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REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Icelanders voted to elect a new parliament Saturday after disagreements over immigration, energy policy and the economy forced Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson to pull the plug on his coalition government and call an early election. This is Iceland’s sixth general election since the 2008 financial crisis devastated the economy of the North Atlantic island nation and ushered in a new era of political instability. Opinion polls suggested the country could be in for another upheaval, with support for the three governing parties plunging. Benediktsson, who was named prime minister in April following the resignation of his predecessor, struggled to hold together the unlikely coalition of his conservative Independence Party with the centrist Progressive Party and the Left-Green Movement. “My expectation is like, something new going to happen, hopefully," said Hörður Guðjónsson, voting in the capital, Reykjavik. “We always have had these old parties taking care of things. I hope we see the light now to come in with a younger people, new ideas.” Iceland, a nation of about 400,000 people, is proud of its democratic traditions, describing itself as arguably the world’s oldest parliamentary democracy. The island’s parliament, the Althingi, was founded in 930 by the Norsemen who settled the country. Fierce weather in the sub-Arctic nation threatened to hamper some voters getting to polling stations on Saturday, with heavy snow blocking roads in many areas. The weather could also delay the delivery of ballot boxes to counting centers after polls close at 10 p.m. (2200GMT). Voters are choosing 63 members of the Althingi in an election that will allocate seats both by regional constituencies and proportional representation. Parties need at least 5% of the vote to win seats in parliament. Eight parties were represented in the outgoing parliament, and 10 parties are contesting this election. Turnout is traditionally high by international standards, with 80% of registered voters casting ballots in the 2021 parliamentary election. A windswept island near the Arctic Circle, Iceland normally holds elections during the warmer months of the year. But Benediktsson decided on Oct. 13 that his coalition couldn’t last any longer, and he asked President Halla Tómasdóttir to dissolve the Althingi. “The weakness of this society is that we have no very strong party and we have no very strong leader of any party,’’ said Vilhjálmur Bjarnason a former member of parliament. “We have no charming person with a vision ... That is very difficult for us.” Despite the electoral headwinds, Benediktsson expressed confidence that his Independence Party could emerge on top. “It was an uphill battle for my party, initially, but as we moved on into the election campaign, I think things started to turn our way and I feel that this will be a very exciting election day,” he said. The splintering of Iceland's political landscape came after the 2008 financial crisis, which prompted years of economic upheaval after the country's debt-swollen banks collapsed. The crisis led to anger and distrust of the parties that had traditionally traded power back and forth, and prompted the creation of new parties ranging from the environment focused Left-Green Alliance to the Pirate Party, which advocates direct democracy and individual freedoms. “This is one of the consequences of the economic crash,’’ said Eva H. Önnudóttir, a professor of political science at the University of Iceland. “It’s just the changed landscape. Parties, especially the old parties, have maybe kind of been hoping that we would go back to how things were before, but that’s not going to happen.” Like many Western countries, Iceland has been buffeted by the rising cost of living and immigration pressures. Inflation peaked at an annual rate of 10.2% in February 2023, fueled by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While inflation slowed to 5.1% in October, that is still high compared with neighboring countries. The U.S. inflation rate stood at 2.6% last month, while the European Union’s rate was 2.3%. Iceland is also struggling to accommodate a rising number of asylum-seekers, creating tensions within the small, traditionally homogenous country. The number of immigrants seeking protection in Iceland jumped to more than 4,000 in each of the past three years, compared with a previous average of less than 1,000. Repeated eruptions of a volcano in the southwestern part of the country have displaced thousands of people and strained public finances. One year after the first eruption forced the evacuation of the town of Grindavik, many residents still don’t have secure housing, leading to complaints that the government has been slow to respond. But it also added to a shortage of affordable housing exacerbated by Iceland’s tourism boom. Young people are struggling to get a foot on the housing ladder at a time when short-term vacation rentals have reduced the housing stock available for locals, Önnudóttir said. “The housing issue is becoming a big issue in Iceland,'' she said. Danica Kirka reported from London. Jill Lawless contributed to this report from London.Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo has described the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of World Trade Organisation as well deserved. The General Council of the World Trade Organisation on Friday, November 29, reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as its DG. The new four-year tenure will begin on September 1, 2025. The SDP chieftain thanked President Bola Tinubu and other global stakeholders at WTO for making her reappointment possible. He equally expressed hope that her reappointment would improve global trade, which will, in turn, foster social justice, international friendship and sustainable development. “I am most delighted to congratulate our dear sister and one of the world’s finest public servants Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment for a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. “I thank President Bola Tinubu and other global stakeholders of the WTO for their support for a most deserving candidate. “It is my hope that global trade will become a means of fostering social justice, international friendship and sustainable development in our time to bid farewell to poverty and insecurity in a world awash with capital, technology and enterprise,” he stated. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Tinubu congratulates Okonjo-Iweala on reelection as WTO DG Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! 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Brazil successfully completes first phase of Operation Potiguar
