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Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

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Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

Israeli tanks advanced into Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, while airstrikes targeted Rafah in the south. Tanks were trying to reach the heart of the camp, with tank shells and air strikes destroying houses. Israeli troops forced Palestinians in shelters to evacuate. In Rafah, heavy bombardments killed people, and the city remained a “ghost town”. Hamas fighters engaged in gun battles with Israeli forces in both areas. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,000, causing a humanitarian crisis. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Western Canada blazes cause evacuations, air quality concerns

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Western Canada blazes cause evacuations, air quality concerns

First major wildfires of the season have spread to roughly 10,000 hectares across Western Canada. Evacuation orders issued for communities in British Columbia due to poor air quality. Residents in Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations evacuated as blaze nearly doubled in size. Fire in Fort McMurray, an oil hub, was tamed by favorable weather. Alberta recorded 43 active fires, including one near Fort McMurray. Fire started by fallen tree on power line. Evacuation alerts in place for several communities as precaution. Smoke in Fort McMurray from fires in British Columbia. Environment Canada issued special air quality statement for several provinces. Canada warned of “catastrophic” wildfire season ahead due to warm winter and ongoing drought.

Soaring green taxes will slowly bankrupt Britain

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Soaring green taxes will slowly bankrupt Britain

The fact described in the text is that environmental taxes in the UK have been hitting fresh records every year, with the latest data showing a 4.9% increase in 2023, reaching close to pre-pandemic levels.

Cyprus choking on dust

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Cyprus choking on dust

The Department of Labour Inspection issued a public health advisory in Cyprus due to high concentrations of dust particles (PM10) today. Vulnerable groups are advised to avoid spending time outdoors, and employers with outdoor workplaces must follow specific safety measures. The latest hourly dust concentrations in various locations exceeded the legal limit, with real-time updates available on the Department’s website and a mobile app.

Paphos man, 82, arrested after firing shotgun over loud music complaint; four injured

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Paphos man, 82, arrested after firing shotgun over loud music complaint; four injured

An 82-year-old man in Paphos fired a shotgun into the air to stop late-night music from a nearby recreation centre, resulting in minor injuries to four patrons. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, bodily harm, and firearm offences. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

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Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

Israeli tanks captured the main road dividing the eastern and western halves of Rafah, encircling the entire eastern side of the city in the southern Gaza Strip. Residents reported intense fighting between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel ordered civilians out of the eastern half of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands to seek shelter outside the city. Israel believes there are thousands of Hamas fighters in Rafah and cannot win the war without assaulting the city. The Israeli military located tunnel shafts in eastern Rafah and fought at close quarters with Hamas fighters. Ceasefire talks broke up with no agreement to halt the fighting. Over 34,000 Gazans have been killed in the seven months of war.

Cyprus tourism revenue hits , €110.3 million in Q1 — per capita spending reaches €521.01

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Cyprus tourism revenue hits , €110.3 million in Q1 — per capita spending reaches €521.01

Cyprus’ tourism revenue surged by 15 per cent year-on-year in February 2024, reaching €65.1 million.

Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

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Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.

UAE tourist arrivals to Cyprus increase , — ministry sees potential in Middle East and Asia

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UAE tourist arrivals to Cyprus increase , — ministry sees potential in Middle East and Asia

The United Arab Emirates tourist market for Cyprus is steadily rising, with a 14% increase in arrivals from the UAE last year. Meetings were held with airlines and travel agents to increase tourist flows from the UAE and Middle Eastern countries. Discussions also focused on strengthening demand from India and forming strategic partnerships with the UAE in the investment sector.

As Rafah offensive looms, Palestinians fear dispossession again

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As Rafah offensive looms, Palestinians fear dispossession again

Israeli forces are massing on the outskirts of Rafah in Gaza, causing fear among Palestinians of another “Nakba” like the one in 1948. Many people in Rafah have been displaced multiple times as Israel continues to bombard Gaza. Mohammad Emad and his family have moved four times since October. The uncertainty and closed borders make finding refuge difficult. Israel disputes the claim that Palestinians were forced out in 1948. The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties and destruction, with the United Nations warning of a humanitarian catastrophe if Israel continues incursions into Rafah.