US deploys Marines to Middle East amid Pakistan peace talks
Key Points:
- Israeli police have restricted access to all holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City, including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sites, due to ongoing missile attacks from Iran, aiming to balance public safety with freedom of worship.
- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized Israeli police for blocking Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and other priests from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Palm Sunday, calling it an "unfortunate overreach" given safety restrictions.
- Jet fuel prices in the U.S. have more than doubled recently amid Middle East tensions, with airlines warning of potential fuel shortages and flight cuts; United Airlines plans to reduce flights as soaring fuel costs threaten to add $11 billion annually in expenses.
- Uber is expanding its fuel relief program for U.S. drivers by increasing gas discounts and cash-back rewards to help offset rising fuel costs driven by the Iran conflict, potentially saving top drivers up to $1.44 per gallon.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is offering Ukraine's advanced anti-drone defense technology to Gulf allies in exchange for ballistic missile support and financial aid, highlighting ongoing defense cooperation amid the Iran war and Ukraine's need for air-defense systems.