Israel

Garman market boosts Paphos tourist season

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Garman market boosts Paphos tourist season

The significant increase in traffic anticipated from Germany to Paphos this summer is instilling greater optimism for the tourist season in the province. Germany is expected to play a much larger role in tourist traffic to Paphos compared to the previous five years, offsetting losses from Russia and Israel. Stakeholders believe there is potential to improve air connectivity and increase visitor arrivals from Germany, making it a high-priority market for Paphos. This, combined with high visitation from the UK, suggests that 2024 is poised to be a record-breaking year in visitor arrivals for Paphos.

UN official rings alarm over Rafah attack, saying it could result in ‘slaughter’

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UN official rings alarm over Rafah attack, saying it could result in ‘slaughter’

An Israeli incursion in Rafah would endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of Gazans and severely impact humanitarian operations in the enclave. Israel has warned of an operation against Hamas in Rafah, where displaced people are living in shelters. The U.N. humanitarian office expressed concerns about a potential civilian slaughter and disruption of aid operations, including medical clinics and food distribution. The World Health Organization has prepared a contingency plan, but it may not prevent a significant increase in casualties. Additionally, there are worries that an incursion could close the Rafah crossing, hindering the import of medical supplies.

Cyprus wants better plan from Chevron for offshore gas field

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Cyprus wants better plan from Chevron for offshore gas field

Cyprus has given Chevron-led consortium six months to make improvements to their plans for extracting gas from an offshore field. The consortium, which includes partners from Israel and Shell, had submitted a new field development proposal that Cyprus believes needs enhancements. The Aphrodite field, discovered in 2011, holds an estimated 3.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. Chevron values its relationship with Cyprus and stakeholders and is committed to progressing the project.

Houthis offer education to students suspended in US protest crackdown

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Houthis offer education to students suspended in US protest crackdown

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia is offering a place for U.S. students suspended from universities for supporting Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. The students have been protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza and calling on President Biden to intervene. Sanaa University, run by the Houthis, is welcoming these students to continue their studies in Yemen, condemning suppression of freedom of expression at U.S. and European universities. The offer has sparked sarcasm among Yemenis on social media.

Israeli ministers meet on hostages, Rafah plan

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Israeli ministers meet on hostages, Rafah plan

Israeli ministers discussed a Gaza truce proposal to free hostages held by Hamas and the possibility of an army sweep in the southern tip of the enclave. Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas on a ceasefire offer presented by Egyptian mediators. One hostage, Dror Or, was confirmed killed in a Hamas attack, with his body held in Gaza. Ceasefire efforts in the past have stumbled over Hamas’ demand for a commitment from Israel to end the war. Israel is considering a push into Rafah, the last bastion of Hamas, which is home to around one million displaced Palestinians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over the lack of a plan for the safe evacuation of civilians from Rafah.

Prominent Gaza doctor dies in Israeli prison

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Prominent Gaza doctor dies in Israeli prison

Adnan Al-Bursh, head of orthopedics at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza, died in an Israeli prison after more than four months of detention. His death was labeled an “assassination” by Palestinian prisoner associations.

Turkey says Israel trade halted until permanent Gaza ceasefire

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Turkey says Israel trade halted until permanent Gaza ceasefire

Turkey has decided not to resume trade with Israel, valued at billion a year, until a permanent ceasefire is established in Gaza with unrestricted humanitarian aid for Palestinians. This decision was made due to Israel’s actions in Gaza, leading Turkey to become the first key trade partner to halt exports and imports with Israel. Last month, Turkey had already restricted exports to Israel, and now all remaining trade between the two countries will be stopped. Top Turkish exports to Israel include steel, vehicles, plastics, electrical devices, and machinery, while imports from Israel are mainly fuels.

Turkey is not the West, let’s come to terms with it

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Turkey is not the West, let’s come to terms with it

The Turkish president cancelled his visit to the USA, scheduled for May 9th, despite the Americans making preparations. This decision was not surprising due to deteriorating relations between the two countries. The postponement will increase suspicion between Washington and Ankara, impacting US-Turkish relations. Some analysts see it as a missed opportunity to improve relations and believe Turkey could be a mediating factor in various crises, but Turkey consistently opposes the West and prioritizes its own interests. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan navigates alliances to advance his plans, which those dealing with Turkey should take into consideration.

WTI drops to 7-week low on surprise crude inventories

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WTI drops to 7-week low on surprise crude inventories

The price of WTI crude oil is trading around .20, dropping to its lowest level in seven weeks due to a surprise build in US crude inventories and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

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Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

Biden is facing criticism from both left and right factions for his Israel policy, as campus protests against the war in Gaza escalate. Despite concerns that the protests could impact his chances in the upcoming election, the White House has focused on rolling out youth-friendly policies, such as student loan relief and marijuana reform. Republicans have used the protests to criticize Democrats, while some warn that young voters may desert Biden over his stance on Israel.