Quebec fiscal update brings $2.1B in new spending, axes tax credit for older workersBEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents took over most of Aleppo on Saturday, establishing positions in the country's largest city and controlling its airport before expanding their shock offensive to a nearby province. They faced little to no resistance from government troops, according to fighters and activists. A war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seized control of Aleppo International airport, the first international airport to be controlled by insurgents. The fighters claimed they seized the airport and postefd pictures from there. Thousands of fighters also moved on, facing almost no defense from government forces, to seize towns and villages in northern Hama, a province where they had a presence before being expelled by government troops in 2016. They claimed Saturday evening to have entered Hama city. The swift and surprise offensive is a huge embarrassment for Syria's President Bashar Assad and raised questions about his armed forces' preparedness. The insurgent offensive launched from their stronghold in the country's northwest appeared to have been planned for years. It also comes at a time when Assad's allies were preoccupied with their own conflicts. Turkey, a main backer of Syrian opposition groups, said its diplomatic efforts had failed to stop government attacks on opposition-held areas in recent weeks, which were in violation of a de-escalation agreement sponsored by Russia, Iran and Ankara. Turkish security officials said a limited offensive by the rebels was planned to stop government attacks and allow civilians to return, but the offensive expanded as Syrian government forces began to retreat from their positions. The insurgents, led by the Salafi jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and including Turkey-backed fighters, launched their shock offensive on Wednesday. They first staged a two-pronged attack in Aleppo and the Idlib countryside, entering Aleppo two days later and securing a strategic town that lies on the highway that links Syria's largest city to the capital and the coast. By Saturday evening, they seized at least four towns in the central Hama province and claimed to have entered the provincial capital. The insurgents staged an attempt to reclaim areas they controlled in Hama in 2017 but failed. Syria’s armed forces said in a statement Saturday that to absorb the large attack on Aleppo and save lives, it redeployed troops and equipment and was preparing a counterattack. The statement acknowledged that insurgents entered large parts of the city but said they have not established bases or checkpoints. Later on Saturday, the armed forces sought to dispel what it said were lies in reference to reports about its forces retreating or defecting, saying the general command was carrying out its duties in “combatting terrorist organizations.” The return of the insurgents to Aleppo was their first since 2016, following a grueling military campaign in which Assad's forces were backed by Russia, Iran and its allied groups. The 2016 battle for Aleppo was a turning point in the war between Syrian government forces and rebel fighters after 2011 protests against Assad’s rule turned into an all-out war. After appearing to be losing control of the country to the rebels, the Aleppo battle secured Assad’s hold on strategic areas of Syria, with opposition factions and their foreign backers controlling areas on the periphery. The lightning offensive threatened to reignite the country's civil war, which had been largely in a stalemate for years. Late on Friday, witnesses said two airstrikes hit the edge of Aleppo city, targeting insurgent reinforcements and falling near residential areas. The Observatory said 20 fighters were killed. Insurgents were filmed outside police headquarters, in the city center, and outside the Aleppo citadel, the medieval palace in the old city center, and one of the largest in the world. They tore down posters of Assad, stepping on some and burning others. The push into Aleppo followed weeks of simmering low-level violence, including government attacks on opposition-held areas. The offensive came as Iran-linked groups, primarily Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which has backed Syrian government forces since 2015, have been preoccupied with their own battles at home. A ceasefire in Hezbollah’s two-month war with Israel took effect Wednesday, the same day that Syrian opposition factions announced their offensive. Israel has also escalated its attacks against Hezbollah and Iran-linked targets in Syria during the last 70 days. Speaking from the heart of the city in Saadallah Aljabri square, opposition fighter Mohammad Al Abdo said it was his first time back in Aleppo in 13 years, when his older brother was killed at the start of the war. “God willing, the rest of Aleppo province will be liberated" from government forces, he said. There was light traffic in the city center on Saturday. Opposition fighters fired in the air in celebration but there was no sign of clashes or government troops present. Journalists in the city filmed soldiers captured by the insurgents and the bodies of others killed in battle. Abdulkafi Alhamdo, a teacher who fled Aleppo in 2016 and returned Friday night after hearing the insurgents were inside, described “mixed feelings of pain, sadness and old memories." “As I entered Aleppo, I kept telling myself this is impossible. How did this happen?” Alhamdo said he strolled through the city at night visiting the Aleppo citadel, where the insurgents raised their flags, a major square and the university of Aleppo, as well as the last spot he was in before he was forced to leave for the countryside. “I walked in (the empty) streets of Aleppo, shouting, ‘People, people of Aleppo. We are your sons,’” he told The Associated Press in a series of messages. Aleppo residents reported hearing clashes and gunfire but most stayed indoors. Some fled the fighting. Schools and government offices were closed Saturday as most people stayed indoors, according to Sham FM radio, a pro-government station. Bakeries were open. Witnesses said the insurgents deployed security forces around the city to prevent any acts of violence or looting. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Friday Aleppo's two key public hospitals were reportedly full of patients while many private facilities closed. In social media posts, the insurgents were pictured outside of the citadel, the medieval palace in the old city center, and one of the largest in the world. In cellphone videos, they recorded themselves having conversations with residents they visited at home, seeking to reassure them they will cause no harm. The Syrian Kurdish-led administration in the country's east said nearly 3,000 people, most of them students, had arrived in their region after fleeing the fighting in Aleppo, which has a sizeable Kurdish population. State media reported that a number of “terrorists," including sleeper cells, infiltrated parts of the city. Government troops chased them and arrested a number who posed for pictures near city landmarks, they said. On a state TV morning show Saturday, commentators said army reinforcements and Russia’s assistance would repel the “terrorist groups,” blaming Turkey for supporting the insurgents’ push into Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Russia’s state news agency Tass quoted Oleg Ignasyuk, a Russian Defense Ministry official coordinating in Syria, as saying that Russian warplanes targeted and killed 200 militants who had launched the offensive in the northwest on Friday. It provided no further details. Associated Press writer Albert Aji in Damascus contributed to this report.Ronald Reagan’s would-be assassin makes major announcement
Lake 'literally thousands don’t give a damn' about needs cleaning upVaping has revolutionized the cannabis market, and it’s easy to see why! Not only is it convenient and more discreet than smoking, but it also offers an easy, to enjoy cannabis. Whether you want to enjoy the mild effects of Delta-8 THC or the more intense effects of Delta-9 THC, there is a perfect vape pen out there to suit any of your needs. With so many THC vape pens on the market, it’s beyond easy to find a weed vape pen that will deliver the pleasant psychoactive effect you seek. If you’re looking for fast-acting effects and portability, then a vape pen will be perfect for you. After thorough research, the rank at the top of our list for their potency and unique flavor, followed closely by four other top-notch weed pens. Come along with us as we explore the best weed pens on the market! ● – Buy potent THC vape pens● – Best D9 vape pens● – Best THCp vape pens ● – Best weed vape overall● – Best for seasoned vapers● – Lift your mood and get the perfect buzzing high● – Best if you want a euphoric high● – Perfect for those wanting a more creative experience ● 15% discount for TRĒHouse subscribers● A wide range of flavors, including Sunset Sherbet and