British aircraft dispatched from Akrotiri after Iran launches attack against Israel
British fighter jets have been deployed from Akrotiri bases in Cyprus to help with Israel’s defence against Iran’s attack.
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Man City back on top after thrashing Luton
– Erling Haaland scored his 20th league goal of the season for Manchester City in a 5-1 win against Luton Town.
– Alexander Isak scored a brace for Newcastle United in a 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
– Matheus Cunha scored twice for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.
– Brentford secured a 2-0 home win over Sheffield United.
Opinion: New taxes would be a mistake. Freeland is still likely to hike levies on corporations and the wealthy
Chrystia Freeland is likely to raise taxes on the country’s largest companies and wealthiest citizens in the upcoming budget to increase government revenues and pay for new programs.
President convenes emergency meeting over Israel-Iran tensions
President Christodoulides convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the potential implications of a new flare-up in the Middle East region, particularly between Iran and Israel. The meeting focused on preventive measures, including security at airports and ports, in case of increased flows of Syrian refugees and potential threats to Cyprus. The Government clarified that the meeting was not out of concern but to evaluate data and exchange opinions on the situation. There is no differentiation in security measures, and the Government’s main goal is to prevent escalation in the region. President Christodoulides’ invitation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon is still under discussion.
Gaza aid could reach 1,500 tonnes a week
Relief for aid-stricken Palestinians in the Gaza strip could reach about 1,500 tonnes a week once a U.S.-built jetty is operational, with international donors coming forward to finance the infrastructure, including a million donation from the United Arab Emirates to the Amaltheia Fund.
Govt close to renewing collective agreements
The government is ready to strike a deal renewing collective agreements.
Migration and Middle East crisis discussed in Security Council meeting
– The National Security Council convened to discuss developments in the Middle East and migration.
– No decisions were made to change security measures, but there was an evaluation of existing data.
– The government has no information about the possibility of strikes on Israeli targets in Cyprus.
– Due to the situation in the region, the entire region is under threat.
– A joint forced-return flight took place where 3,337 people were deported for living in Cyprus illegally.
– Cyprus’ police participated in the operation with Greek authorities and Frontex.
– The National Security Council constantly assesses data and exchanges views on major concerns.
– There are no news to be announced regarding Christodoulides’ invitation to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon.
– Christodoulides visited Lebanon to address migration and called for more EU support in tackling migration flows.
Europe turns to ECB after U.S. inflation selloff
Stocks and the euro were steady ahead of an European Central Bank meeting on Thursday, after stubborn U.S. inflation numbers triggered the biggest global market selloff in months and left Japan’s yen at a new 34-year low.
Israeli defence minister says a direct Iranian attack would require appropriate response
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran. The United States has expressed its commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies. The U.S. also expects an attack by Iran against Israel, but one that would not lead to war. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla is visiting Israel to discuss current security threats. The White House has warned Iran not to escalate further in the region following an air strike against an Iranian military commander in Damascus.
Netanyahu says Israel preparing for scenarios in other areas than Gaza
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is prepared to meet all security needs defensively and offensively. Israel is bracing for possible Iranian retaliation for the killing of senior Iranian commanders. Israeli troops and warplanes started an operation in central Gaza, aiming to destroy armed Palestinian groups’ infrastructure. Fighting has continued in various areas of Gaza, with many civilians feeling the impact of the conflict.