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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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Israel’s Determination Amidst US Arms Embargo Threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted Israel’s readiness to “stand alone” in the face of a potential US arms embargo. The stern declaration comes as tensions escalate in Rafah, Gaza, where Israeli forces are poised for a possible full-scale invasion to combat Hamas militants.

  • Defiant Stance: Netanyahu evoked the spirit of the 1948 War of Independence, emphasizing Israel’s historical resilience and capability to triumph despite arms embargoes and overwhelming odds.
  • US Warning: President Joe Biden has threatened to withhold critical military supplies, including artillery shells, if Israel proceeds with an invasion of Rafah, citing concerns over civilian casualties.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The UN reports over 80,000 people have fled Rafah amidst continuous bombardment, with essential supplies like food and fuel dwindling for those remaining.
  • Continued Conflict: Despite peace talks faltering and the US’s stance, Israel maintains that victory over Hamas is unattainable without taking Rafah, underlining the ongoing seven-month war’s complexity.

Netanyahu’s remarks underscore a pivotal moment in Israeli-US relations, as Israel weighs its strategic options against the backdrop of international scrutiny and humanitarian considerations.

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