Israel’s recent airstrikes in Rafah result in 21 casualties; Three European countries officially acknowledge Palestine as a state, and other top global news stories

Israeli tanks were seen prowling in central Rafah on Tuesday for the first time since the Jewish country launched a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city three weeks ago. Witnesses reported that the tanks were spotted near the Al-Awda mosque, a major landmark in the area. This development comes amidst escalating tensions in the region.

In a move that has been denounced by Israel, Spain and Norway have formally recognized a Palestinian state, with Ireland set to follow suit. This decision has been seen as a “reward” for Hamas by Israel, but the European nations believe that it will have a powerful symbolic impact and may inspire other governments to take similar action.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a statement on Tuesday, claiming that Islamabad had “violated” a 1999 agreement with India signed by him and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This statement is seen as an allusion to Gen Pervez Musharraf’s Kargil misadventure, highlighting tensions between the two countries.

In other news, Georgia’s parliament has adopted controversial “foreign agents” legislation, sparking protests and drawing international condemnation. The move comes after overriding a veto by President Salome Zurabishvili, further deepening political divisions in the country.

Former US President Donald Trump arrived at the courthouse on Tuesday accompanied by his children as his historic trial nears its end. The jury is set to hear closing arguments on charges related to hush money allegedly paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.