Latest News
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Palestinian Health Authorities say that Israeli forces killed four Palestinians in West Bank.
Palestinian health officials said that Israeli forces killed four Palestinians on Sunday. They included a mother, a father, and two children, while they were driving in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian health officials report that a mother and father aged 35 and 37 and two of their children ages?5 or 7 were shot in the head in the village Tammun. Two of their other children also sustained injuries. The Israeli military said that it would be examining the reports. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, a Palestinian also died in an overnight attack by settlers. Rights groups and medics claim that Israeli settlers are using the restrictions on movement imposed by the U.S./Israeli war against?Iran as an excuse to attack Palestinians. Military 'roadblocks' prevent ambulances from reaching the victims quickly. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, settlers have killed at least five 'Palestinians' in the West Bank ever since the Iran War began on February 28. Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Emily Rose, Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Editing By William Mallard
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Palestinian Health Authorities say that Israeli forces killed four Palestinians in West Bank.
Israeli forces killed 4?Palestinians?, including 2 children?, during a raid on the occupied West Bank?on Sunday. Palestinian health officials report that a mother and father aged 35 and 37 were killed in Tammun village in the West Bank, along with two of their children, ages 5 and 7, while two other children from the same household sustained injuries. The Israeli military stated that it was examining the reports. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, a Palestinian died in an attack carried out by settlers over night on Saturday. Medical groups and rights groups say that Israeli settlers are using military roadblocks to prevent ambulances from reaching Palestinians in the West Bank. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, settlers have killed "at least five" 'Palestinians since Israel and the United States began airstrikes on 'Iran in February. Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Emily Rose, Editing by Shri Navaratnam
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US and China's economic chiefs will meet in Paris, clearing the way for a Trump-Xi Summit
The top U.S. economic officials and Chinese leaders will launch a second round of negotiations in Paris on Sunday. They hope to smooth out the kinks of their trade truce, and prepare for Donald Trump's visit to Beijing at the end March to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Discussions between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to center on the shifting of?U.S. Tariffs, the flow of Chinese rare earth minerals and magnetics to U.S. customers, American export controls, and Chinese purchases of U.S. agriculture products are all expected to be discussed. A source familiar with the planning of the two parties said that the two sides would meet at the Paris headquarters for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. China does not belong to the club of 38 mostly rich democracies, and it considers itself as a developing nation. U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer is also expected to join the discussions. The talks will continue a series of meetings held in European cities during the last year, aimed at easing the tensions between the two world's largest economies. U.S. and China trade analysts say that there is little time for preparation, as Washington's focus is on the U.S. - Israel war against Iran. The prospects of a major breakthrough in trade are therefore limited at either the Paris or Beijing summit. Scott Kennedy, an expert in China economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, said, "Both sides have a minimal goal of holding a meeting. This keeps things together and prevents a rupture and reescalation of tensions." Kennedy said that Trump might want to leave Beijing with a commitment from China to buy new Boeing planes and more U.S. soybeans and liquefied gas, but he would need to make some concessions on U.S. Export Controls. Kennedy, however, said that the chances of a summit "that superficially appears to be making progress" but in reality leaves things at their current state for the past four months were good. Trump and Xi may meet at least three more times in 2018. This includes a China hosted APEC Summit in November?and a U.S. hosted G20 Summit in December, which could result in tangible progress. IRAN WAR OIL CONCERNS It is likely that the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran will be discussed at the Paris talks. This is especially true in relation to the recent spike in oil -prices, as well as the closing of the Strait of Hormuz through which China receives?45% of her oil. Bessent announced on Thursday that sanctions would be waived for 30 days to allow the sale Russian oil in tankers stranded out at sea. This was done to increase supplies. Trump called on other countries to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after Washington bombed military sites at Iran's Kharg Island, a hub for oil loading. Iran had threatened to retaliate. In a Sunday commentary, China's Xinhua state-run news agency stated that "meaningful" progress could be made in Sino-U.S. Economic Cooperation to restore confidence in an economy which is becoming increasingly fragile. TRADE