Gas Explosion in Southern Russia Sparks Criminal Investigation Amid Safety Concerns
Gas explosion in Cherkessk raises safety concerns; Gulf Cooperation Council and New Zealand sign trade agreement to boost $2.9 billion bilateral trade.
Tragically, in southern Russia, a gas explosion in a residential building in Cherkessk has left five people dead and four injured, leading to concerns about safety standards and prompting a criminal investigation due to potential violations.
Moving on to international trade, the Gulf Cooperation Council and New Zealand have signed a free-trade agreement in Doha, aiming to strengthen their economic cooperation by removing trade barriers, which could enhance bilateral trade that reached $2.9 billion in 2023.
In sports, Saleh Al Shehri's critical first-half goal secured a 1-0 win for Al Ittihad in the Jeddah Sea Derby, keeping them a close contender against league leaders Al Hilal, while their rivals Al Ahli face pressure to improve their form.
Meanwhile, in a significant historical acknowledgment, French President Emmanuel Macron has recognized the French responsibility in the killing of Algerian independence leader Larbi Ben M’hidi in 1957, although he stopped short of issuing a formal apology.
In economic news, Israel's cabinet has approved a substantial $162 billion wartime budget geared towards security amid conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, a decision stirring debate over its potential impact on the country's economy.
Lastly, turning to Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut have intensified, targeting Hezbollah-linked sites and causing massive destruction, as part of an ongoing military operation that has already resulted in over 1,829 deaths since late September.
Moving on to international trade, the Gulf Cooperation Council and New Zealand have signed a free-trade agreement in Doha, aiming to strengthen their economic cooperation by removing trade barriers, which could enhance bilateral trade that reached $2.9 billion in 2023.
In sports, Saleh Al Shehri's critical first-half goal secured a 1-0 win for Al Ittihad in the Jeddah Sea Derby, keeping them a close contender against league leaders Al Hilal, while their rivals Al Ahli face pressure to improve their form.
Meanwhile, in a significant historical acknowledgment, French President Emmanuel Macron has recognized the French responsibility in the killing of Algerian independence leader Larbi Ben M’hidi in 1957, although he stopped short of issuing a formal apology.
In economic news, Israel's cabinet has approved a substantial $162 billion wartime budget geared towards security amid conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, a decision stirring debate over its potential impact on the country's economy.
Lastly, turning to Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut have intensified, targeting Hezbollah-linked sites and causing massive destruction, as part of an ongoing military operation that has already resulted in over 1,829 deaths since late September.
