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Israeli strikes kill fourteen in Lebanon after Israel warns residents of towns beyond the 'buffer zones'
The Israeli military warned residents in seven towns to leave the "buffer zones" they occupied prior to a ceasefire that failed to stop hostilities. In a press release, the Health Ministry said that two women and two children were among Sunday's dead. Israel confirmed that one of their soldiers had also been killed, as the fragile ceasefire was further strained. In a statement broadcast on X, a spokesperson for Israel's military stated that Hezbollah had violated the ceasefire. Israel would take action against them and told people to move 'northern and westward away from the towns. The towns are located north of the Litani River, and in the southern Lebanon zone occupied by Israeli troops. They have continued their military operations despite ceasefire. The military claimed that they had struck Hezbollah militants, rocket launchers, and a weapons storage depot. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, said that the security and safety of Israel, our soldiers and our communities are what obligates him. He made this statement at a cabinet session in?Jerusalem. "We are firmly committed to the rules that we have agreed with the United States and, by the way?with Lebanon." Hezbollah has said that it will not stop its attacks against Israeli troops in Lebanon or on towns north of Israel, as long as Israel continues its "ceasefire violation." In a press release, the Iran-backed group said that it wouldn't wait for diplomacy which had "proven to be ineffective" nor rely on Lebanese officials who "failed in protecting the country." Hezbollah claimed earlier on Sunday that it had attacked Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, as well as rescue forces who came to evacuate them. Israel's military confirmed that one soldier was killed and six others were injured. After sirens were heard in northern Israel, the Israeli military claimed it intercepted 3 drones on Sunday before they crossed over into Israeli territory. Israel and Hezbollah have seen a marked reduction in hostilities since the U.S.-mediated truce began on April 16 and was extended until mid-May. Both sides continue to fire at eachother, exchanging blame for breaches. Since the latest war between Hezbollah & Israel began on March 2 - days after U.S. & Israel attacked Iran - more than 2,500 people were killed by Israeli strikes. According to the health ministry in Lebanon, 277 women and 177 children, as well as 100 doctors, are among those who died. Hezbollah also hasn't announced the total number of?fighters. In recent days, the group has buried scores of 'fighters' in funerals for groups. Israel reports that Hezbollah has killed two civilians and 16 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon in the past month. Reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Ahmed Tolba, Maya Gebeily, Maayan Loubell, and Hatem Maher in Jerusalem. Additional reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly, Alexandra Hudson, and Nick Zieminski.
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Bloomberg reports that Raizen offers creditors alternative terms for debt restructuring
Bloomberg News reported that Brazilian sugar and fuel company Raizen has sent a 'alternative proposal' to its creditors in order to hammer out the terms of a debt restructuring worth 65 billion reals ($13.05 billion). Reports citing sources familiar with the matter said that the company has told its creditors that it is in discussions to raise as much as 5 billion reais of new capital. Bloomberg reported that the proposed capital raising would be an addition to the 4 billion reais already pledged as funding by Shell and Rubens ometto, Cosan founder and controlling shareholder. The source of additional funds is unclear. According to a report, the Brazilian?conglomerate Cosan that controls Raizen jointly with Shell does not inject cash into the company. Raizen has refused to comply with creditor demands to give up majority board seats, or to hold executives responsible for future liabilities. However, it has agreed to establish a "creditors committee" to improve governance oversight. Could not verify the report immediately. Cosan and Raizen did not respond immediately to an?outside of business hours?request for comment. Shell refused to comment. After a period of heavy capital spending, unfavorable climate and wildfires which reduced harvests and cane crushing volumes, Raizen has struggled to manage its debts. It is not clear how long the current discussions will last. (Reporting and editing by Bill Berkrot in Bengaluru)
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Rangers' Josh Jung aims for series victory vs. Athletics
Josh Jung has had a memorable April for the Texas Rangers. They will play the Athletics on Sunday in Arlington, Texas, in the final match of a three-game set. Jung's hot streak continued with a two-run homer that gave him the lead in the sixth inning, a 4-3 win on Saturday. Texas moved one game above.500 with this win and tied the Athletics for first in the 'American -League-West. Jung has batted.371 in April after going 0-for-17 during March. He also has four home runs and 14 RBIs. After Saturday's game, he said that he is still focused on improving his plate approach. Jung said, "I believe I could improve every night." "There are a few at-bats that I would like to have back." The homer was a good one. In this short stretch, I have been able execute. It's a daily battle to be in the game and perform. You have four or five at-bats. How many of them can you win? The Rangers' Kumar Rocker (1-0, 3.48 ERA), will face?J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.74). Rocker allowed just one run in six innings and retired 13 consecutive batters at one stage during a 5-1 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Skip Schumaker, the manager of Texas, said that the five zeros he scored in the first inning was one of the highlights. "To keep us?in the game and then provide the innings afterwards, and just sort of shut down the momentum on their side was a big step for him." In four starts covering 20 2/3 inning, Rocker has a ratio of 19 to 8. Shea Langeliers