BEIT LAHIA (AFP) – Hundreds of Palestinians shouted anti-Hamas slogans at a protest in northern Gaza calling for an end to the war, witnesses said.
The mostly male demonstrators chanted “Hamas out” and “Hamas terrorists” in Beit Lahia, where the crowd had gathered a week after the intense bombing of Gaza resumed following nearly two months of a truce.
“I don’t know who organised the protest,” said demonstrator named Mohammed, who declined to give his last name for fear of reprisals. “I took part to send a message on behalf of the people: Enough with the war,” he said, adding that he had seen “members of the Hamas security forces in civilian clothing breaking up the protest”. Majdi, another protester who did not wish to give his full name, said the “people are tired”.
“If Hamas leaving power in Gaza is the solution, why doesn’t Hamas give up power to protect the people?” he asked.
Levels of discontent towards Hamas in Gaza are difficult to gauge. The last available survey was conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR). It estimated that 35 per cent of Palestinians in Gaza said they supported Hamas, and 26 per cent said they supported its rival Fatah.
Fatah’s spokesman in Gaza Monther Al-Hayek called on Hamas on Saturday to “step aside from governing” to safeguard the “existence” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Gaza Strip has been devastated by more than 17 months of war between Israel and Hamas, with the humanitarian situation again deteriorating after Israel blocked the passage of aid into the territory on March 2.
Since airstrikes and military operations in Gaza resumed, at least 792 Palestinians have been killed and the military offensive has also killed at least 50,021 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
Palestinians attend a rally calling for an end to the war in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip. PHOTO: AFP
HANOI (AFP) – Vietnam said it plans to cut import duties on a range of goods including cars, liquefied gas and some agricultural products, as concerns escalate over potential United States (US) tariffs.
The announcement on the Finance Ministry’s website came less than two weeks after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the country was reviewing duties in order to encourage increased imports from the US.
Vietnam represents the US’ third-highest trade deficit, behind China and Mexico.
There is increasing worry that Hanoi could be the next target of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have sent shockwaves through global markets.
According to the Finance Ministry statement, import duties on some cars will be cut by half and the tax rate for liquefied natural gas will drop from five per cent to just two per cent.
Duties will also be cut for a number of other products including frozen chicken thighs, almonds, sweet cherries, raisins and wood.
The changes, which should be implemented this month, are to “cope with the complicated and unpredictable developments of the world’s geopolitical and economic situation, especially the changes in economic, trade and tariff policies”, the statement said.
It is also necessary “to ensure fair treatment among Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partners”, the statement added, citing director of the department of tax management and supervision Nguyen Quoc Hung. Vietnam also said yesterday that it would allow Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch its Starlink satellite internet service as part of a pilot programme that will last until the end of 2030.
There is no limit on foreign ownership of the service, the government said in a statement on its website.
The US and Vietnam became comprehensive strategic partners in 2023.
Prime Minister Chinh this month told US ambassador Marc Knapper that Vietnam was “actively addressing the current concerns of the US in economic-trade-investment relations”, including sending its top trade official to the US.
The US trade deficit in goods with Vietnam was USD123.5 billion in 2024, up more than 18 per cent on 2023, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.
Fruit vendors on a street in Hanoi, Vietnam. PHOTO: AFP
SINGAPORE (BERNAMA) – Singapore and Vietnam signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) yesterday to enhance cooperation in cross-border electricity trade for the ASEAN Power Grid, exploring to increase the low-carbon electricity imports to the city-state to around 2GW by 2035.
Singapore’s Trade and Industry Ministry (MTI) said this builds on the Conditional Approval granted by the Energy Market Authority of Singapore to Sembcorp Utilities in October 2023, to import 1.2GW of low-carbon electricity via new subsea cables of around 1,000 kilometres from Vietnam to Singapore.
“The Vietnam and Singapore governments will continue to engage interested companies with credible and commercially viable proposals,” it said in a statement yesterday.
MTI said under the LOI, both countries reaffirmed their shared desire to establish a sustainable, inclusive and resilient ASEAN Power Grid, comprising multiple energy interconnections akin to those in other regions, to advance ASEAN’s shared vision of multilateral and multidirectional cross-border power trade and enhanced energy security.
