Israel pushes for more illegal settlements in occupied West Bank amid raids
Israel is moving ahead with plans to build over 4,000 new settlement homes in the West Bank’s E1 area, linking Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem and effectively splitting the West Bank. This move faces strong international criticism, seen as a major blow to the two-state solution, according to Al Jazeera.
The expansion would take more than 1,200 hectares of Palestinian land and restrict access, deepening concerns that Israel aims to fragment Palestinian territories and block a viable Palestinian state. Germany and others have condemned the plan, warning it threatens long-term peace prospects.
UN urges daily aid to Gaza as starvation deaths climb
The UN World Food Program is calling for continuous aid to Gaza to prevent mass starvation, as hunger-related deaths rise to 193, including five new deaths in the past 24 hours. Gaza’s Interior Ministry warns that aid airdrops are causing injuries and fueling disorder, according to UN News.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed over 61,000 and wounded more than 151,000. In Israel, 1,139 were killed in the October 7 attacks, with over 200 taken captive.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has dismissed a Lebanese government plan to disarm.
Trump forms task force to oversee 2028 LA Olympics
President Donald Trump has set up a federal task force to prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, aiming to make the event “safe, seamless and historically successful”, Al Jazeera reported.
The group, including top officials like Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, will coordinate on security, visas, and transport.
Trump also praised the US Olympic Committee for its stance on transgender athletes, saying the US won’t let “men steal trophies from women.”
LA28 chair Casey Wasserman called the task force a key step in delivering an unforgettable Games. Trump also noted his excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, according to Al Jazeera.
Trump to announce Apple’s plan to invest $100bn in US manufacturing
Apple is set to announce a $100bn investment to expand manufacturing in the US, the White House said Wednesday.
The move aims to boost job creation and shift parts of Apple’s supply chain to the US. White House adviser Kevin Hassett called it a major win under President Trump’s efforts to reshore production, according to BBC.
The announcement is expected later today, with limited details so far. Apple shares rose over 3.8 percent following the news.