TRACE REVIEW Both sides will review their progress on meeting the commitments made under the October 2025 Trade truce that was declared by Trump and Xi at Busan in South Korea. The agreement prevented a major flare up in tensions. It lowered U.S. import tariffs and suspended for a whole year China's export controls of rare earths. The deal also halted the expansion of a U.S. list of Chinese companies that are banned from purchasing high-tech U.S. products such as semiconductor manufacturing machinery. China has also agreed to purchase 12 million metric tonnes of U.S. soya beans during the marketing year 2025 and 25 millions tons for the season 2026, which begins with the harvest in the fall. Bessent and other U.S. officials have stated that China has met its commitments in the Busan agreement, citing initial soybean purchases. While some industries receive rare earth exports from China - which dominates the global production - U.S. aerospace firms and semiconductor firms are not receiving them and are experiencing a worsening shortage of key materials, such as yttrium used in heat resistant coatings for jet engine. William Chou said that the U.S. will focus on agricultural purchases from China and greater access for Chinese rare earths at the Paris talks. NEW TRADE PROBES Greer and 'Bessent bring a fresh irritant into the Paris talks: a "Section 301", a new investigation into unfair trading practices that targets China and 15 major trading partners based on alleged excess industrial capacities. This could lead to a second round of tariffs in a matter of months. Greer has also launched a probe into allegations of forced labor in 60 countries including China that could lead to the ban on certain imports. The investigations aim to rebuild Trump’s tariff pressure against trading partners after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump's global trade tariffs were illegal under an emergency law. The ruling effectively'reduced Trump’s tariffs on Chinese products by 20 percentage points. But he immediately imposed an?global tariff of 10% under another trade law. China denounced Friday the investigations and stated that it reserves the right to take countermeasures. China Daily, the state-run newspaper, added in an editorial that these investigations were unilateral actions that complicate negotiation. Xinhua reported that "the new round of discussions is both an opportunity as well as a test." The U.S. will have a major role to play in determining whether the talks are successful. Washington must approach the talks with a pragmatic and rational mindset, and act in accordance with the principles which underpin stable China-U.S. Economic Relations." (Reporting and editing by Andrea Ricci; Additional reporting in Beijing by Ryan Woo; Reporting by David Lawder)
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US and China economic chiefs to meet in Paris to prepare for Trump-Xi Summit
?Top U.S. economic officials and Chinese officials will launch a second round of talks on Sunday in Paris to smooth out the kinks 'in their trade truce, and to prepare for Donald Trump to travel to Beijing at the end of March to meet with Chinese president Xi Jinping. The U.S. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent, and the Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to lead discussions on a number of issues, including shifting U.S. Tariffs, the flow of Chinese rare earth minerals to U.S. buyers and American export controls for high-tech products, and Chinese purchases U.S. agriculture products. A source familiar with the planning of the two parties said that the two sides would meet at the Paris headquarters for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. China does not belong to the club of 38 mostly rich democracies, and it considers itself as a developing nation. U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer is also expected to join the discussions. The talks will continue a series of meetings held in European cities during the last year, which were aimed at easing the tensions between the two world's largest economies. U.S. and China trade analysts say that there is little time for preparation, as Washington is focused on the U.S. - Israel war against Iran. The prospects of a major breakthrough in trade are limited at either the Paris or Beijing summits, because Washington's focus will be on this conflict. Scott Kennedy, an expert in China economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, said, "Both sides have a minimal goal of holding a meeting. This keeps things together and prevents a rupture and reescalation of tensions." Kennedy said that Trump might want to leave Beijing with a commitment from China to buy new Boeing planes and more U.S. soybeans and liquefied gas. But to achieve this, he may have to make a concession on U.S. Export Controls. Kennedy, however, said that the chances of a summit "that superficially appears to be making progress" but in reality leaves things at their current state for the past four months were good. Trump and Xi may meet at least three more times in 2018. These meetings could include a G20 summit hosted by the U.S. in December and an APEC summit held in China in November. IRAN WAR OIL CONCERNS At the Paris talks the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran is likely to be discussed, particularly in relation to the "spike" in oil prices, as well as the closing of the Strait o'Hormuz through which China receives 45% of its crude oil. Bessent announced on Thursday that sanctions would be waived for 30 days to allow the sale Russian oil in tankers stranded out at sea. This was done to increase supplies. Trump