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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's New Gaza Strategy Sparks Global Concern

Israel has approved a plan to capture the entire Gaza Strip and maintain control over it for an unspecified period, according to Israeli officials. The decision, made in an early morning vote by Israeli cabinet ministers, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The plan aims to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, it also involves the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Since the collapse of a ceasefire in mid-March, Israel has intensified its military operations, capturing approximately 50% of Gaza and restricting humanitarian aid, including food, fuel, and water.

International opposition to the plan is expected to be fierce, with concerns over the long-term implications of Israel's extended presence in Gaza. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have warned of severe shortages and worsening conditions for civilians. Meanwhile, Israel continues to engage with various countries regarding potential solutions, including controversial proposals for population relocation.

As the situation unfolds, global leaders and humanitarian groups are closely monitoring developments, urging diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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