Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

Israel approved the reopening of the Erez crossing into northern Gaza and the temporary use of Ashdod port in southern Israel following U.S. demands to increase humanitarian aid supplies into Gaza. The decision was made after U.S. President Joe Biden demanded specific steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warned of potential conditions on U.S. aid if Israel did not respond. Israel also faced pressure after the killing of seven aid workers in an Israeli strike triggered global outrage. The move was welcomed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized the need to see results on the ground in Gaza. UNRWA urged Israel to do more to prevent famine in Gaza, while a senior Hamas official expressed concerns about potential delays in the implementation of aid. Israel has faced international pressure to assist civilians in Gaza and has previously blamed distribution problems on international agencies inside Gaza.

Man stabs governor of Russia’s Murmansk region with knife

Man stabs governor of Russia’s Murmansk region with knife

The governor of Russia’s Arctic region of Murmansk, Andrei Chibis, was stabbed in the stomach by an unknown assailant after a meeting with residents in Apatity. The attacker has been detained, and the governor is currently in surgery but conscious and in good spirits. No motive for the assault has been reported.

Cyprus can become a leader in sustainability , – but we can’t afford to be complacent about climate change

Cyprus can become a leader in sustainability , – but we can’t afford to be complacent about climate change

Marios Tannousis is the CEO of Invest Cyprus, focusing on attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Cyprus. Cyprus has committed to spending €500 million by 2026 to combat climate change and foster the green transition. Cyprus aims to become the best place in Europe to live, work, and do business by transitioning towards a renewable energy system and implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. The country is strategically positioned to help combat climate change in the Middle East and North Africa regions. Cyprus is working towards becoming a leader in sustainability and developing a circular zero-waste economy.

AG briefed over monks, ’ cash and sex scandal

AG briefed over monks, ’ cash and sex scandal

Attorney General George Savvides was briefed on an ongoing investigation into a cash scandal involving monks at the monastery of Saint Avvakoum. Monks were allegedly found in possession of €800,000 in cash and were also discovered to own property in Greece and Limassol. The investigation includes allegations of money laundering and obtaining money with false representations. The police are working to identify whether felonies have been committed and initial findings were presented to the Attorney General. The monastery has faced criticism for allegedly receiving donations through fake “miracles” and promises to people suffering from diseases. The monks have vehemently denied the accusations, claiming there has been no financial mismanagement. The monastery has also been accused of engaging in sexual acts on CCTV footage, with one monk reported for sexual harassment. The scandals have raised concerns about potential money laundering through church donations.

North coalition party mulls leaving , ‘govt’

North coalition party mulls leaving , ‘govt’

The Democratic Party (DP) in the north is considering leaving the government, with party leader Fikri Ataoglu expected to implement the decision. If the DP leaves, the government would still stand, but the remaining parties would have a slim majority in parliament. The UBP would then have to rely on the YDP to pass legislation.

Golden passport investigations , ‘moving forward’

Golden passport investigations , ‘moving forward’

Fact: Investigations surrounding the golden passports scheme are moving forward, with some at the final stages, according to police chief Stelios Papatheodorou.

Soft CPI weakens Swiss Franc

Soft CPI weakens Swiss Franc

The Swiss Franc strengthened as softer-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for March boosted expectations of one more interest rate cut by the Swiss National Bank.

More than , €8bn of ‘major developments’ planned in Cyprus

More than , €8bn of ‘major developments’ planned in Cyprus

More than €8 billion of major developments have been planned in Cyprus, with 18 to 20 projects expected to create between 8,000 and 9,000 jobs. The developments will include new marinas, golf courses, technology parks, tourist complexes, medical centers, and other projects. The chairman of the Association of Large Investment Projects stated that his views are aligned with President Nikos Christodoulides and they aim to attract foreign investments and promote the implementation of major development projects. Incentives will be provided to encourage foreign companies to partner with Cypriot companies, and efforts will be made to clean up Cyprus’ name and improve the country’s image in the eyes of investors.

Beon: the most technologically-advanced office in Cyprus

Beon: the most technologically-advanced office in Cyprus

Fact: Only 1 per cent of companies require full-time office presence, and 50 per cent of companies support an equal mix of office and remote-based work.

AG briefed over monastery scandal , ‘for hours’

AG briefed over monastery scandal , ‘for hours’

The Legal Service was convening to review the results of police investigations into the Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal.