U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports as a penalty for continuing crude oil imports from Russia. The executive order, signed on Wednesday, brings the total U.S. import tariff on Indian goods to 50% — 20% higher than China’s and 21% higher than Pakistan’s.

Trump warned that similar actions will be taken against any country—directly or indirectly—supporting Russia’s war efforts through energy trade. He emphasized that nations financing Russian oil, intentionally or not, would face “economic consequences.”

In contrast, the U.S. has lowered tariffs on Pakistan to 19% and signed a new trade deal, including provisions for developing Pakistan’s oil resources.

The decision follows Trump’s earlier statement that India is “not a good trade partner” and imposes “unreasonable and annoying non-tariff barriers.” He called for urgent escalation of tariffs against India within 24 hours.

India responded by defending its trade with Russia, stating that Western nations, including the U.S., also continue imports. Citing Eurostat data, India highlighted that the EU imported €67.5 billion worth of LNG from Russia in 2024.

Trump’s tariff move is part of his “Reciprocal Tariff Policy” announced in April 2025, which had been temporarily suspended for negotiation purposes until July 30.

At least 83 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza over the past 24 hours, according to local health officials. Eight children also reportedly died from starvation and malnutrition.

Al Jazeera reports that among the dead, 58 were unarmed civilians en route to a food distribution center operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the US and Israel. Despite repeated pleas to cease fire, Israeli forces opened fire on the aid-seekers.

In response to the worsening crisis, US President Donald Trump announced $60 million in food aid for Gaza. “People in Gaza are not getting enough food. We are trying to feed them,” Trump said, stressing the urgency of addressing logistical challenges.

However, the US-led aid initiative has drawn criticism. Allegations include the distribution of spoiled or inedible supplies, and the disclosure of aid locations and timings to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which critics claim is enabling targeted attacks on civilians. Despite international concerns, Israel has shown little willingness to alter its actions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to pursue a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite strong opposition from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the potential risk to hostages still held by Hamas.

According to a report by The Times of Israel on Monday (August 4), Netanyahu is expected to seek cabinet approval for the plan within the week. Several ministers have confirmed that Netanyahu has privately used the word “takeover” in conversations, signaling a significantly more aggressive military stance toward Gaza.

A senior official close to Netanyahu told Israeli media outlet Walla: “The decision has been made. We are going to take full control of Gaza.” The official added that operations would extend even into areas where hostages are believed to be held. “If the Chief of Staff disagrees, he should resign,” the source was quoted as saying.

However, Israeli military leadership appears divided. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has reportedly expressed opposition to the full occupation plan. Currently, IDF controls about 75% of Gaza. The new plan would expand operations to the remaining areas, effectively bringing the entire strip under Israeli military control.

Military officials have warned that such a move could take years due to the extensive underground infrastructure developed by Hamas. They also raised concerns that an intensified operation may place the lives of hostages at immediate risk.

Humanitarian organizations and international observers have also raised alarms about the potential consequences for Gaza’s civilian population and ongoing aid efforts, should Israel proceed with full-scale occupation.

While Netanyahu has announced plans to convene the cabinet soon to discuss the next steps, some analysts suggest he may ultimately urge patience to allow negotiations for hostage releases to continue.