White Widow● Live Rosin Liquid Diamonds for intense flavor● Hundreds of positive customer reviews We start our examination of the best disposable weed vape pens on the market with the TRĒ House Delta 8 THC Vape Pens. With medium to high potency, disposable weed pens are more suitable for . The TRĒHouse Sunset Sherbet Indica THC-A Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pen is one of their best-selling disposable pens, combining THC-A with Live Resin Liquid Budder to guarantee a highly potent experience. This unique formula is enhanced with Delta-8 THC, THC-P, and Delta-9. This disposable weed vape pen is free from additives, offering users around 800 puffs. Sunset Sherbet provides a effect, while the White Widow Hybrid THC-A Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pen offers a balanced mix of indica and sativa effects. Their Sunset Sherbet Indica THC-A Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pen tastes like sweet berry with notes of citrus, giving users enjoyable candy vibes. For those who want something more earthy and herbal, we suggest trying their White Widow Hybrid THC-A Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pen. TRĒHouse’s impressive selection of disposable vape pens includes many other flavors, like Pineapple Express for those wanting a tropical flavor or Candyland for those wanting something sweet and earthy. If you choose to buy the best disposable vape pen on the market, you’ll get a pen that is completely rechargeable and with each recharge. We promise you’ll get plenty of enjoyable vaping sessions before you have to worry about recharging this trusty weed pen. TRĒHouse Delta-8 THC Vape Pens are made out of high-quality glass cartridges that can survive accidental drops from even the clumsiest of users. These cartridges also promise longevity, which is essential to consider when you use disposable weed vape pens. Though TRĒHouse charges the industry average for its best-selling vape pens, TRĒHouse subscribers can enjoy a . What makes TRĒHouse one of the top brands on the market is its product variety. They offer oil vape pens, dab pens, THC vapes in many different forms, and a wide range of disposables. All new shoppers qualify for a 20% discount on their first order — if they subscribe to TRĒHouse. Not only can you enjoy this generous discount, but TRĒHouse offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. ● Three flavors to choose from, including Blueberry Dream● Currently available at an impressive 35% discount● Two pods in each package● Made with the company’s exclusive blend The next vape pen on our list is the Delta Extrax Essentials by Goliath | Delta-9 + THCP Preheat Device + Pod. These weed pens are carefully manufactured, targeting more seasoned vaping fans and enthusiasts. Delta Extrax’s is highly potent. It combines high doses of Delta-9 THC-P, THC-A, Delt-8 THC, Live Resin, and naturally occurring terpenes from cannabis and organic hemp plants, resulting in a great taste that users will love. Their Blueberry Dream Indica will provide users with a experience, perfect if you’re looking to unwind. Prefer sativa? Their Maui Wowie offers a experience instead. The third flavor, , is a beautiful mix of sativa and indica, offering users a dreamy, easy-going session. These Delta Extrax disposables offer extensive vaping sessions per charge. The Goliath battery capacity is 280mah, meaning it requires , even for users who vape frequently. Though there isn’t much customization to be done, Delta Extrax Essentials by Goliath | Delta-9 + THCP Preheat Device + Pod promises hassle-free vaping sessions due to its robust cartridge, which is sturdy and reliable. Another quality that makes this weed vape pen one of the best on the market is its highly affordable price. Compared to other vape pens on the market, Delta Extrax Essentials by Goliath | Delta-9 + THCP Preheat Device + Pod is usually offered at a discount, making its already affordable price tag even more appealing. Along with selling indica, sativa, and hybrid THC vapes, Delta Extrax sells gummylicious THC gummies, top-of-the-line cartridges, and Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC flower. This wide product range allows Delta Extrax to cover all your needs in one place. If you shop with Delta Extrax, new shoppers get a 20% discount on their first order, and all orders over $75 automatically qualify for free shipping. They also accept returns for mis-shipped or damaged products. ● Over 500 verified customer reviews● A wide range of flavors to choose from● Made with top-grade THCp mixed with Delta 8 THC The third vape pen on our list is the Binoid THCp Vape. One of its best-selling devices is the THC-P Rechargeable Disposable – 2 Gram, and it’s currently available at a discounted price. This THC vape is made with top-grade THC-P distillate mixed with Delta-8 THC and has moderate to high potency, perfect for and those with a higher THC tolerance. THC-P is much more potent than Delta-9 THC, meaning its effects are more intense and longer-lasting compared to other standard vapes. Additionally, its potency provides vapers with euphoric highs, improved moods, and an energy boost. These vapes are available in : Fruit Loops, Aurora Indica, God’s Gift, Trainwreck, Amnesia Haze, and Thai Chi. Aurora Indica, a flavor dominated by woody, herbal, and spicy notes, is one of our favorites! Fruit Loops has a sugary and sweet berry flavor, with scents of tropical fruit and berries. God’s Gift has an interesting aroma, with scents of hash, citrus, and grape, a beautiful combination of its parents, OG Kush, and Granddaddy Purple. Amnesia Haze is sweet and citrusy with a tinge of earthiness and spice, similar to Pineapple Express. Trainwreck has a beautiful piney, spicy, and citrusy aroma. The final flavor, Thai Chi, is great if you enjoy a lemony and grapey profile, similar to Purple Punch and Rainbow Sherbet. The best-selling vape, the TCH-P Rechargeable Disposable – 2 Gram, comes with a rechargeable battery that will last . Also, according to the over 500 customer reviews on their website, it doesn’t take very long to recharge! The cartridge for this weed pen is made with high-quality glass to make sure you can enjoy these unique flavor profiles without having to worry about your vape pen breaking down from everyday use. Another thing we like about the Binoid THCp Vapes is that the THC disposables are often during sales events. Not only are the disposables available at discounted prices, but so are the dab pens and several other vape pen products. When shopping for THC vape pens on the Binoid website, you have a wide variety of products to choose from, several of which offer high-tech temperature control features, along with other customizable options. It’s also important to note that Binoid promises fast and discreet delivery across the whole of the U.S. If you live on the East Coast, you’ll usually get your order in a day or two, while those living on the West Coast will usually get their products in three to five days. ● Vapes have a nice, sleek design● Four vape pens in a bundle● 50% discount● Made with 900mg of HHC in a wide range of popular strains Diamond CBD HHC Disposable Vapes are made for more experienced users with almost . Each vape is made with natural terpenes and hemp-derived HHC extract, reducing the risk of harmful side effects. The hybrid THC bundle contains four vape pens. Their user-friendly design guarantees a hassle-free and convenient vape session every time! With this top HHC weed pen, users will get to have a euphoric experience that impacts both body and mind. Along with the euphoric vibes, this hybrid THC vape also ensures energizing and uplifting vibes. Some users also note experiencing a . Overall, the mental and physical effects are extremely pleasant. As for the flavors, these disposable HHC vape pens come in four flavors: . Pineapple Express is our favorite, known for its notes of citrus