Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country is preparing for a significant military escalation in Gaza, stating that Israel is “on the eve of a forceful entry to Gaza.” The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to deploy tens of thousands of additional soldiers to seize territory in the enclave and facilitate the relocation of Palestinians to the south.
Netanyahu emphasized that the new military action aims to secure the release of remaining hostages. However, critics have raised concerns that this strategy could jeopardize the lives of hostages without altering the ongoing conflict dynamics that have persisted for 18 months. The organization representing hostage families has urged the Israeli government to refrain from expanding the war.
Looking ahead, Israel indicated that the offensive would commence gradually while cease-fire negotiations continue, particularly in light of President Trump's upcoming visit to the Gulf region. A government spokesperson noted that the military campaign would involve Israeli forces holding territories indefinitely to prevent Hamas from reclaiming them.
In addition, the Israeli cabinet has approved a new mechanism for distributing humanitarian aid, as the United Nations has warned that food shortages in Gaza have reached “catastrophic” levels.
In a separate development, Israeli fighter jets targeted the port city of Hudaydah in Yemen after Houthi militants launched a missile near Israel’s main international airport over the weekend.
The Trump administration announced that it is offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 and travel assistance to return to their home countries voluntarily. Officials reported that one migrant from Honduras has already accepted the offer and returned home from Chicago. The financial incentive will be disbursed after migrants confirm their return via an app.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.”
Additionally, Rwanda’s foreign minister indicated that the country is in preliminary discussions with the Trump administration regarding the potential acceptance of migrants deported from the U.S.
Survivors of sexual abuse and advocates for accountability within the Catholic Church gathered in Rome ahead of the papal conclave, which begins tomorrow. Their aim is to urge cardinals to prioritize the issue of sexual abuse when selecting the next pope.
Pope Francis has been recognized for addressing the issue more vigorously than his predecessors; however, new cases continue to emerge, highlighting the ongoing crisis within the Church. A Vatican spokesperson noted that cardinals have discussed the topic of sexual abuse in pre-conclave meetings, viewing it as a “wound to be kept open” to maintain awareness and identify paths for healing.
In other news, residents in Texas, primarily employed by SpaceX, voted to establish their own city named Starbase. SpaceX has already begun constructing homes in the area and has plans for retail stores, a school, and a sushi restaurant near Elon Musk’s residence.
The upcoming Met Gala, which will focus entirely on designers of color for the first time, is expected to be politically charged amid the current climate surrounding diversity. Sponsors, including Instagram and Louis Vuitton, are navigating the complexities of the event as it transforms into a potential political statement. This year’s gala features an array of Black celebrities as co-chairs, with LeBron James serving as the honorary chair, and has already raised a record $31 million.
For further updates, live coverage of the Met Gala is available, along with insights into the exhibition on Black style.
In lifestyle recommendations, grilled asparagus with burrata is suggested as a side dish, while Florence Pugh stars in the upcoming film “Thunderbolts.” Barbra Streisand’s latest duet with Hozier is featured on a new music playlist, and various games such as Spelling Bee and Sudoku are available for engagement.
In closing, it was noted that four Pulitzer Prize awards were recently won, including recognition for reporting on the war in Sudan and Afghanistan, as well as for photography related to an attempted assassination of Trump last year.
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