Eurotopics.net

Despite the ceremonial signing of a Gaza peace declaration on Monday, Hamas has announced that it will continue its fight against Israel. The terrorist organisation is said to have taken action against armed gangs on the streets of Gaza and has released a video showing several people described as "collaborators" being executed. Commentators voice concern.

A storm is brewing between Washington and Beijing again: China has tightened its restrictions on exports of rare earth metals and related technologies. Exports to third countries now require approval from Beijing. US President Donald Trump has responded by threatening to impose a 100 percent punitive tariff on Chinese goods as of 1 November. Is the world facing a new trade war between the two economic giants?

Following last Thursday's approval by Israel and Hamas on an agreement which includes the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire, the mediating states signed an accord on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, after more than two years of war. Further steps towards peace are now to be negotiated. Commentators voice a mixture of scepticism and hope.

Last Friday, Estonian border guards reported sightings of several heavily armed soldiers without insignia in the Saatse Boot area, where the road to the village of Saatse runs through Russian territory for one kilometre. The Estonian authorities closed the road as a precautionary measure. The incident has reignited the debate over whether the Baltic states are under threat.