Straits Times
California mayor admits to being a China agent in federal probe
A California mayor has admitted to acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government, posting pro-Beijing propaganda at the direction of Chinese officials. The case marks a significant federal enforcement action against foreign influence operations at the local government level. It raises urgent questions about the extent to which hostile foreign powers have embedded operatives within American civic institutions.
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Hamas 'weaponised' sexual violence in 7 October attacks, Israeli investigation says
Israel has released its most comprehensive investigation to date into sexual violence committed during the October 7 Hamas attacks, concluding that rape and assault were used systematically as weapons of war rather than isolated incidents. The report details harrowing case-by-case accounts drawn from survivor testimony, forensic evidence, and witness statements. The findings add significant weight to international calls for accountability and put pressure on global bodies to formally classify the acts as war crimes.
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Trump says he supports suspending US gas tax with prices remaining high amid Iran war
Rising fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict have prompted President Trump to voice support for suspending the federal gas tax, a move that would provide modest relief at the pump for American consumers. The proposal carries clear political motivation, with Republicans facing headwinds ahead of midterm elections if prices remain elevated. A gas tax holiday would reduce federal revenue but signals the administration is willing to act aggressively to blunt voter frustration over energy costs.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
Israel kills, injures average of 4 children daily amid Lebanon ‘ceasefire’
Despite a ceasefire taking effect on April 16, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have killed or wounded an average of four children every day during the first 25 days of the truce, according to Save the Children. The figures expose a stark gap between the formal cessation of hostilities and the reality on the ground for Lebanon's youngest civilians. The alarming rate of child casualties raises urgent questions about ceasefire enforcement and accountability.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
Israel approves law on public trials, death penalty for October 7 detainees
Israel's parliament has approved legislation allowing public trials and the possibility of the death penalty for individuals detained in connection with the October 7 attacks. Rights organizations warn the law lowers the threshold for capital punishment and undermines fundamental fair trial protections. Critics argue the move sets a dangerous precedent that could compromise judicial independence and due process standards.
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