Global Conflicts and Social Issues Intensify

Erik Menendez, one of the notorious Menendez brothers, has been denied parole in California after being convicted of killing his parents in 1989. Erik appeared virtually for a hearing from a San Diego prison, where he has been housed. The parole board commissioner cited Erik's violations in prison and past criminal activity as reasons for denying parole. Erik can try for parole again in three years. The decision is separate from his brother Lyle's, who is set to appear before a different parole board panel. The brothers were made eligible for parole after being resentenced by a judge in May. The case has gained renewed attention due to new evidence and a Netflix series. The brothers' family members have advocated for their release, with some expressing forgiveness.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel will begin negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, while also approving plans for a massive assault on Gaza City. The announcement comes after Hamas agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal drawn up by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, which would see the release of half of the remaining hostages. However, Netanyahu has not accepted the deal, insisting that Israel will only agree to a deal that involves the release of all hostages. The planned assault on Gaza City has raised concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis, with the UN warning of high numbers of civilian casualties and large-scale destruction.

The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has warned against pushing Ukraine to give up territories to Russia as part of a future peace deal, calling it a 'trap that Putin wants us to walk into'. Kallas made the comments in her first UK interview since EU leaders joined Donald Trump's White House peace talks with Ukraine. She emphasized the need for 'credible and robust' security guarantees for Ukraine and stated that the strongest security guarantee is a strong Ukraine army. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed doubt over Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations, and European leaders have echoed these concerns. Meanwhile, Trump has set a two-week timeframe for evaluating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

The Texas House of Representatives has approved new congressional maps that are expected to favour Republicans in the next US House of Representatives elections. The move has sparked controversy over gerrymandering, with Democrats accusing Republicans of trying to 'steal' an election and dilute voting power from minorities. The maps were passed in an 88-52 vote, creating five new Republican-leaning seats, after a two-week stand-off in which Democrats fled the state to stall the vote. The maps will now go to the state Senate for approval and then to the Texas governor for signature. The decision has sparked redistricting battles across the US, with other states weighing similar changes. California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded by unveiling plans to counter Texas Republicans.

Scientists have reclassified giraffes into four distinct species instead of one, based on genetic diversity and geographical features. The new species are the Southern giraffe, Reticulated giraffe, Northern giraffe, and Masai giraffe. The reclassification is expected to aid in conservation efforts by allowing for more precise assessment and management of giraffe populations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially recognized the four species and plans to reassess their vulnerability to extinction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that climate change is increasing the risks of extreme heat in the workplace, particularly for construction and agricultural workers. A new report from the WHO and the World Meteorological Organization highlights that millions of workers worldwide are exposed to heat stress, which affects their health and productivity. The report calls for governments, employers, and workers to cooperate to develop adaptation strategies. It notes that for every one degree temperature rise above 20C, productivity falls by 2%, and accidents increase. Some European countries are already taking steps to adapt, such as stopping work during the hottest hours of the day or pausing construction during heatwaves. The report also warns that the elderly, the chronically ill, and the young are at particular risk during heatwaves, and that schools as well as workplaces need to adapt.

Six severed heads were found along a road in central Mexico, in an area where such extreme violence is rare. The remains were discovered by drivers on a road linking the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala. A pamphlet was found at the scene, blaming the violence on a settling of scores between gangs that rob fuel. This incident is part of a larger trend of drug-related violence in Mexico, with around 480,000 people having died since 2006. The Mexican government has been dealing with powerful drug cartels, and recently sent 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the US. The US has also taken steps to target drug cartels, with Trump directing the military to take action against them in Latin America.