The LOI builds on the Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam signed in 2022 and the joint report on offshore wind power trade cooperation between both countries, which was endorsed this year.
JAKARTA (XINHUA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia has decided to join the New Development Bank (NDB) following a meeting with NDB President Dilma Vana Rousseff at the Presidential Palace.
Prabowo said the meeting between the two parties took place in a warm and productive atmosphere, noting that the discussion covered Indonesia’s short-, medium- and long-term development plans.
He said that one of the main topics in the discussion was the official invitation from the NDB to Indonesia to join as a member.
Prabowo confirmed that Indonesia has decided to move forward with the NDB membership process following an evaluation by the country’s Ministry of Finance.
He hoped that Indonesia’s membership in the NDB could encourage the acceleration of national development transformation.
The New Development Bank building in east China’s Shanghai. PHOTO: XINHUA
KUALA LUMPUR (BERNAMA) – Malaysia remains well-positioned to navigate challenges, backed by strong economic fundamentals, robust domestic demand, resilient household spending and increased investments.
MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd said domestic growth fundamentals remain robust, driven by increasing spending from both consumers and businesses which will continue to support economic expansion this year.
Besides, beyond increased government expenditure, investment activities will be fuelled by the initiation and progress of various infrastructure projects.
“However, we remain cautious of Malaysia’s trade outlook amid the heightened uncertainties surrounding global trade.
“Malaysia’s trade environment could be more challenging in the coming months, especially if the United States (US) imposes higher tariffs on semiconductors and other manufactured goods,” it said.
Hence, MIDF Amanah expects Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at a more stable rate of 4.6 per cent in 2025, easing from a surge and strong growth of 5.1 per cent last year.
DOMESTIC SPENDING
MIDF Amanah anticipates continued growth in domestic spending, driven by a robust labour market, manageable inflation, accommodative monetary policy, and recovery in tourism activities.
It said government support measures, including cash assistance will further stimulate spending.
Additionally, having access to flexible retirement fund accounts, higher civil servant salaries, and an increased minimum wage also reinforce consumption growth this year.
“The upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities are expected to further boost retail activity in the coming quarter,” it said.
BROAD-BASED SECTORAL GROWTH EXPECTED
Major economic sectors are poised for continued expansion this year with the services sector driven by rising household spending as well as increased tourist arrivals and spending.
“Despite policy adjustments like higher diesel prices and increased utility tariffs, overall price pressures remain manageable, minimising the impact on consumer purchasing power.
“The delayed RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation until mid-2025 continues to support growing household expenditures,” it said.
MIDF Amanah said the construction sector is set to continue its robust growth benefiting from ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Pan Borneo Highway, East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Miri airport expansion, and Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT).
It also remains optimistic about data centre expansion which has supported capital goods imports and is also generating demand for the construction and utility sectors.
DOWNSIDE RISKS TO GROWTH OUTLOOK
It said rising external uncertainties could challenge Malaysia’s trade and export driven sectors.
“Stricter US trade policies, including reciprocal tariffs and semiconductor duties, may dampen demand, particularly as electric and electronic (E&E) products accounted for 60.3 per cent of Malaysia’s exports to the US in 2024.
Retaliatory measures by other countries have also escalated geopolitical and trade tensions, reshaping global trade alliances and contributing to a more fragmented trade environment, which may weaken global trade activity.
“While the cooler inflation reading in February 25 raises hopes for the US Federal Reserve to cut rates by mid-year, the relief may be short-lived.
“The full impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes, along with broader policies such as tax cuts, deregulation and stricter immigration rules, could further fuel inflation, eroding consumer sentiment and purchasing power,” it added.
People shop at a mall in Ipoh, Malaysia. PHOTO: BERNAMAA woman sells Raya biscuits. PHOTO: BERNAMA
AFP – World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled back in the second set to blast her way into the semi-finals of the Miami Open with a 6-2, 7-5 win over China’s Zheng Qinwen.
The victory gives Sabalenka her first place in the last four at Miami, with a clash against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini standing between her and a place in the final.
It looked like it was going to be routine business for the Belarussian against the ninth-seed Zheng when Sabalenka took the first set comfortably.
But Zheng had worked something out between sets and came out firing, breaking Sabalenka twice to open up a 4-2 lead in the set.
