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Trade Tensions Rise as EU Prepares Retaliation Against U.S. Tariff Hike

The European Union has strongly condemned President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, warning of swift countermeasures that could escalate global trade tensions. Announced Friday near Pittsburgh, Trump raised existing steel and aluminum tariffs from 25% to 50%, aiming to protect U.S. industry and bolster a $14.9 billion Nippon Steel–U.S. Steel deal. The European Commission responded sharply, calling the move a threat to transatlantic economic stability and global supply chains. “This decision adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” a spokesperson said. The EU is finalizing consultations on expanded retaliatory tariffs, set to take effect by July 14 unless a negotiated solution is reached. The reaction from global trade partners was swift. Canada’s Chamber of Commerce criticized the tariffs as a threat to North American economic security, while Canada’s Uni...
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Israeli War Cabinet Member Threatens to Quit Unless There’s a New Gaza Plan


In a significant development, Benny Gantz, a popular centrist member of Israel’s three-member War Cabinet, has threatened to resign from the government if it doesn’t adopt a new plan for the war in Gaza within the next three weeks. This decision would leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu more reliant on far-right allies. The ongoing war has stretched for more than seven months, during which Israel has yet to achieve its stated goals of dismantling Hamas and securing the return of scores of hostages abducted during the militant group’s October 7 attack.

Gantz has outlined a six-point plan that includes the following key elements:

  1. Return of Hostages: Ensuring the safe return of the abducted hostages.
  2. Ending Hamas’ Rule: Aiming to dismantle Hamas’ control in Gaza.
  3. Demilitarizing Gaza: Reducing the military capabilities of armed groups in the region.
  4. International Administration of Civilian Affairs: Establishing an international body to oversee civilian affairs in Gaza, with cooperation from American, European, Arab, and Palestinian stakeholders.
  5. Efforts to Normalize Relations with Saudi Arabia: Seeking to improve diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.
  6. Widening Military Service: Expanding mandatory military service to include all Israelis.

Gantz has set a deadline of June 8 for the adoption of this plan. He warned, “If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss — we will be forced to quit the government.” In response, Netanyahu criticized Gantz for issuing an ultimatum to him rather than to Hamas, dismissing the conditions as “euphemisms” for Israel’s defeat.

This development highlights the deepening divide within Israel’s leadership and underscores the challenges faced in achieving a resolution to the conflict in Gaza. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely to see how these tensions will impact the region’s stability and prospects for peace.


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