United States

US Approves Arms Shipment to Israel Amid Rising Palestinian Death Toll

The United States has announced plans to provide billions of dollars worth of bombs and warplanes to Israel, including 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and 25 F-35A fighter jets. This decision has drawn international criticism as Israel's military actions in Gaza have resulted in nearly 33,000 Palestinian deaths and over 75,000 wounded, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that 26 of its members have been killed by Israeli forces. Qatar welcomed an ICJ ruling calling for Israel to ensure food supplies to Gaza. Protests in Jordan have occurred for six consecutive nights.

Netanyahu Faces Mounting Criticism Over Handling of US Relations Amid Gaza Crisis

Israeli Defence Minister to Meet Key US Officials; Israeli Forces Continue to Target Aid Seekers in Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is set to visit the United States to meet top US officials, including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Topics will include the Gaza conflict, hostage release, humanitarian initiatives, and regional stability. The visit follows Blinken's trip to the region where he cautioned against an Israeli offensive on Rafah. Netanyahu claimed Israel would proceed independently if needed. Rafah now shelters 1.5 million Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli forces killed at least seven Palestinians in Deir al-Balah and opened fire on aid seekers near Al-Kuwait roundabout, killing over 19 and injuring over 23. Gaza health ministry reported the attack. Hamas said Israeli negotiators rejected their ceasefire proposals. UN Secretary-General Guterres called the aid blockade at Rafah a 'moral outrage.' Since 7 October, 32,142 Palestinians have been killed and 74,412 injured.

US TikTok Ban: China’s Defiance, Data Debates and Digital Dilemmas

China opposes a US bill to ban TikTok, citing cybersecurity concerns over data collection, espionage, and propaganda. TikTok denies allegations, citing industry-standard practices and data centers abroad. Comparisons to India's 2020 ban highlight potential global impact. The future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain.

US VP Calls for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Criticism Over US Policy Towards Israel

US Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate six-week ceasefire in Gaza during a speech in Selma, Alabama, drawing cheers but criticism for not signaling a shift in US policy towards Israel. Beth Miller of Jewish Voice for Peace Action criticized the Biden administration for only advocating a temporary pause, urging that US influence be used to stop Israel's offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu intends to launch ground attacks on Rafah, alarming the US which says there is no credible strategy to protect over one million civilians there. Eight US senators, including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, sent a letter to President Biden urging an ultimatum to Israel to increase aid or risk losing military assistance, citing Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act. The UK Foreign Office called for an investigation into the Israeli raid on Nasser Hospital on 15 February, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 patient deaths due to power cuts, and the torture of approximately 200 people, including Dr. Ahmed Abu Sabha.

FDA Clears First Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor for Diabetes Patients

Dexcom received FDA clearance for Stelo, an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for Type 2 diabetes patients who do not use insulin. It is the first glucose biosensor that does not require a prescription, scheduled for online release in summer 2024. Stelo uses sensors on the upper arm to provide real-time glucose tracking wirelessly to smartphones. Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, praised the clearance for expanding access. Jake Leach, COO of Dexcom, expressed commitment to making Stelo widely accessible. Dexcom shares rose over 2% in extended trading.

Biden Administration Faces Scrutiny for Over 100 Secret Arms Sales to Israel

The Biden administration made over 100 weapons sales to Israel since the Gaza conflict began, keeping each transaction below congressional approval thresholds. Sales include precision-guided munitions, small-diameter bombs, bunker busters, and small arms. Critics, including Ari Tolany of the Centre for International Policy, raise transparency concerns, citing a loophole used similarly under the Trump administration for Saudi Arabia and UAE. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro pushed for reporting requirements. The administration also publicly disclosed three major sales totaling over $570 million. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated the aid supports Israel's legitimate self-defense. The Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance (CHIRG) process is being used to evaluate US arms use but is slow. UN special rapporteur Gaviria Betancur called for urgent action to protect Palestinian rights.

US Vice President Criticises Israel’s Actions in Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging Hamas to accept a six-week truce. She spoke at an event marking the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Harris also met with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz. A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for talks, but progress is unclear. Israel has killed over 30,000 Palestinians since October 7.

US Airdrops Aid Over Gaza Amid Ceasefire Hopes

The US began airdropping aid over Gaza on March 2, 2024, after President Biden called for an immediate ceasefire. Biden stated aid was insufficient and vowed to increase efforts. The US Central Command coordinated with Jordan, dropping 38,000 meals. Vice-President Harris plans to meet Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz to discuss reducing civilian casualties, securing a ceasefire, releasing hostages, and increasing aid. A senior Biden official said Israel has 'more or less accepted' a six-week pause. Hurdles remain with Hamas unwilling to define vulnerable hostages. Truce talks are set to resume in Egypt.

