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Russia-Israel tensions
Russia and Israel are engaged in a row over Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says Israeli mercenaries are fighting alongside far-right anti-Moscow militants in Ukraine. Maria Zakharova said Israel is certainly aware of teaming up with the militants of the Azov Regiment that Russia views as fascists and Nazis. On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry also accused Tel Aviv of backing what it called the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev. The war of words between the two sides started on Sunday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Adolf Hitler had Jewish blood. His remarks drew fierce backlash in Israel. The regime has expressed solidarity with Ukraine over an ongoing Russian military operation there.
EU Russia oil sanctions
The European Union has unveiled plans for a gradual ban on Russian oil imports as part of its sixth round of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. Von der Layen said the sanctions also include removing Russia’s biggest bank from the international SWIFT payment system. Plus, the package blacklists military figures and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, gas exports are excluded from the embargo. If approved, the oil ban will be implemented gradually over the course of a year to allow countries to adapt to the situation. This has drawn reactions from some bloc members such as Hungary and Germany that remain heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas imports.
COVID-19 in Iran
Iran registers single-digit COVID-related deaths for the first time in over two years. The health ministry has reported seven fatalities and over 250 cases from the virus in the past 24-hours. The total number of deaths in the country stands at over 140,000. More than seven million people have been infected since the start of the pandemic. In January, Iran experienced a surge in cases and deaths largely due to the highly transmissible omicron variant of the strain. The government used an extensive vaccination campaign to curb its spread. So far, more than 68% of the population has received the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | American, Israeli rabbis call for ceasefire during protest near Gaza
Iran calls for enhanced defense cooperation with Russia
US campus crackdown: 500 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested
VIDEO | Yemenis rally in Sana'a in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza
VIDEO | Jordanians march after Friday prayers in support of Palestinians
Far-right Israeli minister Ben-Gvir injured
Germany clears pro-Gaza camp as US-style demos spread across Europe
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