and lemon combined with a unique bit of earthiness. Sour Diesel is another excellent option, with gassy, earthy, and piney notes. If you enjoy fruity aromas, we suggest choosing Zkittlez. It’s a tasty combination of candy, berries, and tropical flavors. Skywalker OG is a special blend that combines sweet and citrusy scents with a peppery undertone. As with the other THC devices on our list, the Diamond CBD HHC Disposable Vapes have a long-lasting battery, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted vape sessions. Luckily, if you have any issues with these vapes, the company offers a The bundle includes four durable, disposable weed vape pens that offer intense euphoric highs and uplifting vibes. These pens are designed to withstand everyday use, and accidental drops won’t do any damage! While the are usually priced around the industry average, they are currently on sale, and vapers can buy them at a significant discount of 20 – 50% off. Compared to the other companies on this list, Diamond CBD offers one of the largest selections of vaping products. Along with selling HHC weed pen devices, the company also provides vapes with other compounds from organically-grown hemp, including Delta-9 THC, THC-P, THC-A, and more. Many of Diamond CBD’s best-selling hybrid THC vapes have been featured in Forbes, Herb, Leafy, and other major publications. If you’re interested in checking out these high-class vape products, the company often offers them at generous discounted prices of 40% and 50%. ● 25% discount on your first order for subscribers● Over 120 customer reviews● Offers a more creative experience● Enriched with full-spectrum terpenes and Live Resin Last but not least are the Secret Nature THC-V Disposable Vapes. As suggested, this pen is designed for those looking forward to a more natural and pleasant experience with THC-V. In its raw form, THC-V is known for , along with suppressing one’s appetite. Along with a boost in creativity, THC-V users may experience a . In regards to potency, the Secret Nature THC-V Disposable Vape Pen is less potent compared to other vapes on the market. It’s made with 100% organic and all-natural ingredients, namely full-spectrum Live Resin and terpenes, which a third-party lab tests. The flavors for this pen are a little more limited. You can purchase them in one of two flavors: . Like Maui Wowie, Payana offers a combination of sweet and sour with a highly pleasant aromatic experience, enhanced by Live Resin terpenes. Sour Diesel offers a skunky aroma. Both flavors provide a clean and smooth puff that delights all your senses. This pen also has a decent battery life, allowing for a long-lasting vape session, even for frequent users. According to customers, the hits may start getting weaker when you’re about halfway through the cartridge, but they take to fully recharge. The product is designed for portability and durability, so you can take it everywhere with you. The cartridge is made with strong glass, which increases its durability and allows vapers to enjoy a more flavorful and smoother experience. In regards to pricing, Secret Nature THCv weed vape pens are slightly above the average, but they’re well worth the price when you consider they’re made with organic ingredients and offer an exceptionally smooth vaping session. It’s a highly reputable brand in the cannabis industry, with publications like Leafy, RollingStone, and Business Insider featuring its products. All the products in their catalog are third-party lab-tested and are 100% organic. Along with selling vape products, they also sell THC and CBD flower, prerolls, THCa disposables, and other weed products for wellness. All new shoppers immediately qualify for a 20% discount on their first purchase. What Is a Weed Pen? Weed pens have drastically changed the way people can enjoy cannabis. These easily portable devices offer a convenient alternative to traditional consumption methods, such as smoking. Whether you use a dry herb, wax, THC oil, or CBD oil, weed pens heat these cannabis products, . Inhaling this vapor is considered less harmful than smoking cannabis since it avoids the normal byproducts of combustion. Weed pens come in many different styles but share : a mouthpiece, a heating component, and a battery (the primary power source). The battery powers the heating component, which turns the cannabis into a vapor, and the mouthpiece allows the user to inhale it. Some vape pens on the market are made with nicotine, and smokers often use them to help with quitting. There are also disposable pens that come prefilled with THC or CBD. Some products are made with higher THC content, catering to more experienced THC consumers, and are used for . There are also CBD weed pens that are used by medicinal cannabis consumers. Along with disposable pens, cannabis companies also offer refillable vaping devices. One of these refillable devices is the Pax Era, which comes with haptic feedback and a ton of other features that provide high-quality vapor and even more customizable vaping sessions. How Do Weed Pens Work? As mentioned earlier, vaping devices have three major components, including an atomizer, cartridge, and battery. The battery when the device is turned on, and the cartridge contains the concentrate or oil being used. Some vaping devices are activated when you , while others are activated when you press the power button. These devices rely on convection or conduction, both of which offer a smooth vaping experience for users. Some pens use conduction, which means the THC or CBD oil comes into contact with a heated element. This creates a smooth hit, but the can sometimes cause uneven heating, which may burn the oil being used. Others use . If the pen uses convection, that means the air inside the pen is heated, which then warms the cannabis oil being used and turns it into a vapor that can be inhaled. Though convection takes longer than conduction, it reduces the chance of burning the THC or CBD oil, and many vapers prefer it. How to Use a Vape Pen: Beginners Guide Even if you’re new to vaping and have never even held a vape before, . The first thing you should do is charge the pen’s battery. These devices usually use a standard USB cable. Once it’s charged, you can attach your prefilled cartridge or load the cannabis oil into the chamber. Some devices have a power button. If yours does, press it, then inhale through the mouthpiece. When you press the power button, the pen will heat the cannabis oil and turn it into a vapor for you to inhale. As you inhale, the vapor will travel through the chamber and the mouthpiece. Once inhaled, you will begin to feel . You can change the amount of vapor you inhale by adjusting how hard you inhale. Also, many weed pens offer temperature settings, allowing you to even more so you can enjoy high-quality sessions. To summarize, here is a rundown of how to use a vape pen: ● Charge the device’s battery before using it.● Fill the chamber with cannabis oil or attach the prefilled cartridge.● Inhale to activate the device, or press the power button.● Adjust power or temperature settings, if possible.● Inhale through the mouthpiece and take small, steady puffs.