has a 3-for-6 record against Rocker. Rocker is 0-2 in his career with an 8.18 ERA. Ginn gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings of a Monday no-decision game against the Seattle Mariners. The A's beat the Mariners 6-4. Mark Kotsay, Athletics manager, said: "It was an excellent outing by J.T." "Anytime a young man goes out and gives some (early contact), it's very easy for things to unwind. I was impressed with his finish. "His sinker was very active." Jung has hit two home runs in?eight hits against Ginn. Ginn is?1-1 with a 4.62 ERA over five career starts vs. Texas. The Athletics will be looking to rebound after Saturday's loss despite beating the Rangers by 7-5. Kotsay stated, "We had some fantastic at-bats." Sometimes you have to give credit to the other starter who kept us to three runs and gave them five great innings. We didn't give ourselves any margin for error and we couldn't increase our lead offensively. Athletics first-baseman Nick Kurtz matched a franchise record after drawing a?walk in his 15th consecutive game. Kotsay monitors the condition of designated hitter Brent Rooker. He hasn't played since April 9, due to a right oblique injury, and is close to returning to the lineup. Kotsay stated that Rooker may not require a rehab and could return to the team within the next few weeks. Field Level Media
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Mali's Defence Minister reported dead in major assault
?Mali Defense?Minister Sadio?Camara?was killed by an attack on his residence in the Kati Military Base outside Bamako, France's RFI Radio reported on Sunday. A witness reported that the attacks continued a day later, a few days after a joint attack by an al Qaeda affiliate with Tuareg'rebels', which was one of the most coordinated attacks to have occurred in the country in recent times. Gunfire erupted in a garrison village near Mali’s capital, a source said. Following Saturday's massive attacks, the United Nations has called for an international response to violence and terrorism. The Secretary-General was deeply concerned about reports of attacks across Mali. A U.N. spokeswoman posted on X that he strongly condemned these acts of violence. Al Qaeda and Tuareg rebels claim responsibility for the 'coordinated attacks' around Bamako and in gold-producing lands and?elsewhere in Mali. This is one of the most daring operations the insurgents in their campaign to topple the military-led Government have undertaken. On Sunday, the final tally of deaths and injuries, as well as the fate of the contested city Kidal, that the insurgents claimed to have recaptured in their assault, remained unknown.
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Medical reports say that Israeli strikes have killed at least four Palestinians, including children, in Gaza
Health officials in Gaza Strip said that Israeli military attacks on Gaza Strip killed at least 4?Palestinians on Sunday. According to medics, a?airstrike by Israel's forces near the village of Al-Mughraqa killed one person. Meanwhile, Israeli gunfire and tanks shelling killed another two people near Gaza City. Health officials reported that Israeli forces shot and killed 40-year old woman in Khan Younis?in the southern part of the territory. Israeli'military officials said they were unaware of any attack on their troops in the area at the time the incident was reported on Sunday. Israel's military said it would investigate the other reported attacks. Separately it claimed that it had killed and struck down several Hamas militants since Friday. Israel has continued to attack Palestinians almost every day, despite a ceasefire in October 2025. Local medics claim that at least 800 Palestinians were killed since the ceasefire agreement took effect. Israel, on the other hand, claims militants killed four soldiers during this time. Israel and Hamas have blamed each for ceasefire violations. Gaza's health authorities report that more than 72,500 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza War since it began on?October 20, 2023. Most of them were civilians. According to Israeli figures, Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people. (Reporting and editing by Helen Popper; Nidal al Mughrabi)
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Medical reports say that Israeli strikes have killed at least four Palestinians, including children, in Gaza
Health officials in the Gaza Strip said that Israeli military strikes killed at least four Palestinians on Sunday. Medical personnel?said that an 'airstrike' carried out by Israel killed a person near Al-Mughraqa village in the center of Gaza City, and Israeli gunfire killed two more near Gaza City. Health officials reported that in a?another incident?Israeli forces shot and killed 40-year-old woman?in Khan Younis?, located south of the territori? The Israeli military confirmed that it is investigating the reported strikes. Separately, the Israeli military said that it had "struck and killed" a number of Hamas militants since Friday. Israel has continued to attack Palestinians almost every day, despite a ceasefire in October 2025. Local medics claim that at least 800 Palestinians were killed since the ceasefire agreement came into effect. Israel, on the other hand, claims militants killed four of their soldiers during this time period. Israel and Hamas blame each other for violations of the ceasefire. Gaza's health authorities report that more than 72,500 Palestinians were killed since the Gaza War began in October 2023. Most of them were civilians. According to Israeli figures, Hamas' attacks on Israel in October 2023 killed 1,200 people. Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Editing by Helen Popper
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Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick record 57 to take a four-shot lead in Zurich
