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UNICEF said it is outraged after Israeli forces killed two drivers it had hired to deliver clean water at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza on Friday morning, prompting the agency to halt activities there and demand a thorough investigation.The incident occurred during routine water‑trucking operations; two additional people were wounded. UNICEF immediately suspended all work at the site and urged Israeli authorities to ensure full accountability for the attack.In a statement, UNICEF emphasized that “humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure, including critical water facilities, must never be targeted,” underscoring that protecting aid personnel is a binding obligation under international humanitarian law.Palestinian health authorities report that more than 750 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the U.S.–Qatar‑brokered cease‑fire began in October, while overall death tolls in the Gaza conflict exceed 72,000 since the war erupted on October 7, 2023.Separately, in the occupied West Bank, a 25‑year‑old Palestinian man, Muhammad Ahmad Suwaiti, was shot dead by Israeli forces in Khirbet Salama, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.The Israeli military described the West Bank incident as the elimination of a “terrorist who infiltrated the community of Negohot in Judea and Samaria,” without specifying the responsible party.Since the Gaza war began, Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 1,060 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, highlighting the widening humanitarian crisis beyond Gaza.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy declared the Strait of Hormuz closed on Saturday, April 18, 2026, warning that any vessel attempting passage would be targeted. The announcement came less than 24 hours after the waterway had been briefly reopened, reigniting concerns over maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the broader U.S.-Iran standoff.The IRGC statement, relayed by Iran's Student News Agency, stipulated that the closure would remain in effect until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports—a move Tehran labels a breach of the cease‑fire agreement linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.Speaker of Iran's Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized on television that “the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic,” condemning the U.S. blockade as “clumsy and ignorant.” Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the navy was prepared to deliver “new bitter defeats” to its adversaries.Just hours earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had announced the strait “completely open for all commercial vessels,” prompting a brief surge of more than a dozen merchant ships and a dip in global oil prices. The sudden reversal underscores the volatility of the region’s energy markets, where even short‑lived openings can sway price benchmarks.According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), Iranian gunboats fired on two commercial vessels, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that two Indian‑flagged ships were involved in a “shooting incident.” Some merchant crews reported receiving radio warnings from the IRGC Navy that no ships would be permitted through the strait.U.S. President Donald Trump responded by stating Tehran could not “blackmail Washington” and warned that the naval blockade would “remain in full force” unless a cease‑fire deal is secured before its Wednesday deadline. Trump also hinted at ending the cease‑fire if Iran persists with the closure.Al Jazeera analysts described the situation as “two competing blockades,” noting that the brief reopening had raised hopes for a confidence‑building measure, only to revert to a stalemate. Correspondent Zein Basravi observed that the strait has become “the only space for engagement,” even if that engagement is hostile, serving as a platform for Iran to signal leverage to the United States.

The leaders of Mexico, Brazil, and Spain have pledged more aid to Cuba, while appealing for the island nation's sovereignty to be respected amid an ongoing pressure campaign from United States President Donald Trump.The joint statement on Saturday was released as leftist leaders from across the globe met in Barcelona. The three countries expressed great concern about the serious humanitarian crisis that the people of Cuba are going through.The US has imposed a trade embargo on Cuba since Cold War tensions emerged in the 1960s. But the Trump administration has ratcheted up pressure on the island's communist government, in an apparent attempt to prompt leadership change.Since January, Trump has barred the import of oil from Venezuela. He also threatened other countries with sanctions if they deliver oil to Cuba, leading to fuel shortages and energy blackouts.The campaign against Cuba's government follows similar pressure tactics against Venezuela's former President Nicolas Maduro, who was abducted and imprisoned in a US military operation on January 3.Trump, meanwhile, has floated the removal of Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel.In Saturday's statement, the governments of Mexico, Spain, and Brazil — represented by President Claudia Sheinbaum, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, respectively — warned against any actions that run contrary to international law.“We are committed to coordinating an increase in our humanitarian response, aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Cuban people,” the trio said.While the statement did not directly reference the US, it called for respect for territorial integrity, sovereign equality, and peaceful settlement of disputes, as outlined in the United Nations Charter.

