Israel has been ordered by the top United Nations court to immediately stop its military offensive in Rafah, though compliance is unlikely. The court’s ruling puts pressure on the isolated country, as criticism of Israel’s actions in the war in Gaza continues to grow. In Rafah, the focus of the offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to end the war. The court’s decision demands that Israel halt its military actions in Rafah to prevent the destruction of Palestinians in the area.
Egypt has agreed to send humanitarian aid trucks to Gaza through Israel’s main crossing, but it is uncertain if the aid will reach its destination amidst the fighting in Rafah. Meanwhile, the bodies of three hostages killed on Oct. 7 were recovered in Gaza. Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages are ongoing.
Despite his reputation for confrontational responses, Donald Trump has maintained a surprisingly calm demeanor during his hush money trial. The former president has been mostly quiet and composed in the courtroom, seemingly unfazed by the accusations and insults thrown his way. This shift in behavior may be a strategic response to warnings that his usual fiery attitude could work against him.
Prosecutors have requested that Trump be prohibited from making public statements that could endanger law enforcement agents involved in his classified documents case. The request follows a claim by Trump that FBI agents who searched his home were prepared to use deadly force against him and his family. Trump’s attorney has not commented on the issue.
A U.S. missionary couple and a Haitian man were shot and killed by gang members in Haiti’s capital. The attack occurred as they were leaving a youth group activity at a local church in Port-au-Prince. Violent gangs control much of the city, prompting the deployment of a police force from Kenya to address the ongoing gang violence.
Families of victims of the Uvalde school shooting have filed lawsuits against Meta Platforms, Activision, and gun-maker Daniel Defense. The lawsuits allege that these companies promoted and created content that glorifies violence, contributing to the deadly school shooting. The legal action was announced on the second anniversary of the attack on Robb Elementary School.
Severe weather has impacted Iowa and Illinois, with tornadoes reported in several areas. The storms have caused power outages and damage to property. In Des Moines, a weak tornado touched down, while other tornadoes were reported near Iowa City and Moline, Illinois. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill classifying two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled substances. The decision has faced opposition from physicians who argue that the drugs have other important medical uses. Supporters of the bill claim that it will protect expectant mothers from coerced abortions, citing a single instance of such coercion in Texas.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has undergone a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and has returned to his duties. The procedure, related to bladder issues following prostate cancer treatment, was successful and not linked to his cancer diagnosis. No changes to Austin’s schedule are anticipated.
A New Mexico judge has denied Alec Baldwin’s request to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charge against him in the “Rust” shooting case. The ruling paves the way for a trial in July, despite defense claims of procedural errors by prosecutors. Baldwin had previously faced and then had a manslaughter charge dismissed before being re-indicted by a grand jury.
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