Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized Israel’s recent military operations in Gaza, particularly highlighting a devastating strike on the region’s only Catholic church.

This incident marks another instance of Meloni’s evolving stance, where she balances her longstanding alliance with Israel while demanding accountability for actions that harm innocent lives.

The attack occurred early last Thursday, targeting the Holy Family Church in Gaza, a sanctuary that has sheltered hundreds of displaced Palestinians, including members of the area’s tiny Christian community, amid the ongoing conflict.

Reports indicate that the strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to at least ten others, causing extensive damage to the historic site.

Among the wounded was the church’s dedicated priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who had gained global recognition for his close communications with the late Pope Francis during the height of the war.

Meloni, known for her backing of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, has grown more vocal in her concerns over the conduct of military campaigns in the densely populated territory.

NOTE: I’m not sure why the entire photo isn’t being displayed but if you could assist me ichnnana

Posting on X, she declared that strikes on civilians, like this one on a place of worship, cross an unacceptable line and cannot be excused under the guise of defense strategies. Earlier this year, she had urged Israel to adhere strictly to global standards in its Gaza operations.

The event drew swift international attention, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to personally intervene. Upon learning of the church bombing, Trump expressed strong displeasure and immediately sought explanations from Netanyahu during a direct phone conversation.

Sources reveal that Trump pressed for transparency, leading Netanyahu to acknowledge the error and commit to a public statement. This pressure culminated in Israel issuing an uncommon expression of remorse, a rarity in its communications about Gaza activities.

“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful. We are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort. Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites,” the Israeli statement was released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Pope Leo XIV voiced profound grief over the tragedy in a message relayed through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He extended support to Father Romanelli and the affected community, while once again advocating for a halt to hostilities to prevent further suffering.

As tensions persist, promising developments are emerging on the diplomatic front. Mediators report significant progress in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release, paving the way for de-escalation and recovery.

The post Italian PM Meloni Issues Sharp Rebuke Over Israeli Strike on Gaza’s Only Catholic Church, Killing 3 appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Since coming to power in 2012, Xi Jinping has prosecuted approximately 2.3 million government officials in his anti-corruption campaign, which has also served to remove opposition. While Xi’s purges of the military, including over 50 generals at major general rank or above in the first wave (2014-2016) and extensive recent purges that removed half the Central Military Commission, have reduced potential threats to his position and consolidated his power, they have also created instability within his support base.

Many of those purged were not directly working to remove him but had ties to purged organizations such as the Communist Youth League, which Xi himself had no close connections to, unlike previous leaders who used it as a pathway to power.

China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), the top body overseeing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), has shrunk to its smallest size in decades under Xi Jinping. Following the recent dismissal of Admiral Miao Hua, the commission now has only five members, the lowest since the Mao Zedong era. The status of General He Weidong, a vice-chairman, remains unclear as he has not appeared in state media since March, though his name still appears on official websites. If he is no longer active, the commission would have just four members.

The CMC traditionally has seven members: Xi Jinping as Chairman; Zhang Youxia and He Weidong as Vice Chairmen; and Li Shangfu (the Former Defense Minister), Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua, and Zhang Shengmin as members. With the removal of Miao Hua and He Weidong, and the earlier dismissal of Li Shangfu in 2023, the commission may now have only four active members. This represents a significant disruption in the structure of China’s highest military leadership and marks a historic low in CMC membership.

These military purges are notable because many of the removed individuals, including Miao, were considered Xi loyalists. Admiral Miao Hua served as director of the Political Work Department of the CMC from October 2017 until June 2025. In that role, he oversaw senior personnel promotions and ideological conformity within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). On November 28, 2024, Miao was suspended and placed under investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” according to the Ministry of National Defense.

General He Weidong was appointed Vice Chairman of the CMC in March 2023, a rapid ascent that bypassed the usual route through the CCP Central Committee. Prior to his promotion, He commanded the Eastern Theater Command, which is responsible for operations in the East China Sea and Taiwan. In April 2025, reports emerged that He had been arrested and placed under anti-corruption investigation. He was removed from his position as CMC Vice Chairman and has not been seen in public since March.

Xi appointed all of these men to the Central Military Commission following the 20th Party Congress in 2022, as he was consolidating his control over the Chinese Communist Party just before beginning his unprecedented third term in office. Xi purging his own appointees from the military’s top ranks, suggests either internal unrest or a continued effort to tighten his grip by eliminating potential threats.

Adding to speculation about Xi Jinping’s position, the CCP Politburo recently announced the creation of a new “Central Committee decision-making and coordination body.” Some analysts see this as a sign Xi is being forced to share power, while others argue it allows him to further entrench control by installing loyalists in key roles. The Politburo also issued a rare warning against “overstepping boundaries,” which some interpret as a veiled rebuke of Xi’s highly centralized leadership style.

