Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

Israel conducted airstrikes in Rafah after instructing Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city where over a million war-displaced people are sheltering. Ceasefire talks in Cairo are stalling, and Hamas warns that any Israeli operation in Rafah could jeopardize the truce negotiations. The evacuation order has sparked fears of a full-blown assault, with Hamas declaring readiness to defend Palestinians in Rafah. The UN and aid agencies have expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the evacuation. Israel has been threatening to launch incursions in Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas fighters and hostages. The US has urged Israel to pursue a hostage deal to avoid a military operation in Rafah.

Israel military begins evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah, radio says

Israel military begins evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah, radio says

Israel’s armed forces are evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah in preparation for a potential assault on the southern Gazan city. Evacuations are focused on peripheral districts of Rafah, with evacuees being directed to tent cities in nearby Khan Younis and Al Muwassi. The Israeli military has called on Palestinians in eastern parts of Rafah to move to a nearby “humanitarian area” in what appears to be the beginning of a civilian evacuation before a ground assault. Israel claims that victory against Hamas is impossible without taking the city, which is said to harbor thousands of fighters. This operation has raised concerns among Western powers and neighboring Egypt due to the high number of displaced Palestinians in Rafah.

Panama’s Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader

Panama’s Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader

Jose Raul Mulino won the presidential election in Panama, replacing his former boss Ricardo Martinelli on the ballot. Mulino’s pro-investment and pro-business government plans to prioritize unity and addressing economic issues. He faces the challenge of mending social divisions and restoring faith in the government. Mulino plans to focus on infrastructure investment, higher minimum wage, and job creation. The new government will also need to address issues like corruption, public debt, and the closure of a major copper mine. Mulino will take office on July 1 for a five-year term.

Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for first F1 win

Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for first F1 win

Lando Norris won the Miami Grand Prix, his first Formula One victory, by holding off Max Verstappen.

Labour victories in key UK mayoral polls deal fresh blow to Sunak

Labour victories in key UK mayoral polls deal fresh blow to Sunak

Labour Party won mayoral polls in London and central England, with Sadiq Khan being re-elected as London mayor and Labour also winning in the central West Midlands region.

On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer

On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Ukrainians to unite in prayer on Orthodox Easter, asking for prayers for soldiers on the frontline. Zelenskiy believes that God, who he says has a “Ukrainian flag on his shoulder,” will ensure that life triumphs over death.

Haaland nets four as City rout Wolves 5-1

Haaland nets four as City rout Wolves 5-1

Fact: Erling Haaland scored four goals in Manchester City’s 5-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

City stars Foden and Shaw named best footballers of the year

City stars Foden and Shaw named best footballers of the year

Phil Foden was named the Football Writers’ Association’s men’s player of the year, while Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw won the women’s award. Foden, who has scored 24 goals this season, won 42% of the vote. Shaw became City’s all-time leading women’s scorer and won the Women’s Super League top scorer award. Foden and Shaw will receive their awards on May 16.

El Kaabi hat-trick hands Olympiakos upset away win at Villa

El Kaabi hat-trick hands Olympiakos upset away win at Villa

Ayoub El Kaabi scored a hat-trick for Olympiakos in their 4-2 away win against Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg.

Voters head to polls in last test for Sunak before national election

Voters head to polls in last test for Sunak before national election

English voters headed to polling stations on Thursday to pick mayors, councillors, and a new lawmaker in the last electoral test for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before a national vote later this year.