Hamas slamming Biden remarks
The Palestinian resistance front says US President Joe Biden's remarks upon arrival in Tel-Aviv emphasize his support for the Israeli regime. According to Hamas spokesman, Hazem Qassem, Biden’s statements are in line with the criminal intentions of those who seek to form coalitions with Israel. Right after his plane touched down in the occupied territories, Biden reaffirmed his advocacy of Zionism. He also doubled down on Washington's strong military support for Israel, and the strong bonds between Americans and Israelis. This is the first leg of Biden's three-day visit which will also take him to Saudi Arabia. Biden is facing criticism, over the US inaction to hold Tel Aviv and Riyadh accountable for their killing of journalists, Shireen Abu Akleh, and Jamal Khashoggi.
US recession fears
The US government’s latest data shows inflation in the country reached a new 40-year high in June. According to the Labor Department, the consumer price index was at 9.1 percent last month. That's higher than US officials had expected, and is the fastest increase in four decades. Energy prices also posted their biggest annual rise in more than 40 years. Many Americans are blaming the US monetary policies and the current administration's mismanagement for the high inflation.
Protests in Panama, Haiti
Construction workers turn out in several cities across Panama to show that they're fed up with an inflation rate that's going through the roof. Union members took part in massive protests, paralyzing the streets in the capital, Panama City. They accuse the government of robbing the poor to feed the rich.
Panama is not the only country bordering the Carribean Sea that's plagued by protests. Haiti is also witnessing a wave of unrest, as anger mounts over fuel shortages.Protesters blocked roads in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gas stations across the country are mostly closed in light of a turf war between rival gangs near one of Haiti's major fuel terminals. The week of gang violence in Port-au-Prince has left some 90 people dead, accelerating a downward spiral in the security situation. Political unrest and violence rocked Haiti a year ago, when its president was gunned down at his residence. But, the country’s politics continue to be in a state of disarray, with the office of the president still vacant.