Israel is considering Hamas’ latest response to the Gaza cease-fire proposal as diplomatic efforts are revived
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli Cabinet is scheduled to meet and discuss Hamas’ latest reaction to a U.S.-backed plan for a phased cease-fire in Gaza. Diplomatic efforts to end the nine-month conflict seem to have been rekindled after a weeks-long break. The United States has garnered international support for a proposal that would involve releasing all the hostages held by militants in exchange for a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas had proposed some “amendments” last month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that the original proposal was Israeli, but he has expressed doubts about whether it would lead to an end of the war – a key demand from Hamas. Hamas has sent another response this week, which the Israeli Cabinet is expected to discuss on Thursday.
Hezbollah launches over 200 rockets into Israel following the killing of a senior commander
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for firing more than 200 rockets at multiple military bases in Israel as retaliation for an attack that resulted in the death of one of its senior commanders. The Iran-backed militant group’s assault on Thursday was one of the largest in the ongoing conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border, with tensions escalating in recent weeks. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the attack. It had acknowledged the killing of Mohammad Naameh Nasser, who led one of Hezbollah’s regional divisions in southern Lebanon, the day before. Following Nasser’s death, Hezbollah launched numerous Katyusha and Falaq rockets with heavy warheads into northern Israel and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, with additional rockets fired on Thursday.
Labour optimistic and Conservatives gloomy as voters cast their ballots in the UK’s election
LONDON (AP) — British voters are selecting a new government in a parliamentary election on Thursday, widely expected to bring the opposition Labour Party into power. A weary electorate is delivering its judgment on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, which has been in power since 2010. Polls opened at 7 a.m. at 40,000 polling stations in various locations, including church halls, a laundromat, and a crematorium. Hundreds of communities are engaged in tight contests in which traditional party affiliations take a backseat to more immediate concerns about the economy, deteriorating infrastructure, and the National Health Service.
Biden at 81: Often sharp and focused but sometimes confused and forgetful
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is described in dual terms by many behind closed doors, in the Oval Office, on Air Force One, or in meetings around the world. He is frequently sharp and focused. However, there are moments, particularly later in the evening, when his thoughts appear muddled, he trails off mid-sentence, or seems confused, failing to grasp the finer details of certain foreign policy matters. At 81 years old, it is not surprising that the President may be less sharp than before. These moments have gained fresh significance in light of Biden’s poor debate performance.
FACT FOCUS: Trump was not exonerated by the presidential immunity ruling, despite his claims
Former President Donald Trump has taken to social media to proclaim his “total exoneration” following the Supreme Court’s ruling that presidents enjoy broad immunity for actions taken while in office. However, the ruling did not absolve him and maintained the established principle that there is no immunity for personal acts. The decision did, however, limit his case on election interference by establishing absolute immunity for presidential core constitutional duties. The ruling represents a significant victory for the presumed Republican presidential candidate, whose legal strategy has been centered on delaying court proceedings until after the 2024 election.
Ukraine’s army retreats as Russia nears seizure of strategically vital town
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A spokesperson for Ukraine’s military has confirmed that the army has withdrawn from a neighborhood on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, a strategically significant town in the eastern Donetsk region that has been heavily damaged during a prolonged Russian offensive. Chasiv Yar is located west of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last year after a fierce 10-month battle. Russian forces have been focused on capturing Chasiv Yar for months, due to its strategic location and elevated position. The fall of Chasiv Yar would endanger nearby cities, compromise critical Ukrainian supply routes, and bring Russia closer to its goal of seizing the entire Donetsk region.
Hurricane Beryl heads toward Mexico after leaving destruction in Jamaica and the eastern Caribbean
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction in Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, damaging or destroying 95% of homes on two islands before moving toward the Cayman Islands and threatening Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with at least seven reported deaths. Although it has weakened slightly, this early Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic remains a major threat. The eye of the hurricane is forecast to pass just south of the Cayman Islands. Mexico’s Caribbean coast is making preparations, evacuating coastal communities, organizing shelters, and relocating sea turtle eggs from beaches at risk of storm surge.
The questions surrounding Biden’s age and fitness echo a campaign from the past: Reagan’s in 1984
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan addressed questions about his age with a witty remark that rejuvenated his campaign following a stumbling debate performance, leading to a landslide victory and a second term. The stumble had occurred during his initial debate with Democratic Vice President Walter Mondale. Two weeks later, during the rematch, Reagan got his chance. He famously said, “I will not make age an issue in this campaign. I am not going to exploit my opponent’s youth and inexperience for political gain.” Now, 81-year-old Biden hopes to bounce back after a difficult debate against 77-year-old Republican Donald Trump.
Americans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, cookouts, and fireworks
Americans are gearing up for grand celebrations on the Fourth of July, with travel records expected to break as people come together for cookouts, parades, and fireworks displays. Unique celebrations are also in store, such as lobster boat races in Down East, Maine, descendants of Declaration of Independence signers ringing the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, a tug-of-war contest in California, and the iconic hot dog eating contest in Coney Island, New York.
As Taylor Swift heads to Germany, one city adopts her name for a brief period
BERLIN (AP) — The German city of Gelsenkirchen is being temporarily renamed “Swiftkirchen” in honor of American pop star Taylor Swift, who is set to perform three concerts there later this month as part of her Eras Tour. Fans of Swift, known as Swifties, are expected to flock to the city for the shows on July 17, 18, and 19. The renaming was proposed by Swift fan Aleshanee Westhoff, who suggested the idea to the mayor and initiated a petition for the change.
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