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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...
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Red Sea Shipping Crisis Worsens After US and UK Strike Yemen

 

The Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade, has become a hotspot of conflict and insecurity after the US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been attacking commercial vessels with missiles and drones.

The airstrikes, which began on Thursday, were a response to the 27th Houthi attack on shipping since November, according to the US military. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been targeting ships in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow passage that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The escalation of violence has disrupted the flow of oil, gas, grains, and manufactured goods through the region, which accounts for about 12% of global seaborne trade. Many shipping companies have suspended or diverted their operations, opting for the longer and more costly route around Africa. Some insurers have also raised their premiums or restricted their coverage for vessels passing through the area.

The shipping crisis has added to the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, where a civil war has been raging since 2015. The UN estimates that more than 20 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and that millions are on the brink of famine. The airstrikes have also raised fears of a wider regional conflict, as Iran and its allies clash with the US and its allies over various issues, including the nuclear deal and Israel’s war in Gaza.

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