Gaza Crisis Escalates
Israeli Offensive in Rafah:
Israel's ground and aerial attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza have intensified. Over 800,000 Palestinians have fled the city despite having no safe refuge within Gaza. Bombings have targeted mosques and schools, killing at least 10 people, including five children, and wounding dozens more. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,700.
Targeting Medical Facilities:
Israeli forces stormed Al-Ahli Hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp, forcing medical staff to abandon their posts. The World Health Organization has issued an urgent appeal for the protection of medical staff and patients. In Northern Gaza, Israeli missiles struck the emergency department of Kamil Adwan Hospital, causing severe damage and casualties.
Political Developments
Netanyahu's Congressional Invitation:
House Speaker Mike Johnson is moving forward with plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress, despite opposition from many Democrats. This comes amid the International Criminal Court seeking an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Recognition of Palestine:
Ireland, Norway, and Spain have recognized Palestine as an independent state, bringing the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 146. Colombia has also announced plans to open an embassy in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, following a diplomatic break with Israel over accusations of genocide in Gaza.
U.S. Political Landscape
Progressive Setbacks in Oregon:
Two progressive Democrats, Sushila Jayapal and Jamie McLeod-Skinner, lost their primary races in Oregon after being vastly outspent by more right-leaning candidates. Jayapal's opponent received significant funding from pro-Israel groups, prompting calls for urgent campaign finance reform.
Supreme Court Controversy:
A flag favored by Trump supporters was seen outside Justice Samuel Alito's home, leading to calls for his recusal from January 6-related cases. House Speaker Mike Johnson also displays the same flag outside his office.
International News
Chinese Military Drills Near Taiwan:
China has launched military drills around Taiwan, described as a "strong punishment" for Taiwan's separatist actions. Taiwan's President has vowed to strengthen the island's defenses and uphold democratic values.
UK Snap Election:
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a surprise snap election for July 4th, despite his Conservative Party trailing behind the Labour Party in polls. The Conservatives have been in power since 2010.
Environmental and Legal News
Maritime Tribunal Ruling on Greenhouse Gases:
An international tribunal has ruled that greenhouse gases are pollutants causing irreversible harm to the marine environment. This decision, though non-binding, is expected to lead to more cases against major polluters.
Uvalde Massacre Lawsuit Settlement:
Families of the victims of the Uvalde school shooting have settled a lawsuit with the city for $2 million and launched a new lawsuit against 92 officers, the school district, and its employees. This comes on the second anniversary of the massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers.
Education
Student Loan Forgiveness:
President Biden has announced the cancellation of $7.7 billion in student loans for 160,000 borrowers. This brings the total student debt relief to $167 billion, following the Supreme Court's rejection of a more comprehensive plan last year.
Protests for Education Funding:
Members of the Debt Collective were arrested after protesting in Washington, demanding that President Biden fund education rather than military actions.
Daily Digest: May 23, 2024