Hamas says it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established as Israeli fire kills 18 in Gaza | World News

Hamas official Ghazi Hamad claimed in an Al Jazeera interview that the recent attacks have revitalized the push for Palestinian statehood, asserting that without their weapons, international attention would not be on them. This statement highlights the ongoing conflict and the complexities surrounding Palestinian recognition on the global stage. Want More Context? 🔎

Nearly the entire Senate confirmed economist Erika McEntarfer as head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2024, but she was abruptly fired by President Trump after releasing a disappointing jobs report, which he labeled "rigged." The Friends of the Bureau of Labor Statistics condemned her firing, emphasizing that the commissioner merely reports data, and her dismissal undermines the agency's integrity. Want More Context? 🔎

A fourth body was discovered beneath cliffs near Whitby Abbey, following three deaths in four days, including a couple who fell from 200ft cliffs on Wednesday. North Yorkshire Police confirmed that the deaths, which also included a woman in her 60s, are not suspicious and are being investigated by the coroner, with no connections between the incidents. Want More Context? 🔎

Without evidence, Trump and his allies accuse former US special prosecutor of illegal political activity.US officials are investigating Jack Smith, the former special prosecutor who led cases against Donald Trump, following unsubstantiated allegations from Trump and allies, including Senator Tom Cotton, of illegal political activity. Smith, appointed in 2022, investigated Trump's handling of classified documents and election interference, but dropped the cases after Trump won the 2024 election. Want More Context? 🔎

Syria's defense ministry has accused the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of attacking military personnel, resulting in injuries to four soldiers and three civilians. The ministry labeled the incident as "irresponsible and for unknown reasons," as reported by the state news agency SANA. Want More Context? 🔎

The Office of the Special Counsel is investigating former special counsel Jack Smith for potential violations of the Hatch Act related to his political activities during the investigations into President Trump's handling of classified documents and alleged election subversion. The probe follows allegations from Senator Tom Cotton, who claims Smith acted as a "political actor" in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Want More Context? 🔎