called on other countries to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after Washington bombed military sites at Iran's Kharg Island, a hub for oil loading. Iran had threatened to retaliate. In an editorial, China's China Daily newspaper called for continuity of the U.S. - China dialogue to serve as a "stabilizing pillar" in the midst of uncertainty surrounding the "ongoing Middle East crisis" and how best to resolve specific differences, including those relating to strategic materials, technology and market access, and agriculture. China Daily stated that "in a time like this, a trade conflict between the two world's largest economies is the last thing we need." TRADE TRUCE OVERVIEW Both sides will review their progress on meeting the commitments made under the October 2025 Trade truce announced by Trump and Xi at Busan in South Korea. The agreement prevented a major flare up in tensions. It lowered U.S. import tariffs and suspended for a whole year China's export controls of rare earths. The deal also halted the expansion of an American blacklist of Chinese firms banned from buying high-tech U.S. products such as semiconductor manufacturing machinery. China has also agreed to purchase 12 million metric tonnes of U.S. soya beans during the 2025 season and 25 millions tons for the '2026 season. This will begin with the fall harvest. Bessent and other U.S. officials have stated that China has met its commitments in the Busan agreement, citing soybean sales that met initial goals. While some industries receive rare earth exports, mainly from China which is the world's largest producer, U.S. semiconductor and aerospace firms do not. They are experiencing a worsening shortage of key materials such as yttrium used to make heat-resistant coatings on jet engines. William Chou said that the U.S. will focus on agricultural purchases from China and access to Chinese rare Earths, in the "short term", at the Paris talks. William Chou is a senior fellow with the Hudson Institute. NEW TRADE PROBE Greer and Bessent bring a new irritant into the Paris talks. A new "Section 301", investigation into unfair trading practices targeting China and other major trading 'partners, over alleged excess capacity in their industries. This could lead to a second?round tariffs in a matter of months. Greer launched a second investigation into alleged forced-labor practices in 60 countries, including China. This could lead to a ban on certain imports from the U.S. The investigations aim to rebuild Trump’s tariff pressure against trading partners, after the U.S. Supreme Court declared illegal Trump’s global tariffs under emergency laws. The ruling reduced Trump's tariffs against Chinese goods by 20%, but he immediately implemented a 10% tariff on a global basis under another trade law. China denounced Friday the investigations and stated that it reserves the right to take countermeasures. China Daily's editorial said that the investigations were "representative unilateral actions that complicate negotiation." Reporting by David Lawder, Editing by Andrea Ricci
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CNBC reports that Fertitta Entertainment is in talks with Caesars to purchase the company for $6.5 billion.
CNBC, citing 'close sources', reported on Saturday that Fertitta Entertainment was negotiating to buy Caesars Entertainment at $32 per share. This would represent an equity value $6.5 billion. The report stated that Fertitta’s terms for Caesars include a value of $31.5billion, based on the substantial debt the gaming company has. Caesars responded to an emailed question by saying: "As a policy, we do not comment on rumors and market speculation." Could not verify the report immediately. Fertitta Entertainment has not responded to the request for comment made outside of regular business hours. CNBC reported that deal talks will take place this weekend, within a 45 day exclusive window, at Fertitta’s headquarters in Houston. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Fertitta Entertainment was considering paying $34 per share for Caesars. This would give it a market value of $7 billion. Journal reported that the casino operator received a cash offer from Icahn Enterprises - the publicly listed company which houses billionaire Carl Icahn’s investments. Icahn made his first friendly bid for Caesars back in January. He offered $28.50 per share with the promise that the current management would continue to be in place, according to a report by CNBC. Icahn Enterprises didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. Icahn?is interested in partnering up with a digital gaming company, which could combine Caesars digital gambling operations and theirs. Caesars reported a?net loss for four consecutive quarters, hurt because of the softening visitor number in Las Vegas which dropped significantly in 2025.
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Tedros, WHO chief Tedros, says that 12 people were killed in a strike at a primary healthcare center in Lebanon
On Saturday, the head of the 'World Health Organization' said that it had'verified 12?doctors and nurses? who were killed during a strike against Bourj Qalaouiyeh Primary Healthcare Center in Lebanon on Friday evening. In a post published on X, Director-General Tedros Adhanom?Ghebreyesus noted that two paramedics were killed earlier in the day in an attack on a hospital in Al Sowana. Israel has launched a massive bombing campaign against the powerful Lebanese group Hezbollah. This has resulted in the deaths of more than 770 people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of others. Hezbollah also fired hundreds of rockets across the border.
