U.S. officials

Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

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Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

Some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel’s assurances about using U.S.-supplied weapons in line with international humanitarian law credible or reliable. The State Department is divided on this issue, with some expressing concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The department must report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances. Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has raised questions about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Biden has the option to suspend or put conditions on U.S. weapons transfers to Israel if needed.

Russia’s Belgorod region says 120 civilians killed by Ukraine strikes since 2022

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Russia’s Belgorod region says 120 civilians killed by Ukraine strikes since 2022

Belgorod region in Russia, bordering Ukraine, reported 120 civilians killed and 651 injured in Ukrainian strikes since the start of the war over two years ago. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov mentioned that 11 children were among the dead and 51 children were injured, with some facing amputations. Despite Kyiv denying targeting civilians, Russia claims that the use of Western weapons to attack Belgorod shows Western involvement in the war. Casualty figures for soldiers on both sides have not been disclosed.

US is reimposing oil sanctions on Venezuela, officials say

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US is reimposing oil sanctions on Venezuela, officials say

The U.S. will not renew a license that eased Venezuela oil sanctions, imposing punitive measures due to President Nicolas Maduro’s failure to meet election commitments.

UN says it still faces obstacles in bid to fend off famine in Gaza

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UN says it still faces obstacles in bid to fend off famine in Gaza

The United Nations is facing difficulties in delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, with significant checkpoint delays and denied requests for aid deliveries. Despite some improvements in coordination with Israel, challenges persist in scaling up aid distribution. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated, leading to increased global outrage. Israel has approved reopening crossings and ports for aid delivery after pressure from U.S. President Joe Biden. The focus is on improving access to essential services like water, sanitation, and health to prevent famine. U.S. officials acknowledge progress in aid delivery but are working to further improve the situation. Israel is retaliating against Hamas in Gaza following an attack, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Biden returns to Washington as Iran launches attack on Israel

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Biden returns to Washington as Iran launches attack on Israel

Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missile attack on Israel. Biden cut his weekend trip short to consult with his national security team and meet with top U.S. officials. The United States pledged full support for Israel’s defense against threats from Iran.

Japanese interpreter charged with stealing $16 million from MLB star Shohei Ohtani

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Japanese interpreter charged with stealing $16 million from MLB star Shohei Ohtani

Fact: Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been charged with bank fraud for stealing more than million from Ohtani’s account to cover gambling debts.

FBI concerned about possible coordinated attack in US after Russia massacre

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FBI concerned about possible coordinated attack in US after Russia massacre

The FBI director is concerned about a potential organized attack in the United States similar to the recent concert hall massacre in Russia. The attack in Moscow was claimed by an ISIS branch, and U.S. officials fear a coordinated attack inspired by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. FBI Director Christopher Wray will urge lawmakers to renew a surveillance program that he deems essential for national security.

Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

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Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

Ships carrying 332 tons of food for Gaza left Larnaca port in Cyprus in a convoy that will reach the besieged enclave early next week. This is the second shipment this month after Israel eased a 17-year naval blockade on Gaza to allow aid in from Cyprus. The aid is sourced by U.S. charity World Central Kitchen and will be delivered by a cargo ship and a barge towed by a salvage vessel. The aid mission was arranged with Spain’s Open Arms charity, financed mainly by the UAE, and supported by Cypriot authorities. The United States plans to construct a floating pier off Gaza to receive aid, with a target completion date of May 1. The United Nations has warned of imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, where 300,000 people are trapped by fighting. More than half of Gaza’s population could face famine by July.

Salvage crews work to lift first piece of collapsed Baltimore bridge

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Salvage crews work to lift first piece of collapsed Baltimore bridge

Salvage crews worked to lift the first piece of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge from the water to allow access to the disaster site, in an effort to reopen the city’s blocked port.

Chinese TikTok sellers complain of under-fire platform tightening US rule enforcement

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Chinese TikTok sellers complain of under-fire platform tightening US rule enforcement

Chinese e-commerce vendors selling on TikTok Shop in the U.S. are upset by the platform’s tighter enforcement of rules for overseas sellers. TikTok now requires U.S. entities registered by sellers to be 51% U.S. owned and chaired by a U.S. passport holder, putting Chinese sellers at a disadvantage compared to U.S. sellers. TikTok has not changed its policies for international sellers since introducing TikTok Shop in the U.S. in September 2023.