cargo

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

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US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.

Somali pirates say hijacked ship MV Abdullah released after $5 million ransom was paid

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Somali pirates say hijacked ship MV Abdullah released after $5 million ransom was paid

Somali pirates released the hijacked ship MV Abdullah and its crew of 23 after a million ransom was paid. The money was divided and avoided government forces. The Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier was hijacked in March while en route from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates. Somali pirates had been dormant until late last year when activity started to increase again.

Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

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Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. Tensions are rising in the region since Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with threats and warnings being issued by Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Yemen’s Houthi group has been disrupting global trade by attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have responded with strikes against Houthi targets. The Joint Maritime Information Center has advised caution for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Israel denies Turkey’s request to drop aid into Gaza, Turkish foreign minister says

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Israel denies Turkey’s request to drop aid into Gaza, Turkish foreign minister says

Israel has denied Turkey’s request to join air drops of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Turkey will take new measures against Israel in response, as it has already sent tens of thousands of tons of aid to Gaza since the start of the conflict. The United States and other countries have been dropping aid into Gaza by air, but Israel rejected Turkey’s request to participate. Turkey’s Foreign Minister stated that the new measures against Israel will be implemented until a ceasefire is declared and humanitarian aid is allowed to reach Gaza without interruption.

UK sends Royal Navy ship to boost aid for Gaza and set up a new maritime corridor

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UK sends Royal Navy ship to boost aid for Gaza and set up a new maritime corridor

A British Royal Navy ship will supply aid to Gaza as part of an international effort to set up a new humanitarian maritime corridor in early May. The initiative, involving the United States, Cyprus, and other partners, aims to deliver aid directly to Gaza through a temporary pier off the coast. The British government has pledged 9.7 million pounds for aid equipment and logistical expertise. Military teams have been working on developing the safest and most effective maritime route. Last week, the killing of seven aid workers, including three British nationals, in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza led to global outrage.

North America’s solar eclipse begins at Mexican beach resort [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

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North America’s solar eclipse begins at Mexican beach resort [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

The first total solar eclipse in seven years was visible in Mexico, with the path of totality stretching through the United States and Canada. The eclipse lasted up to 4 1/2 minutes, with eerie effects leading up to totality. Over 32 million people in the U.S. live within the path of totality, with experts recommending the use of protective solar glasses. Eclipses can last anywhere from 10 seconds to 7-1/2 minutes.

Ten Cypriots on the 2024 Forbes billionaires list

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Ten Cypriots on the 2024 Forbes billionaires list

Ten Cypriot citizens are listed on the 2024 Forbes list of billionaires. Leading the group is Vinod Adani, ranked 88th globally with a net worth of US.3 billion. Other prominent Cypriot billionaires include John Fredriksen, Yakir Gabay, Igor Makarov, Sergey Dmitriev, Valentin Kipyatkov, the Hadji-Ioannou siblings, and Vladimir Krupchak.

Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

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Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

Ships carrying 332 tons of food for Gaza left Larnaca port in Cyprus in a convoy that will reach the besieged enclave early next week. This is the second shipment this month after Israel eased a 17-year naval blockade on Gaza to allow aid in from Cyprus. The aid is sourced by U.S. charity World Central Kitchen and will be delivered by a cargo ship and a barge towed by a salvage vessel. The aid mission was arranged with Spain’s Open Arms charity, financed mainly by the UAE, and supported by Cypriot authorities. The United States plans to construct a floating pier off Gaza to receive aid, with a target completion date of May 1. The United Nations has warned of imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, where 300,000 people are trapped by fighting. More than half of Gaza’s population could face famine by July.

Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

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Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

Six workers were missing and presumed dead after a cargo ship collided with a bridge in Baltimore Harbor, causing a section of the bridge to collapse. Active search-and-rescue operations were suspended due to treacherous conditions in the water. The ship reported a power failure before impact, and all 22 crew members were accounted for. The closure of the port could have a major impact on supply chains. President Biden promised to visit Baltimore and rebuild the bridge. The incident may be the worst U.S. bridge collapse since 2007.