Debate beat: New Rules Helped Trump “Staged by CNN in an audience-free soundstage in which even competing reporters were banned, the Biden-Trump debate had more ground rules than an Ultimate Fighting match,” grumbles Politico’s Jack Shafer. In advance of the debate, “many assumed that these new rules would hurt Trump” given that “he feeds off live … Read more
The benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) attracted fresh buyers in Asian trading on Wednesday and reversed a part of the previous day’s retracement slide from the $81.65 area, or a nearly two-month top. The US crude oil currently trades around $81.00/barrel, up over 0.50% for the day amid persistent geopolitical tensions stemming from Israeli strikes … Read more
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour challenger Keir Starmer debated over how to boost Britain’s economy, with Sunak accusing Labour of wanting to increase taxes if they win power. Sunak claimed that Labour would raise taxes by £2,000, but Starmer called this figure “nonsense.” Starmer criticized the Conservative Party for presiding over economic chaos and opposed Sunak’s plan for mandatory national service. Sunak also discussed tackling immigration by sending illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda, while Starmer said he had a plan to address immigration concerns. An opinion poll after the debate suggested that Sunak had won.
16 people were killed and 35 wounded in U.S. and British strikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah province. The strikes targeted a radio building in Al-Hawk district and port of Salif. The U.S. and British militaries launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to deter the militant group from disrupting shipping in the Red Sea.
Cyprus has condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Rafah, expressing grief over the devastation and loss of civilian lives, including children. They called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, emphasizing the need to respect International Humanitarian Law.
Twenty-one Palestinians, including twelve women, were killed and many others were injured in Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday in a tented area housing displaced people in Rafah. The strikes specifically targeted tents belonging to displaced families in a designated humanitarian area in Mawasi, according to Palestinian medical officials and residents.
Animal producers in the occupied north are in the eighth day of their protests, supported by unions, civil society organizations, and political parties. The protests gained momentum despite a government decree postponing a planned strike by the Air Traffic Controllers’ Union. The producers are demanding affordable, domestic meat and criticizing the government for importing frozen meat. Union leaders accused the administration of neglecting the people’s needs and prioritizing special interests. The protesters are calling for the government to resign and are emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic producers and the economy.
![Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]](https://ch.jfdi.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/reports-of-horrifying-mass-casualties-in-rafah-unrwa-says-photos.jpg)
UNRWA described reports of attacks on families seeking shelter in Rafah as “horrifying”. Israeli air strikes killed at least 35 Palestinians in a designated area for the displaced in Rafah. The Israeli military targeted Hamas officials in Rafah, causing civilian casualties. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported an influx of casualties in Rafah. The Israeli military continued operations in Rafah despite a U.N. court ruling. Hamas fired rockets in response to Israeli attacks. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Italy strongly criticized Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, stating that the situation is increasingly difficult and no longer justifiable. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed despair over the situation and emphasized the need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people. Italy has previously supported Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas but has urged for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.
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.