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Two people die in a church after Israeli strikes in Gaza
Israeli forces killed 22 people on Thursday in Gaza Strip attacks, including two who were killed in an attack on a church where the late Pope Francis spoke regularly. Airstrikes carried out in Doha while mediators were continuing ceasefire talks resulted in the deaths of eight men who were tasked with guarding aid trucks. Two Hamas officials told the Israeli military that there was no progress in Gaza as Israeli forces continued to bombard the area. The Latin Patriarchate said that a man and woman were killed and several others injured in an "apparent strike" by Israel on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, according to a press release. "We pray for their souls to rest in peace and that this barbaric conflict will end." "Nothing can justify the targeting innocent civilians," stated the Patriarchate which oversees church. The church released photos showing that the roof of the church had been damaged, with the stone façade scorched, and the windows broken. Father Gabriele Romanelli was injured lightly in the attack. He is an Argentine priest who regularly updated the late Pope Francis on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. A TV clip showed him receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital, Gaza. His lower right leg was bandaged. "Israel's attacks on civilians, which have been ongoing for several months, are inacceptable." "No military action can justify this attitude," Italian Prime Minster Giorgia meloni said. Vatican officials said Pope Leo expressed "deep sadness" at the death and reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Israel Defense Forces said they were aware of reports about casualties, and are reviewing the incident. The IDF said that it made every effort to minimize harm to civilians, civilian structures and religious sites. It regretted any damage done to them. Israel is trying to eliminate Hamas from Gaza through a military operation that began in response to the deadly attack by the group on Israel in October of 2023. This has led the small enclave into widespread hunger and poverty. Palestinian medics reported that an airstrike in Jabalia, in northern Gaza on Thursday killed a man and his wife, as well as their five children. Another in the north killed eight men, who were responsible for protecting aid truck. Medical personnel reported that three people died in an airstrike on central Gaza and four others in Zeitoun, eastern Gaza. CEASEFIRE TALKS Qatar and Egypt have been hosting more than ten days of talks with the United States on a 60-day truce proposed by the United States. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinians detained in Gaza. Israel would then release Palestinians detained. It is unclear how many Palestinians were released. Hamas sources with knowledge of this matter claim that Israel has presented new maps, promising to move the army back further than previously offered. Source said that this partially met Hamas demands but was not enough. Hamas officials also said that there are still disagreements over the delivery of aid to Gaza and the guarantees that any truce will end the war. Israeli media reported that Israel told mediators it was willing to give up its insistence on maintaining a military presence near the Israeli border along the Morag Corridor, a southern Gaza corridor. It also said it was ready to be flexible regarding the size and location of the security buffer. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not comment immediately on these reports. Steve Witkoff said on Wednesday that the negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire were progressing well. According to a Palestinian official involved in the talks, such comments are "empty." Gaza's health authorities claim that Israel's Gaza campaign has resulted in the deaths of more than 58,000 Palestinians. According to Israeli statistics, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 1,650 Israelis, foreigners, and other nationalities, including 1,200 people killed by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
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The UK Government funds a battery recycling project supported by Jaguar Land Rover
Mint Innovation, a startup based in London, announced on Thursday that the British Government has funded an EV battery recycling program backed by Jaguar Land Rover to recover minerals from end of life batteries. The UK Department for Business and Trade has launched the DRIVE35 programme, a 2.5 billion-pound (3.35 billion-pound) programme to help the transition to electric vehicles. Why it's important Britain will phase out the sale of new petrol or diesel cars by 2035. Globally, however, the demand for EVs is below expectations. Consumers cite high upfront costs as their main obstacle. By the Numbers Mint Innovation announced in a press release that the lithium-ion project would be located in Britain's West Midlands for a period of three years. The project of the cleantech company is supported by Tata Motors, Jaguar Land Rover and Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick. The funding totaled 8.1 million pounds, of which 4,05 million came from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK. The Department for Business and Trade announced on Sunday that Britain's DRIVE35 program will provide 2 billion pounds of funding until 2030 and 500 million pounds for R&D to 2035, to support the creation of jobs and EV innovations. KEY QUOTE Beth Johnston is an Assistant Professor at University of Warwick. She said, "Our advanced process aims to deliver high-quality material... and also reduce our dependence on virgin materials." CONTEXT In April, Britain lowered its demand that automakers switch to EV production in an effort to ease pressure on a sector already under stress from U.S. tariffs on imports. Jaguar Land Rover lowered its fiscal 2026 forecast in June due to a slowdown in global auto demand. This comes months after the company canceled plans to build EVs within a $1 billion Tata plant located in southern India.
