The Israeli Security Cabinet convened early today and voted to expand military operations in Gaza, aiming to take control of Gaza City. This move targets one of the few remaining areas not entirely under military occupation.
According to the United Nations, approximately 90% of Gaza is currently under military control or inaccessible to Palestinians. Israeli officials detailed that the objective of this military strategy includes disarming Hamas, recovering hostages, and establishing Israeli security control in Gaza before the conflict comes to a close.
In an interview with Fox News prior to the cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel plans to take control of Gaza, it does not intend to keep it.
Public opinion surrounding this decision is divided. Many Israelis desire an end to the war, as noted by NPR’s Emily Feng. Significant opposition is emerging from within the military, while support for the expansion comes from right-wing constituents. Former peace negotiator Menachem Klein has argued that the Israeli army cannot effectively combat guerrilla warfare tactics in its own territory. Mahmoud Abdel Salam Ahmed, a resident preparing to flee Gaza City, expressed that this plan represents the most distressing news he has heard since the onset of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Vice President Vance traveled to Indiana yesterday for discussions on redistricting alongside Republican state officials. The ongoing struggle to redraw districts that could favor Republican candidates has begun in Texas, escalating tensions as Texas Democrats have opted to leave the state in protest against the GOP’s proposed congressional map changes.
In retaliation, Republican leaders have issued civil arrest warrants for the fleeing Democrat representatives. NPR’s Ashley Lopez notes that Vance’s engagement on redistricting suggests that the White House is determined to protect its political interests and ensure advantageous positioning for the party.
In states led by Republican governors, such as Ohio, new maps are necessary due to state laws, while Florida’s House speaker announced the establishment of a new redistricting committee. The White House has also reached out to Missouri to discuss potential changes to redistricting, indicating a coordinated strategy.
In response, Democratic states are considering measures to ensure they can also draw favorable district lines should the Republican-controlled states succeed in their redistricting efforts.
In a significant development, President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to devise a new census plan that would exclude millions of undocumented individuals residing in the U.S. This directive marks a potentially unprecedented shift in the methodology used for demographic data collection, which has been in place since the first census in 1790.
Census data plays a crucial role in determining congressional representation and the electoral process. During the 2020 census, efforts to exclude undocumented individuals failed, as noted by NPR’s Hansi Lo Wang. With preparations for the 2030 census already underway, no president possesses unilateral authority to authorize a new census; final authority rests with Congress.
A bill proposed by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene seeks to initiate a new census and redistribute House seats. The legislation aims to exclude residents without U.S. citizenship, including those holding green cards and undocumented residents, from the census count. Should such proposals gain traction, they are expected to face significant legal challenges.
In other news, former Jan. 6 defendant Jared Wise is now employed as a senior adviser for the Department of Justice, a surprising turn of events given his past involvement in urging rioters to “kill” police during the Capitol riots. NPR obtained police bodycam footage capturing Wise’s aggressive interactions with law enforcement, alongside a transcript of his testimony attempting to justify his behavior.
Notably, Wise was not convicted for his actions related to January 6, largely due to President Trump’s directive to cease prosecutions connected to the Capitol riots.
On a lighter note, this weekend’s cultural offerings highlight various engaging options. The horror film “Together” features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco portraying a couple with bodies that begin to fuse after exploring a mysterious cave, tackling themes of toxic codependency.
Fans of television can look forward to the return of the series “Wednesday” for its second season this week. To gear up for the new episodes, Pop Culture Happy Hour revisits earlier discussions focused on Wednesday Addams and her transition to the enigmatic Nevermore Academy.
For book lovers, “Manga: A New History of Japanese Comics” chronicles the evolution of manga, detailing its development from late 19th-century origins to its current popularity.
In music, Big Freedia’s latest album, “Pressing Onward,” showcases a blend of gospel elements with her signature bounce music style, which she has helped popularize. NPR’s Ari Shapiro engages with Freedia, exploring how her childhood experiences in church shaped her artistic journey.
Furthermore, social media influencers are reviving recession-era recipes, providing accessible, budget-friendly meal ideas to help individuals cook creatively while managing everyday costs.
Lastly, three notable announcements to consider before heading out include actor Dean Cain’s appointment as an honorary officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, highlighting his well-known role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”
The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival has reached its 23rd year, showcasing works from Black artists and bringing impactful narratives centered on Black life to the forefront, as NPR’s Eric Deggans notes.
New York City officials have recently announced the identification of remains belonging to three more victims of the 9/11 terror attacks, utilizing advanced DNA-analysis techniques. This ongoing effort to honor and recognize the lives lost continues to resonate deeply within the community.
image source from：npr
