Israel-Gaza film sparks boycott row as Tesla joins mass China recall

Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and other Arab countries have called for a boycott of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, arguing that ticket sales would support producer Avi Arad, whom they say has publicly backed Israel during the Gaza war. The campaign centres on Arad’s political statements and past Israeli military service, rather than the film’s story or its cast. Organisers have urged cinemas and professional bodies not to screen it, while the scale of any effect on admissions remains unclear; the film has continued to be shown in Lebanon.

Separately, Tesla has joined other manufacturers in a large vehicle recall in China. China’s market regulator said Tesla will recall about 2.98 million China-made and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles from 25 September because internal emergency releases may be difficult to identify after a serious collision and power failure. The remedy includes warning labels and over-the-air updates intended to lower windows after a crash. Tesla is also recalling 2.74 million China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for a software update to improve driver-attention monitoring when assisted steering is in use. These are distinct recalls, and the latter group may overlap with vehicles affected by the door-release action.