Middle East crisis

Strait of Hormuz
China's Call: Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Chinese leader Xi Jinping wants the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened to shipping, according to Chinese state media. The New York Times reports.

In a conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, Jinping is said to have said that the strait "should remain open for normal passage" because it would be beneficial to the countries' common interests.

China imports 40 percent of its oil through the strait, among other things. Despite having large energy reserves, it will have difficulty dealing with the consequences of a global trade halt.

The strait was first blocked by Iran. Last week, Donald Trump announced that the United States would also prevent ships from passing through.

Jinping has previously had a limited role in the conflict because he wants to have good relations with several countries in the Middle East, while at the same time wanting to work on relations with the United States.

Economic Impact
The market seems to be able to predict Trump – analysts suspect insider trading

Rapid fluctuations in financial markets are often linked to Trump's statements. The problem is that they often occur before the president posts on social media, holds a press conference or gives an interview, which has led to speculation about insider trading, writes the BBC.

In an investigation, the BBC has seen a consistent pattern. Just before Trump speaks, a number of investors are present and seem to know exactly what he is going to say – and what position they should take to make millions.

Some analysts believe that this is a sign of illegal insider trading. Others say that some investors have simply become sharp at predicting what the president will do next.

The BBC gives five examples. One of them occurred recently, when the Iran war was nine days old. Market data shows that large positions were taken for falling oil prices a full 47 minutes before CBS News published an interview in which Trump said the war is “basically over,” causing oil prices to plummet. 

Gaza war
At least five dead after new attacks in Gaza

At least five people have been killed in new Israeli attacks in Gaza, Palestinian authorities say, Reuters reports.

Three people were reported to have been killed after an attack in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, according to Palestinian officials working at Nasser Hospital.

The other two were said to have been killed in separate attacks. One of them is said to be a man killed in an airstrike.

More than 750 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect in October last year, the news agency reports. According to the Israeli army, five soldiers have been killed in Gaza during the same period.