May 8 brings latest U.S. and global news

Israel continues airstrikes in Rafah, Gaza, as cease-fire talks stall

Israel has vowed to continue its airstrikes in the city of Rafah in Gaza until the Hamas leadership is eliminated or the hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 are returned. Cease-fire talks in Cairo were set to resume today, with Israel sending negotiators. The World Central Kitchen has halted its operations to feed people in Rafah due to the ongoing airstrikes, while Doctors Without Borders has stopped treating wounded individuals at a field hospital and is preparing to evacuate the area.

In a related development, the U.S. has reportedly delayed shipping 3,500 bombs to Israel over concerns that the country may launch a full assault on Rafah. A senior Biden Administration official expressed worries that Israel has not adequately addressed the needs of civilians in the region. The Israeli military has stated that any disagreements with the U.S. are being handled privately.

Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated, with Ukraine launching an attack on a Russian oil refinery, causing a fire and injuring five workers. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of carrying out another missile and drone strike on Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure, affecting seven regions. Ukraine is seeking additional defensive weapons from Western countries to defend against Russian attacks.

In other news, Federal Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Donald Trump, has indefinitely postponed Trump’s trial over stolen classified documents. The trial, scheduled to begin in Florida, has been delayed as Cannon addresses various motions. President Biden, on the campaign trail in Wisconsin, announced plans for a new $3.3 billion data center by Microsoft on a site where a promised factory by Foxconn, backed by Trump, was never built.

Severe weather warnings are in effect for millions of people in the northeast U.S., following tornadoes and storms causing injuries and destruction in Michigan.