**Summary:** A Spanish court has sentenced David Sánchez, the brother of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to nine years of ineligibility for public office after finding him guilty of administrative prevarication.

**Key points:**
- The court ruled that a position created in 2016 for David Sánchez at the Badajoz Provincial Council was neither necessary nor urgent.
- David Sánchez was acquitted of separate charges of influence peddling, which could have carried a prison sentence.
- The ruling also imposed a nine-year ban on voting for the defendant.
- Ten other individuals involved in the hiring process were also convicted by the court.

**Why it matters:** This is the first time a direct relative of a Spanish Prime Minister has been convicted of a crime, intensifying political pressure on the government.

huffpost.es - Claves de la sentencia contra el hermano de Pedro Sánchez: sin prueba directa y sin tráfico de influencias

elpais.com - Las “dudas” del tribunal sobre la contratación de David Sánchez: sin tráfico de influencias ni presiones acreditadas

sudouest.fr - Espagne : le frère du Premier ministre Pedro Sánchez condamné à neuf ans d’interdiction de fonction publique

lemonde.fr - Espagne : interdiction d’exercer toute fonction publique pendant neuf ans pour David Sanchez, le frère du premier ministre

Spanish Court Bans Prime Minister's Brother from Public Office for Nine Years

**Summary:** European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit Kyiv on July 15, 2026, following the official opening of negotiations on the sixth cluster of Ukraine's EU accession process.

**Key points:**
- The sixth cluster of accession negotiations, titled 'External Relations,' was officially opened at an intergovernmental conference.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine has achieved 99% alignment with the European Union's foreign policy.
- Security details regarding the visit remain undisclosed by the European Commission.
- The visit follows von der Leyen's participation in recent international meetings regarding anti-ballistic defense coalitions.

**Why it matters:** The visit and the opening of the sixth accession cluster mark significant milestones in Ukraine's integration into the European Union and ongoing diplomatic cooperation.

pressorg24.com - Украина с ЕС официально открыла переговоры по еще одному кластеру , стремится к положительной динамике с остальными

espreso.tv - Єврокомісія підтвердила візит Урсули фон дер Ляєн до Києва 15 липня

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Kyiv

**Summary:** Israeli forces conducted military operations in Khan Yunis, resulting in civilian casualties, while simultaneously closing the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

**Key points:**
- A drone strike targeted a tent housing displaced persons near the Taiba towers in western Khan Yunis, causing multiple injuries.
- A child was reported injured by Israeli forces in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis.
- Israeli authorities cited the need to conduct military training as the reason for closing the Al-Aqsa Mosque gates.

**Why it matters:** The simultaneous military activity in Gaza and the restriction of access to a major religious site in Jerusalem represent a significant escalation in regional tensions.

pbc.ps - الاحتلال يغلق أبواب المسجد الأقصى

jordanzad.com - تصعيد عسكري جديد في خان يونس يخلف اصابات بين المدنيين

Israeli Military Escalation in Khan Yunis and Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque

**Summary:** Two Emirati oil tankers were hit by missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and eight injuries. The incident has intensified regional tensions as Iran and the United States exchange accusations over the waterway.

**Key points:**
- The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence reported that the tankers Mombasa B and Al Bahiyah sustained significant damage in the southern lane of the strait.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the vessels were hit after ignoring warnings and attempting to pass through a mined route.
- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed receiving reports of a tanker hit by a projectile 13 nautical miles southeast of Limah, Oman.
- China has called for de-escalation and the restoration of safe navigation through the strategic waterway.