Sabalenka was in real trouble at 0-40 down but, after some signs of anger, was able to fight back to hold for 4-4 and then turned her aggression into a powerful finale.
With some blistering returns, the top-seed broke to go 6-5 and then with her serve at full force, confidently held to secure the win.
“Honestly every match is tough against her, I always have to work really hard to get the win and today was an incredible level from both of us,” said Sabalenka.
“I’m super happy to get this win. I’m super happy with the way I handled all the emotions and handled the pressure,” she added. Earlier, Paolini moved into the semi-finals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Poland’s Magda Linette.
Paolini, beaten in the finals at Wimbledon and the French Open last year, becomes the first Italian to make it to the last four in Miami. It took just 77 minutes for Paolini to take care of business against Linette who had progressed into the quarters with a surprise win over Coco Gauff.
A lengthy delay to the start of the game, caused by heavy rain in the afternoon, didn’t cause any issues for the sixth-seeded Paolini who dominated from the off.
Paolini, who is looking for her second title at the WTA 1000 level, after last year’s triumph in Dubai, looked confident and said she had known her form would start to bring her results.
“I think I didn’t play bad this season but I just didn’t have a great result. But I was there. I lost many matches but to big opponents,” she said.
“It was tough but I was repeating to myself that I was there – maybe I just needed a little more confidence and it came here maybe,” she said.
WASHINGTON(AFP) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday it has reached agreement with Pakistan on a new USD1.3 billion loan programme and reviewed an existing bailout that would, if approved, unlock an additional USD1 billion.
The new 28-month deal would support Pakistan’s efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, the IMF said in a statement announcing its decision.
Both the new programme and the loan review require approval from the Fund’s executive board, which is largely a rubber-stamping exercise.
Pakistan came to the brink of default in 2023, as a political crisis compounded an economic downturn and drove the nation’s debt burden to terminal levels.
It was saved by a USD7 billion bailout from the IMF and has enjoyed a degree of recovery, with inflation easing and foreign exchange reserves increasing.
But the deal – Pakistan’s 24th since 1958 – came with stern conditions that the country improve income tax revenue and cut popular power subsidies, cushioning costs of the inefficient sector.
The IMF said the Pakistani authorities remained “committed to advancing a gradual fiscal consolidation to sustainably reduce public debt”, along with tight monetary policy, cost-cutting measures and reforms, as they agreed in principle to the second review of the existing 37-month programme.
Assuming the agreement is approved by the Fund’s executive board, the Pakistani authorities will get access to fresh funds worth around USD1 billion.
That would bring the total disbursements under the existing programme to around USD2 billion, the Fund said.
“Over the past 18 months, Pakistan has made significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding confidence despite a challenging global environment,” IMF mission chief Nathan Porter said in a statement.
People buy snacks in Islamabad, Pakistan. PHOTO: XINHUA
AFP – Argentine Francisco Cerundolo upset fifth-seed Casper Ruud 6-4 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the Miami Open.
Cerundolo, who enjoys plenty of support from South Florida’s large Argentine community, has now reached the last eight in three of his past four appearances at Miami.
Cerundolo failed to make the most of three break points in the opening game but eventually broke through at 3-3, converting his fourth break point of that game.
The 23rd seed, who lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, was dominant in the second set, but his victory was postponed by a three-hour, 30-minute rain delay that arrived when he was 5-1 up. “I’m super happy. It’s always difficult when you’re playing a really good match, controlling the game, and you have to stop for rain,” said Cerundolo.
“It’s not easy, but I was chill and came back to the match confident and played a really good service game. I’m super happy to get back-to-back Masters 1000 quarter-finals in the U, on hard courts. It’s a great achievement,” he said.
Next up for Cerundolo is 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated American Brandon Nakashima 6-4 7-5.
There was some cheer for the home crowd though with Sebastian Korda beating French veteran Gael Monfils 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in another rain-affected match.
BANGKOK (AP) – Asian markets advanced yesterday after a quiet session on Wall Street as buying slowed after a broad rally the day before, fuelled by hopes that President Donald Trump’s tariffs may not be as sweeping as earlier feared.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.3 per cent higher to 23,403.40, while the Shanghai Composite index slipped less than 0.1 per cent, to 3,367.98.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index added 0.7 per cent to 38,027.29.