A recent study published in Nature warns that abrupt and potentially irreversible changes in Antarctica driven by climate change could have catastrophic consequences for generations to come. The study, led by Australian National University professor Nerilie Abram, found that Antarctica is showing signs of rapid change across its ice, ocean, and ecosystems, with accelerating shifts that are both a cause and effect of global warming. The changes include the retreat of sea ice, melting of ice sheets and glaciers, and impacts on marine life. The study suggests that limiting CO2 emissions and preventing global warming from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius will be crucial to reducing the effects of these changes. If left unchecked, the changes could lead to sea level rise, intensification of global warming, and ecosystem impacts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned a massive Russian attack on Ukraine, saying it shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not serious about peace talks. The attack, which involved 574 drones and 40 missiles, targeted civilian infrastructure, including an American electronics factory and a kindergarten, killing at least one person and injuring 15. Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions and pressure on Russia, saying that Putin is not to be trusted. The attack came just a week after a bilateral summit between Putin and former US President Donald Trump, who has been trying to broker a peace deal. Ukrainian officials are skeptical about Putin's intentions and want security guarantees from the US and NATO before agreeing to a ceasefire.

Six individuals, including a prominent rhino breeder, have been arrested in South Africa for their alleged involvement in a $14.1 million rhino horn trafficking scheme. The suspects are accused of smuggling 964 rhino horns to Southeast Asia, violating South African laws and international regulations. The arrests were made after a seven-year investigation by the Hawks police unit, and the suspects face charges of fraud, theft, and violating biodiversity laws. The case highlights the ongoing issue of rhino poaching and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect endangered species.

Ethel Caterham, a British woman, has celebrated her 116th birthday, becoming the world's oldest living person after the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas. Caterham marked the occasion quietly with her family at a care home in Surrey, south of London. She received congratulations from King Charles III, who often extends personal greetings to Britons on their 100th birthdays. Caterham attributes her longevity to never arguing with anyone and doing what she likes. She has outlived her husband and two daughters, and has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Caterham stopped driving just before turning 100 and survived COVID-19 at the age of 110.

The article provides live updates on the stock market, focusing on the anticipation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole. U.S. stock futures were little changed ahead of Powell's speech, with investors seeking clues on monetary policy. Intuit shares dropped 6% despite beating Wall Street's expectations, while Zoom Communications gained 5% after reporting better-than-expected results. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite fell on Thursday, with the S&P 500 on track for its fifth straight day of declines. Investors are looking to Powell's speech for clarity on interest rates, with markets pricing in a 75% chance of a quarter-point cut in September. A $10 billion cloud contract between Google and Meta was also reported.

The article discusses the stalled Ukraine peace effort led by President Donald Trump, a week after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump's efforts to orchestrate a peace deal, Russia continues to bomb and drone Ukrainian civilians, and the underlying realities of the war remain unchanged. The article highlights the challenges and complexities of the peace process, including Russia's continued aggression and the lack of clear progress. Trump's reputation as a dealmaker is at risk due to his handling of the peace effort, and his faith in Putin has been questioned. The article concludes that a genuine legacy achievement that could save thousands of lives in Ukraine is not out of the question, but Trump's attention to detail and understanding of the conflict are lacking.

Tearful children in Gaza, who lost parents, took part in a graduation ceremony in Khan Younis. Since October 2023, more than 39,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have lost parents, according to Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Of those, 17,000 have lost both parents. The article highlights the emotional event and provides context about the impact of the conflict on children in Gaza.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping, England, to house asylum seekers. The hotel has been used by the government since 2020 to accommodate thousands of asylum seekers, but local residents have grown increasingly frustrated with the arrangement. Tensions boiled over after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a schoolgirl, leading to violent protests outside the hotel. The local council won a High Court ruling to block the hotel from housing asylum seekers, but the decision has created a new problem for the government: where to relocate the 138 asylum seekers currently living at the hotel. The issue has become a flashpoint for the immigration debate in the UK, with the hard-right Reform UK party calling for similar protests outside other migrant hotels.

