European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a free-trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc is “in sight” but faces resistance ahead of a two-day summit in Uruguay. Leaders from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay are negotiating the pact to establish the world’s largest free trade zone. However, Italy’s opposition threatens to derail the 20-year effort to create the world’s largest free-trade zone.
EU chief makes final push to secure Mercosur free trade agreement
Venezuela quake death toll exceeds 5,000 as IMF approves emergency aid
The death toll from the twin earthquakes in Venezuela has exceeded 5,000, with National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez confirming 5,069 fatalities, primarily in La Guaira.
Israel’s military barrier in the West Bank limits access for Palestinian communities
Israeli forces have intensified operations in the Jordan Valley, damaging Palestinian farms and isolating communities with the construction of the ‘Crimson Thread’ military barrier. Land