● Turn off your device when you’re done, and store it away from direct sunlight. Types of Weed Pens Below is an overview of the different types of weed pens, along with commonly used alternatives, including disposables, refillable devices, 510-thread devices, dry herb vaporizers, and pod systems. Disposables may be one of the most popular vaping devices, especially among those who are new to vaping. They’re portable and compact, often , and are ready to use as soon as you open the package! Disposable pens are single-use products, meaning they don’t need to be refilled or maintained. Also, they’re usually more affordable than other devices on the market. Once your disposable runs out of cannabis oil or the battery dies, you throw it away and buy a new one. As opposed to disposable pens, you can buy refillable vape pens. They’re also compact and portable, but unlike disposables, are . With these vaping devices, you can use dry herb or concentrate, and you usually have a wider selection of flavor profiles, like Maui Wowie, Godfather OG, and more. High-quality refillable vape pens usually come with and tend to be more cost-effective in the long run. However, since they’re designed to be used repeatedly, it’s important to clean and maintain these devices regularly to ensure the device lasts. The next product on our list is cartridge-based weed pens, which use cartridges already filled with . These concentrates include THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Once the cartridge is empty, it’s simple to attach a new cartridge and continue enjoying your vape sessions! Cartridge-based vape pens allow you to choose from a and are very popular with users who want flexibility. Pod system weed pens are very similar to cartridge-based pens. The main difference, though, is the way they function. Cartridge-based systems use cartridges with THC or CBD products, while pod-based systems use pods. If you’re using a high-quality pod system, you can enjoy a highly flavorful vapor. It also guarantees versatility and flexibility, often offering hundreds of different flavor options to choose from. Another product you can purchase is high-quality dab pens or concentrate pens that are made to vape . Dab pens have an atomizer that heats the concentrate to vaporize it, without the risk of burning it. Compared to other vape pens, concentrate pens are usually since concentrate usually has a higher percentage of THC and other cannabinoids. 510-thread weed pens are compatible with a , making them popular among all types of vapers. It’s also important to note that 510-thread pens are highly customizable and come with many , offering greater versatility while being easy to use and maintain. Dry herb vaporizers without burning them, offering a clean and smoke-free experience. When you place the dry herb or flower in the chamber, the vaporizer heats it and releases THC and CBD . This method reduces many of the harmful side effects associated with smoking, allowing for a smoother, cleaner, and delightful experience. All-in-one vape pens are compact devices that combine the three main components — battery, heating element, and cartridge — into one single product. Though this eliminates the enjoyment one might get out of customizing their devices, it dramatically simplifies the vaping experience. These pens offer highly potent effects, including the , and their make them a favorite among beginners. Components of a Weed Pen Vape pens are composed of four essential components: batteries, THC cartridges, an atomizer, and a mouthpiece. Each component plays a vital role in how the device functions and performs. The battery and is sometimes rechargeable. It supplies the energy to heat the concentrate or oil. Its size and power affect the pen’s performance, vapor production, and product life. The cartridge holds cannabis oil or concentrate and is usually . It also has a mouthpiece to inhale the vapor. Cartridges can hold different strains and flavors, like Wedding Cake, Skywalker OG, and Lemon Slushie, allowing for a wider range of flavors and effects. Atomizers stored inside the cartridge. The battery powers it and will have either a coil or ceramic rod that vaporizes the cannabis oil or concentrate inside. Its quality and design both affect the vapor’s flavor and can drastically change the overall experience. The mouthpiece is where you . They’re typically made of silicone, plastic, or glass and are optimized for comfortable use. The quality and design of the mouthpiece can drastically affect the experience you have during your vaping session. Apart from these four most common components, some vape pens also have a power button that allows you to turn the product on and control the temperature. More advanced vape pens can also be equipped with an airflow system, enabling you to change the scent and density of the vapor. How to Maintain and Clean Your Weed Pen To make sure your weed pen stays in top shape, you must clean it often. Proper maintenance will ensure there’s no buildup, which can have a negative effect on the pen’s performance. Following these guidelines can help you ensure your device is cleaned effectively: Use isopropyl alcohol to clean your vape pen. Isopropyl alcohol will dissolve any leftover residue and will help to thoroughly sanitize your device. Don’t use water since it can cause damage to any electrical components on your device. Ideally, you’ll use a cotton swab to clean any debris from the different parts of your vape pen. For a more thorough cleaning of components like the heating chamber, consider using a small brush or even a needle, which will help you get rid of any more difficult debris. Do not clean your vape pen using running water. It can to any electrical components and can mess with the way your vape pen works. Instead, use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Allow your vape pen to cool down completely before trying to clean it out. Cleaning a hot pen can be dangerous and . Clean your vape pen . You should completely disassemble the device, remove the chamber or cartridge, and carefully separate any other components. Store in a Dry, Clean Place Once you’re done cleaning your vape pen, make sure you store it in a . Never store your vape pen somewhere with high humidity or high temperatures, as that will negatively affect its performance. Things to Consider Before Buying a Weed Vape Pen When it comes to choosing your next vaping device, there are a couple of important factors to consider. When buying a vape pen, make sure you carefully look at its safety features. Keep an eye out for options like or other mechanisms to ensure safe and secure vape sessions. Another useful safety feature is an , which ensures your pen will power off when not in use. If you want to take your vape pen with you, it’s essential to consider whether the device is portable or not. pens are usually more portable. It’s also important to have safe and secure storage for your vape pen while you’re on the go. Next, make sure you choose a high-quality vape pen. Pens made from are highly recommended, but any other high-grade material will be sufficient. Along with making sure the vape pen is built with high-quality materials, you want to make sure you purchase a device with a . If you need to recharge the battery often, or it takes a long time to charge the battery, it can make your experience more inconvenient. A more reliable battery will make sure you can truly enjoy your vape sessions. If you’re interested in customizing your vape pen, consider looking for a device with . This will allow you to improve the quality and intensity of the vapor you inhale. Start with the lowest voltage, but feel free to adjust as needed until you create the best experience. In order to prevent the loss of any THC concentrate or oil, invest in a . A leak-proof design is also crucial if you’re going to be traveling often with your vape pen. We highly recommend that you look for a vape pen with a design that allows for . Stay away from vape pens that have complex parts that are hard to remove, which are more prone to residue buildup. Look for a pen that has easy-to-remove parts for quick and worry-free maintenance. If you purchase a vape pen with temperature controls, you can significantly customize your vape session. Many modern devices offer . The final feature you should consider when looking for your next device is . This feature makes your experience more convenient and enjoyable. FAQs Have more questions about THC vape pens? Take a moment to review the FAQs section below. The length of the high you experience depends on your personal tolerance of THC, the type of THC product, and the product’s potency. Usually, vapers experience