The article discusses how Russia's use of drone attacks has significantly impacted the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia has ramped up its production of Shahed attack drones, thanks to Iranian designs, and is launching over 700 drones per night to overwhelm Ukraine's air defenses and demoralize civilians. Ukraine is fighting back with expensive ammunition and innovations, while the US and European NATO allies are working to improve their drone capabilities. The article highlights the evolving nature of warfare, with both sides developing new technologies such as AI-powered drones and interceptor drones. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the drone attacks, with many experiencing trauma and loss.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has paid tribute to soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine, saying his 'heart aches' in a rare admission of military losses. Kim made the comments at a ceremony in Pyongyang, where he met with commanders of a unit that had fought for Russia in the western Kursk region. The ceremony was emotional, with Kim meeting with bereaved family members who were seen sobbing and paying tribute to soldiers' photos on the wall. North Korea began sending large numbers of troops and equipment to support Russia's war against Ukraine last year, and it is estimated that about 12,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia. Western officials estimate that around 4,000 of the initial deployment have been killed or wounded. Despite heavy losses, North Korea's cooperation with Russia has continued, with Pyongyang sending thousands of shipping containers of munitions to Russia.

NATO's Chiefs of Defense held a virtual meeting to reaffirm their support for Ukraine, discussing potential security guarantees as part of a peace agreement to end Russia's three-year war. The meeting, led by U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, included all 32 allied military leaders and focused on a 'just, credible and durable peace' for Ukraine. The discussions came as President Donald Trump pushed for a settlement between Ukraine and Russia, having met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. European allies are exploring options for a multinational security force to support a peace deal, while Russia has criticized NATO's discussions on Ukraine's security, warning that they will not be effective without Moscow's involvement.

Pope Leo XIV has moved into a newly renovated papal apartment at the Vatican, breaking with tradition by bringing four roommates, including his Peruvian personal secretary, Father Edgard Rimaycuna. The shared living arrangement reflects the community ethos of the Augustinians, the order to which Leo belongs. The move contrasts with Pope Francis, who chose not to move into the papal apartments in 2013. The Apostolic Palace, where the apartment is located, dates back to the 15th century and houses papal offices, museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Pope Leo, born to a working-class immigrant family in Chicago, has opted for a modern touch, striving to stay grounded and humble.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is seeking to involve China in Ukraine peace talks, suggesting that security guarantees for Ukraine should be provided by a group of nations including China, the US, Britain, and France. This proposal is unlikely to be accepted by Ukraine as it would give Russia and potentially China authority over its future security. NATO leaders and Ukrainian officials are currently meeting to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv. Lavrov's comments have been dismissed by Washington and NATO allies as 'noise' and an attempt to derail progress.

Erik Menendez was denied parole on Thursday, August 22, 2025, by the California Board of Parole Hearings for the murder of his parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. Erik and his brother Lyle Menendez were convicted of the crime and have been serving life sentences for 35 years. The parole hearing was made possible by a recent resentencing that reduced their original full-life tariff to 50 years with the possibility of release. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed the parole, stating that the brothers had not fully accepted responsibility for their crimes. The decision is a blow to the campaign for their release, which has been supported by celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Lyle Menendez's parole hearing is scheduled for the following day.

Sky News correspondent Alex Crawford interviews two ISIS militants on death row in Somalia, gaining rare insight into the group's activities. The militants, one from Yemen and the other from Morocco, reveal details about their involvement with ISIS and the group's global ambitions. The article highlights the resurgence of ISIS in northern Somalia and the international nature of the group's membership.

The article discusses the potential security guarantees for Ukraine and how they may not be as promising as they initially seemed. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has described discussions about future security guarantees as 'hopeless'. The US and Russia had apparently agreed on a NATO-style mutual defence guarantee for Ukraine, but Moscow's comments since then have indicated that nothing has changed. Russia is only willing to accept a security guarantee that involves them having a veto over any efforts to defend Ukraine, which is a non-starter for Kyiv. The Kremlin knows this and is likely using the proposal to portray Ukraine as the barrier to peace and distance Trump from Europe. The potential meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin is also facing obstacles, with Moscow claiming Zelenskyy is an illegitimate leader and needing to be re-elected before any peace deal is signed.