The English brothers Matt Fitzpatrick, and Alex Fitzpatrick could not have asked for a better Christmas gift. The two golfers began to separate themselves from the rest of the pack by shooting a 15-under-57 tournament record during the third round of 'Zurich Classic of New Orleans' on Saturday in Avondale. Matt Fitzpatrick: "I can only think of one shot that we both made, and it was mine." "Yeah. It was a great?day." The Fitzpatricks' momentum was sparked by Matt Fitzpatrick's eagle at the par-5 7th hole. They maintained this momentum in the four-ball format and carried a four stroke lead into the final day of the TPC Louisiana. The PGA Tour only hosts a team event. Fitzpatrick is 30 under. Davis Thompson/Austin Eckroat (61), and the second-round leaders Alex Smalley/Hayden Springer (62), are at 26 under. At 25 under, the team of Doug Ghim/Jeffrey Kang (61), is next. Fitzpatrick Brothers could be heading for special territory, given that the winning score last year was 28 below from the team of Ben Griffin/Andrew Novak. Matt said about his brother, "He played brilliantly golf both of the last two days." Matt said that his brother's game had really improved in the last few months. I have faith in him to keep up this trend. The Fitzpatricks birdied eight of nine holes in the backside. The Fitzpatricks were without a single bogey, and they had four pars. Each of them scored the highest seven times. Matt Fitzpatrick is the elder brother and has had a great run recently. He won the RBC Heritage last week. Alex: "Playing with my brother, who is also one of the world's best players, is pretty fun." When he plays well, it is pretty cool to see. Fitzpatricks finished 11th at the Zurich Classic 2024, but missed out on the top 10 last year. For the final round, foursomes will be used. Thompson explained that "your mindset has changed from day to day, so Sunday will be different." "Hopefully, we can start off well and put pressure on them." Smalley stated that there will not be a change in strategy. He said, "I think that if we stick to what are doing and just try to give ourselves as much attention as possible," we will be able to do well. "I think it will work out pretty well." The teams that are chasing the?Fitzpatricks' don't want the chase to consume them. Kang stated that at the end of the game, "you have to hit your best shots and try to pick up your partner when you need to." By midday Saturday, seven teams had the lead. Davis Chatfield of the United States and Belgian Adrien Dumont De Chassart were both in contention. After?Dumont de Chassart's eagle at No. The pair's 11th day hole was No. 2, the second of the course. They played the remainder of the round at 1 over par without making another birdie. A.J. from Canada had the day's highest score, which was 61. Ewart and South Africa's Casey Jarvis. This brought them up to 22 below and tied for 10th. Ewart stated that "some would say, it's a bit like ham-and egging." "Kinda working in shifts, not birdieing same holes but making sure that we are setting up our partners to free will it and go for it," Ewart said. Field Level Media
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Macron reiterates his efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as TotalEnergies warns of an energy shortage
Emmanuel Macron, the French president, reiterated his commitment to reopening the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. This comes a day after TotalEnergies's head warned of a global energy shortfall if the Iran swar continued for several months. Speaking at a press conference with Greek Prime Minister KyriakosMitsotakis in Athens, Macron said that geopolitical uncertainties can lead to panic, which in turn could cause shortages. "Our aim is to achieve full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in the next days and weeks in accordance with the international law. This will guarantee freedom of navigation, without tolls, on the Strait of Hormuz. Macron stated that things will gradually return to normal. TotalEnergies' CEO Patrick Pouyanne called for the reopening of the Strait on Friday, which is normally the route through which a fifth (or more) of the world's oil supply flows. The U.S. and Israeli war against Iran has slowed down the movement of goods through the strait. Fertilisers and pharmaceuticals are among the items that have been affected. Iran has seized containers and the United States has imposed a blockade in Iranian ports. Pouyanne said at the World Policy Conference outside Paris that if it continues for two or three more months, "we will enter a world where energy is scarce." Asian countries have already experienced this. "You can't have 20% of oil and gas on the planet stranded, and not available without major consequences." More than a dozen countries have said that they would be willing to join a mission led by France to protect shipping along the strait if conditions permitted, even though U.S. president Donald Trump said he did not need help from allies. "We are all in the same boat and I would say that it is not a boat that we chose. Macron said that we are victims of geopolitics, and victims of a war that began several months ago. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Additional reporting by Claude Chendjou, Paris)
Oil jumps, stock futures slip as US-Iran talks stall
The dollar edged higher and U.S. stocks futures wiggled lower in early Asia trading on Monday, after the stalled 'U.S. - Iran peace talks' over the weekend.
Benchmark Brent crude futures climbed more than 2%, reaching a new three-week high at $107.97 per barrel.
S&P futures dipped by 0.3% after U.S. stock markets closed at a record high last week. The dollar was up against major currencies but not much. The euro fell 0.15% at $1.1706, and the yen was marginally weaker, trading at 159.53 to the dollar.
The full-scale war in the 'war started by U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran two months back has been halted, but no agreement on terms has been reached to open up the Strait of Hormuz, which had been closed all but, sending energy costs soaring.
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, canceled a weekend trip by two envoys to Islamabad for talks. Meanwhile,?Iran’s foreign minister continued to travel between mediating?countries.
"If they want to talk to us, they can either come or call us. You know there's a phone. Trump said on Fox News' "The Sunday Briefing", that the country has nice, secure phone lines.
"They know what needs to be in the agreement." It's simple: they cannot have a nuke weapon. Otherwise, there is no reason to meet," Trump stated. (Reporting and editing by Edmund Klamann; Tom Westbrook)
(source: Reuters)