highs for , but that length depends on a lot of factors. Yes, there is a wide range of disposable weed pens available, in a . Disposable weed pens come prefilled with THC concentrate or oil and are single-use. Once the concentrate or oil is gone, you should throw the disposable weed pen away. The best brand of weed cart is TRĒHouse. They offer a wide range of products, including , disposables, THC gummies, and much more. The best device for smoking weed is the . These pens have high-grade Delta-8 THC and promise with different flavors like Sunset Sherbet, White Widow, Blueberry Slushie, and more. The best vape device for beginners is the . These vapes have a and offer an enjoyable experience, boosting mental clarity and creativity. The best weed cart to smoke is the . It provides a nice dose of Delta-9 THC, along with other cannabinoids, and is an excellent choice for . The best disposable weed cart is the . These HHC disposables help and offer . Final Thoughts Vaping has become extremely popular since it offers a experience. There are many good weed vape pens on the market, so it can be challenging to choose the right one. However, rank number one as they offer the best aromas, the best flavors, and the highest potency. Delta Extrax pens are a close second, offering a high-class experience for experienced vapers. If you’re interested in THC vape products, please don’t hesitate to check out the other products on our list. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite!
VolitionRx ( NYSE:VNRX – Get Free Report ) ‘s stock had its “hold” rating restated by stock analysts at Benchmark in a report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on VolitionRx in a research note on Wednesday. They set a “sell” rating on the stock. Get Our Latest Research Report on VNRX VolitionRx Trading Down 2.1 % Institutional Investors Weigh In On VolitionRx A hedge fund recently raised its stake in VolitionRx stock. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in VolitionRx Limited ( NYSE:VNRX – Free Report ) by 15.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 730,448 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 95,900 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.79% of VolitionRx worth $439,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 8.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. VolitionRx Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) VolitionRx Limited, a multi-national epigenetics company, engages in the development of blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of cancers, and sepsis and COVID-19 in the United States and internationally. The company offers Nu.Q Vet, a cancer screening test for dogs and other animals; Nu.Q Nets for monitoring the immune system; Nu.Q Cancer for monitoring disease progression, response to treatment and minimal residual disease; Capture-PCR, an isolating and capturing circulating tumor derived DNA from plasma samples for early cancer detection; and Nu.Q Discover, a solution to profiling nucleosomes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for VolitionRx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VolitionRx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Marner scores twice as Maple Leafs win first meeting with Utah Hockey Club
NoneBiden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter wasn't all that surprising to those who are familiar with the president's devotion to his family. But by choosing to put his family first, the 82-year-old president has raised new questions about his legacy. Biden has held himself up as placing his respect for the American judicial system and rule of law over his own personal concerns. It was part of an effort to draw a deliberate contrast with Republican Donald Trump. Now, both his broken promise and his act of clemency are a political lightning rod. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.None
First Minister John Swinney and former prime minister Gordon Brown joined the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, with deputy first minister Kate Forbes and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Mr Swinney was booed as he arrived, with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting he was a “traitor”. The memorial is being led by Reverend George Whyte. Mr Salmond’s lifelong friend and Alba Party acting leader Kenny MacAskill is expected to speak. Mr Salmond, the former leader of the Scottish National Party and Alba Party, died last month in North Macedonia at the age of 69. He was elected MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987 and first became SNP leader in 1990. With the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, he became leader of the opposition at Holyrood while retaining his seat at Westminster. He stood down as SNP leader in 2000 and left the Scottish Parliament in 2001, but returned as leader in 2004 and guided the SNP to a narrow Scottish election win in 2007, becoming the first SNP first minister. Mr Salmond signed the Edinburgh Agreement with David Cameron on October 15 2012, setting out the terms of the Scottish independence referendum held in 2014. Despite losing the referendum and subsequently quitting as first minister, Mr Salmond continued in politics with the SNP. He stood for the upstart Alba Party at the 2021 Holyrood election after a rift with his successor Nicola Sturgeon and he left the SNP for good. Mr Salmond was at a conference in North Macedonia when he suffered a heart attack. His body was repatriated with the help of businessman Sir Tom Hunter. He was buried in a private family ceremony near his home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, on October 29.TORONTO , Dec. 2, 2024 /CNW/ -On Friday, MPP Chris Glover met with the team at Harbourfront Centre to hear more about the $150,000 Capital grant from the provincial government's Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to make vital improvements to the access system at Harbourfront Centre's main building. "Congratulations to Harbourfront Centre on receiving the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Capital grant," said Chris Glover , MPP for Spadina-Fort York. "This investment not only enhances security for visitors but also supports Harbourfront's mission to provide inclusive, accessible, and transformative cultural experiences for Ontarians and beyond." As the heart of Harbourfront's campus, this building serves as Harbourfront's Welcome Centre and the first point of entry for the 6.3 million Canadians who visit annually, and the staff, volunteers, children/youth and artists who are here every day. The main building houses three performance venues, Craft and Design Studios, several exhibition spaces, five community areas, public washrooms, and administrative offices. With this OTF grant, Harbourfront Centre was able to upgrade the facility with a new, advanced access point system. This technology enhances building functionality by providing extended-hours access through an app on mobile devices. The system enables remote access and seamless entry during afterhours periods for event setup, construction, or emergencies, improving the staff's ability to respond to security issues nimbly. Performers and technical crews also benefit from easier access, which extends rehearsal and programming time. The new system is designed for long-term use and allows for future expansion across the Harbourfront Centre's 10-acre campus, and its ability to integrate with surveillance technology significantly enhances on-site safety. "The impact of this OTF grant is incredibly significant for us as we see an uptick in vandalism and theft incidences on our campus," said Cathy Loblaw , CEO at Harbourfront Centre. "Thanks to this grant, Harbourfront Centre has been able to address a critical security gap at our main building, enhancing the safety for the many staff, students, volunteers, artists, and audiences who