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Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

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Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

Israeli forces massed tanks near Rafah in response to U.S. President Biden’s threat to withhold weapons if a major invasion occurred. Ceasefire talks in Cairo continued as Palestinian militant groups engaged in battles with Israeli forces on the outskirts of Rafah. The U.S. paused delivery of bombs to Israel due to civilian risks, causing concern for Israel’s ability to neutralize Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians fled to Deir Al-Balah, fearing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, with the U.N. warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Two Chinese megacities lift home purchase curbs to attract buyers

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Two Chinese megacities lift home purchase curbs to attract buyers

Two Chinese provincial capitals, Hangzhou and Xian, have lifted all home purchase restrictions to attract buyers and support their struggling real estate markets. The last property boom in many Chinese cities ended around 2020-2021 due to the pandemic and strict borrowing requirements imposed by regulators. Authorities have been implementing measures to bolster the sector, but many policies have had limited impact. Hangzhou saw a 1.0% increase in new home prices in March, the slowest pace in nearly six years, while new home sales slumped 75% year-on-year in April. The move by Hangzhou and Xian to remove purchase restrictions was described as symbolic and unlikely to significantly boost demand. Analysts believe that prices need to fall further before the property market can see a sustainable rebound in demand.

President reaffirms support for construction sector

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President reaffirms support for construction sector

President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the construction sector, supported by the Cyprus Property Developers Association (LBDA), plays a vital role in attracting investments, promoting entrepreneurship, and positioning Cyprus as an investment destination.

Church process against monks unlawful says their lawyer

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Church process against monks unlawful says their lawyer

Fact: Monks and their lawyers involved in the Avvakoum monastery scandal filed a memo to the church investigative committee arguing that the process being followed by the church was unlawful.

Another leading member quits Green Party

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Another leading member quits Green Party

Efi Xanthou announced she has left the Green Party after a 23-year association due to actions she perceived as undemocratic, including a controversial decision made at a Nicosia district party branch meeting.

Pa. Senate approves GOP’s $3B tax-cutting plan

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Pa. Senate approves GOP's $3B tax-cutting plan

Republican lawmakers advanced legislation for a billion tax cut in response to Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget plan. The tax legislation passed the Republican-controlled Senate and is intended to be the largest tax cut in the state’s history. Democrats opposed the bill, which aims to cut taxes by billion, while Shapiro’s budget proposal includes a billion increase in spending.

‘Wealth tax could send billionaires from India to Dubai, impractical’: economist

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‘Wealth tax could send billionaires from India to Dubai, impractical’: economist

Gautam Sen cautioned against the implementation of a wealth tax in India, warning that it could lead to wealthy individuals relocating their businesses to tax-friendly destinations like Dubai.

Real Madrid stun Bayern with late fightback to reach Champions League final

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Real Madrid stun Bayern with late fightback to reach Champions League final

Real Madrid staged a comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the Champions League semi-final, with Joselu scoring two late goals to secure their spot in the final against Borussia Dortmund.

Google fights $17 bln UK lawsuit over adtech practices

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Google fights $17 bln UK lawsuit over adtech practices

Google parent Alphabet is facing a mass lawsuit in London accusing it of abusing its dominance in the online advertising market. The lawsuit seeks damages of up to 13.6 billion pounds on behalf of UK-based publishers who claim they have suffered losses due to Google’s allegedly anticompetitive behavior.

Woman robbed of , €52,000 in Nicosia phone scam

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Woman robbed of , €52,000 in Nicosia phone scam

A 72-year-old woman in Nicosia was scammed out of €52,000 by perpetrators who posed as a surgeon from the Nicosia general hospital and claimed her son needed a surgical procedure due to an alleged accident.