Jack Smith under federal investigation for alleged political violations
Former special counsel Jack Smith is under investigation by the US Office of Special Counsel (OSC) for alleged violations of the Hatch Act, which restricts political activity by federal officials. Smith had led two criminal cases against President Donald Trump before resigning earlier this year, BBC reported.
The probe follows Republican Senator Tom Cotton’s claim that Smith interfered in the 2024 election. While the OSC cannot press charges, it can recommend disciplinary action or refer findings to the Justice Department.
Smith’s cases against Trump were dropped after Trump’s 2024 election win, in line with rules barring prosecution of a sitting president, according to BBC.
Germany urges Israel to boost Gaza aid amid ongoing crisis
Germany has called the current level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza “very insufficient,” despite a slight increase in deliveries. Following a visit by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the German military carried out its first food airdrops into the territory, where over two million people face severe hunger, according to Firstpost.
Berlin stressed that Israel remains responsible for allowing full aid access, while also expressing concern over reports that Hamas and criminal groups are blocking distribution. UN officials have accused Israeli forces of turning a blind eye to aid theft by criminal networks.
Germany is now weighing options to pressure Israel, including a possible arms delivery freeze, though no decisions have been made, Firstpost reported.
Myanmar airstrike kills 13 in rebel-held ruby town
A junta airstrike on Saturday killed 13 people in Mogok, a rebel-held ruby mining town in Myanmar, according to Firstpost.
The strike hit a public area in the morning, killing civilians including a monk and a father and son. Several others were wounded.
Mogok has been under rebel control since last year, part of a broader conflict that escalated after the 2021 coup. Despite recent military gains, including retaking parts of central Myanmar, opposition groups are boycotting upcoming elections, calling them illegitimate while Aung San Suu Kyi remains jailed, Firstpost reported.
Hamas refuses disarmament without Palestinian statehood
Hamas has rejected disarmament, saying it will not lay down arms unless a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. The statement came after ceasefire talks with Israel collapsed, according to Firstpost.
Mediators Qatar and Egypt had supported a proposal urging Hamas to hand over weapons to the Palestinian Authority as part of a two-state solution. But Hamas reaffirmed its stance on “armed resistance.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood and insists on Hamas’ disarmament as a condition for peace.
The war, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has left over 60,000 Palestinians dead. Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff met with families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv, Firstpost reported.