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the expansion of an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The center, built on a lightly used training airport, has been criticized for violating environmental laws and threatening the sensitive wetlands. The judge ordered the winding down of the facility and the removal of fencing, lighting, and generators within 60 days. The state of Florida has filed a notice of appeal. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe have welcomed the ruling as a victory for the Everglades and its inhabitants.

William Daniels, the 98-year-old actor known for his role as Mr. Feeny in the '90s sitcom 'Boy Meets World,' sparked concern among fans when he posted a throwback photo on social media. Fans assumed it was a death announcement, but the post was actually promoting a sale on his signed headshots. The actor's followers were relieved to find out he was alive and flooded his comment section with appreciation posts. Daniels has had a decades-long career, with his first television role in 1943 and notable appearances in 'St. Elsewhere,' 'Captain Nice,' and 'The Graduate.' He is still active, trying to exercise daily, and is thankful for the support he has received over his career.

A suspect, Julio Cesar Lopez Zavala, has been arrested in connection with a violent attack on a woman at a Rüfüs Du Sol concert at the Rose Bowl in California. The attack occurred after a drink was spilled on Zavala, who then allegedly punched the victim, Shelby Elston, in the face, knocking her unconscious. Elston's fiancé shielded her and took multiple punches to the back. Bystanders attempted to stop the assault by pulling Zavala's pants down. Zavala was identified through viral video and tips from fans, and was arrested at his Hawthorne home. Elston has returned home to Arizona and is expected to make a full recovery. Formal charges against Zavala are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

A federal judge has ordered the dismantling of parts of a migrant detention center in Florida, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz', within 60 days. The center, built in the Florida Everglades, was constructed without proper environmental assessments, according to environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. The judge's order bars the admission of new detainees and requires the removal of temporary fencing, lighting, generators, and other infrastructure. The facility can continue to operate but cannot expand. The decision is a result of a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, who argue that the facility threatens environmental restoration work and violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

A Georgia man, Mark Bouyzk, was fired from the healthcare company he co-founded, AllaiHealth, after a video surfaced of him and his wife, Anna, shouting antisemitic slurs at their Jewish neighbor, David Lubin. The confrontation occurred after Lubin posted signs in remembrance of his daughter, Rose, who was killed while serving in Israel's border patrol. The Bouyzks made derogatory comments about Lubin's daughter and suggested that her death was justified because she was fighting for Israel. AllaiHealth's CEO, Robert Boisjoli, condemned the Bouyzks' behavior, stating that it was inconsistent with the company's values.

The article discusses the media's portrayal of democratic socialists, particularly New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, and argues that their popularity is overstated. The author contends that socialism is not as popular as Democrats and the media claim, and that centrist Democrats are more likely to win in purple states. The article also criticizes the Democratic Party's shift to the left and its embrace of radical policies, citing the failures of socialist systems in the past.

Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Eric Dickerson claimed that the NFL told teams not to draft Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 draft, allegedly to 'make an example' out of him. Sanders was eventually selected in the fifth round by the Browns. Dickerson's claim was refuted by NFL insider Albert Breer, who attributed Sanders' fall in the draft to teams not viewing him as a first-round prospect. The controversy surrounding Dickerson's claim has sparked debate about the NFL's potential influence on draft decisions.

