Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, released a video warning Israeli families that hostages held in Gaza may die due to ongoing Israeli military operations. The group claimed communication was lost with the unit guarding soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen. In the video, Hamas said, “Be prepared,” and warned families that their loved ones could be returned “in black coffins.” Footage showed past prisoner exchanges involving bodies delivered to the Red Cross. The statement comes amid intensified Israeli strikes on Gaza.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic warned that a proposed 30% US tariff on European goods would effectively amount to a trade ban, severely disrupting transatlantic supply chains.
Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Sefcovic expressed disappointment over a letter from US President Donald Trump that halted expected trade progress. “We were close to an agreement,” he said, but now “must prepare for all outcomes.”
The EU has delayed retaliatory measures on $72 billion worth of US goods until August 1, hoping for a negotiated resolution. Sefcovic emphasized that “no one wants a trade war,” while France urged faster preparation for countermeasures and Hungary blamed the EU Commission’s weak response to US pressure.
Danish and Lithuanian ministers echoed calls to avoid escalation but emphasized EU readiness to defend its interests.
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