International

ICC alerts Israel about incursion in Rafah: Crimes will be investigated and prosecuted

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan expressed concern over the Israeli bombing of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, stressing that those who break the law will be held accountable as part of the investigation. ongoing that is being carried out with the utmost urgency. Khan stressed the importance of respecting the laws applicable to armed conflict and warned that those responsible for crimes under the Rome Statute, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, must face international justice.

The commissioner of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, denounced the death of a humanitarian worker from the organization due to shooting by the Israeli Army in Khan Yunes, as well as the attacks against a UNRWA school in the same area, which resulted in injuries to another staff member. Hamas accused Israel of carrying out a massacre in Rafah during the hostage rescue operation, while official Palestinian figures report at least 164 people killed and 200 injured in Israeli attacks in different parts of Gaza in the last 24 hours.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned of the potentially devastating consequences of an Israeli military incursion into Rafah, pointing to the risk of further atrocity crimes and the catastrophic humanitarian impact it would have across the Gaza Strip. Amnesty International denounced the deaths of civilians, including minors, in Israeli attacks in Rafah and called for them to be investigated as possible war crimes.

For its part, Israel defended its strategy of military pressure in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged maintaining this pressure as a way to free the hostages. Meanwhile, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) accused Israel of trying to force an exodus of Palestinian civilians in Rafah through intensified attacks in the area. In response to the escalating situation, Egypt threatened to suspend the Camp David Accords if Israel continued to pressure the Palestinians to cross the border.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.