war

More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

by
More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

Israel allowed around 200 aid trucks into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the blocked Rafah crossing. The aid shipments were agreed upon between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Israel is facing pressure to provide more aid to Gaza after months of conflict causing destruction and hunger. The Rafah crossing has been closed for almost three weeks, with Egypt refusing to open its side. Israel has opened new crossing points and is cooperating with the United States to distribute supplies. Israeli strikes in Rafah have killed at least five Palestinians, with ongoing operations to root out Hamas fighters and rescue hostages. Efforts to agree on a ceasefire and return hostages have been ongoing, with some movement after meetings between Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials and the prime minister of Qatar. Hamas demands the complete and permanent end of aggression in all of Gaza, not just Rafah. Israel insists the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated.

After China drills, Taiwan president again extends goodwill

by
After China drills, Taiwan president again extends goodwill

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te extended goodwill towards and offered cooperation with China following Chinese war games near the island. China carried out military drills in response to Lai’s inauguration speech, which Beijing viewed as a push for Taiwan’s independence. Lai rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty and has offered talks, but has been rejected. Lai called on China to share responsibility for regional stability and expressed a desire for mutual understanding and reconciliation through cooperation. Taiwan condemned China’s war games and discovered a cardboard box with political slogans written in simplified Chinese characters suspected to be dropped by a drone. China’s military has been releasing propaganda videos directed at Taiwan since the drills began.

New Caledonia airport to remain closed until at least June 2

by
New Caledonia airport to remain closed until at least June 2

New Caledonia’s international airport will remain closed until at least next Sunday due to riots over a contested electoral reform, which have resulted in seven deaths. French President Macron visited the island to ease tensions and has paused the reform, but has not fully met pro-independence parties’ demands. Macron stated that he will not make decisions under pressure from violence and could call a special congress or referendum if a deal is not reached. The protesters fear the reform would dilute the votes of indigenous Kanaks, who make up 40% of the population.

After World Court ruling, Palestinians want action, not words

by
After World Court ruling, Palestinians want action, not words

Salwa al-Masri, displaced by Israel’s offensive in Gaza, doubts that the UN’s ruling to halt the offensive in Rafah will help. The World Court ordered Israel to stop the offensive, but Israel stated it will continue the war against Hamas. The conflict has caused a high number of casualties and a new wave of displacement. Palestinians are calling for immediate action to end the war.

G7 will try to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine

by

The G7 is considering using future income from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, with the potential of providing Kyiv with a loan of up to billion. The group is also addressing concerns about China’s industrial practices and aims to sign off on a global minimum tax rate for multinationals. Additionally, the G7 is urging Israel to maintain banking links between Israeli and Palestinian banks to ensure vital transactions can continue.

Let the Poles in-Cyprus looking to attract more than half a million tourists, as Warsaw warms up to closer relations

by
Let the Poles in-Cyprus looking to attract more than half a million tourists, as Warsaw warms up to closer relations

Tourist diplomacy is important for bilateral relationships between countries, with Poland and Cyprus increasing their ties in recent years. Poland is becoming a significant market for Cyprus, with a growing number of Polish tourists visiting the island. The President of Poland highlighted the welcoming and safe environment in Cyprus, attracting more visitors. Brexit has decreased British tourists to Cyprus, making room for Poland to potentially become the second top tourist market. Polish investments are also increasing in Cyprus, with Polish companies setting up headquarters on the island. Additionally, Poland has a long-standing archaeological mission in Paphos, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries.

EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

by
EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged some European countries to stop intimidating International Criminal Court judges over a case against Israeli leaders. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan filed for arrest warrants against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders. Israel denies committing war crimes in Gaza and has called the ICC politically motivated. Several countries, including the United States, have denounced the ICC prosecutor’s decision. Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced they will recognize an independent Palestinian state. Borrell stated that supporting Palestinian state-building should not be considered antisemitic.

Israel stops Spanish consulate from providing services to Palestinians

by
Israel stops Spanish consulate from providing services to Palestinians

Israel is blocking the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank after Spain recognized Palestine. Israel accuses Spain, Ireland, and Norway of rewarding Hamas for attacking Israel. Spain’s Labour Minister used an expression that Israel sees as a call for its destruction. Spain is analyzing Israel’s decision to limit the consulate’s abilities to serve Palestinians.

World Court orders Israel to stop Rafah offensive

by
World Court orders Israel to stop Rafah offensive

Judges at the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The court backed a South African request to stop Israel’s offensive in Rafah, with Israel arguing its operations are self-defense against Hamas militants. Israel’s assault on Rafah has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee, cutting off aid and raising the risk of famine. The court’s rulings are final and binding, but lack enforcement powers. Israel faces diplomatic pressure and accusations of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies charges of genocide and continues its military operations in Gaza.

Nations Can Fight, But There’s No Flight From Global Minimum Tax

by
Nations Can Fight, But There’s No Flight From Global Minimum Tax

Countries are divided on whether to comply with, fight against, or ignore the global minimum tax agreement known as Pillar Two. Compliance involves adopting three taxes to reach a 15% tax rate on corporate income, while fighting against it could lead to trade wars. Ignoring Pillar Two may result in businesses needing to engage in tax planning to protect themselves from liability.