More than 400 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after Israeli military forces struck dozens of targets across Gaza early this morning, effectively ending the fragile ceasefire that had halted violence since mid-January. Palestinian health authorities raised the death toll to at least 404, with at least four government officials among the dead, according to Gaza's government media office.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was carried out to 'achieve war objectives', and the government has been threatening to launch an offensive for weeks, arguing that targeting Hamas leadership will bring about the release of more hostages. However, many hostage families in Israel dispute this claim. The grim reality is that the two-month pause in hostilities is over, and a deal to end the new attacks appears unlikely soon.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to speak by phone today to discuss next steps in Trump's plans for a ceasefire in Ukraine. On Sunday, Trump said negotiators had discussed 'dividing up certain assets', including power stations, and the legal status of Russian-occupied territories is believed to be on the table. European leaders, frustrated at being excluded, must rely on readouts from Washington or Moscow.
In other news, the Trump administration faces legal setbacks after being accused of violating a judge's order by deporting about 250 Venezuelan alleged gang members to El Salvador. A progressive advocacy group said Trump is poised to reshape the US judiciary through hundreds of potential appointments of rightwing judges, with more than 300 opportunities identified. During his first term, Trump appointed 226 federal judges, narrowly eclipsed by Joe Biden's 228.
The decision to close two offices at Nasa risks dramatically increasing space exploration costs while handing Elon Musk more influence, fired workers have warned. Additionally, a US defence department webpage celebrating a Black Medal of Honor recipient, which was removed and had 'DEI' added to its address, has been restored after an outcry. The Trump administration also fired most of the board of the US Institute of Peace, an independent, non-partisan organisation.
Universal Music Group has moved to dismiss Drake's defamation suit, calling it a 'misguided attempt' by the rapper to 'salve his wounds' after losing a rap battle with rival Kendrick Lamar. Countries looking to boost national security through rearmament must also bolster climate efforts or face more wars, warned Ana Toni, Brazil's chief for the next UN climate summit.