A solo female traveler faced a dilemma when she needed to use the restroom at the airport and asked a fellow traveler to watch her carry-on luggage. To her surprise, the woman refused, citing that she shouldn't leave her bags unattended. The incident was shared on TikTok and sparked a debate, with many defending the stranger's decision due to airport safety rules that warn against leaving luggage unattended and accepting items from strangers. The controversy is not new, as a similar incident was discussed on Reddit, where many also defended a passenger who refused to watch a fellow traveler's bag.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's efforts to remove illegal aliens from state Medicaid rolls, which has sparked outrage among Democrats. The author argues that Democrats are inconsistent in their stance on whether illegal immigrants receive federal Medicaid dollars, and that their lawsuits to block the data-sharing between the Health and Human Services Department and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement reveal their true intentions. The article claims that Medicaid is being exploited by illegal aliens, with taxpayers spending at least $16 billion on emergency services for them between 2021 and 2023. The author criticizes Democrats for prioritizing the interests of illegal aliens over those of law-abiding Americans and argues that they should instead protect Medicaid for its intended beneficiaries.

Erik Menendez has been denied parole by a California parole panel, 36 years after he and his brother Lyle killed their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion. The decision was based on Erik's disciplinary violations in prison and the panel's conclusion that he was not in 'imminent fear' for his life before the murders. Lyle Menendez faces a parole panel on Friday. The brothers were originally sentenced to life without parole, but were resentenced in May to life with the possibility of parole due to new evidence, including a former Menudo member's claim that Jose Menendez sexually assaulted him. The brothers have been backed by social media defenders and have been the subject of recent Netflix projects.

The article discusses how President Trump has stripped away the expertise of foreign policy professionals in his administration, particularly in the National Security Council and intelligence agencies, in favor of relying on his personal connections and a handful of close allies. This has raised concerns among experts and lawmakers that the administration is 'flying blind' without the necessary expertise to navigate complex negotiations, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The article highlights the purge of experts, including the stripping of security clearances from 37 current and former officials, and the dismantling of efforts to monitor foreign influence operations.

Erik Menendez, one of the Menendez brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, has been denied parole by California commissioners. They cited his lack of being a 'model prisoner' due to infractions such as using a contraband cellphone and violating prison rules. The decision was seen as a significant setback for both Erik and his brother Lyle, who will have a parole hearing the following day. The case has drawn widespread attention due to its brutality and the cultural context of 1990s America. The brothers' lawyers argued that under today's criminal justice reforms, they deserve a second chance, but the district attorney opposed their release, stating that the ruling did justice for the victims.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two redistricting bills to redraw congressional districts in response to Texas Republicans' gerrymandered map, sparking a partisan fight against President Trump. The move is seen as a counterpunch to Texas' actions, which were taken at Trump's request. California Democrats aim to flip five Republican seats and shore up four swing seats through gerrymandered districts. The process is complicated due to the state's independent redistricting commission, requiring voter approval for the new maps. The measure is expected to face opposition from Republicans and some Californians who created the independent commission. Newsom plans to campaign on the issue, highlighting Trump's unpopular actions in California, and received an endorsement from former President Barack Obama.

The article discusses President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agents in Washington D.C. as part of a crackdown on crime. The effort has involved over 2,000 personnel, including National Guardsmen and agents from various federal agencies. While the National Guard has operated primarily in a support role, federal agents have been actively making arrests and conducting patrols, with a focus on immigration violations. The White House has touted the effort as a success, citing over 600 arrests in two weeks. However, crime data shows that violent crime in the district is at a 30-year low, and the Trump administration's actions have been criticized for being overly aggressive and targeting areas with low crime rates.

The article discusses President Trump's efforts to expand his power and exert control over independent agencies, specifically the Federal Reserve. Trump called for the resignation of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook after allegations of falsifying bank documents. The move is seen as part of Trump's broader campaign to install new leaders at the Fed who will lower interest rates. The article highlights Trump's aggressive approach to using government powers to target his enemies and critics, and notes that his actions are unprecedented and troubling. Experts warn that Trump's actions could lead to a loss of independence in government agencies and undermine the rule of law.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was cleared of charges of insulting the Thai monarchy by the Criminal Court in Bangkok. The charges stemmed from an interview he gave a decade ago, which were widely seen as politicized. Thaksin's acquittal is significant as he remains a powerful figure in Thai politics, and his family continues to face legal challenges. The royal defamation law used in his case is one of the world's harshest and has been used to suppress dissent. Thaksin's case highlights the ongoing power struggle between him and Thailand's royalist-military establishment.

