#News The United States blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution recognizing a Palestinian state. Twelve members voted for it, two abstained, and the US vetoed it. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the US veto, calling it unfair. Israel praised the US decision, saying the resolution would reward terrorism. The US argued that Palestinian statehood should come from negotiations with Israel, not UN resolutions. Palestinian efforts for UN recognition began in 2011, and they currently hold observer status. Israel's UN ambassador condemned the resolution, calling it support for a "terror state."

#BREAKING Israel has launched a missile attack against a site in Iran, according to US broadcaster ABC News. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency has reported explosions in Isfahan province with state television reporting flights in several cities have been suspended.

#News Mount Ruang, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted on Tuesday evening, sending fiery lava and ash high into the sky. This forced the evacuation of hundreds of people in the North Sulawesi province. The eruption occurred around 7:19 p.m. local time and displaced over 800 people from nearby villages. Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to tectonic plate movements. Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano, known for its explosive eruptions. The last major eruption was in 2002, reaching up to 17 miles high. Before the recent eruption, more than 300 volcanic earthquakes were detected.

#BREAKING Netanyahu unveils plans to establish illegal Jewish settlements in Gaza, backed by a staggering investment of USD 5 billion.

The United Arab Emirates faced an unusual weather event on April 16, with record-breaking rainfall causing widespread disruption. This severe weather led to significant flooding, affecting roads, stranding commuters, and causing flight and train cancellations. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, roads were submerged, making travel difficult for residents. Even the Dubai metro station flooded, showing the widespread impact of the storm. #dubai

#News Google employees and pro-Palestinian protesters have staged demonstrations in California and New York calling for the cancellation of the company’s $1.2B contract with Israel’s government known as Project Nimbus.

#News Spain aims to recognize Palestine as a state by July, urging other countries to do the same. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez believes this could help achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Currently, 139 out of 193 United Nations member states recognize Palestine. While some European countries support recognition, others, including the EU as a whole, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, do not. Sanchez has discussed recognition with several European countries, finding support from Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia. However, Portugal indicated it would not follow Spain's lead without a joint European approach. This division within the EU reflects differing positions on Israel's actions in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The move by Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia is notable, given their longstanding support for Palestinian rights. Other European countries may join them, but larger nations like Germany and Italy are unlikely to do so. Belgium, which currently holds the EU presidency, may consider recognition after its term ends. Recognizing Palestine could strain relations with the US and Israel. However, it's unclear if this will lead to concrete actions beyond verbal objections. Israel has previously reacted strongly to similar statements, accusing countries of supporting terrorism.

Heavy rains recently hit the United Arab Emirates, causing flooding on major highways and disrupting flights at Dubai International Airport. The government described it as the most rainfall in 75 years. The heavy rainfall led to flooding in homes and streets, with vehicles stranded and roads blocked. Even major shopping centers like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates were affected. Lightning was also observed, sometimes striking the Burj Khalifa. The National Center for Meteorology advised residents to take precautions and stay away from flooded areas. Schools were closed, and remote work was extended for Dubai government employees. Flights were diverted from Dubai International Airport due to the weather. . . . #Dubai #UAE #flood #rain #oman