This follows a June 30 meeting that emphasized “policy coordination,” signaling possible internal tension. Since taking power in 2013, Xi has consolidated authority over major commissions in finance, science, and cyberspace, becoming the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao. However, China’s prolonged economic struggles, stemming from the 2021 real estate crisis and worsened by U.S. tariffs, have begun to erode confidence in his leadership.

Simultaneously, there are signs of a potential ideological recalibration. In June 2025, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei received unusual prominence on the front page of People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, where he advocated for openness and market-oriented reforms. The article, titled “The More Open a Country Is, the More It Drives Us to Progress,” was seen by observers as a possible signal that reformist economic ideas may be resurfacing. However, it remains unclear whether this reflects a shift in Xi’s position or the influence of more liberal factions within the government.

Claims of a “slow-motion coup” led by disgruntled elites and former CCP leaders have circulated among dissidents and exiles, but lack concrete evidence. While some suggest Xi may be facing pressure from party elders like former President Hu Jintao, others argue these rumors misread ordinary factional dynamics.

The recent wave of purges targeting Xi’s allies has created uncertainty and may have weakened his support network. At the same time, Premier Li Qiang has begun representing China at major international events, an unprecedented delegation of diplomatic duties since Xi came to power. This shift suggests a possible change in power dynamics, with Xi stepping back from the international stage and internal decision-making, either voluntarily or under pressure.

Xi remains the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao, holding the roles of CCP General Secretary, State President, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. He secured a controversial third term in 2022 and has named no successor. With the Fourth Plenum expected in August, observers are watching for signs of internal shifts.

The post China’s Xi Jinping Purges Could be Weakening His Position appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Toronto police say a 14-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder after stabbing a 71-year-old grandmother, Shahnaz Pestonja, in a parking lot while she was trying to load her groceries.

Pestonji was rushed to an area hospital following the attack but ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Police described the attack as “unprovoked.”

Although the suspect fled from the area, police announced the arrest after a “coordinated effort by multiple units.”

A video the accused allegedly shared on social media, which has not been confirmed, relayed “excuses” for his monstrous act and might also have helped locate the suspect.

Shahnaz was a retired nurse, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother awaiting the arrival of another grandchild.

Former Toronto police homicide detective Mark Mendelson shared his insights with CP24:

Mendelson said investigators took the “fairly rare” step of seeking a provincial court order to release the teen’s identity and photograph, which he noted was from Toronto police – meaning that they’d had some sort of previous interaction with him.

He also pointed to the fact that the accused had allegedly taken to social media to post some of his “thoughts and excuses” online, which Mendelson said could have had a “component in locating him.” He also noted that police had said that the teen was known to frequent the TTC.

Mendelson also pointed to the work of cyber crime investigators, whom he said also likely played an important role in finding the suspect and building the case against him.

While the suspect’s photo was public during the manhunt, his identity is now protected under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Shahnaz and her husband Soli recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.

Her family spoke with CBC, and Soli shared, “She was the love of my life. She was the most wonderful person I’ve ever met.”

The post 14-Year-Old Stabs Grandmother to Death in Toronto Parking Lot appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

President Trump on Monday demanded answers from Idaho quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger ahead of the sentencing hearing.

Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson shocked the public and the victim families after he struck a plea deal with Bryan Kohberger last month.

Kohberger, who was facing a firing squad if convicted, accepted a plea deal and will spend life in prison without parole.

President Trump is demanding answers.

“Bryan Kohberger, who was responsible, in Idaho, for the deaths of four wonderful young souls, has made a plea bargain deal in order to avoid the Death Penalty. These were vicious murders, with so many questions left unanswered. While Life Imprisonment is tough, it’s certainly better than receiving the Death Penalty but, before Sentencing, I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders. There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING. People were shocked that he was able to plea bargain, but the Judge should make him explain what happened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said on Truth Social on Monday.

Last month Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the horrific slayings of four University of Idaho students to avoid the death penalty.

Bryan Kohberger was indicted by a secret grand jury last year and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the slayings of four University of Idaho students.

Kohberger, 30, was accused of fatally stabbing 20-year-old Ethan Chapin of Conway, Washington; 21-year-old Madison Mogen of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; 20-year-old Xana Kernodle of Avondale, Arizona; and 21-year-old Kaylee Goncalves of Rathdrum, Idaho on November 13, 2022.

The Goncalves family was outraged upon learning about the plea deal.

“We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho,” a Facebook post read, according to Fox News. “They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected.”