come to work, learn and be entertained at Harbourfront Centre daily." Harbourfront Centre (HC) is Canada's home for arts, culture, community, and recreation, operating an iconic, publicly accessible 10-acre campus on Toronto's central waterfront, where we welcome 6.3 million people each year. It is a cultural hub for Canada and a microcosm for the world, with 1.3 million people participating annually in its programs, which include year-round music concerts, performing arts, visual art and craft and design classes and exhibitions, arts-based youth camps and school programs, and multicultural celebrations. Every day is culture day at Harbourfront. For over 50 years, the organization has inspired audiences with a breadth of bold, ambitious and engaging experiences.Coming up in February 2025 , Harbourfront Centre will present the 30 th Anniversary edition of KUUMBA, our annual monthlong Festival of Black Futures. "Whether it's helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Harbourfront Centre deliver experiences that make a difference," said Stan Cho , Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. "That's why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come." Harbourfront Centre is a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto's central waterfront and providing year-round programming – 52 weeks a year, seven days a week. In addition to its self-produced programs, Harbourfront Centre is the home to several dynamic cultural and community partner festivals, including Habari Africa, Tirgan, Cinco Fest , Ashkenaz Festival, TAIWANFest, Ontario Library Association Forest of Reading, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Fun Philippines. The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more. SOURCE Harbourfront Centre View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/02/c0452.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
None‘Always scary’: Dozens of avalanches reported Thanksgiving weekend as Colorado officials warn of persistent slab problemFine Gael leader Simon Harris said there has been “no Sinn Fein surge” as he topped the tallies in Wicklow today. It is expected he will be voted in on the first count imminently. The outgoing Taoiseach admitted he was relieved when his party received 21% first-preference votes in the exit poll on Friday night. READ MORE - Ireland Election results LIVE as big names face fight to hold seats and first TD elected READ MORE - Full list of Ireland election results live - find out who is elected in your area Speaking as he arrived at Wicklow’s count centre in Shoreline Leisure Centre, Harris said: “It has been a very close and competitive election, but we haven’t seen a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it. On the figures we have seen fewer people have voted Sinn Fein in this election compared to the last.” The politician said it has been “the honour of my life to be a TD for Wicklow since 2011” and that he is looking forward to a “vastly different” Fine Gael. He said: “I am so grateful to the people of Co Wicklow for their support, which is not just my Dail constituency but my home and the place I love above all else. “The parliamentary party that I am going to lead will be vastly different. It is a good thing to be running new candidates, they will be bringing new experiences and new insights into Dail Eireann. “What is absolutely certain is that the Fine Gael party will now contain so many new TDs that will bring a new perspective to Leinster House.” While early tallies predicted a landslide for Mr Harris, he didn’t arrive at the centre until 7pm and the first count is expected to be announced soon. With boundary changes for this election, there were five sitting TD’s fighting for four seats. It is likely that Sinn Fein’s John Brady and Social Democrat’s Jennifer Whitmore will nab the third and fourth seats, with 14.6% and 13.5% of first-preference tallied votes respectively. The fight will be for the fourth seat, and the biggest question now is whether Fianna Fail’s Stephen Donnelly will lose his seat. While the outgoing health minister had 6.3% of first preference votes compared to Fine Gael’s other candidate Edward Timmins, it’s looking like he will lose out to transfers. Harris’ party could likely win two seats in the four-seat constituency. A tally of the outgoing Taoiseach’s transfers showed a surplus of around 5,600 votes. It has been projected that 41% of these will go to Timmins, pushing him above Donnelly. Losing a sitting minister would be seen as a major embarrassment for Fianna Fail. Fianna Fail has also not proved to be popular in Wicklow in the past year. This is despite it being the most popular party nationwide for first preferences in this general election. In the locals, it only saw three candidates gain seats in Wicklow’s five local councils. After gaining 12 seats in the 2020 General Election, it was a terrible day for The Green Party. They hope to keep three seats with leader Roderic O’Gorman and sitting ministers Ossian Smyth and Catherine Martin. Harris said while Fine Gael “have some policy differences” they have worked “really well” together. He added: “I want to acknowledge the important contribution they have made and will continue to make throughout the country.” Follow updates, breaking news and top stories as they happen below. Join our Election 2024 WhatsApp group here to get live election results and updates. You can leave the group at any time if you don't like it.Amid backlash, Cong leader Bhai Jagtap defends his controversial remarks on ECI
NoneCenk Uygur, founder of the left-wing media outlet The Young Turks, said Friday that he is “optimistic” as President-elect Donald Trump gears up for his second term in office. Uygur, previously extremely critical of Trump, shared his realization that the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement is not his “mortal enemy” like he once believed. He identified the political establishment as his true foe in a series of posts on social media. I’ve been trying to figure out why I’m more optimistic now than I was before the election, even though I was so against the guy who won. I know now. MAGA is not my mortal enemy (and neither is the extreme left). My mortal enemy is the establishment. And they have been defeated! — Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) November 29, 2024 “I’ve been trying to figure out why I’m more optimistic now than I was before the election, even though I was so against the guy who won. I know now. MAGA is not my mortal enemy (and neither is the extreme left). My mortal enemy is the establishment. And they have been defeated!” Uygur wrote on X. Uygur said Trump’s win was a result of more than “establishment candidate” Vice President Kamala Harris falling short at the ballot box, pointing to the decline of legacy media “propaganda.” “It’s not just that the establishment candidate lost, it’s that their media is mortally wounded. The source of their strength was not insipid politicians like Mitch McConnell and Joe Biden. The source of their strength was their propaganda machine — the mainstream media,” he wrote. The Young Turks founder reveled in the rise of independent journalism on social media, declaring his love for the unrestrained media ecosystem online. (RELATED: Dana White Says He’s ‘Never F*cking Doing’ Politics Again) Now, online media is strong enough that their oppressive monopoly on the American mind has been broken. Now, we’re in the jungle. They hate that! I love it! This uncontrolled marketplace of ideas is where I’m home. I’d rather be in the populist woods than an establishment prison. — Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) November 29, 2024 “Now, online media is strong enough that their oppressive monopoly on the American mind has been broken. Now, we’re in the jungle. They hate that! I love it! This uncontrolled marketplace of ideas is where I’m home. I’d rather be in the populist woods than an establishment prison,” Uygur wrote. Ugyur has garnered attention on X for giving Trump and his allies “ credit where credit is due ” on a variety of issues including his post-election interactions with “Morning Joe” co-hosts and Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. He slammed the hoax surrounding Trump’s out-of-context “ bloodbath ” comment and praised the president-elect’s heroism after being shot in Butler, Pennsylvania in July. The Young Turks founder also spoke fondly of X owner Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, for inviting open dialogue about plans for cutting the Pentagon’s budget. “I asked @elonmusk to put me in charge of cutting the Pentagon. And he said – what are your suggestions? I run the largest left-wing network online and a Democratic leader has NEVER asked me that question. The idea that they would take advice from a populist is disdainful to them,” Ugyur wrote on Nov. 19. “You’re SO deluded.” Cenk Uygur clashes with pollster Allan Lichtman over the downfall of the Democrats. Allan: “Who taught you manners?!” 