Benefits cuts – live: Minister insists cabinet is ‘united’ as Labour set to slash billions from welfare bill

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least five Palestinians, with the Israeli military targeting a Hamas military location in the north. The attacks were renewed after both sides accused each other of violating a ceasefire, leading to increased tensions and casualties. Israel dropped evacuation leaflets in Gaza, warning residents of "dangerous combat zones" and stating that the onslaught was "just the beginning" as the conflict escalated further. Full Article

Labour minister Torsten Bell defended government benefit cuts by accusing left-wing critics of supporting a failed Tory welfare system that contributes to high unemployment rates. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell refuted Bell's claims, stating that proposed cuts would harm disabled individuals. Labour MPs, including Clive Lewis and Debbie Abrahams, criticized the government for implementing £5bn in cuts by 2030, potentially impacting millions of disabled individuals negatively. Full Article

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is now leading an investigation into an arson attack on Tesla vehicles, with President Trump labeling the perpetrators as "domestic terrorists." The attack, which occurred at a Tesla facility in Las Vegas, involved Molotov cocktails and gunfire, damaging five vehicles and setting two ablaze. Local officials believe the incident was a targeted act of vandalism in protest of Elon Musk's job cuts and the dismantling of the federal government...

A recent analysis by Action for Children has revealed that scrapping the two-child benefit cap could lift 600,000 children out of poverty in the next five years, at a cost of £3.9bn per year. The charity argues that this move is the most cost-effective policy option to improve the lives of children, compared to other measures to increase parents' income. Labour is currently working on a child poverty strategy led by Liz Kendall and Bridget...

Former prime minister Theresa May rebuked new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch for claiming that achieving net zero by 2050 was "impossible." Badenoch faced backlash from business leaders and former Tory ministers for her comments, with May asserting that the goal is challenging but feasible, supported by the scientific community and necessary to combat climate change. May emphasized the importance of taking action now to prevent further climate-related risks and costs in the future. Full Article

The UN Security Council convened in New York to address the escalating Middle East crisis, as Israeli airstrikes shattered the fragile Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal. The airstrikes followed a two-week aid blockade that strained critical supplies, leading to over 400 Palestinian casualties. The meeting aimed to address the renewed conflict and seek solutions to the escalating violence in the region. Full Article