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Poor nations barred from summits by tighter borders
Visa denials hinder Global South participation key summits Africans will lose $70 million in 2024 due to rejected European visas Global South is excluded from decisions By Lin Taylor The 24-year-old stayed at home after spending hundreds of dollars, nearly two months, and preparing for a Visa that was denied within 48 hours. Her peers, mainly from the Global North flew to Bonn with no problems. She said, "Knowing that everyone is at Bonn but you aren't there because of your nationality makes you feel bad. It feels like I am less than them," from her home in Middle East. In 2023 she left Sudan when civil war broke out. Researchers say that stricter border and visa regulations are limiting participation by nationals of the Global South at high-level discussions on climate change, global health, economic systems and conflicts, as well as other pressing issues. Roaa, an undergraduate medical student, said, "We're the ones most affected, but we're not there." Most of the conferences take place in Europe and the U.S. "They are speaking on our behalf." Rejections have a cost. According to an analysis by Britain's LAGO Collective, Africans will pay approximately 60 million euros ($70.10 millions) in 2024 for rejected Schengen Visa applications. This is up from almost 54 million euros in the year 2023. The data revealed that despite its smaller volume of visa requests compared to other continents Africa had one of the highest rejection rates from the European Commission which issues Schengen Visas for short trips to the European Union. Recent years have seen the rise of populist and far-right parties in countries like Germany, Sweden, Italy and the U.S. This has fueled anti-immigrant sentiments across Western countries where many global conferences take place. UNDERREPRESENTED According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (UNFCCC), the nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, droughts, and rising sea levels, are usually the poorest and least polluting, and they are underrepresented in global discussions. The UNFCCC hosts the Bonn Summit and the COP30 Climate Conference in November, both of which are held in Brazil. Although it has no influence on the visa process, the UNFCCC said that they have taken steps to increase the quotas for Global South delegates at their events. Kathryn Nwajiaku Dahou, Director of Politics and Governance at the British think-tank ODI Global, said: "The major international conference is where big decisions will be made in respect to global obligations." Nwajiaku Dahou said that if those expected to implement global policy "are not present at the table", this compounds the inequality they are campaigning to reduce. Roaa, despite providing information about her work, university studies, financial statements and letters of support for attending the UNFCCC Summit, was told that she had not provided enough evidence to prove that she would be returning home from Germany. Roaa claims that she was refused a visa despite her appeal. In an emailed comment, the European Commission stated that the cases are evaluated according to "purpose of the stay, the applicant's desire to return home, and whether they have sufficient means to subsist". "NOT FAIR" Joseph Robert Linda, a Ugandan HIV/AIDS Youth Advocate, said he had secured $4,000 in sponsorship to cover his travel, hotel and visa fees for last year's International AIDS Conference held in Munich, Germany. However, his visa was rejected. Linda claimed that he was informed there were "reasonable suspicions" regarding the authenticity of his papers and his intent to leave Germany. This led to his visa being refused. The 28-year old said, "That was unfair to me. They gave me feedback only three or four days before I attended the conference. There is no way that I could appeal." Harvard Medical School researchers reviewed 100 conferences from the past three decades and found that only 4% were held in the poorer countries where 80% of the population lives. The study, published in BMJ Global Health Journal, found that between 1997 and 2019, only 39% of the health conferences analysed included attendees from developing nations. Linda could attend the conference virtually. However, this option would require stable internet that was affordable, which is not something available in many places around the world. He suggested that conference organizers work with the authorities more closely to obtain visa approvals so more people could have their say. The International AIDS Society, a Geneva-based organization that runs the International AIDS Conference (IAC), has announced it will be changing its host city from 2023. This is because many delegates could not attend the previous year's conference in Canada due visa issues. IAS spokesperson stated that large conferences should prioritize finding "safe and welcoming spaces" for the "most marginalised amongst us". Saida, a Sudanese student of medicine who was denied a visa for a medical workshop held in Italy last month, stated that it was up to the citizens of the Global South to continue to demand change. "You must speak up... "This is a pattern we see and it's something that has to be changed," Saida said, asking that her last name not be revealed.