The Trump administration is withholding $3.1 billion in funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program credited with saving 26 million lives. Despite Congress appropriating $6 billion for PEPFAR in the 2025 fiscal year, the Office of Management and Budget has only released $2.9 billion. This decision is seen as a deliberate attempt to cut funding, with some staff members and experts warning that it will have devastating effects on HIV programs in low-income countries. The administration's actions are in line with its stated goal of reducing government spending and terminating foreign aid programs.

The White House has published a list of Smithsonian exhibits and programming it finds objectionable, as part of a broader effort to overhaul the institution. The list criticizes various museums within the Smithsonian for promoting what it sees as objectionable content, including depictions of LGBTQ+ issues, discussions of slavery, and content created by certain activists. The move is part of a larger pressure campaign by the Trump administration, which has also demanded that certain museums revise their language and exhibition plans. The Smithsonian, which is largely funded by Congress, has historically operated independently of the executive branch. Critics see the White House's actions as an attempt to exert undue influence over the institution and suppress certain viewpoints.

The article discusses the factors influencing the voting decisions of young Americans in the 2024 US presidential election. Young voters are disillusioned with the current state of the economy and are looking for a leader who can bring about meaningful change. The article highlights the differing views of young supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with Harris leading in opinion polls among young voters. The article also notes that young voters are more fired up than in the past, especially after President Biden stepped aside to make way for Harris.

The article discusses the persistence of scam hubs in South-east Asia, particularly in Myanmar, despite recent crackdowns. The Shwe Kokko town on the Myanmar-Thailand border, once a notorious scamming hub, appears to have returned to normalcy after a brief disruption due to the crackdown. Scam compounds continue to operate, and new measures such as Starlink satellite-based systems and solar panels have been employed to maintain internet and power supply. Experts warn that the scam industry remains a significant threat, with an estimated 350,000 people involved in the region and generating between $50 billion and $75 billion annually. The article highlights the role of corruption, human trafficking, and organized crime in perpetuating the scam industry.

The Trump administration is considering reallocating $2.58 billion from the Chips Act to fund critical minerals projects, boosting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's influence over the sector. The move aims to reduce US dependence on China for critical minerals used in electronics and defense industries. The plan aligns with the spirit of the Chips Act, which requires abundant supplies of minerals like germanium and gallium. The administration has been working to expand US critical minerals production since January, signing executive orders to boost deep sea mining and domestic projects.

The Indonesian government is working on a plan to treat 2,000 Palestinians from Gaza, with the uninhabited Galang island being considered as one possible site. The plan is still in the exploratory stage, with various ministries discussing logistics, legality, and foreign policy implications. Officials are aware of the potential political delicacy of the plan and are considering guarantees to ensure the return of the Palestinians. The plan is seen as a temporary measure to provide medical assistance, with coordination with agencies such as Unrwa and ICRC.

At least 13 people were killed and dozens injured in two separate attacks in Colombia. A truck bomb exploded near a military base in Cali, killing five and injuring many, while a police helicopter was downed by a drone in Amalfi, killing eight police officers. Colombian officials blamed the violence on FARC splinter groups. The attacks are part of a larger wave of terrorism in Colombia this year, which has raised fears of a return to the country's violent past. The government, led by President Gustavo Petro, has been criticized for its inability to control armed violence and cocaine production.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Gaza City could be destroyed unless Hamas accepts Israel's terms for a ceasefire, as Israel prepares for a major operation to seize the city. The operation could start within days and is aimed at Hamas' military and governing stronghold, which Israel believes contains an extensive tunnel network. However, the city is also home to hundreds of thousands of civilians and critical infrastructure. Hamas has proposed a ceasefire deal involving hostage and prisoner exchanges, but Israel has resisted similar terms in the past. The planned offensive has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.