A rocket strike from Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 12 young individuals, raising concerns about a potential conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) β The Middle East is on high alert following reports of a rocket hitting a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights from Lebanon. The attack claimed the lives of 12 children and teenagers, marking the deadliest civilian attack since October 7 as stated by the Israeli military. The incident has escalated fears of a larger scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, although Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack. This comes at a critical moment when Israel and Hamas are engaged in negotiations for a cease-fire to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and secure the release of approximately 110 hostages still held there.
In Gaza, a school serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians was struck by an Israeli airstrike, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, including children.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) β An Israeli military action targeted a school in central Gaza where thousands of displaced Palestinians were seeking shelter, leading to the deaths of 30 people, including seven children. As international mediators prepare for discussions on a proposed cease-fire, the incident has further escalated tensions in the region. While Israel claims they targeted a Hamas command center used for storing weapons, Hamas denies these allegations. Additionally, Israel’s military has ordered the evacuation of a humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has successfully raised $200 million in its first week and enlisted 170,000 volunteers.
WASHINGTON (AP) β Following Vice President Kamala Harris’ emergence as the likely Democratic presidential nominee, her campaign has reported an impressive fundraising total of $200 million in just one week. The campaign announced that 66% of the donations came from first-time contributors for the 2024 election cycle. Over 170,000 volunteers have also signed up to support the Harris campaign through activities such as phone banking and canvassing. With Election Day approaching in 100 days, campaign communications director Michael Tyler emphasized the momentum of Harris’ campaign while acknowledging that the final outcome will rely on a small number of key voters in specific states.
Former President Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance campaigned in Minnesota, a state that has not supported the GOP in over 50 years.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) β Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Minnesota alongside his running mate JD Vance as the presidential campaign moved into its final 100-day stretch. The rally in St. Cloud was seen as a strategic move by Trump to potentially force Democrats to divert resources to a state they might otherwise overlook. However, the focus on reaching unconventional states could pose risks for the Republican nominee. Trump continued to launch attacks against his likely opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly on issues of crime and immigration, while Harris engaged in fundraising activities in Massachusetts.
Cooler weather conditions have aided firefighters in battling a massive blaze in California that has surpassed the size of Los Angeles.
FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) β Firefighters in northern California received assistance from a slight drop in temperatures and increased humidity following the rapid expansion of a wildfire that now exceeds the size of Los Angeles. The Park Fire, the largest in California this year, has prompted comparisons to the devastating Paradise fire of 2018, which claimed numerous lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Evacuation warnings have been issued for several communities in Butte County, including Paradise, as the fire continues to pose a threat.
Lawmakers from multiple countries have reported pressure from Beijing not to attend a summit in Taiwan.
BEIJING (AP) β Lawmakers from Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and other undisclosed countries have revealed receiving pressure from Chinese diplomats urging them not to participate in an annual summit focused on China in Taiwan. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance conference, commencing on Monday, has long faced opposition from the Chinese government due to its mission of uniting democracies against Beijing’s policies. Efforts to isolate Taiwan are evident through these diplomatic engagements ahead of the summit.
A mudslide in China, caused by heavy rains from tropical storm Gaemi, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals.
BEIJING (AP) β Heavy rains in southeastern China triggered a mudslide at a tourist area, claiming the lives of 12 people and injuring six others. The aftermath of Tropical Storm Gaemi has also led to additional casualties, including a delivery person in Shanghai who was killed by a falling tree. While the storm weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall, its impact continues to be felt in various regions of China and Taiwan where precautionary measures are in place.
The presidential election in Venezuela could signify a significant shift in politics or extend President Maduro’s term by six years.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) β Venezuelans are casting their votes in a crucial presidential election that could either bring about a major change in the country’s political landscape or extend President NicolΓ‘s Maduro’s rule by six years. The outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications in the Americas, as supporters and opponents of the government contemplate their future in the event of a Maduro victory. With millions having already left the country due to economic hardships, the election holds significant weight for the Venezuelan population.
Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles experienced calf discomfort during qualifying but continued her participation in the event.
PARIS (AP) β American gymnast Simone Biles encountered discomfort in her left leg during the Olympic gymnastics qualifying event but persisted in her pursuit of reclaiming the gold medal at the Paris Games. Despite her injury, Biles and the U.S. gymnastics team showcased their skills and determination during the qualifying round, with high hopes of securing the team gold. Biles received medical attention from the USA team doctor during the event but displayed resilience and commitment to her team.
A pre-race triathlon event in the Seine River, Paris, was canceled due to concerns over water quality.
PARIS (AP) β The pre-race triathlon familiarization event scheduled for Sunday morning in Paris’ Seine River was called off following discussions about water quality concerns among relevant authorities and stakeholders. Organizers made the decision to cancel the swimming leg of the triathlon due to uncertainties surrounding water quality, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for participants.
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