Israel Strikes High-Rise Building in Gaza City
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel intensified its military operations on Friday by striking a high-rise building in Gaza City after issuing an evacuation warning. This action is part of a broader offensive aimed at taking control of a city that is home to approximately 1 million Palestinians experiencing severe famine. Health officials reported that strikes elsewhere in Gaza City resulted in at least 27 fatalities.
The Israeli military has accused Hamas militants of utilizing high-rise buildings for surveillance and organizing ambushes. The forces indicated that they plan to execute "precise, targeted strikes" on militant infrastructure in the coming days. As part of this operations escalation, Israel has begun mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists and issuing repeated evacuation warnings, a strategy that has drawn domestic opposition and international condemnation.
Witnesses reported that the Mushtaha tower in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, which was once considered upscale, was the target of the strike. Residents like Ahmed al-Boari noted that those fleeing the conflict elsewhere in the city had sought refuge in and around this building, which was encircled by a number of makeshift tents.
Judge Blocks Ending of Protections for Venezuelans and Haitians
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in San Francisco has blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary legal protections that allow over 1 million Venezuelans and Haitians to live and work in the United States. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen’s ruling keeps protections intact for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans whose protections expired in April as well as around 500,000 Haitians.
Judge Chen criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for her decision to revoke these protections, suggesting that it would force vulnerable individuals back into perilous situations in their home countries, which the U.S. State Department advises against traveling to. He deemed the actions arbitrary and exceeding her authority.
AP Reporting Raises Questions on Israeli Hospital Attack
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Associated Press findings surrounding an Israeli attack on a Gaza Strip hospital, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals, including five journalists, raise significant doubts about the justification for the strike. Among the deceased was Mariam Dagga, who had worked with AP and other media outlets.
The Israeli military claimed they targeted a known journalists' gathering point under the belief that a camera there was being used by Hamas for reconnaissance. However, evidence suggests that the camera belonged to a Reuters journalist who covered his equipment to protect it from the elements. This raises substantial questions regarding the decision-making process leading to the attack, particularly given that Israeli forces had been monitoring the site via drone just before the strike.
Trump Signs Executive Order to Rename Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a notable departure from his previous emphasis on peace, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War. Trump claimed the name change would signal strength and victory to the world, calling the previous name "woke."
The change requires Congressional approval to implement, but there were immediate alterations, including updates to the Pentagon’s website and rebranding signs in offices. Trump expressed confidence that the new title would better reflect the United States' military stance.
Trump Announces G20 Summit at His Florida Golf Club
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Trump revealed on Friday that the United States would host next year’s G20 summit at his golf club in Doral, Florida, marketing it as "the best location" while asserting that his family’s business would not profit from the event. In his first term, Trump faced backlash for trying to host an event at the same site but has since navigated fewer political repercussions for his use of personal business interests in public office.
This decision highlights the ongoing blending of Trump’s domestic and foreign policy initiatives and raises concerns related to ethical governance.
US Job Market Faces Stagnation Amid Economic Concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. job market, previously a stronghold of economic resilience during the pandemic, showed signs of distress as employers became increasingly hesitant to hire. According to a Labor Department report, just 22,000 jobs were added last month, a significant drop from the 79,000 added in July and well below economists' forecasts of 80,000. This slowdown has pushed the unemployment rate to 4.3%, its highest since 2021.
Scott Anderson, chief U.S. economist at BMO Capital Markets, indicated that the labor market's deterioration signals a potential harder landing for consumer spending and overall economic activity.
Putin Threatens Foreign Troops in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that any foreign troops sent to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict would be deemed legitimate targets by Russian forces. His comments followed renewed commitments from European leaders to establish a peacekeeping force, which Russia has categorically rejected.
Putin dismissed the idea of such forces in Ukraine, asserting that compliance with peace treaties regarding his country’s military actions would require security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine.
Mass Immigration Raid in Georgia Detains 475
ELLABELL, Ga. (AP) — A coordinated immigration raid conducted by federal agents in Georgia resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, primarily South Korean nationals. The operation, described as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations, targeted a Hyundai manufacturing site near Savannah.
The raid stemmed from a months-long inquiry into illegal hiring practices at the facility, with officials currently investigating the identity of the contractors employing undocumented workers.
Fatal Lisbon Streetcar Derailment
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Following a streetcar derailment in Lisbon that killed 16 people, police confirmed that 11 of the deceased were foreigners. The crash, which affected numerous tourists and locals alike, has prompted investigations into potential causes and safety measures for the well-known tourist attraction.
Pentagon Research Collaborations Raise Concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional investigation revealed that over a two-year period, Pentagon funding facilitated collaboration between U.S. universities and Chinese military-linked institutions. The House Republicans' report argues that this collaboration allows China to exploit U.S. research for military advancements while raising alarms about U.S. technological superiority and national defense vulnerabilities. The Pentagon has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the findings.
