Multinational force protects ships in the Red Sea

Since the start of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, the Iranian-backed Houthis have launched dozens of missile and drone strikes on cargo ships and oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to close one of the most important international shipping routes connecting Europe and the United States to the Middle East and Asia via the Suez Canal. through which 12% of world seaborne trade passes.

The attacks in recent weeks have already led to several shipping companies, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, as well as oil companies such as BP, avoiding the sea route in favor of sailing around Africa, causing significant delays and increased costs that could lead to new price increases. fuel prices and a new inflationary spiral. The UK, Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Canada, Bahrain and the Seychelles are some of the countries included in the US-led mission, dubbed the Guardian of Prosperity.

Hamas refuses to release more hostages
Hamas on Tuesday rejected new negotiations for the release of hostages “while the genocidal war in the Gaza Strip continues” but was willing to discuss proposals to end the conflict. Earlier, Israeli PR man Isaac Herzog demonstrated his readiness for a new “humanitarian pause” in exchange for the release of the hostages.