May 6 brings latest U.S. and global news

Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates as Israel Issues Evacuation Orders in Gaza

Tensions between Israel and Hamas have reached a boiling point as Israel’s military has issued evacuation orders to about 100,000 people in Rafah, Gaza. The orders come as Israel prepares to launch an attack to root out Hamas leaders in the area. The United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees has expressed concern over the potential attack, warning that it will only add to the suffering of civilians. The agency’s leader, Phillippe Lazzarini, emphasized the need for negotiations for a cease-fire rather than further military action.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Columbia University has made the decision to cancel its commencement ceremonies this year due to pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The university cited discussions with student leaders as the reason for the cancellation, which was scheduled for May 15. Instead, Columbia will hold 30 smaller ceremonies for its various academic divisions.

In Texas, more than 200 people have been rescued from floodwaters in Harris County as floods continue to impact one-third of the state’s counties. Tragically, the body of a five-year-old boy was recovered near Fort Worth, marking the first fatality in the recent floods. The National Weather Service reports that several rivers are at major flood stages, with many more at moderate or minor flood stages.

As tensions rise globally, Russia has announced military exercises that simulate the use of nuclear weapons in its ongoing war with Ukraine. This marks the first time Russia has taken steps towards potentially using nuclear weapons, with President Vladimir Putin indicating plans to send tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which borders Ukraine.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries has vowed to prevent right-wing extremists from ousting Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. Jeffries stated in an interview on “60 Minutes” that Democrats will provide enough votes to counter any attempts by Republican extremists to disrupt House proceedings.