Turkey’s leadership sees the fallout from the Iran‑U.S. confrontation as a chance to rebrand the country as a secure gateway for capital flowing from the Gulf, even as the war has pushed up local fuel costs and forced the state to tap foreign‑exchange reserves to support the lira. While Iranian missiles have battered infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Turkey—shielded by NATO air defenses—has largely escaped direct attacks, allowing Ankara to promote a narrative of security and stability for businesses. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has openly framed the regional crisis as a catalyst for Turkey’s ambition to elevate Istanbul into a premier global financial centre. In a recent social‑media statement he echoed the sentiment that, just as the pandemic opened new opportunities, the current geopolitical shock will "open new doors" for the nation. Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek confirmed that the government is drafting "radical" incentive packages aimed at attracting foreign capital, though details remain under wraps. Experts say the proposed measures could include tax exemptions for firms that route commodity trades through Turkish entities without physically importing goods, offering a meaningful fiscal advantage over traditional Gulf intermediaries. "A liberal investment climate, streamlined entry procedures and comprehensive incentives could boost Turkey’s standing," said Bilal Bağış, head of economics at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University. The outlook is reinforced by the recent launch of the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) in 2023, which promises a 100 % corporate‑tax exemption on export earnings until 2031. IFC officials report growing interest from both private firms and sovereign investors, especially from East Asian economies. "We are in close dialogue with Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom," an IFC spokesperson told Al Jazeera, highlighting Istanbul’s "triple advantage" of geography, innovation and economic depth, with a claim that the city can reach 1.3 billion people and a $30 trillion market within a four‑hour flight. Nevertheless, Istanbul still lags behind regional rivals. The latest Global Financial Centres Index places it at 101st, far behind Dubai (7), Abu Dhabi (21), Doha (48) and Riyadh (61). The gap reflects persistent challenges: double‑digit inflation, a lira that loses roughly 20 % of its value against the dollar each year, and concerns over policy predictability. Analysts warn that without addressing structural issues—such as high bureaucracy, legal uncertainty and imported inflation—Turkey’s bid to become a financial hub may remain aspirational. "The math gets complicated fast for firms earning in multiple currencies while paying salaries in a depreciating lira," noted Gulf‑based adviser Güney Yıldız. Occupancy at the IFC is still below half, though officials aim for a 75 % fill rate by year‑end. Critics argue that Istanbul lacks the "tabula rasa" appeal of Dubai, where regulatory frameworks can be more readily shaped to investor preferences. Some scholars suggest that Turkey should view its strategy as a gradual positioning rather than a direct showdown with Dubai. Finance professor Hasan Dincer emphasized that long‑term investor confidence hinges on predictability and transparent policy, noting that the success of initiatives like the IFC will depend on sustained implementation.

Iran has reclosed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, in retaliation to the United States' ongoing blockade of Iranian ports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday that control of the strait had 'returned to its previous state,' with Iranian gunboats reportedly firing at a merchant vessel attempting to cross.The strait's closure comes after a brief reopening, during which over a dozen commercial ships passed through. This development has cast doubt on US President Donald Trump's optimism about a potential peace deal to end the US-Israel war on Iran, which Trump claimed was 'very close.'The IRGC statement emphasized that the blockade represented 'acts of piracy and maritime theft,' and warned that the strait would remain under strict control until the US restores full freedom of navigation for Iranian vessels. Oil prices have been impacted, with at least eight oil and gas tankers crossing the strait by 10:30 GMT, while several others turned back.The situation has created uncertainty for maritime shipping, with specialist John-Paul Rodrigue noting that contradictory information from all parties has deterred many vessels from crossing. Al Jazeera's Tohid Asadi reported from Tehran that Iran seeks a comprehensive end to the regional war, including security assurances, sanctions relief, and a resolution to its nuclear dossier.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning that the United States will resume military action against Iran if a nuclear deal is not reached. Speaking in a recent statement, Trump emphasized that the US will 'start dropping bombs again' if diplomatic efforts fail to produce a satisfactory agreement.The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran over the country's nuclear program. Trump's comments have sparked concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the region.The US has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, which was withdrawn from by the Trump administration in 2018. The deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.Trump's warning has heightened concerns about a potential military conflict in the region, with many countries and international organizations calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

In a recent declaration, Iranian officials emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz serves as the nation’s most effective deterrent against external pressure. The statement reflects Tehran’s reliance on the narrow maritime corridor, which channels a substantial portion of the world’s oil shipments, as a cornerstone of its strategic posture.By positioning the strait as a pivotal security asset, Iran signals that any threat to its interests in the region would encounter a robust geographic counterweight. This stance reinforces the broader geopolitical narrative that Iran continues to leverage its location to shape regional dynamics and safeguard its national interests.

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Angola, marking the third leg of his landmark African tour. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions with US President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized the Pope's stance on various issues, including the Middle East conflict. The Pope's visit to Angola is significant, as he is the third pontiff to do so, following John Paul II in 1992 and Benedict XVI in 2009. During his stay, he is expected to meet with Angola's President Joao Lourenco and deliver a speech to the nation, where approximately 44 percent of the population identifies as Catholic. The Pope's message of world peace and his warnings against corruption and exploitation are likely to resonate deeply in Angola, a country that emerged from a 27-year civil war in 2002. About one-third of Angola's population lives below the poverty line, despite the country's vast fossil fuel reserves. Throughout his Africa visit, Pope Leo has been vocal about his concerns regarding corruption, the exploitation of resources, and the dangers of artificial intelligence. His statements have drawn attention and sparked discussions globally, particularly in the context of his public disagreements with President Trump. The clash between the Pope and Trump escalated when Trump called the Pope 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy'. The Pope responded by stating he was not afraid of Trump and would continue to speak out against war. This public exchange marks a rare instance of a pontiff and a sitting US president engaging in a public dispute. During his visit, the Pope will also celebrate an open-air Mass in Kilamba and travel to Muxima and Saurimo for further engagements. His 18,000km African tour will conclude in Equatorial Guinea.

Iranian authorities have dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump's statement alleging the existence of a deal to surrender nuclear material stockpiles. In a brief statement, Tehran's foreign ministry clarified that no such agreement has been negotiated or signed, countering the former president's public remarks.The rejection underscores ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over the country's nuclear program, a subject that continues to dominate diplomatic discourse. While Trump suggested progress toward a disarmament arrangement, Iranian officials stressed that any claims of a finalized deal are unfounded and do not reflect the current state of negotiations.Analysts note that the divergence in narratives may further complicate efforts to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or any future framework aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities. The Iranian response serves as a reminder that official channels and verified agreements remain the only credible basis for assessing nuclear non‑proliferation developments.