Sawt Falasteen - News from Ramallah, the political, economic and cultural centre of Palestine, as well as the West Bank and the whole world

Stock markets mostly fell, the dollar slid and and gold hit a record high Wednesday over fears about a trade war between superpowers China and the United States.

French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies said Wednesday it would reduce its low-carbon energy investments while Norwegian peer Equinor scaled back its renewables ambitions as the companies reported sharp drops in annual profits.

The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying he was ready for direct talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as "empty words".

President Donald Trump's shock proposal for the United States to take over the Gaza Strip and resettle its people faced a resounding rejection from Palestinians, Middle East leaders and governments elsewhere on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he is not a fan of in-stadium VAR announcements as he fears they will increase the pressure on referees.

US star Lindsey Vonn will go for a ninth world medal at her ninth world championships when she takes to the start hut of the women's super-G in Saalbach on Thursday.

Health workers are braving freezing temperatures this week to administer polio vaccinations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after cases surged nationwide last year.

Austrian Mirjam Puchner hit speeds of 140km/h to top the women's second downhill training at the World Ski Champonships in Saalbach on Wednesday.

Myanmar's junta failed in an attempt to auction Aung San Suu Kyi's lakeside mansion on Wednesday, with no bids submitted for the former democracy leader's home -- the third time the sale has flopped.

Racehorse billionaire and Islamic spiritual leader the Aga Khan died on Tuesday aged 88, leaving millions of followers in mourning across the world.

Beijing accused the United States Wednesday of "suppression" after its postal service said it was suspending parcels from China and Hong Kong, a move that could hit e-commerce giants Temu and Shein.

Dimuth Karunaratne said he had fulfilled a childhood dream after the Sri Lanka opener announced that his 100th Test, against Australia starting Thursday, will be his last.

Philippine lawmakers on Wednesday voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, who has fallen out spectacularly with the country's leader, paving the way for a Senate trial that could see her removed from office.

Japanese police said they have arrested seven people suspected of running an illegal sex business that reportedly targeted tourists in Tokyo's busy red-light district.

Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are to disconnect from the Russian power grid on Saturday, a politically-charged move that severs their Soviet-era energy ties with Moscow.

The leaning minaret of Mosul in northern Iraq has been restored using its original brickwork, years after it was reduced to rubble under Islamic State group rule.

Equity markets stumbled Wednesday and gold hit a new record as investors kept tabs on China and the United States after they exchanged tariffs, sparking fears of another debilitating trade war between the economic superpowers.

Palestinian militant group Hamas lashed out Wednesday at President Donald Trump's shock proposal for the United States to take over the Gaza Strip and resettle Palestinians in other countries, seemingly whether they want to leave or not.

MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin was taken to hospital Wednesday after crashing on the opening day of pre-season testing in Malaysia.

Wild monkeys egged on by YouTubers have been rampaging at Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat complex, attacking tourists, wrecking temple stonework and damaging information boards, officials said Wednesday.

Sweden on Wednesday was recovering from the deadliest mass shooting in its history after 10 people -- as well as the suspected gunman -- were killed at an education centre in the city of Orebro, with many questions still unanswered.

India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a ritual river dip on Wednesday at the world's largest religious festival, a week after a stampede killed at least 30 pilgrims.

Nissan shares plunged on Wednesday as media reports said the struggling Japanese carmaker was walking away from merger talks with rival Honda.

The US Postal Service (USPS) said Tuesday it was temporarily suspending inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong, shortly after President Donald Trump's imposition of fresh tariffs targeting Beijing.

Japan's Toyota said Wednesday it will build an electric vehicle plant in Shanghai for its luxury Lexus brand as it raised its annual net profit forecast to almost $30 billion.

Spanish banking giant Santander announced record annual profits for a third consecutive year on Wednesday as a strong commercial performance offset the impact of falling interest rates.

Recovering South Korean shopaholic-turned-climate activist Lee So-yeon used to buy new clothes almost daily -- until a $1.50 winter coat triggered an awakening that stopped her shopping entirely.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is "hugely unlikely" for the Champions Trophy because of injury while fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt, coach Andrew McDonald said Wednesday.

Nissan shares plunged on Wednesday after Japan's Nikkei business daily said the carmaker had decided to withdraw from merger talks with rival Honda.

China's new tariffs on US imports like oil, coal and cars are relatively modest in scale, suggesting that Beijing is hoping for a last-minute deal but also giving them the option to inflict more pain if needed, analysts say.

LeBron James said Tuesday he is relishing the prospect of joining forces with Luka Doncic at the Los Angeles Lakers following the shock deal which has stunned the basketball world.

Jayson Tatum scored 22 points as the Boston Celtics laid down a postseason marker against the high-flying Cleveland Cavaliers with a 112-105 victory on the road on Tuesday.