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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...
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Israel Orders New Evacuations in Rafah as it Prepares to Expand Military Operations

 

In a significant development, Israel has ordered new evacuations in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. Tens of thousands of people are being forced to move as the Israeli military prepares to expand its operations closer to the heavily populated central area. This move comes despite growing pressure from close ally the United States and other international actors.

The situation in Rafah is critical. Israel has already evacuated the eastern third of the city, which is considered the last refuge in Gaza. However, the United Nations and other agencies have warned that a full-scale invasion of Rafah would have dire consequences for humanitarian operations and could lead to a surge in civilian casualties. Rafah shares a border with Egypt near the main aid entry points, which have already been affected by the conflict.

U.S. President Joe Biden has taken a firm stance, stating that offensive weapons will not be provided to Israel for its operations in Rafah. The U.S. report also highlighted “reasonable” evidence that Israel breached international law protecting civilians during its war against Hamas. In response, Israel emphasized its compliance with the laws of armed conflict and its efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

More than 1.4 million Palestinians—half of Gaza’s population—have sought refuge in Rafah, most of them fleeing Israel’s offensives elsewhere. The ongoing evacuations are forcing people to return north to areas that have already been devastated by previous Israeli attacks. Displaced residents are grappling with the difficult decision of leaving their homes in search of safety. As one Rafah resident put it, “The Israeli army does not have a safe area in Gaza. They target everything” .

The situation remains tense, and the international community closely watches the developments in Rafah. The impact on civilians and humanitarian operations cannot be overstated, and efforts to find a peaceful resolution continue amidst the escalating conflict.


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