Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that Israel is winding down its operations in Gaza, but he warns of a possible war with Lebanon involving the militant group Hezbollah. The current phase of fighting against Hamas in Gaza is said to be coming to a close, potentially allowing for more troops to be deployed to the northern border to confront Hezbollah. This statement further escalates tensions between Israel and Hezbollah as they appear to be edging closer to war. Netanyahu also hints at the continuation of the ongoing war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah started attacking Israel shortly after the Gaza war began. Netanyahu made these comments during a televised interview.
Millions of Americans are experiencing high temperatures across the US while floodwaters are causing evacuations in parts of the Midwest, including Iowa. One person died in South Dakota due to the flooding. Public officials are issuing warnings about excessive heat and humidity from the mid-Atlantic to Maine, across the Great Lakes region, and in the West to California. The National Weather Service is also cautioning of potential tornadoes in the Northeast later on Sunday.
Donald Trump narrows down his list of potential vice presidential candidates as he prepares to make an announcement before or during the Republican National Convention next month. Trump has already made his decision and will reveal the chosen candidate at the first debate in Atlanta. Some names on the shortlist include North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Senators JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Tim Scott, former Cabinet member Ben Carson, and Representatives Elise Stefanik and Byron Donalds.
Climate protesters disrupted the finish of a PGA Tour event by storming the 18th green with smoke and powder, delaying the event for about five minutes. They were wearing white T-shirts with the message “NO GOLF ON A DEAD PLANET.” The intruders were apprehended by police and removed from the event. A new mom who was enjoying her time with her daughter was among the victims of a shooting at an Arkansas grocery store, where four people were killed. The FBI is seeking suspects in two wildfires in New Mexico that resulted in two deaths and extensive damage to buildings and homes.
In Russia’s southern Dagestan region, armed militants killed more than 15 police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest. The attacks on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police post were described as terrorist acts. The region has been declared days of mourning following the deadly attacks. The top US military leader warns that an Israeli offensive into Lebanon could provoke an Iranian response in support of Hezbollah, potentially leading to a broader war.
During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, over 1,300 people died, with most of the fatalities attributed to unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in extreme heat. The majority of the deceased were from Egypt, with other victims from Indonesia, India, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Malaysia. The high temperatures during the pilgrimage likely contributed to the deaths. In a show of defiance against the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a pact with North Korea for mutual military assistance and potential weapons shipments, escalating tensions over Ukraine.
