More than 600 former Israeli security chiefs urge Trump to end Gaza war
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
South Korea to aid firms facing higher US tariffs amid trade deal
SEOUL: South Korea will prepare measures to help companies cope with higher U.S. tariffs and expand into new markets, the Finance Ministry said on Tuesday, as it kicked off a task force to prepare the new administration's economic policy plans. On the domestic front, the government will come up with measures to boost short-term demand, as well as financial support for mid- to long-term technology development to enhance market competitiveness, it said in a statement. South Korea reached a trade deal with the U.S. last week, just days before President Donald Trump's threatened 25% tariff rate was due to come in on its exports to the United States. The trade deal set tariffs on exports from the Asian country at 15%, still higher than a baseline 10% rate and the near zero tariffs for exports under a Korea-U.S. free trade agreement. Still, topics left unresolved by the deal provide scope for more disputes as the two countries prepare for a summit between Trump and new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the coming weeks. Trump may use the summit to try to squeeze more concessions on areas such as defence costs and corporate investments, left out of the deal, while non-tariff barriers and currency could prove thorny issues, experts said. South Korea's Finance Ministry, however, sought to give a positive spin on the agreement. The deal reduced uncertainty over the trade environment, while a $350 billion investment package included in the deal will provide new business opportunities for companies, deepen economic cooperation between the two countries, and contribute to a more stable supply chain, the ministry said. The administration of President Lee also plans to prepare policy measures to foster new industries, such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and 'K-contents' and include them in economic growth strategies and budget plans due to be announced later this month. K-contents refers to a range of cultural and entertainment goods produced by the country ranging from K-pop to Korean dramas that have boomed globally. The ministry vowed to bring regulatory improvements to vitalise business activity, as it kicked off a meeting with the country's major business groups. Asia's fourth-largest economy grew in the second quarter at the fastest pace in more than a year on rebounding consumer spending and a surge in technology exports, but still faces headwinds from slowing global trade amid the sweeping tariffs. The International Monetary Fund last week raised its outlook for most advanced and emerging economies this year based on developments around U.S. tariff negotiations, but South Korea was among the exceptions, with its 2025 growth forecast revised down to 0.8% from 1.0%. - Reuters
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Israel to allow merchant-led aid into Gaza amid famine crisis
GAZA: Israel has announced plans to permit a gradual and controlled entry of goods into Gaza through local merchants, aiming to reduce dependence on international aid agencies. The move comes as global monitors warn of famine spreading across the enclave, worsening conditions for hostages held by Hamas. Israel's military agency COGAT confirmed the cabinet-approved mechanism, which will allow basic food supplies, baby food, fruits, vegetables, and hygiene products into Gaza. 'This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the U.N. and international organisations,' COGAT stated. However, logistical challenges remain due to widespread destruction in Gaza. Palestinian and UN officials estimate that 600 aid trucks per day are needed to meet humanitarian needs—a figure Israel previously allowed before the war. Recent images of malnourished Palestinians, including children, have drawn global concern. A Hamas-released video showing an emaciated Israeli captive further intensified criticism from Western nations. In response, Israel has taken steps to facilitate aid, including temporary ceasefires in certain areas and protected routes for aid convoys. Hamas has offered to coordinate aid delivery to hostages via the Red Cross, provided Israel permanently opens humanitarian corridors and stops airstrikes during distributions. Meanwhile, tensions persist over aid distribution methods, with the UN rejecting a U.S.-backed organisation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), citing neutrality concerns. The war, triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials. Israel reports 50 hostages still in Gaza, with only 20 believed alive. - Reuters
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
Be keyboard warriors for Gaza, not local political drama
Rafizi said Malaysians have previously drawn international attention for collectively targeting Israel's official social media accounts, earning them the nickname "tentera bawang". Rafizi Ramli PUTRAJAYA – Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli is calling on Malaysians to mobilise their online presence once again as 'keyboard warriors' to pressure Israel into halting the atrocities that have led to a widespread famine crisis in Gaza. Rafizi said Malaysians have previously drawn international attention for collectively targeting Israel's official social media accounts, earning them the nickname "tentera bawang" (onion army). 'The time has come for us to once again be keyboard warriors en masse, to pressure Israel to end the atrocities that are causing massive starvation in Gaza,' he said in a social media post on Tuesday. Rafizi was commenting on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to the Zionist regime's blockade on food supplies for Palestinians. However, he also expressed disappointment that while the world is focusing on the suffering in Gaza, many Malaysian netizens remain preoccupied with domestic political debates such as 'Turun Anwar' and 'Kekal Anwar'. At the same time, he raised concern over the growing culture of cyberbullying, especially among youth, stemming from political disputes. 'Among netizens, quarrels that often lead to insults and cyberbullying are typically related to politics,' he said. Rafizi also cited a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), which ranks Malaysia second in Asia after China, and fifth globally, for cyberbullying incidents among teenagers. The former Minister of Economy highlighted that Unicef's findings show 47 per cent of parents are aware of at least one child or teen in their community who has been a victim of cyberbullying, while one in four believe their own child has experienced it. Rafizi stressed that this toxic behaviour often stems from adults who frequently leave rude or offensive comments online. 'As parents, we are all responsible, because children follow our example. 'When we make comments on social media that make us feel powerful but are actually a form of cyberbullying, we are normalising this culture in society,' he said. As a solution, he proposed redirecting this aggressive online behaviour toward more meaningful causes, especially humanitarian issues like the conflict in Gaza. 'For the month of August, let's try to channel our ego and cyberbullying tendencies into something else. 'If you really can't resist making a fiery post, let it be for good — for instance, to demand that Israel stop these atrocities,' he said.