The Kospi in Seoul was up 1.1 per cent at 2,643.94. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.7 per cent to 7,999.00.
The S&P 500 added 0.2 per cent to 5,776.65 after jumping 1.8 per cent to one of its best days of the last year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by four points, or less than 0.1 per cent, to 42,587.50. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.5 per cent to 18,271.86.
United States (US) stocks have recovered a chunk of their losses since falling 10 per cent below their all-time high earlier this month, for their first “correction” since 2023. The S&P 500 is now down six per cent from its record, and that drop has left the market looking less expensive than before, which had been a major criticism following its euphoric rise in earlier years.
But strategists along Wall Street warn that more sharp swings are still likely on the way with an April 2 deadline looming. That’s what Trump has called ‘Liberation Day’, when he will begin tariffs on trading partners that he says will roughly equal what he sees as the burden each of them puts on the US. Monday’s spurt for Wall Street came on hopes that Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs may be more targeted than had earlier been feared.
Even if Trump’s tariffs do end up being less painful for the global economy than feared, all the dizzying talk about them has already soured confidence among US households and businesses. The fear is that could lead them to cut back on their spending and freeze the economy.
A report showed that pessimism among US households is only worsening. The Conference Board’s measure of consumer confidence fell by more than expected, mostly because of a tumble for expectations about upcoming conditions in the short term. That dropped to its lowest level in 12 years and is sitting “well below the threshold of 80 that usually signals a recession ahead”.
Like other recent surveys, the data showed US households are much more concerned about where the economy is heading than where it is currently.
So far, actual economic activity and the job market seem to be holding up despite the worsening moods of US companies and consumers.
On Wall Street, Trump Media and Technology Group climbed 8.9 per cent after the company behind the president’s Truth Social platform said it had reached an agreement with Crypto.com to offer a suite of ‘America-First’ investment funds.
People walk in front of an electronic stock board in Tokyo, Japan. PHOTO: AP
MIAMI (AFP) – The Miami Heat thrashed the Golden State Warriors 112-86, handing Jimmy Butler a stinging loss in his first game against his old club since his acrimonious exit.
Butler, who was traded away to Golden State in February after a series of bust-ups with the Heat management, finished with just 11 points as the Warriors offence struggled to click.
Instead it was Miami who dominated from the outset, grabbing the lead early on before coasting to a wire-to-wire victory.
Butler, who played six seasons in Miami and was a talismanic figure in the team’s run to the NBA Finals in 2020, was given a video tribute before the game started.
Although there were scattered boos in the Kaseya Center crowd, Butler was greeted largely positively on his return.
“This was a huge part of my career so I continue to say that I’m very grateful,” Butler said. “I ain’t spiteful towards nobody.”
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said his team had not used Butler’s presence in the opposition line-up as a motivating factor.
“The energy in the building was great,” Spoelstra said.
Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Miami, United States. PHOTO: AP
“We didn’t do any extra motivational speech leading up into this – it was more about us staying the course with our process.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Miami had been ready for his team.
“People don’t ever seem too amped up around here,” Kerr said of the atmosphere. “It really wasn’t that rabid an environment. It was typical Miami. The main part of Jimmy’s return is that the Heat were ready.
“And Spo (Spoelstra) had them ready. It was about how hard they played and how well they competed. They took it to us.”
Miami improved to 31-41 with the victory to remain in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and on course for the play-in tournament.
The Warriors fell to 41-31 and are in sixth place in the West, just ahead of the seventh-placed Los Angeles Clippers (40-31).
In other games, the Oklahoma City Thunder extended their unbeaten streak to seven games with a 121-105 road win over the Sacramento Kings in northern California.
NBA Most Valuable Player contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists as Oklahoma brought up their 60th win of the season.
“It’s a testament to our hard work,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “There’s a lot more work to be done. We haven’t done anything. We haven’t achieved half of our goals yet.”
Oklahoma City have already secured top spot in the Western Conference and are aiming to close out their regular season campaign by clinching the best overall record in the league.
In the race for second place in the West, the Houston Rockets remain in pole position after a battling 121-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 32 points.
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their lead at the top of the standings with a 122-111 defeat of the Portland Trail Blazers, improving to 58-14.
