Trump signs order imposing additional 25-pct tariff on Indian goods

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order imposing an additional 25-percent tariff on imports from India in response to the country's purchases of Russian oil, according to a White House statement.

The order, effective 21 days after the announcement, will bring the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods to 50 percent.

Trump on Monday threatened to "substantially" raise tariffs on goods imported from India, citing India's purchases of Russian oil.

India's Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump's threat with a statement saying that "the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable" and that India's oil imports are meant to "ensure predictable and affordable energy costs" for Indian consumers.

Putin, U.S. special envoy discuss Ukraine, bilateral ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday held talks on Ukraine and the prospects for bilateral ties, said Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.

"As for the topics covered, then, first of all, of course, it is the Ukrainian crisis. And the second topic is the prospects for the possible development of strategic cooperation between the United States and Russia," Ushakov said, adding that the talk was "very useful and constructive."

Ushakov said that further details will follow after Trump is briefed on the outcome.

UN says Gaza humanitarian situation "beyond catastrophic"

The situation in Gaza is "beyond catastrophic" with casualties mounting along aid convoy routes and in shelters as Israel continues to bar many medics, UN humanitarians said on Wednesday in a press release.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more people are being killed and injured along convoy routes or where they are staying.

"Hospitals are overstretched," and patients lying on the floor or in the streets are suffering while "beds, medical supplies and equipment are severely lacking," OCHA said, adding that emergency medical teams were denied entry into Gaza again on Tuesday.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 100 health professionals, including surgeons and other specialized medical staff, have been barred from entering Gaza since March.

27 killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza

At least 27 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday, while 20 others died in a food truck overturn in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that the attacks targeted a tent housing displaced persons and gatherings of people waiting for aid in the Gaza Strip.

Basal said that seven people were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for aid near two U.S.-backed distribution centers in Rafah and at the Netzarim area in the center.

ICRC confirms facilitating transfer of several countries' citizens from Gaza

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on Wednesday that it has facilitated the transfer of citizens from several countries in the Gaza Strip to the Kerem Shalom crossing, east of Rafah, in the southern coastal enclave, to continue their travel to their countries.

The ICRC said in a press statement that "at the request of the consular services of several countries, the ICRC facilitated the transfer of their nationals and their family members to the Kerem Shalom crossing point, where they were received by consular staff to continue their travel to their countries."

It added that the group included third-country nationals and members of the most vulnerable families who need care and support from their families abroad. The statement did not specify the identities of the countries, noting that this is the fifth time the ICRC has facilitated the transfer of civilians of this kind since March.

Rwanda agrees to receive up to 250 migrants under new deal with U.S.

Rwanda has reached an agreement with the United States to receive up to 250 migrants, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting displaced populations and promoting reintegration, a government official said Tuesday.

"Nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation," government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told national broadcaster Rwanda TV.

Under the agreement, Rwanda retains the authority to review and approve each proposed for resettlement.