the U.S.- and Israeli-supported aid distribution initiative.
Israel has expressed interest in normalizing relations with both Syria and Lebanon, according to statements made by the country’s foreign minister.
Amid an ongoing conflict in the heavily damaged Gaza Strip that has lasted beyond two years, Israel indicated its openness to pursuing additional normalization agreements with neighboring Arab countries.
"Israel seeks to broaden the circle of peace and normalization under the framework known as the Abraham Accords," stated Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar during a press briefing, referencing U.S.-brokered deals from 2020 between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
He continued, "We are interested in including neighboring countries such as Syria and Lebanon within the scope of peace and normalization efforts, all while ensuring the protection of Israel’s fundamental security concerns."
Alongside the conflict in Gaza, Israel has been involved in hostilities with the Iranian-supported Lebanese armed group Hezbollah starting from October 2023. By October 2024, Israeli troops initiated a land offensive, followed by a truce agreement the subsequent month aimed at ensuring the withdrawal of both Israeli and Hezbollah forces from southern Lebanon.
Since the removal of dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has increased its attacks on sites within Syria, deploying forces into a previously demilitarized area inside the country, such as the strategically important Mount Hermon region on the Syrian side.
"Any peace deal must ensure that the Golan stays as part of the State of Israel," stated Saar, speaking about the area captured by Israel from Syria in 1967 and subsequently annexed—a decision still unrecognized by the United Nations.
The E3 nations denounce Tehran's "threats" directed at the IAEA.
France, Germany, and the UK have denounced what they described as "intimidation tactics" directed at the director general of the UN atomic energy agency following Iran’s refusal to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency access to its damaged nuclear facilities.
"France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce all threats directed at the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, and reaffirm our unwavering backing for the organization," stated Foreign Ministers Jean-Noël Barrot, Johann Wadephul, and David Lammy in a shared declaration.
The three nations urged Tehran to "avoid taking any actions to halt collaboration with the IAEA" and to "promptly restore complete cooperation in accordance with its legal commitments."
The trio of nations forms the E3 group, working together on international and defense issues, with a primary focus on Iran’s atomic energy initiatives.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, denounced IAEA director general Rafael Grossi for insisting on touring the nuclear facilities struck by Israel and the United States amid the latest conflict. He described this demand as “pointless at best and potentially driven by ill intentions.”
On Monday, Tehran restated its stance but softened its refusal, stating that it was unable to ensure the security of IAEA inspectors.
"How can they expect us to guarantee the safety and protection of the agency’s inspectors when just a few days ago, Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites came under attack?" said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei during a press briefing.
On June 13, Israel attacked Iranian nuclear and military facilities, leading Tehran to retaliate and triggering a 12-day conflict during which the United States also targeted three Iranian nuclear sites. The fighting came to an end when U.S. President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire.
A day prior to the Israeli attacks, the IAEA council adopted a resolution criticizing Iran for failing to meet its nuclear commitments. Iranian officials have claimed that this resolution served as a pretext for military action.
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Tensions continue to run high in the area following Tehran's refusal of a request from the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect sites struck by Israeli and U.S. airstrikes earlier this month.
Britain, France, and Germany—three European nations—strongly criticized what they described as Iran’s “threatening behavior.” In response, Tehran justified its stance, stating it was unable to ensure the security of inspectors from the international monitoring agency.
Israeli authorities criticized an assault allegedly carried out by settlers in the occupied West Bank against soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel has an interest in establishing normalized relations with its Arab neighbors, Syria and Lebanon.
Stay updated with the most recent developments in the Middle East through this blog, covering events in countries such as Iran, Israel, and Gaza.