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Trump: 'Many countries' are sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said on Saturday that a number of countries would send warships in order to maintain the Strait of Hormuz as a shipping route. He did not specify which countries would be doing this. Trump posted a message on Truth Social saying that "Many Countries will be sending War Ships in conjunction with United States of America to keep the Strait safe and open." Trump said that he hopes China, France Japan South Korea and Britain will send ships to the region. He wrote: "The United States will continue to bomb the hell out of the shoreline and shoot Iranian Boats and Ships into the water." The White House did not respond immediately to a question about whether countries had agreed to ship ships. Western nations have boosted their military presence in eastern Mediterranean as the conflict in Iran continues. They are focusing on the safety of Cyprus after an Iranian drone struck a British base on the island in March. John Healey, the British defence minister, said that Britain was also looking at additional options to deploy in the Gulf following an increase in Iranian attacks against vessels. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said that on Saturday, the British government was in discussions with allies and partners to discuss "a range of possible options" to ensure "the security of shipping within the region". As part of its defensive support for allies, the French Navy has deployed about a dozen vessels, including 'its aircraft carrier strike groups, to the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and possibly 'the Strait of Hormuz. French officials have been in consultation with European, Asian, and Gulf 'Arab countries over the last week to develop a plan to eventually have warships escort oil tankers through this strait. Trump stated on Thursday that the U.S. is?willing' to escort vessels through the Strait?of Hormuz in order to protect them against Iranian attack. His administration is looking for ways to reduce high oil prices caused by the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. (Reporting from Bhargav Asharya in Toronto, and Milana Vinn, in New York. Editing by Toby Chopra. Sergio Non. Rod Nickel.)
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Argentina: US Justice Dept. backs bid to halt YPF discovery
The U.S. Justice Department filed a'memorandum' supporting Argentina's request to suspend a 'discovery' process in a New York Court case?related to the 'nationalization' of YPF state 'oil 'company in 2012, Argentina's Treasury Attorney's Office announced on Saturday. The filing was submitted to the Southern District Court of New York. It argues that the current discovery is too intrusive, and violates international principles of courtesy and reciprocity. The?U.S. The?U.S. Argentina wants to halt the discovery and withdraw a contempt complaint filed by plaintiffs Petersen Energia 'Inversora and Eton Park Capital Management who were awarded damages of $16.1 'billion. The litigation is funded in part by UK-based Burford Capital. Burford Capital would get a large share of any payout, and they had requested information about Argentina's gold reserves. Argentina asserts that the case is outside U.S. jurisdiction and should be governed Argentine 'law. It also claims that President Javier Milei, who has been in office since December 20, 2023, fully cooperated with 'legal requests. The government deems that the demands for discovery are disproportionate. Under Milei and Donald Trump's libertarian government, the United States -and Argentina- have strengthened their economic ties. Washington has become a major supporter of Argentina's plans to'seek out international investment'. YPF, Argentina's biggest oil and gas firm, aims to become a global energy company by developing the Vaca Muerta shale. This formation has the second largest shale-gas reserves in the world and the fourth largest shale-oil reserves. (Reporting by Lucila Sigal, Editing by Alexander Villegas & Emelia Sithole Matarise)
Oil alleviates from near 3-mth highs amid strong dollar ahead of financial data
Oil prices slid on Monday amidst a strong U.S. dollar, concerns over sanctions and ahead of essential financial data by the U.S. Federal Reserve and U.S. payrolls later in the week.
Brent unrefined futures moved 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $ 76.3 a barrel by 0445 GMT after picking Friday at its greatest given that Oct. 14.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 19 cents, or 0.3%, at $73.77 a barrel after closing on Friday at its highest since Oct. 11.
Oil posted five-session gains previously with hopes of rising need following colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere and more financial stimulus by China to revitalise its faltering economy.
Nevertheless, the strength of the dollar is on investor's radar, Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market expert at Phillip Nova, composed in a report on Monday.
The dollar remained
close to a two-year peak
on Monday, a stronger dollar makes it more pricey to buy the greenback-priced commodity and thus reins in pressure on oil.
Investors are likewise awaiting economic news for more ideas on the Federal Reserve's rate outlook and energy consumption.
Minutes of the Fed's last conference is due Wednesday and the December payrolls report will begin Friday.
Likewise weighing on sentiment was supply interruptions of Iranian and Russian oil as Western nations increase their sanctions.
The Biden administration
plans to enforce more sanctions
on Russia over its war on Ukraine, taking goal at its oil revenues with action against tankers carrying Russian crude, 2 sources with knowledge of the matter stated on Sunday.
Goldman Sachs anticipates Iran's production and exports to fall by the 2nd quarter as a result of expected policy changes and tighter sanctions from the administration of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
Output at the OPEC producer could come by 300,000 barrels per day to 3.25 million bpd by 2nd quarter, they stated.
The U.S. oil well count, an indication of future output, fell by one to 482 last week, a weekly report from energy services firm Baker Hughes showed on Friday.
Still, the worldwide oil market is clouded by a supply surplus this year as a rise in non-OPEC materials is predicted by experts to mostly balance out global need boost, also with the possibility of more production in the U.S. under Trump.
(source: Reuters)