Pressure mounts on Israeli leader Netanyahu following Biden’s Gaza proposal
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing increased pressure at home after U.S. President Joe Biden put forward a proposed agreement to resolve the conflict in Gaza. Many Israelis are calling on Netanyahu to accept the deal, but his far-right allies are threatening to bring down his government if he does. Netanyahu is adamant that a permanent cease-fire in Gaza is not an option until specific conditions for ending the war are met. A large protest on Saturday led by families of hostages held by Hamas is urging the Israeli government to take immediate action. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have presented a proposed deal that outlines a path towards a lasting cease-fire and resolution of the crisis.
Israeli army’s self-investigations under scrutiny
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has come under heavy criticism throughout the seven-month conflict with Hamas for alleged misconduct by its military forces. Israel argues that it is capable of investigating itself and has initiated numerous inquiries into the behavior of its soldiers. However, following a fatal strike on a tent camp in Rafah, there is growing international doubt about Israel’s ability to conduct thorough and impartial investigations.
Trump’s criticism of U.S. justice system resonates with autocrats like Putin
After his unprecedented guilty verdict, former President Donald Trump launched an attack on the U.S. criminal justice system, claiming the trial was biased. His statements echoed those made by the Kremlin, raising concerns among experts like Fiona Hill that Trump’s rhetoric could benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and other autocratic leaders. By discrediting the U.S. justice system, these leaders aim to enhance their domestic support, potentially influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election in favor of Trump, and diminish America’s global influence. Moscow endorsed Trump’s assertion about the verdict, labeling it as the “elimination of political rivals through any means available, legal or illegal.”
Black leaders call out Trump’s hypocrisy in criminal justice critiques
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s condemnation of his guilty verdict in the hush money trial has drawn attention to his vocal criticism of the same Manhattan courthouse where racially charged injustices have occurred in the past. Trump’s previous involvement in a campaign calling for the execution of wrongfully accused Black and Latino youths casts a shadow over his current accusations of a corrupt and rigged criminal justice system. Many Black Americans see irony in Trump’s attacks.
Zelenskyy urges top defense officials to attend summit on ending Russian aggression in Ukraine
SINGAPORE (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has implored a group of high-ranking defense officials at a key security conference in Asia to participate in an upcoming summit focused on halting the Russian war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over some world leaders who had not yet confirmed their attendance at the conference in Switzerland, raising concerns about the potential involvement of China, a crucial ally of Russia. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, who spoke at the conference, was notably absent when Zelenskyy made his appeal.
Most U.S. students recovering from pandemic setbacks, but disparities persist
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Schools in the United States have begun to see progress in getting students back on track after significant learning losses during the pandemic. However, the rate of improvement varies widely based on location and socioeconomic status. Many disadvantaged students have made little or no progress in catching up with the learning they missed during school closures. The Education Recovery Scorecard project at Harvard and Stanford reports that Virginia students were 70% behind in reading compared to 2023 standards. While the state has allocated additional funds to support recovery efforts, other states facing similar challenges have yet to adjust their strategies to expedite progress.
Paris Olympics aim for sustainability, facing criticisms
PARIS (AP) — Organizers of the upcoming Paris Olympics have set ambitious sustainability targets, aiming to cut the event’s carbon footprint in half compared to previous Olympic Games. Strategies include reducing carbon emissions by utilizing existing or temporary venues instead of constructing new ones, promoting locally sourced and plant-based foods, and sourcing 100% renewable energy. While efforts to prioritize sustainability have been recognized, questions remain regarding the event’s association with carbon-intensive sponsors and its long-term viability amid a changing climate landscape.
Community of breast milk donors brings hope to mothers in Uganda
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — In Uganda, a network of breast milk donors has emerged to support mothers struggling to maintain the health of their babies with health issues. This nonprofit is the only group in the country operating outside a hospital setting that collects significant volumes of breast milk. Over 200 mothers have contributed milk to assist more than 450 babies since mid-2021. The administrator emphasized that every mother who donates milk feels a strong connection to the cause.
Decision time for Mexico as voters choose new leader
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican voters are faced with choosing their next president, with the primary candidates offering divergent plans for the country’s future. The election will determine whether Mexico continues the populist policies of the current administration or shifts towards a stronger stance against powerful drug cartels. In addition to selecting a new president, the nearly 100 million registered voters will vote for governors in nine states, all seats in Congress, and numerous local positions. The outcome of the election is expected to serve as a referendum on President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s tenure, characterized by social program expansion and persisting cartel violence.
California firefighters combat wildfire near Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Firefighters in California are contending with a wind-driven wildfire close to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The Corral Fire, fueled by strong winds, is burning near the laboratory and the city of Tracy, located 60 miles east of San Francisco. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has reported that the fire has expanded to 13.7 square miles. Interstate 580, a vital route connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to central California, has been shut down in both directions near the fire.
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