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Stellantis increases production capacity in Morocco
Stellantis, a car manufacturer in Morocco, plans to double its production capacity in the next few months at its Kenitra plant to 535,000 cars annually, said its Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East & Africa on Wednesday. Samir Cherfan, at the opening of the expansion of the plant, said that the plant would increase production of supermini-electric cars, including the Citroen AMI, Opel Rocks e and Fiat Topolino, to 70,000 units from 20,000. Aziz Akhannouch, the Moroccan Prime Minister, said that the 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) of expansion will raise the local sourcing to 75% in 2030. This compares to a current rate of 69%. Stellantis plans to manufacture hybrid engines as well as three-wheeled cars at the facility. Kenitra, which was opened in 2019 and has a capacity to produce 200,000 cars by 2020. The French automaker Renault, as well as parts suppliers, are also located in Morocco. At the inauguration, Ryad Mezour, Morocco's industry minister said that Stellantis will expand to help Morocco reach a production capacity of 1 million cars. Official figures show that the country's auto industry exports will reach a new record of 157 billion dirhams (17 billion dollars) in 2024. In recent years, Chinese battery manufacturers have invested in Morocco's automotive industry to prepare it for the transition to electric mobility.
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Milan Mayor placed under investigation for property planning probe
Three sources confirmed on Thursday that the mayor of Milan was under investigation. The probe is looking into the deals which have fueled the real estate boom seen in Italy's financial center over the past 10 years. Beppe Sala's investigation comes after the prosecution on Wednesday demanded the arrest of four other people, including the director of Coima real estate and the councillor of Milan for urban planning. Three sources familiar with the case claim that Mayor Sala, the leader of a coalition of centre-left in the city is one of dozens of individuals under investigation. He is accused concealing a potential conflict of interest in relation to the appointment of the chairman of a local commission that issues building permits. He was also accused of being among those who put the pressure on the same chairman to allow a city building project to be approved. A request for comment was not responded to by his spokesperson. Three Italian newspapers were the first to report on the investigation into the mayor. Sala, in a Thursday comment by the Corriere della Sera paper, denied any wrongdoing. He said it was "shocking" that the mayor learned of his investigation from a newspaper and not from the prosecutor. It's unacceptable". The scandal could embarrass Milan, as it prepares to host the Winter Olympics in 2026 next February. Sala has been called to resign by the centre-right parties that govern at national levels under Prime Minister Giorgia Melons. Two sources stated that investigations into the position of the mayor are in the early stages, and that they are not nearing a conclusion. They expressed regret that this news was made public. In 2015, the Milan property market started to flourish, as the Expo international exhibition transformed the city, making it a popular destination for developers both from Italy and abroad. It also reshaped its skyline. Local residents' complaints about the rapid increase in multi-storey building construction slowed down construction. Documents filed in court show that investigations into the biggest urban planning projects of Milan "have revealed a system '...whose aim is to facilitate issuance of building permits illegally and to conduct highly speculative transactions". (Elvira Pollina contributed additional reporting, Keith Weir edited by Sharon Singleton and Sharon Singleton.)
