Biden: Over 100 Palestinians by Israeli Troops Complicates Ceasefire Talks

Biden, en route to the US-Mexico border, acknowledged reports of Israeli troops shooting Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza.
The President stated that the incident would indeed complicate ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Health authorities reported that the IDF's firing on aid seekers near Gaza City resulted in 104 deaths and 280 injuries.
Biden mentioned there are conflicting accounts of the incident, and investigations are ongoing.
He admitted that his previous hope for a temporary ceasefire by Monday is unlikely to materialize now, given the situation.

Oil Prices Surge Amid Supply Constraints and Middle East Tensions

Early in the Asia session, oil futures witness an uptick due to indications of limited supply and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Extended output cuts by OPEC+ are bolstering oil prices, according to an analysis by the Saxo Strategy Team.
Israeli military actions against Palestinian civilians have heightened regional tensions, leading Hamas to halt ceasefire negotiations.
Front-month WTI crude oil futures climb by 0.3% to $78.46 per barrel, while front-month Brent crude rises by 0.4% to $82.25 per barrel.

The start of Ramadan serves as a pressing informal deadline for reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli leaders have warned of an offensive in Gaza's Rafah if a deal isn't reached before Ramadan, potentially endangering negotiations.
Hamas calls for mass protests during Ramadan, particularly at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque, intensifying concerns of escalating conflict.
Both sides continue to engage in negotiations mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, focusing on easing humanitarian crises and releasing hostages.
Tensions are heightened as Israel seeks to maintain security during Ramadan while Hamas pressures for concessions, increasing the risk of wider regional conflict.

Israeli government debates access for Muslim worshipers to Al Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, with differing views on security measures.
Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz announces plans for security measures during Ramadan, though specifics remain unclear.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocates for stringent measures to prevent West Bank Palestinians from accessing Al Aqsa, a stance rejected by other Israeli officials.
Emir of Qatar criticizes what he terms a "genocide" in Gaza during a state visit to France, against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron seeks to enhance France's influence in the Middle East by strengthening ties with Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas.
Both leaders issue a joint statement calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, expressing opposition to potential Israeli offensive in Rafah, and discussing efforts to secure the release of hostages held since October 7, 2023.

Photo credits: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters

Jordan intensified cooperation with international partners for airdropping aid to Gaza amid growing restrictions on traditional supply distribution.
UAE, Egypt, and France joined Jordan in airdrop operations, addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
Despite limitations, France emphasized the urgency of aiding Gaza's dire situation, considering various delivery avenues, including Israel's Ashdod port.
Aid groups suspended food deliveries to northern Gaza due to safety concerns, making airdrops a crucial option for swift assistance.
Airdrops have become a critical precedent, with Jordan's efforts showcasing the feasibility of this approach amid escalating hunger and obstacles to aid distribution in Gaza.

Photo credits: MICHAEL M. SANTIAGO/GETTY IMAGES

China, despite brokering the Saudi-Iran peace deal, hasn't delivered on Middle East conflict resolution during the Gaza war.
China aims to create an alternative security architecture, displacing U.S. dominance without replacing it.
With significant oil imports from the region, China prioritizes stability but avoids direct involvement in conflicts.
President Xi Jinping proposed a new Middle East security architecture in 2018, emphasizing regional dialogues and UN principles.
China sees itself as a convener and potential mediator on issues like Israel-Palestine and Gulf tensions, promoting an idealistic vision.
Beijing criticizes U.S. destabilization but lacks details on its proposed security framework, leaving it to the region's decision.
China aims to capitalize on anti-U.S. sentiments without seeking to replace U.S. leadership, as seen in the Afghanistan case.

Photo credits: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh suggests flexibility in Gaza talks but reiterates commitment to defending Palestinians.
Egyptian President el-Sisi expresses optimism, foreseeing a cease-fire agreement in the next few days, aligning with President Biden's prediction.
Hamas and Israel maintain public stances; negotiations occur through mediators in Doha, Cairo, and Paris.
Haniyeh urges Palestinians to defy Israeli restrictions and march to Aqsa mosque at the start of Ramadan, raising potential for clashes.
Pressure mounts on Israel and the U.S. to secure a cease-fire as Gaza's death toll nears 30,000; Israel offers concessions in talks with mediators.

Photo credits: OCHA/Bilal Al Hammoud

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen highlights the worsening situation in Syria, including Israeli airstrikes, U.S. retaliatory strikes, and ongoing conflicts causing casualties and displacement.
Urgent calls for de-escalation in the region, starting with a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, are emphasized.
Concerns raised over the Constitutional Committee's hiatus; efforts to convene in Geneva in April announced.
Humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, with 16.7 million people requiring assistance, marking the highest number since the conflict began.
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths stresses the critical need for funding to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.

News bits proofread and compiled by:

Drafted by:

Aita Dey (B.A. I.R., 3rd Year)

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