An independent U.N. investigator and outspoken critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza said “it was shocking” to learn that the Trump administration had imposed sanctions on her.

The US is imposing sanctions against a senior UN official focused on the human rights of Palestinians, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday.

Oil prices rose by around 1% on Friday as investors weighed a tight prompt market against a potential large surplus this year forecast by the IEA, while U.S. tariffs and possible further sanctions on Russia were also in focus.

The State Department confirmed sanctions were imposed on UN official Francesca Albanese over efforts targeting U.S. and Israeli officials through the ICC.

Despite sanctions and pressure from the West, Russia continues to push on with its war effort in Ukraine. Tough language by the US President Donald Trump has had little effect on the outlook of the Russian president,

Momentum has been building behind a bipartisan bill to impose sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, as Republicans work behind the scenes to win President Trump’s support.

President Donald Trump’s desire to have unchecked authority over the next wave of Russia sanctions could throw a wrench in the Senate’s hopes of passing a bipartisan sanctions bill before August recess.

(Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed improved air defences and intensified sanctions against Russia with two U.S. lawmakers who are backing a bill to impose tougher punitive measures against Moscow.