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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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Israel Terminates Agreement with UNRWA, Impacting Aid in Gaza

 

In a significant development, Israel has officially terminated its agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the primary provider of aid in Gaza. This move follows recent legislation passed by the Israeli parliament, which restricts UNRWA’s operations within Israeli territory.

The Israeli government has accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas, a claim the agency firmly denies, asserting that it maintains strict neutrality in its operations. The termination of this agreement, which dates back to 1967, is seen as a step towards implementing the new laws that sever ties with the agency.

UNRWA has been a crucial lifeline for millions of Palestinians, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and food aid. The cessation of cooperation with UNRWA is expected to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the population relies heavily on international aid.

The international community has expressed concern over the potential humanitarian impact of this decision. Aid groups warn that the new restrictions could severely hamper efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on how this decision will affect the delivery of aid and the broader implications for the region’s stability.


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