U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need to protect Palestinian civilians in the war between Israel and Hamas, stating that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza was worsening.
The USA abstained from the first ceasefire resolution in Gaza, angering Netanyahu who wanted Washington to exercise its veto. As a retaliatory measure, Netanyahu cancelled his delegation’s trip to Washington. The ceasefire did not hold as Israel continued its attacks on Gaza. The Security Council’s decision remained on paper, similar to the situation in Cyprus in 1974. The US government claimed there was no reason to believe Israel committed acts of genocide in Gaza. The situation in Gaza is dire, with people facing hunger and desperation. The head of European diplomacy denounced Israel’s use of hunger as a “war weapon” in Gaza. Netanyahu’s actions are seen as trying to save his political career, but the international community’s response allows the occupying power to continue its actions, which is considered a crime.
A major bridge collapsed in the US port of Baltimore after being struck by a container ship, plunging cars into the river below.
Julian Assange can continue his fight against extradition to the United States unless the U.S. promises he will not face the death penalty.
The European Commission released a report on Cyprus’ economy, noting that GDP is expected to grow and inflation to decrease. The report also highlighted risks related to interconnections with economies within and outside the EU, as well as vulnerabilities related to debt. The GDP growth rate in 2023 was 2.4%, down from 5.1% in 2022, with expectations of rebounding growth in 2024 and 2025. The Cypriot labor market remains robust, with employment rising and unemployment expected to fall. The country’s fiscal position is strong, with a surplus expected to be maintained. Cyprus’ high integration with EU and non-EU economies makes it susceptible to economic developments in those regions, posing risks to its economy.
– Gunmen attacked a concert hall outside Moscow, killing 137 people
– The U.S. and other Western countries warned of an imminent attack in Moscow, linked to Islamic State
– Russia accused Ukraine of being involved in the attack, which Ukraine denied
– Four suspects, citizens of Tajikistan, were charged with terrorism in connection to the attack
– France raised its security alert, linking the attack to Islamic State
– The U.S. and Russia traded accusations over the attack, with the U.S. denying any Ukrainian involvement and Russia questioning U.S. assertions
– U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss aid flow into Gaza amid tense relations due to the six-month-old war.
– Israel claimed to have killed or captured hundreds of Hamas fighters in a five-day operation at the Al Shifa hospital complex in Gaza, which Hamas and medical staff deny.
– Blinken has been engaging in diplomacy in the Middle East, including meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia and officials in Cairo, aiming for a ceasefire.
– U.S. President Joe Biden criticized Israel’s campaign in Gaza as “over the top” due to its toll on civilian lives.
– The war started with a Hamas raid into southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 253 hostages. Over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombardments.
– Blinken emphasized the need for increased and sustained aid deliveries to Gaza, where the entire population faces severe food insecurity.
– Israeli Colonel Moshe Tetro denied food shortages in Gaza, claiming sufficient food enters daily.
– Discussions include Israel’s intention to launch a ground offensive on Rafah, with Washington objecting to the plan.
– An airstrike on a house in Al-Naser, east of Rafah, killed eight people, including a family with five children.
– Senior Israeli and U.S. officials are set to meet in Washington to discuss alternatives to a full-on assault on Hamas.
– Talks in Qatar focus on a proposal for a six-week halt to fighting, exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
– Israel aims to eradicate Hamas, while Hamas wants a permanent end to the war and Israeli troop withdrawal.
– Israeli troops claim to have killed or detained hundreds in the Al Shifa hospital, including senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad members, though Hamas denies fighters were in the compound.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed U.S. Republican senators that Israel will continue its efforts to defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This statement was made during a videolink address to the senators. The meeting highlighted the political nature of U.S.-Israel policy, with Netanyahu having a long-standing alignment with Republicans. The Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, considered inviting Netanyahu to address Congress. The conflict in question began with an attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 253 captives according to Israeli counts. Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic majority leader, declined an offer for Netanyahu to speak to Democrats, emphasizing a non-partisan approach to supporting Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to nearly 32,000 Palestinian deaths. Netanyahu discussed civilian casualties and supported plans to deliver aid to Gaza via a temporary pier. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized that the U.S. should not advise a democratic ally on election timing or military campaigns.
The number of EU students enrolling in British universities has significantly decreased by more than half since the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union in 2016, with notable declines from Italy, Germany, and France. This trend is also observed in Cyprus, where students are now considering universities in other countries. British passport holders and children of British passport holders residing in the EU can still apply for UK universities and receive home fees until January 1, 2028. Before Brexit, EU students paid just over £9,000 in home fees and had access to student finance, but now, with no loans available, tuition fees can rise to £38,000. Despite the increase in tuition fees, some UK universities still offer home fees or scholarships to reduce costs. Students from Cyprus are exploring universities in various countries, including the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Greece, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Canada, the USA, and Australia. There is also a noticeable increase in students applying to local private universities in Cyprus due to the variety of courses, scholarship opportunities, flexible entry requirements, and easy application processes. Students are increasingly pursuing courses that offer immediate employment opportunities, with a growing interest in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, risk management, data analysis, art and design, real estate, business, economics/finance/accounting, law, medicine, engineering, psychology, and physiotherapy.
– U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a Middle East mission, with no initial stop in Israel announced.
– Intense fighting occurred around Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City, with Israel claiming to have killed 90 gunmen and Hamas stating those killed were civilians.
– Blinken was scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and Cairo to discuss efforts to secure a truce in the conflict.
– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a plea from President Joe Biden to call off plans for a ground assault of Rafah.
– Netanyahu aims to complete the elimination of Hamas battalions in Rafah through a ground assault.
– The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, with Hamas killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, and nearly 32,000 Palestinians confirmed killed since then.
– Ceasefire talks have resumed in Qatar, with discussions on a truce involving the release of around 40 Israeli hostages in return for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
– Israel launched an operation against Al Shifa hospital, claiming Hamas fighters regrouped there, and reported killing 90 gunmen and detaining 160 at the hospital.
– Hamas acknowledged a senior police commander was killed in the hospital but stated he was responsible for civilian security.