International

Tens of thousands of people participate in protests in Israel to demand a truce

Tens of thousands of people participate this Saturday in new massive protests in different parts of Israel to demand that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu seal a ceasefire agreement with Hamas for the release of the hostages.

In the Israeli capital, in Tel Aviv, the organizers assure that about 400,000 people are expected tonight after a week marked by the call for the first general strike and numerous acts of protests.

Six dead hostages found last week

“Carmel endured, for eight long months, through hunger, deadly fear and bombings… and in June, when an agreement was again on the table, she was again on the list. She [and the other murdered hostages] should have returned home. Alive!” Dickman shouted, the first of the now lifeless host Carmel Gal.

His body was found last week along with five other hostages in an underground tunnel in the southern city of Rafah, in the Gaza Strip. The troops found them days after being “executed by Hamas,” the autopsy confirmed.

Israeli society blames the Government

Since then, the unease of Israeli society towards the Government has skyrocketed among those who blame it for these deaths for not having previously signed a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian group.

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“We are at the 11th hour. It’s too late for Carmel, but for Ohad Ben Ami, it’s not too late. Stop Such Shoham! Romi Gonen! They can still hug their mothers! Go out every day until he comes home alive!” exclaimed his cousin in reference to the fact that this Saturday marks eleven months of the war in Gaza.

Concentrations in front of the residence of Nentanyahu

In Jerusalem, a group of demonstrators have also gathered in front of the residence of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Nentanyahu, carrying yellow flags representing the movement for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

“The regime’s lies will not bring security,” they chant.

The protesters call for the end of the war, the fall of the government and another general strike to push for an agreement.

Of the 251 kidnapped on October 7, 97 captives remain in the enclave, -33 confirmed dead-, while there are four other hostages for years, two of them dead soldiers.

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Since the war began, Israel and Hamas only reached a one-week truce agreement at the end of November, which allowed the release of 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.