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Israeli strikes kill 22 people in Gaza; church of late Pope is damaged
Israeli forces killed 22 people during attacks on the Gaza Strip, and several others were injured in an attack on a church where late Pope Francis spoke regularly. Airstrikes in Doha that targeted ceasefire negotiations were reported to have killed eight men who were protecting aid trucks. Two Hamas officials told a U.S. official that the talks had been going well, but they said there had been no progress in key areas and the discussions had stagnated. In a statement, the Latin Apostolate of Jerusalem confirmed that several people, including parish priest Gabriel Romanelli were injured in an early morning "raid" at the Holy Family Church. Father Romanelli was an Argentine who used to update late Pope Francis regularly about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. A TV clip showed him receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital, Gaza. His lower right leg was bandaged. "The attacks that Israel has carried out against civilians for several months are inacceptable." "No military action can justify this attitude," Italian Prime Minster Giorgia meloni said. Vatican officials did not respond immediately to a comment request. Israel Defense Forces said they were looking into the issue. The IDF has been informed of the reports about the damage done to the Holy Family Church and the casualties that occurred at the scene. "The circumstances of the incident will be reviewed," it stated. The IDF regrets any damage done to religious sites and to civilians, and makes every effort to minimize harm. Israel is trying to eliminate Hamas from Gaza through a military operation that began in response to the deadly attack by the group on Israel in October of 2023. This has led the small enclave into widespread hunger and poverty. Palestinian medics reported that an airstrike in Jabalia, in northern Gaza on Thursday killed a man and his wife, as well as their five children. Another in the north killed eight men who were responsible for protecting aid truck. Medical personnel reported that three people died in an airstrike on central Gaza and four others in Zeitoun, eastern Gaza. CEASEFIRE TALKS Qatar and Egypt have been hosting more than ten days of talks with the United States on a 60-day truce proposed by the United States. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinians detained in Gaza. Israel would then release Palestinians detained. It is unclear how many Palestinians were released. The two Hamas officials that spoke with said that there are still disagreements over Israel's maps of withdrawal that show the military will remain in control of 40% the enclave. They also disagreed over the delivery system for aid and the guarantees that an agreement would end the war. One person, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, said: "We haven’t received any maps." "There have been no advances on any of the topics under discussion and the talks are stalled." Steve Witkoff said on Wednesday that the negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire were progressing well. According to a Palestinian official involved in the talks, such comments are "empty." Israeli media reported that Israel told mediators it was willing to give up its insistence on maintaining a military presence near the Israeli border along the southern Gaza Strip's so-called Morag Corridor during a possible ceasefire. It also said it would be flexible about the size of a security buffer. Channel N12 quoted unnamed security cabinet members as saying that there had been progress after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu softened the stance he took on army deployment lines. The Prime Minister's Office did not comment immediately on the reports. Gaza's health authorities claim that Israel's Gaza campaign has resulted in the deaths of more than 58,000 Palestinians. According to Israeli statistics, the conflict has resulted in almost 1,650 Israelis as well as foreign nationals being killed, including 1200 people killed by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
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G20 Finance chiefs meet in South Africa under a tariff cloud
South Africa called on G20 nations to show global leadership and cooperation to address challenges, including the rise in trade barriers. The club's finance chiefs were meeting Thursday under the shadows of President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. The G20 has been hindered for years by disagreements among the key players, which have been made worse by Russia's conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions against Moscow. Under its motto of "Solidarity. Equality. Sustainability", the host South Africa has sought to promote an African agenda. Topics include high capital costs and funding for climate action. Enoch Godongwana, South Africa's finance minister, said in his opening remarks that the G20 must show global leadership and cooperation to address complex challenges. He said that many developing countries, especially in Africa, are burdened with high and increasing debt vulnerabilities. They also have limited fiscal space and a high cost of capital which limit their ability to invest for their people's futures. The need for bold, cooperative leadership has never before been greater. Question However, questions remain about the ability of finance chiefs and bankers to address these issues, and others, together in Durban, a coastal city. The G20 is a group that aims to coordinate policy, but it does not have any binding agreements. The U.S. