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Markets Surge as Iran De‑Escalation Hopes Lift Wall Street to End Q1

  U.S. stock futures climbed on Wednesday, extending a powerful rally that closed out the first quarter, as investors reacted to fresh signals of potential de‑escalation in the Iran conflict. Futures tied to the S&P 500 rose between 0.4% and 0.7% , Nasdaq 100 contracts gained up to 0.7% , and Dow futures advanced around 0.4% to 0.7% , reflecting renewed optimism across markets.  The upswing followed remarks from both U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, each indicating openness to reducing hostilities. Pezeshkian stated that Iran has “the necessary will to end this war,” while Trump suggested the conflict may not last “much longer,” even with the Strait of Hormuz still constrained.  Tuesday’s session had already delivered the strongest single‑day gains in over a month for all three major indexes, fueled by easing oil prices and improving sentiment. Brent crude fell more than 2.9% to around $104 per barrel, while West Texas Intermedia...
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Israel Approves New Parcel of West Bank Land for Settlement

 

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has declared 800 hectares in the occupied West Bank as state land. This move aims to facilitate the use of the ground for settlement building. The announcement comes on the same day that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite growing international opposition, the Israeli government remains determined to press ahead with settlement construction in the West Bank.

The designation of 1,976 acres of land in the Jordan Valley as state land follows a similar decision regarding 300 hectares (740 acres) in the Maale Adumim area of the West Bank. The latter area is crucial to the Palestinians’ vision of a future independent state.

Last month, the United States stated that Israel’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank was inconsistent with international law, aligning with the global consensus that considers these settlements illegal. Israel, however, disputes this view, citing historical and Biblical ties to the land. Meanwhile, the Palestinians view the expansion of settlements as a deliberate Israeli policy aimed at undermining their aspiration for an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned this latest move, describing it as “a continuation of the extermination and displacement of our people from their homeland.”

Despite the controversy, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s declaration underscores the government’s commitment to settlement building in the West Bank. The situation remains highly contentious, with implications for regional stability and peace efforts.

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