International
Israel claims to have killed a Hamas leader in an attack on Tulkarem that caused 18 deaths
The Israeli Army claimed to have killed a leader of the Palestinian Hamas group in the attack it launched this Thursday against the Tulkerem refugee camp, in the occupied West Bank, in which at least 18 people died, according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli planes bombed a cafeteria and that 18 people perished in the attack.
According to the Army, in the attack, launched in coordination with the Israeli national intelligence service (Shin Bet), the leader of Hamas in Tulkarem, identified as Zahi Yaser bdel Razaq Awfi, died.
Attack on Tulkarem refugee camp
The Israeli army simply reported in a statement that it had launched an attack in coordination with the National Intelligence Center (Shin Bet) and that it would subsequently offer more details.
The Palestinian agency said that a missile hit a popular cafe located in Al Hamam alley, in the Tulkarem refugee camp.
Attack in Tulkarem increases deaths in West Bank
In the last year, Israel has killed 720 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 160 minors, according to the Ministry of Health.
In Tulkarem alone, at least 94 Palestinians have died since January, including eight children aged 15 and 17, according to a follow-up by EFE.
Most have died from soldiers’ shots but more than thirty in air strikes, a tactic that Israel did not use in cities and refugee camps in the West Bank since the Second Intifada, two decades ago.
The offensive to Lebanon continues
The Israeli army launched 15 bombings this Thursday against targets of the Shiite Hezbollah militia in Beirut, including its historic center for the second time in a year of clashes, in attacks that have caused at least nine deaths, although the Lebanese authorities do not rule out more victims, while the clashes continue on the border between the two countries.
The Israeli army reported an airstrike against the intelligence headquarters of the Shiite group Hezbula in Beirut and also the office of its communication organ in the same city.
Deaths increase
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, at least nine people were killed and fourteen were injured in the bombing, although it reported that they are analyzing the DNA remains found at the scene to determine the final death count.
The Lebanese National News Agency (ANN) reported that there were bombings in the Beirut area of Dahye, which targeted the neighborhoods of Haret Hreik, Burj al Barajna, Al Amirikan and Al Ghobeiry, while a building “completely collapsed” in the Muawad area.
He added that the attack destroyed a center of the Islamic Health Authority, an organization linked to Hezbullah that is responsible for offering health care and services, and in which “internationally prohibited phosphorus bombs” were used, he said.
International
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.
According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.
Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.
The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.
“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.
While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.
To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.
Central America
El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.
Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.
The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.
According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.
In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.
International
Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.
In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.
“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.
For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
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Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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