The full blistering statement from the Goncalves family:

“The death penalty is merely an illusion in the criminal justice system. When available, it serves as a bargaining tool for the State, and when rarely applied, it’s never enforced due to a highly inefficient appellate process. The notion that someone can plead guilty to a crime and still face years of appellate delays reveals a systemic failure. The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office’s treatment of our family during this process is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. We questioned decisions early in the investigation: why was the mayor commenting on the case? Why was the coroner speaking to families? Why was an officer with less than two years’ experience leading the investigation? Why was the University of Idaho involved when they declared it an isolated off-campus incident? Why was the University permitted to write a book about the incident while others were silenced under an overly broad order? As a result, we were branded adversaries. So, it was no shock how the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office mishandled the plea deal. They vaguely mentioned a possible plea on Friday, without seeking our input, and presented the plea on Sunday. Latah County should be ashamed of its Prosecutor’s Office. Four wonderful young people lost their lives, yet the victims’ families were treated as opponents from the outset. We weren’t even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached. That’s how Latah County’s Prosecutor’s Office treats murder victims’ families. Adding insult to injury, they’re rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2. Who do they think they are? After more than two years, this is how it concludes with a secretive deal and a hurried effort to close the case without any input from the victims’ families on the plea’s details. Our family is frustrated right now and that will subside and we will come together as always and deal with the reality that we face moving forward. Once again we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers!”

According to the court documents, Kohberger’s DNA was found on a tan leather knife sheath left behind on Maddie Mogen’s bed on the 3rd floor at the King Road Residence.

“The sheath was later processed and had ‘Ka-Bar’ ‘USMC’ and the United States Marine Corps eagle globe and anchor insignia stamped on the outside of it,” Idaho police officer Brett Payne wrote in the 19-page affidavit. “The Idaho state lab later located a single source of male DNA (suspect Profile) left on the button snap of the knife sheath.”

Click here to read the probable cause affidavit and read through and analysis.

Click here to read the unsealed search warrant on Bryan Kohberger’s Pullman, Washington, apartment.

Additionally, prosecutors have screen images of what appears to be Bryan Kohberger’s white Hyundai Elantra driving up to the house on King Road and fleeing the crime scene around the time of the murders.

They also have footage of Kohberger driving along State Route 270 between his residence in Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho shortly before the murders.

Kohberger projected his voice as he pleaded guilty for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin and Maddie Mogen.

WATCH:

The post Trump Demands Answers From Idaho Quadruple Murderer Bryan Kohberger Ahead of Sentencing After Shock Plea Deal appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Hunter Biden did a positively bizarre interview that was released Monday and is causing quite a stir in the world of politics and media.

During the segment, the troubled son of former President Joe Biden lashed out at Trump for deporting illegal aliens, claimed his father was on Ambien during his disastrous 2024 debate, and seemed to lose his mind going off on George Clooney and other influential Democrats.

That wasn’t even all of the craziness in the interview, but you get the idea.

This left many people wondering what the point was behind all of this. Why would Hunter Biden do such a crazy sit-down with a journalist? What’s the endgame?

Here are five possible reasons behind the interview:

1. Hunter is planning to run for office.

It’s entirely possible that Hunter Biden is planning to run for some type of political office. What does he have left to capitalize on other than his last name? He wouldn’t win a presidential run, but what about a state level office in Delaware? He might actually have a shot at such a goal.

2. Hunter is putting himself out there to make Democrats pay him to go away.

This is entirely possible. No one is lining up to buy Hunter Biden’s paintings now that his family has no more influence to sell. Democrats do not want to see him doing these types of interviews because it reminds everyone of Joe Biden, who they would rather forget at this point. This might be Hunter’s way of making the party cough up some cash just to keep him out of the spotlight.

3. Hunter wants a job in media.

Was this Hunter Biden’s way of showing the producers at MSNBC that he can be as completely crazy as the rest of their on-air hosts? Does he want to be a highly paid contributor at CNN? It’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

4. Hunter wants his own reality TV show.

This would make perfect sense. Can’t you imagine a format where a camera just follows Hunter Biden around the country to various seedy locations where he gets wasted and does crazy things with D-list celebrities, consuming crazy amounts of drugs and alcohol along the way? People might actually tune in to watch that show.

5. Hunter Biden is just crazy.

This is the most likely reason. It’s absolutely possible that there was no endgame at all and that Hunter just did this crazy interview because his mind has been fried by years of drug abuse.

Whatever the reason, odds are that Hunter will not be giving a primetime speech at the next Democrat National Convention. The man is a loose cannon and seems utterly off balance.

The post What is Hunter Biden’s Endgame After That Crazy Interview? Here Are Five Possibilities appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.