military

Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

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Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

Countries mediating ceasefire negotiations, including Qatar, the USA, and Egypt, called on Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement based on a plan presented by US President Joe Biden. The plan includes a three-phase approach to achieve a permanent ceasefire, with conditions such as the release of hostages and the withdrawal of troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government’s conditions for a ceasefire, including the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Hamas responded cautiously, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops before agreeing to a ceasefire. Netanyahu faces pressure from both right-wing ministers and Israeli citizens demanding the return of hostages.

Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

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Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

The “All eyes on Rafah” campaign is gaining traction in Western Europe, Australia, and India, aiming to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,171 Palestinians. Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Rafah, prompting global attention and support for the residents seeking refuge from the violence. Social media, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has seen a massive outpouring of support with millions of users sharing the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The campaign has coincided with international condemnation of Israel following airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. Israeli military operations in Rafah have continued despite the heightened scrutiny and criticism.

COMMENT: Russian tax hikes – important but not large enough

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COMMENT: Russian tax hikes – important but not large enough

Russia has announced changes to its tax system, moving from a flat to a progressive system by 2025. The upper rate of income tax will rise from 15% to 22% and for corporate taxes from 20% to 25%. These changes are expected to reduce the budget deficit caused by increased military spending but may not be enough to prevent economic overheating. The tax hikes are modest compared to military and defense spending, which is 6% of GDP and rising. The overall fiscal stance remains expansionary, challenging the central bank’s efforts to combat inflation. Russia’s budget deficit is expected to halve this year and remain flat in 2025, while growth forecasts vary with some predicting modest growth and others more upbeat figures.

COMMENT: Russian tax hikes – important but not large enough

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COMMENT: Russian tax hikes – important but not large enough

Russia has announced changes to its tax system, including a shift to a progressive income tax system in 2025, with the upper rate increasing from 15% to 22% and corporate taxes from 20% to 25%. These changes are expected to reduce the budget deficit caused by increased military spending.

Egypt cracks down on pro-Palestine activism with student arrests

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Egypt cracks down on pro-Palestine activism with student arrests

Egypt has detained students promoting pro-Palestinian boycotts and solidarity campaigns, along with many others protesting against Israel’s military campaign. At least 125 people have been arrested since the Gaza war began in October, with 95 still in pre-trial detention. The crackdown on dissent in Egypt has intensified since 2013, with tens of thousands arrested for speaking out against the government. Public demonstrations are outlawed, and authorities fear protests over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could fuel political dissent.

Greek Cypriot arrested in north in fake passport case

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Greek Cypriot arrested in north in fake passport case

A Greek Cypriot man appeared in court in the north for his part in a case involving third country nationals allegedly traveling to and from the north using fake passports. The police understood upon receiving the passport that it was counterfeit. The passenger ran off and re-entered the north via a military base. The Greek Cypriot man claimed he was approached at a petrol station and offered money to take the passenger to the Republic. The police found the hire car used in the incident in Trikomo and arrested both brothers who were in the car.

US-British strikes leave 16 dead in Yemen, Houthis say

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US-British strikes leave 16 dead in Yemen, Houthis say

16 people were killed and 35 wounded in U.S. and British strikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah province. The strikes targeted a radio building in Al-Hawk district and port of Salif. The U.S. and British militaries launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to deter the militant group from disrupting shipping in the Red Sea.

Russian FinMin introduces first corporate and personal tax hike in two decades

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Russian FinMin introduces first corporate and personal tax hike in two decades

Russia’s Finance Ministry has proposed amendments to the tax code, including raising corporate income taxes and introducing a progressive personal income tax scale. The changes are expected to be passed by the State Duma before autumn 2024 and come into force in 2025. The proposed changes include raising corporate income tax to 25%, reintroducing a 5% income tax rate for IT companies, and setting thresholds for the progressive personal income tax scale. The reforms are estimated to increase consolidated budget revenues by RUB2.6 trillion in 2025. Despite the changes, Russia’s progressive personal income tax remains modest compared to other BRICS countries. The implementation of a progressive income tax could have negative impacts on economic growth and macroeconomic indicators.

British newspaper claims 50 UK politicians demanded direct flights to north

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British newspaper claims 50 UK politicians demanded direct flights to north

A total of 50 British politicians have penned a letter to the UK Foreign Secretary urging him to allow direct flights between the United Kingdom and the north of Cyprus. The letter highlights that Ercan (Tymbou) airport abides by international aviation security standards and that the north is not a risk with no history of poor safety.

Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

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Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

The Israeli military has lifted a ban on the sale of food to Gaza from Israel and the occupied West Bank amid international aid choking as a result of the battlefield offensive. Gaza traders have been given permission to resume purchasing food such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers. The deliveries are vetted by the Israeli military at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, with only products for sale allowed and no charitable donations permitted. The flow of deliveries has been inconsistent, with prices often too high for cash-strapped families in Gaza.