West Texas Intermediate remains steady with thin trading, possibly due to anticipation of upcoming producer price figures from the US. The WTI crude oil hovers around $78.00 per barrel in European trading on Thursday. Oil traders have absorbed the hawkish stance maintained by the US Federal Reserve, with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) keeping … Read more
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, where millions of people are facing worsening hunger.
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.
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.