US, Eurovision Contestants Add to International Calls for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Amid mounting international pressure, the UN Security Council recently voted in favor of a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip conflict, with the US abstaining. As the world expresses solidarity with those affected by the war, including participants in the Eurovision song contest, hopes for peace resonate throughout Ramadan and Easter celebrations. In the cryptocurrency realm, Bitcoin's value has rebounded to around $69 million, and the industry is experiencing heightened activity as miners invest in new equipment and layer twos enhance their functionality.

International Community Calls for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict

The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with 14 council members voting in favor. The United States abstained from the vote, marking a shift in its stance as Israel's closest ally.

Eurovision Contestants Join Call for Peace

Even the politically neutral Eurovision song contest has been affected by the conflict. Contestants from nine countries have released a joint statement urging an end to the fighting, despite the risk of disqualification.

Hope for Peace Amidst Religious Observances

As the Muslim world celebrates Ramadan and Christians mark Easter, the need for peace is particularly poignant. The conflict has cast a shadow over these sacred holidays, making the prayers for peace more urgent.

Bitcoin Rebounds as Market Remains Active

Despite a challenging week, Bitcoin has rebounded to around $69,000, buoying the rest of the cryptocurrency industry. The impending Bitcoin halving, where rewards for mining decrease by half, has fueled increased market activity.

Crypto Projects Enhance Utility, Seek Differentiation

Several cryptocurrency projects are diversifying their offerings to provide greater value to users. Bitcoin layer twos, such as Stacks and Stellar, are implementing smart contract functionality. Meme coins are also evolving, seeking to create more sustainable ecosystems.

Tether Explores AI, London Stock Exchange Embraces Crypto

Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin USDT, is expanding into artificial intelligence, aiming to revolutionize the crypto industry. In the United Kingdom, the London Stock Exchange has announced plans to allow professional investors to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum Exchange Trade Notes.

Blackrock Invests Heavily in Crypto, SEC Lawsuit Continues

Blackrock iShares Bitcoin Trust has attracted over $13 billion since its launch. However, the company's real-world-assets fund BUIDL faced scrutiny when a judge allowed a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit against it to proceed.

US Government Crackdown on Crypto Companies

The US Department of Justice has accused the founders of KuCoin of illegally operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. In India, KuCoin has become the first platform to regain approval after a crackdown by the country's financial intelligence unit.

Du Kwon Freed, Binance Executive Flees Prison

Do Kwon, the co-founder of Terraform Labs, has been released from jail in Montenegro, while his extradition to the United States remains under discussion. Binance executive Nadeem Anjerwalla escaped from prison in Nigeria during a Ramadan prayer break, as the government brought new charges against the exchange.

Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced, Bakkt Holdings Announces Leadership Change

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for crypto fraud and conspiracy. Bakkt Holdings has appointed Andy Main as its new CEO to navigate the company's challenges after receiving a delisting warning from the New York Stock Exchange.

Chainlink Secures Total Value, Ethereum Boosts DeFi

Chainlink's total value secured has grown to around $25 million, indicating increased reliance on oracle networks. Ethereum remains the primary driver of the DeFi space's recovery, benefiting from its recent Dencun update.

HSBC Tokenizes Gold, IMF Weighs In on CBDCs

HSBC has launched a new gold real-world-asset tokenization initiative. Japan's Nomura Group has partnered with Polygon for blockchain solutions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Kazakhstan have shared their perspectives on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

April Fools' Day Reminder

As we approach April Fools' Day, it's important to be vigilant in the crypto world, where deceit can lead to substantial gains or losses.