**Why it matters:** The attack on oil tankers in a critical global energy chokepoint significantly escalates the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, threatening global energy supplies.

jordanzad.com - هجوم صاروخي على ناقلة نفط خلال عبورها مضيق هرمز

deccanchronicle.com - China Urges US, Iran to Restore Safe Passage Through Hormuz

deccanchronicle.com - Missile Hits Tanker Off Oman Amid Strait of Hormuz Escalation

cyprus-mail.com - UAE says Iranian missiles struck oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz, one sailor killed

Two Oil Tankers Struck by Missiles in Strait of Hormuz

**Summary:** External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India will leverage its position at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to advocate for the Global South while upholding the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

**Key points:**
- India plans to focus on critical global issues including the fight against terror financing and the enhancement of maritime security.
- The nation intends to prioritize the development of governance frameworks for artificial intelligence at the international level.
- The diplomatic strategy emphasizes India's commitment to the philosophy of 'the world is one family' in its global engagements.

**Why it matters:** India's stated priorities at the UNSC reflect its growing influence as a representative of the Global South and its proactive stance on emerging security and technological challenges.

newkerala.com - India Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Practice at UNSC Campaign

asiabulletin.com - India practises Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , will champion Global South at UNSC : Jaishankar

India to Champion Global South and Prioritize Security at UNSC

**Summary:** The trial of former Armed Forces commander Juan José Zúñiga for his role in the June 2024 military deployment in La Paz has been adjourned until Tuesday. The proceedings are set to continue with defense arguments following initial testimony.

**Key points:**
- Juan José Zúñiga was transported from El Abra prison in Cochabamba to La Paz to attend the scheduled court sessions.
- The legal proceedings concern the military mobilization in Plaza Murillo on June 26, 2024, which the government of President Luis Arce characterized as an attempted coup.
- Defense attorney Róger Valverde stated that only one witness provided testimony during Monday's session, with 21 others remaining.
- The court is expected to hear arguments from the defense team when the trial resumes at 08:30 on Tuesday.

**Why it matters:** The trial is a significant legal development regarding the stability of the Bolivian government and the accountability of high-ranking military officials involved in the 2024 political crisis.

La Razón - Juicio contra Zúñiga entra en cuarto intermedio hasta este martes

opinion.com.bo - Juicio oral contra Zúñiga entra en cuarto intermedio y continuará mañana

Trial of Former Bolivian Military Commander Juan José Zúñiga Adjourned

**Summary:** Supreme Tribunal Federal (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes has suspended Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's visitation rights to his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, for 90 days due to the unauthorized public release of a political letter.

**Key points:**
- The suspension follows Flávio Bolsonaro's reading of a letter from the former president during a social media broadcast, which violated a judicial ban on Jair Bolsonaro using digital platforms.
- Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered the defense to clarify within 48 hours if the former president was aware that his letter would be disseminated online.
- The STF is investigating whether the incident constitutes illegal early electoral campaigning, as official propaganda is restricted until August 16.
- Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a house arrest sentence, which includes a prohibition on using social media directly or through third parties.

**Why it matters:** The decision highlights the ongoing judicial oversight of the former president's communications and the strict enforcement of electoral rules during the 2026 campaign period.

ultimosegundo.ig.com.br - Moraes suspende visitas de Flávio ao pai no período eleitoral

g1.globo.com - Com decisão , Moraes impede visitas de Flávio a Jair Bolsonaro até depois do primeiro turno das eleies

jornalopcao.com.br - Moraes suspende visitas de Flávio Bolsonaro ao ex - presidente e cobra explicaes da defesa sobre divulgao de carta

Moraes Suspends Flávio Bolsonaro's Visitation Rights to Former President Jair Bolsonaro

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump has announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and the imposition of a 20% toll on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing the need for reimbursement for security services.

**Key points:**
- The blockade is scheduled to take effect at 16:00 Eastern Time on Tuesday, targeting Iranian vessels and customers while allowing open use for other nations.
- The announcement follows a series of military strikes between the United States and Iran, which have effectively nullified the June 17 peace memorandum of understanding.
- The International Maritime Organization has stated there is no legal basis for imposing mandatory tolls on international navigation through straits.
- Iranian officials have rejected the US interference, warning that any cooperation with the American military in the strait will be viewed as an act of war against Iranian sovereignty.

**Why it matters:** The move significantly escalates tensions in a critical global energy chokepoint, threatening international trade, global oil prices, and regional stability.

Quarte Bot