📺 https://t.co/YmVwKQEiTI @piersmorgan | @cenkuygur | @AllanLichtman pic.twitter.com/CmW4gsFZUt — Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 19, 2024 During a recent panel discussion on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” Ugyur delivered a fiery response to the “deluded” Allan Lichtman , who he said “deserve[s] a tall glass of shut up juice” for incorrectly predicting Harris’s victory.THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. The warrants said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people, according to local health authorities, who say more than half of those killed were women and children. Their count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Experts say hunger has become widespread across Gaza and may have reached famine levels in the north of the territory, which is under siege by Israeli troops. Israel says it has been working hard to improve entry of aid, though the trickle of supplies into Gaza remains near the lowest levels of the war. Netanyahu condemned the warrant against him, saying Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” by the court. In a statement released by his office, he said: “There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza.” Gallant, in a statement, said the decision "sets a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defense and moral warfare and encourages murderous terrorism.” The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects, putting them at risk of arrest when they travel abroad and potentially further isolating them . Israel and its top ally, the United States, are not members of the court. But others of Israel's allies, including some of its close European friends, are put in an awkward position. Several, including France, welcomed the court's decision and signaled they might arrest Netanyahu if he visited. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden's administration was “deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.” The warrants represent "the most dramatic step yet in the court’s involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," said Anthony Dworkin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Israeli leaders, politicians and officials across the spectrum denounced the warrants and the ICC. The new defense minister, Israel Katz, who replaced Gallant earlier this month, said Thursday’s decision is “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.” Human rights groups applauded the move. The warrants against both sides “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement. The decision came six months after ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the warrants. The court issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, over the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It said it found reasonable grounds to believe Deif was involved in murder, rape, torture and the taking of hostages amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the Hamas-led attack, militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking some 250 others hostage. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be dead. Khan withdrew requests for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh , who have both since been killed. Israel says it also killed Deif in an airstrike, but Hamas has never confirmed his death. The warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were issued by a three-judge panel in a unanimous decision. The panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both men bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. Story continues below video The judges said the lack of food, water, electricity, fuel and specific medical supplies created conditions “calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza,” including the deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration. They also found that by preventing hospital supplies and medicine from getting into Gaza, doctors were forced to operate, including performing amputations, without anesthesia or with unsafe means of sedation that led to “great suffering.” Israeli diplomatic officials said the government is lobbying the international community to speak out against the warrants and is considering an appeal to the court. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal decision on how the government will proceed. Despite the warrants, none of the suspects is likely to face judges in The Hague anytime soon. Member countries are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that. For example, Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted on an ICC warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, recently visited Mongolia, a member state in the court but also a Russian ally. He was not arrested. Still, the threat of arrest now complicates any travel abroad by Netanyahu and Gallant. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants are binding on all 27 members countries of the European Union. France signaled it could arrest Netanyahu if he came to its territory. Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called it a “complex legal issue” but said France supports the court’s actions. “Combating impunity is our priority,” he said. “Our response will align with these principles.” Hamas in a statement welcomed the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant but made no mention of the one against Deif. Israel’s opposition leaders fiercely criticized the ICC’s move. Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, said it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.” Israel’s campaign has caused heavy destruction across Gaza and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive. Two days after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, Gallant announced a total seal on Gaza, vowing not to let in food, fuel or other supplies. Under U.S. pressure, Israel began allowing a trickle of humanitarian aid to enter a few weeks later. Israel now says it puts no limit on the supplies permitted into Gaza, and it blames the U.N. distribution system. But Israel's official figures show the amount of aid it has let in has plunged since the beginning of October. The U.N has blamed Israeli military restrictions, along with widespread lawlessness that has led to theft of aid shipments. The case at the ICC is separate from another legal battle Israel is waging at the top U.N. court, the International Court of Justice, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide , an allegation Israeli leaders staunchly deny. Lawyers for Israel argued in court that the war in Gaza was a legitimate defense of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide. Associated Press journalists Raf Casert in Brussels, Mike Corder in The Hague and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.