by Peter Koenig, Global Research:
Background
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Gaza war has exacted a “very heavy price” on the regime.
Netanyahu said Israel has no choice but to keep fighting to achieve its goals, including the elimination of Hamas and returning of its hostages. He made the comments after the Israeli army confirmed that 14 troops were killed in Gaza since Friday. It said 153 Israeli troops have been killed and nearly 500 others wounded since the beginning of Israel’s ground invasion in Gaza. Hamas says the number of Israeli army casualties is much higher.
Maine’s Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows unilaterally banned former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state’s primary ballot for having “engaged in insurrection” on January 6.
According to finance analysts, it has been becoming Russian President Vladimir Putin’s advantage that Houthi militants are attacking Western vessels along the Red Sea Route. A financial blogger, Swiss journalist and political commentator who goes by the name Russian Market (RM) on X pointed out that the recent provocations aimed primarily at Western vessels have the potential to reshape the 
Experts have issued a warning about a new, global healthcare risk.
Bankers have started committing suicide as China begins to hunt down corruption in the financial system, with at least 96 cadres being investigated for corrupt practices.