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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...
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Hamas Rejects Cease-Fire Proposal Amid Escalating Tensions

In a recent development, Hamas has firmly rejected the latest cease-fire proposal, accusing Israel of ignoring its core demands. These demands include an end to the ongoing war and a full withdrawal from Gaza. The statement came shortly after the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire and the release of all hostages held in Gaza.

The vote at the UN provoked a clash between Israel and the United States. Surprisingly, the US decided not to use its veto power, leading to further tensions. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a high-level delegation’s planned visit to Washington.

An independent expert working with the U.N.’s top human rights body has also raised concerns. The expert stated that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israel is carrying out genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, international aid officials report that the entire population of the Gaza Strip—2.3 million people—is suffering from food insecurity, with famine looming in the hard-hit north. The conflict has resulted in over 32,000 deaths and more than 74,000 wounded, with women and children making up two-thirds of the casualties. Additionally, Hamas is still believed to be holding around 100 Israelis hostage, along with the remains of 30 others.

As the situation remains tense, the U.N.'s demand for a cease-fire in Gaza has provoked the strongest clash between the U.S. and Israel since the war began. Israeli and U.S. defense chiefs are set to meet, and global support for Israel’s offensive is waning. All this unfolds against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s festive holiday of Purim, which is now overshadowed by the ongoing conflict.

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