Israel

Iraq’s PMF force says base was attacked, army investigates

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Iraq’s PMF force says base was attacked, army investigates

A huge blast at a military base in Iraq killed a member of an Iraqi security force that includes Iran-backed groups. The Iraqi military is investigating the cause of the explosion, which killed one person and wounded eight others. The incident occurred in Babil province amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including recent attacks between Iran and Israel. The PMF, which includes Iran-backed groups, has previously targeted U.S. troops and Israel, claiming support for Palestinians. The U.S. military denied reports of carrying out airstrikes in Iraq.

Tourist arrivals increase 5.4%

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Tourist arrivals increase 5.4%

Fact: The first quarter of 2024 saw an increase of 5.4 per cent in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. Tourism from Israel, the second largest market for Cyprus, has recorded a 26 per cent decrease.

Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

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Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.

Iran’s foreign minister downplays drone attack, says Tehran investigating

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Iran’s foreign minister downplays drone attack, says Tehran investigating

Iran’s foreign minister downplayed an overnight attack on Iran, stating that there was no proven link to Israel. The attack involved drones that were downed after flying only a few hundred meters. Iranian media described the incident as an attack by “infiltrators” rather than by Israel. The attack targeted an Iranian Air Force base near Isfahan but did not cause major damage. Israel had previously said it would retaliate after a strike on April 13, but as of now, there has been no word on further action. The ongoing violence between Israel and Iranian proxies has raised fears of escalation into a direct conflict.

Police cordon off Iran consulate in Paris where man threatens to blow himself up

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Police cordon off Iran consulate in Paris where man threatens to blow himself up

French police cordoned off the Iranian consulate in Paris after a man carrying a grenade and explosive vest threatened to blow himself up inside. The incident led to the interruption of service on a nearby metro line for security reasons. The Iranian embassy declined to provide any information, and it was unclear if the incident was related to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. In Isfahan, explosions were reported earlier in what sources described as an Israeli attack, but Tehran indicated no plans for retaliation to avoid a region-wide war.

Police arrest man in Paris Iran consulate incident

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Police arrest man in Paris Iran consulate incident

French police arrested a man who threatened to blow himself up at Iran’s consulate in Paris. The man was seen entering the consulate with what appeared to be a grenade and explosive vest, but was later found not to be carrying any explosives. Witnesses reported that the man dragged flags on the floor of the consulate and said he wanted to avenge his brother’s death. It is unclear if the incident is linked to current tensions between Iran and Israel.

EU imposes sanctions against violent West Bank settlers

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EU imposes sanctions against violent West Bank settlers

The European Union agreed to impose sanctions on four individuals and two entities involved in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The entities listed are Lehava and Hilltop Youth, with two leading figures from Hilltop Youth, Meir Ettinger and Elisha Yered, also facing sanctions. Israel captured the West Bank in 1967 and the area has been under military occupation since, with Israeli settlements continuing to expand. Palestinians hope for the West Bank to be part of a future independent state along with Gaza and East Jerusalem.

USD recovers after early sell-off on Israeli attack reports

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USD recovers after early sell-off on Israeli attack reports

The Euro-dollar currency pair is trading in the lower 1.0600s on Friday after news reports of an escalation in the Middle East conflict prompted a flight to safe-haven USD, resulting in a decline in EURUSD.

Airlines scramble to change routes after Israeli attack on Iran

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Airlines scramble to change routes after Israeli attack on Iran

Fact: Airlines quickly changed flight paths over Iran, diverted to alternate airports, or returned planes to their departure points in response to airspace and airport closures after an Israeli attack on Iran.

Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say, drones reported over Isfahan

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Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say, drones reported over Isfahan

Israel has attacked Iran in retaliation for a drone strike on Israel. Iran’s air defense systems destroyed drones in Isfahan, causing explosions. Analysts fear the Israel-Gaza conflict spreading in the region. Iran warned of a severe response to attacks. Financial markets reacted negatively to the escalating tensions. Iran’s nuclear facilities were unharpmed, and flights in Iran were disrupted. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties. Iran-backed groups have supported Palestinians by launching attacks from various countries.