February 8, 2025, 3:53 am

Ecuador Imposes 27% Tariff on Mexican Goods Amid Rising Tensions

sarakhon desk
  • Update Time : Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Trump to Target UN Human Rights Council, UN Palestinian Relief Agency UNRWA  

Reuters,


U.S. President Donald Trump is set to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council and continue halting funding for the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, according to White House officials.

The announcement coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Netanyahu has long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of promoting anti-Israel sentiments and harboring staff involved in terrorist activities.

During his first term (2017-2021), Trump cut funding to UNRWA, arguing that Palestinians needed to engage in renewed peace talks with Israel. The U.S. also quit the Human Rights Council in protest against its perceived bias against Israel. Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. rejoined the council but completed its term in 2024.

Israel’s U.N. ambassador Danny Danon welcomed Trump’s decision, claiming that the Human Rights Council promotes “extreme anti-Semitism” and that UNRWA has lost its credibility as a humanitarian agency. However, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini dismissed such claims, calling them part of a “fierce disinformation campaign.”

The U.S. Congress had previously frozen UNRWA contributions until at least March 2025 after allegations that some of its staff were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The United Nations stated that nine UNRWA staff members were dismissed after Israel’s accusations, but no conclusive evidence has been provided.

An Israeli ban on UNRWA operations within its territory took effect on January 30, further complicating the agency’s ability to operate in Gaza and the West Bank.

Ecuador Imposes 27% Tariff on Mexican Goods Amid Rising Tensions  

Al Jazeera,


Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has announced a 27% tariff on imports from Mexico, mirroring the economic policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. Noboa also declared a three-day border closure from February 8-10, citing threats from armed groups attempting to destabilize the country.

The Ecuadorian leader further ordered a military buildup at the country’s ports and borders, emphasizing national security concerns ahead of a tightly contested election. Noboa is seeking re-election against Luisa Gonzalez, a left-wing candidate from the Citizen Revolution Movement.

Trump and Noboa share a common stance on tariffs against Mexico. In November 2024, Trump proposed a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, citing immigration and drug control concerns. Noboa echoed similar sentiments, stating that Ecuador remains committed to free trade with Mexico but will enforce tariffs until a fair agreement is reached.

Ecuador and Mexico have experienced diplomatic tensions, most notably following an Ecuadorian police raid on Mexico’s embassy in Quito to arrest a former president accused of corruption. The raid was widely condemned as a violation of international law.

Despite economic and security challenges, Noboa recently finalized a free trade agreement with Canada, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for his administration. However, polls indicate that Noboa lacks the majority needed to secure an outright victory, potentially leading to an April run-off election.

Nigeria Moves to Restart Oil Production in the Niger Delta After Shell Exit  

The Independent,


The Nigerian government is in talks with local communities to restart oil production in the Niger Delta following Shell’s $2.4 billion sale of its onshore operations to local companies. The sale marks the end of Shell’s nearly century-long presence in the region, which has been plagued by environmental damage and community protests.

Ogoniland, a region where Shell ceased operations in 1993 due to violent protests over environmental degradation, is now under consideration for renewed oil production. Government officials argue that restarting operations could boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Many Western oil giants, including ExxonMobil, Eni, and TotalEnergies, have been reducing their onshore presence in Nigeria due to security risks and pollution concerns, opting instead for offshore operations. Activist groups, including Amnesty International, have demanded that Shell take full responsibility for cleanup efforts before exiting the region.

Scientific studies continue to highlight severe environmental damage in the Delta, with oil contamination affecting water sources and agricultural land. While a U.N.-backed cleanup program has been in place, reports indicate widespread mismanagement. Activists stress the need for further dialogue before oil production resumes to ensure local communities benefit from the renewed extraction efforts.

Six Injured in Attack at Israeli Checkpoint in the West Bank  

The Associated Press,


A gunman opened fire at an Israeli military checkpoint in Tayasir, northern West Bank, early Tuesday, injuring at least six people, according to Israeli military and medical reports. Israeli forces returned fire, killing the attacker.

Israeli hospitals confirmed that among the wounded, two soldiers sustained critical injuries. Although Hamas and Islamic Jihad praised the attack, neither group claimed responsibility.

Israel has recently intensified military operations in Jenin, targeting what it calls militant strongholds. The offensive, involving armored bulldozers, has led to significant destruction, with Palestinian officials reporting at least 20 deaths since the start of the operation.

The attack comes amid heightened violence in the West Bank following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel, which triggered the ongoing Gaza war. The conflict has exacerbated tensions across the region, leading to frequent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants.

Thai Hostages Released by Hamas Reunite with Families in Israeli Hospital  

The Associated Press,


Family members of Thai hostages recently freed by Hamas have arrived in Israel to reunite with their loved ones at Shamir Medical Center. The five Thai nationals were among those released as part of a ceasefire agreement that saw Hamas exchange hostages for 110 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas militants had abducted 31 Thai nationals during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Tens of thousands of Thai workers are employed in Israeli agricultural settlements, making them vulnerable to regional conflicts.

A previous ceasefire deal in November 2023 led to the release of 23 Thai hostages, facilitated through negotiations involving Thailand, Hamas, Qatar, and Iran. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that at least 46 Thai nationals have been killed in the ongoing conflict.

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