US to Airdrop Aid Into Gaza as Israel Blocks Land Routes

US President Joe Biden announced airdrops of food and emergency supplies into Gaza as Israel continues to restrict land routes for humanitarian aid. The decision came during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Recent Israeli attacks on Palestinians seeking food aid led to over 100 deaths, raising concerns of famine. Critics argue airdrops are temporary and highlight failure to coordinate ground relief. The US will collaborate with Jordan and other nations. The International Rescue Committee emphasized diplomatic efforts are needed.

Guinness Record Holder Defies Odds With 34,128 Burgers and Daily Walks

Don Gorske, a retired prison officer, holds the Guinness World Record for most Big Macs eaten in a lifetime, with 34,128 as of 2023. Despite health warnings, he eats two Big Macs daily, skips fries, and walks six miles. His habit began on 17 May 1972. He proposed to his wife Mary in a McDonald's parking lot. Guinness first recognized him in 1999, and he surpassed 25,000 in 2011.

Biden, Netanyahu Pursue Contradictory Objectives in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about a ceasefire in Gaza by March 4, but Israeli and Hamas officials downplayed the likelihood. Hamas's Basem Naim stated no new proposal had been received since Paris talks. Israeli officials expressed surprise and cited Hamas's 'excessive demands.' Tensions between Biden and Netanyahu are noted, with Biden calling for Congress to fund Israel's defense. Hamas also advocates cutting US funds to UNRWA. The conflict has killed 29,878 Palestinians and displaced over 85% of the population. A proposed 40-day pause includes hostage exchanges at a 10:1 ratio, but talks face challenges over detainee identities and female soldiers.

Maldivian Trade Delegation to Visit Washington, D.C. in July: Economic Minister

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed announced that a Maldivian trade delegation will visit Washington, D.C. on 10 July, the first such visit in history. Another delegation will go to London on 15 May for consultations on advanced financial systems. Saeed also said that the administration has arranged to acquire staples from Türkiye and other friendly nations, and is working on a free trade agreement with Türkiye covering 35 types of goods. President Muizzu has corresponded with Egypt for imports. A working committee was formed to ensure food prices don't rise during Ramadan. Imports from the US increased by 140% in 2022 to $99 million, while exports to the US rose 19% to $17 million.

Ceasefire in Gaza Next Week, US President Tells Press

US President Joe Biden expressed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza by Monday, citing progress in negotiations. The conflict has resulted in at least 29,782 deaths and 70,043 wounded since 7 October. An active-duty US Air Force member died by setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in protest. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh resigned. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International accused Israel of non-compliance with an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling to protect Palestinians. The UN and WHO warned of worsening conditions in Rafah, where over a million people are sheltering. Diplomatic efforts aim for a six-week halt in fighting.

Expanded ‘Dosti’ Maritime Exercise Inaugurated Amid Enhanced US-Maldives Cooperation

The 16th 'Dosti' maritime exercise involving Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as observer commenced in the Maldives. The US announced US$8 million for four patrol boats to enhance Maldives' maritime capabilities, following a meeting between Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and US Deputy Secretary Richard Verma. The exercise, inaugurated by Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, focuses on search and rescue and counter-piracy. This occurs amid tensions after an unauthorized Indian naval intrusion and Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03's arrival near Male', raising security concerns.

US to Enhance Maldives’ Security and Economic Stability With Strategic Support Package

PG Discusses Technical Cooperation With US, Australian Ambassadors to Improve Criminal Justice System

US Senate Approves US$95 Billion Wartime Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel

Meta Removes Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Social Media Accounts Over ‘Cybersecurity Concerns’

Meta removed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's accounts from Facebook and Instagram for violating its Dangerous Organisations & Individuals policy, which prohibits those involved in violence. Khamenei's Instagram had over 5 million followers. Meta did not specify exact reasons. Microsoft revealed Iranian cyber-attacks since October 2023 to bolster Hamas, and Iranian hackers disrupted streaming services in the UAE, Canada, and the UK in December 2023. Iran denies involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack. The article also notes that Meta, X, Google, and Microsoft have been accused of censoring pro-Palestinian content.

Neuralink Shifts Incorporation to Nevada Following Successful Human Trial

Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-chip company, moved its incorporation from Delaware to Nevada after a successful first human trial. Musk announced the patient is recovering well. Tesla may also move to Texas after a court ruling voided a large compensation package. Legal experts warn of potential investor litigation.