[Music] There's breaking news this morning out of Ukraine. Hours after President Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week in Alaska, President Zalinski roundly rejected a proposal from President Trump to discuss quote swapping territory. Zalinski said this morning on Telegram, "The answer to Ukraine's territorial question is already in the con the constitution of Ukraine. No one no one will and no one can deviate from it. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupi ...

Geopolitical Considerations - The Australian government is considering recognizing a Palestinian state, aligning with other Western nations [1] - The Prime Minister is planning to discuss a two-state solution with Benjamin Netanyahu [1] - Public sentiment in Australia reflects concern about the crisis and the government's potential actions [3] - Australia is concerned about the increasing extent of Israeli military operations in Gaza and potential annexation of Palestinian territory [6] - Australia does not want to be left behind in recognizing a Palestinian state [7] International Law and Diplomacy - Recognition of a Palestinian state requires a government decision confirmed by the Cabinet [3] - A formal announcement may occur at the United Nations General Assembly meetings in September [4] - The United Nations Security Council is currently neutralized due to the United States' opposition to action in Gaza [8] - Alternative means of addressing the conflict are being explored, potentially involving France or other Middle Eastern states providing security for Palestine [11][12] - Once a state is recognized, that recognition cannot be withdrawn unless the state disintegrates [12][13] Obstacles and Conditions - Key conditions for recognition include the disarmament of Hamas, the release of remaining hostages, and reforms of the Palestinian Authority [6] - Hamas may not release hostages until there is full recognition of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital [15] - Achieving all criteria, including Palestinian Authority reform and hostage release, by the General Assembly timeline seems ambitious [14]

The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Earlier this week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs represented Canada at the UN high level conference on a twostate solution in New York. In recent days, I've spoken with our allies including President Mron, Prime Minister Starmer, President Vander Lion.Also had a number of discussions with our ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Bray. International cooperation is essential to securing lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and Canada will do it ...

Recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain and France will not achieve its intended goals. Indeed, the terms set out by Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer could get in the way of a two-state solution https://t.co/Ogxco8BEHK ...

Geopolitical Analysis - International community shows increasing momentum towards recognizing a Palestinian state, driven by exasperation with the Gaza war [1][2] - Western countries are attempting to offer solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while Israel, supported by the United States, dismisses premature recognition of a Palestinian state [3][4] - The two-state solution is endangered by widespread destruction in Gaza and societal polarization [5][6] Ceasefire and Negotiations - Ceasefire talks, from which Israel provisionally withdrew due to Hamas's perceived intransigence, are ongoing [7] - US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is visiting Israel, potentially for consultations before a possible final Israeli push into Gaza [6][8] Potential Risks and Impasse - Israel is considering a final push into unconquered areas of Gaza to destroy Hamas and retrieve hostages, even if it endangers living hostages [8] - There is a sense of impatience within Israel and the United States, with a perception that Hamas has been emboldened by recent diplomacy [8] - Israel lacks a clear plan for the aftermath of the Gaza war, leading to an impasse [5]

International Relations & Geopolitics - The UK will recognize the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September if certain conditions are not met [1] - These conditions include the Israeli government taking substantive steps to end the situation in Gaza, agreeing to a ceasefire, and committing to a long-term sustainable peace [1] - The UK also requires allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid and ensuring no annexations in the West [1]

Joining me now, Ben Rhodess, former deputy national security adviser and an MSNBC contributor. Ben, Israel's staunchest supporters are are being troubled uh in large part by images like the ones we're showing right now. This was a baby in Gaza who was delivered prematurely via C-section because their mother was killed in an Israeli air strike.That child survived only a short time. pictures of atrocities um do have the power, as you know, to change hearts and minds in ways that can't be undone. Is there a po ...

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot joins Morning Joe to discuss France’s role in pushing for a two-state solution at the United Nations. Barrot emphasizes the distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people, saying, “Hamas is not Palestine,” and argues that supporting Palestinian statehood empowers those who “have always refused terrorism” and “recognized the right of Israel to exist.” For more context and news coverage of the most important stories of our day click here: h ...

New satellite images taken in the days after the US strikes in Iran show new activity at the site of one of the attacks. New access roads, construction equipment, and vehicles have been seen at the Fordo nuclear site. That is the one the president insisted was obliterated.Joining us now, staff writer for the Atlantic, Michael Sheerer, and Rick Stangle, who's still with us. Rick, um, can we put that much stock into access roads and and trucks and and and engagement with that site from satellite images. You c ...