In the latest escalation of violence in Gaza, local health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 85 Palestinians overnight, pushing the total death toll to nearly 600 since a ceasefire was broken by Israel. The truce, which had been in place since late January, previously facilitated the release of several hostages and allowed for a period of relative calm. Following the renewed hostilities, Hamas fired three rockets at Israel, although no casualties were reported from the attacks.
Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the records department at the Gaza Health Ministry, indicated that Israeli bombardments have resulted in 592 fatalities in just three days. The Israeli military has reinstated a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City, stating that while Palestinians are not being forced to evacuate, movement into northern Gaza is no longer permitted. Those displaced during the ceasefire can only travel south on foot along the coastal road, complicating the already dire humanitarian situation.
Meanwhile, in the Israeli government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet internal security service, was unanimously approved by the Cabinet. This decision highlights ongoing internal conflicts regarding accountability for the Hamas attack that precipitated the current war.
In a separate notable event, Eli Sharabi, a former Israeli hostage held by Hamas for 491 days, expressed his frustration in front of the U.N. Security Council. He conveyed his anger over the inaction of international bodies such as the United Nations and the Red Cross during his ordeal. Sharabi urged the council to work towards rescuing the remaining 59 hostages believed to still be in Gaza, many of whom are presumed dead. He highlighted the stark contrast between the humanitarian efforts for Palestinians and the severe treatment he and other hostages endured.
In Washington, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Education Department, fulfilling a long-standing conservative goal of reducing federal control over education. The order aims to shift authority back to state and local governments, although experts believe actual dissolution necessitates Congressional action. The department would maintain certain essential functions such as low-income school funding and support for students with disabilities.
Legal challenges also surfaced as a federal judge temporarily barred Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from accessing sensitive Social Security data, deeming their actions a "fishing expedition" without justifiable grounds for accessing such information. The ruling mandates that any identifiable data collected must be deleted, although redacted data access is permitted under certain conditions.
Additionally, a judge criticized the Trump administration for its handling of deportation flights to El Salvador, demanding concrete responses regarding compliance with court orders. The ongoing legal contention stems from flights transporting Venezuelan immigrants, whom officials have alleged are gang members, amidst accusations of violating judicial directives.
Concerns over the treatment of tourists at U.S. borders have risen following high-profile detention cases, including that of Lucas Sielaff, who was held for 16 days after crossing from Mexico into the U.S. Reports indicate that several European tourists, such as Sielaff, have faced stark conditions in immigration detention facilities, sparking fears regarding travel to America.
International discussions regarding a peacekeeping force for Ukraine are also underway as military leaders from over 30 countries convened to explore strategies for stabilizing the region amidst an evolving ceasefire framework. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of planning for peace efforts now, rather than post-agreement, to ensure that any deals made are enforceable and respected.
In Kyiv, President Zelenskyy revealed a conversation with Trump about transferring ownership of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to the U.S. for enhanced security, amidst continued Russian control of the facility. The discussions signify potential future U.S. involvement in overseeing key energy infrastructures during ongoing tensions.
Lastly, the recent release of previously classified documents has rekindled discussions about the CIA's role leading up to President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The documents indicate concerns regarding the agency's power and its implications for national security, feeding into longstanding conspiracy theories about JFK's death. While many historians support the conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, speculation regarding larger conspiracies remains active among the public and scholars alike.
