Israeli leader Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure at home following Biden’s proposal for Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Prime Minister of Israel is facing mounting pressure after President Joe Biden outlined a proposed agreement to end the conflict in Gaza. Many Israelis are calling on Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the deal, while his far-right allies threaten to bring down his government if he does. Netanyahu has dismissed the idea of a permanent cease-fire in Gaza until certain conditions are met to end the war. A large demonstration on Saturday in Israel, led by families of hostages held by Hamas, is urging the government to take action. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar believe the proposed agreement “provides a roadmap for a permanent cease-fire and resolution of the crisis.”
The Israeli military has been conducting internal investigations. What is the status of these investigations?
JERUSALEM (AP) — Throughout the seven-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has faced criticism for the actions of its forces. Israel maintains that it has the ability to investigate itself and has initiated numerous probes into the conduct of its soldiers. However, there is growing international doubt following a deadly strike in Rafah that Israel can impartially and thoroughly conduct these investigations.
Iran’s former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registers for presidential election on June 28
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s former hard-line President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has filed as a potential candidate for the presidential election on June 28, seeking to reclaim the country’s top political position after the death of the president and seven others in a helicopter crash. Ahmadinejad’s registration puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During his presidency, Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his attempt to run in 2021 was rejected by authorities. His return comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West over issues such as Tehran’s nuclear program, support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and crackdowns on dissent.
Zelenskyy accuses China of influencing other countries not to participate in upcoming Ukraine peace talks
SINGAPORE (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of assisting Russia in disrupting a Swiss-organized peace conference on the Ukraine conflict. Speaking at a news conference in Singapore, Zelenskyy stated that China is pressuring other countries and leaders not to attend the conference. He suggested that China is doing Russia’s bidding and expressed disappointment in China being manipulated by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy made these comments after participating in an annual security conference in the Asia-Pacific region, where he appealed for Asian representation at the peace talks organized by Switzerland.
South Africa’s ANC rejects demands for President Ramaphosa to resign for coalition talks
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A senior official from the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa has stated that the party will not entertain demands from potential coalition partners for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down as a precondition for negotiations. Following a significant loss in the recent election, the ANC will need to form a coalition government for the first time in 30 years. One potential partner has insisted on Ramaphosa’s resignation as a condition for talks, but the ANC’s secretary-general has firmly stated that this is a non-negotiable issue.
Trump’s criticism of the US justice system following a guilty verdict could benefit autocrats like Putin
After being found guilty, Donald Trump launched an attack on the U.S. criminal justice system, making baseless claims of a biased trial similar to remarks made by the Kremlin. Former White House security advisor Fiona Hill and other analysts believe Trump’s criticism could be advantageous to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders. These leaders aim to strengthen their domestic support, potentially influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election where Trump is the likely Republican candidate, and undermine the global influence of the United States. The Kremlin supported Trump’s view of the verdict, stating it was the result of “eliminating political rivals through legal or illegal means.”
Black leaders point out Trump’s contradictions on criminal justice as he protests against the guilty verdict
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump criticized the guilty verdict in his hush money trial, from the same Manhattan courthouse where a notable case of injustice occurred, where he had played a role. It is the court that wrongfully convicted five Black and Latino youths 34 years ago in a high-profile case. Trump had famously called for the execution of the accused in a newspaper ad following the 1989 incident. Now, he is denouncing the same justice system as corrupt and biased against him, a stance which some Black Americans find ironic.
Most students in the US are recovering from pandemic setbacks, but many are still struggling to catch up
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — American schools have begun to make progress in helping students recover from the learning gaps caused by the pandemic. However, the improvement has been uneven across different regions and socio-economic backgrounds. Many students, particularly those from marginalized communities, have made little to no progress in closing the gap created by school closures during the pandemic. A study by Harvard and Stanford’s Education Recovery Scorecard project found that Virginia students were behind in reading by the equivalent of 70% of a grade level in 2023. The state has allocated additional funds to accelerate recovery efforts, but several states with slow progress have not changed their strategies to expedite improvement.
A growing group of breast milk donors in Uganda brings hope to mothers
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A community of breast milk donors has emerged in Uganda to support mothers struggling to keep their babies healthy. This non-profit organization is the only group in the country outside of a hospital setting that collects significant amounts of breast milk. Over 200 mothers have donated their milk to help over 450 babies since mid-2021. The administrator of the organization emphasized the bond between the donors and the recipients, stating that every mother who donates milk feels connected to the cause.
California firefighters battle wildfire driven by winds east of San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Firefighters in California, assisted by aircraft, are fighting a wind-fueled wildfire near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The Corral Fire, burning near Tracy and the laboratory, 60 miles east of San Francisco, has been intensified by gusty winds. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has updated the size of the fire to 15.6 square miles. Interstate 580, connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to central California, has been closed in both directions near the fire.
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