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent won't be attending the two-day event. This is his second absence at a G20 meeting in South Africa so far this year. Bessent skipped the Cape Town meeting in February, when several officials from China and Japan were absent. Washington will assume the rotating G20 presidency at the end the year. Michael Kaplan, the acting Undersecretary of State for International Affairs, will represent the United States during the meetings. Unnamed G20 delegates said that Bessent’s absence wasn't ideal, but the U.S. is engaging in discussions about trade, global economy, and climate language. The finance ministers of India, France and Russia will also miss the Durban Meeting. Lesetja Kganyago, the governor of South Africa's Central Bank, said that it was important to represent. What matters is that there is a person with a mandate behind the flag, and is everyone represented by someone behind the banner? Kganyago said. U.S. officials are not saying much about their plans to assume the presidency in the next year. However, a source close to them has said that Washington will reduce the number non-financial groups and streamline the schedule. Brad Setser said that he was expecting it to be a "scaled-back G20, with less expectations of substantive results." TARIFF SHADOW Trump's tariff policy has rewritten the rules of global trade. The tariffs will be implemented on August 1 with a 10% base rate on all U.S. imported goods and rates up to 50% on steel, aluminium and autos. The threat of further tariffs of 10% on BRICS countries -- eight of which are G20 members -- raised concerns about fragmentation in global forums. Lars Klingbeil, the German Finance Minister, said on Thursday in Durban that Europe is engaged in constructive discussions with the U.S. about tariffs and was ready to take countermeasures in case necessary. He said that Germany and Europe also need to demonstrate their safety as investment destinations. Duncan Pieterse, the director general of South Africa's Treasury Department, said that the group hopes to release the first communiqué under the South African G20 Presidency by the end the meetings. The G20 last issued a collective communique in 2024. They agreed on the necessity to resist protectionism, but did not mention Russia's invasion into Ukraine. Reporting by Olivia Kumwenda Mtambo, Kopano Goko, Colleen GOKO, Philip Blenkinsop in Durban and Andrea Shalal, Washington; Writing and editing by Olivia Kumwenda Mtambo and Emily Sithole Matarise
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Copper prices are under pressure due to rising inventories and the stronger dollar
The price of copper fell on Thursday, as the dollar strengthened. Stocks in Asian warehouses registered at the London Metal Exchange continued to rise in anticipation of the U.S. import tariff on the metal. The LME's three-month copper price fell by 0.2%, to $9,616 a metric ton, at 0955 GMT. Prices are still slipping from their recent high of $10.020 per ton, set early in July. Copper that was originally destined for the U.S. system is now returning to the LME After Washington announced last week that it would impose an import tariff of 50% on copper starting August 1. Analysts at Sucden Financial reported that "LME Copper stocks continue to increase as material is rerouted to the exchange. The window to ship before COMEX deadlines for tariffs is quickly closing." Stocks on the LME rose, easing concerns about the availability of metals for nearby supplies. The discount between the cash copper contract and the three-month contract can be seen. The price of a ton has risen to $64.5, the highest in five months. Comparing this to a $320 premium three weeks ago. The U.S. tariffs are still a source of uncertainty. The market is waiting for Washington to issue an executive order that will confirm the deadline of August 1, provide a list of copper products to which the tax would be applied, and speculate about possible exemptions to major copper-producing countries. China's data on Wednesday showed that its refined copper production rose by 14% on an annual basis in June, reaching a new record. Investors reacted to Donald Trump's recent comments about Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The dollar's strength makes metals priced in dollars more expensive for buyers who use other currencies. Other metals: LME tin remained steady at $32,715 per ton, after reaching a low of $32,575. According to the International Tin Association, tin shipments from Myanmar’s Wa State will resume in the next few months. Lead and nickel both fell by 0.3%, to $1,970.50 each, and zinc dropped 0.2%, to $2704.50. (Reporting and editing by Alis Williams; Polina Devtt)
Chinese miner Zangge stops lithium production after government order
Zangge Mining, a Chinese miner, announced on Thursday that it had stopped lithium production in a Qinghai Province unit on the orders of local officials. This pushed lithium prices higher by more than 4% during afternoon trading.
According to a Shenzhen Exchange filing, the miner controlled by Zijin Mining, a state-owned giant, received an order from Haixi officials ordering a halt to all non-compliant activities on Wednesday.
The filing didn't say how the mining was not compliant.
Only with the approval of local governments can production, which is forecast to reach 11,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate in this year, resume. Zangge plans to submit an application and make mining compliant.
It said that it was not possible to predict the exact time when Zangge Lithium would resume production. Therefore, it could not be determined what impact it will have on the company for the moment.
When afternoon trading started at 1 p.m. (0550 GMT), the most active futures contract for lithium carbonate on the Guangzhou exchange rose more than 4%.
Zangge stated that it expects the shutdown to only have a small impact on its performance. It added that the mine's output is expected to reach 5,350 metric tonnes in the first half. Reporting by Lewis Jackson in Beijing and Amy Lv; editing by Jacqueline Wong, Kate Mayberry
(source: Reuters)