The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday that calls for "urgent and extended" humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza and demands all parties involved in the war to comply with their obligations under international law and protect civilians.
Why it matters: It was the first time since the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7 that the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the war in Gaza.
The negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a possible deal to release hostages held in Gaza are focused on how many days Israel would allow for a ceasefire in exchange for Hamas releasing some hostages, three sources with knowledge of the talks tell Axios.
Why it matters: The indirect negotiations — conducted through a mediation effort led by Qatar — represent the most significant diplomatic effort now taking place that could lead to a pause in the fighting that began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
President Biden and China's leader Xi Jinping meeting Wednesday in San Francisco could help stabilize the relationship, but major obstacles stand in the way of true diplomatic breakthroughs, experts told Axios.
The big picture: Xi's authoritarian worldview and deeply divided U.S. domestic politics mean that neither leader may be able or willing to make significant compromises.
The U.S. and China agreed Tuesday night to jointly tackle aspects of human-caused climate change, including the promotion of renewable energy technologies.
Why it matters: The agreement marks the next level of bilateral engagement on climate between the world's two biggest emitters.
Chinese state media is highlighting the history of U.S.-China people-to-people ties and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's own positive experiences in the U.S. ahead of his meeting with President Biden this week.
Why it matters: It's the first time since Biden became president that Chinese state media has launched a sweeping pro-U.S. messaging campaign. The propaganda push, aimed at charming both domestic and U.S. audiences, signals Beijing may be serious about getting the U.S.-China relationship on more stable footing.
President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to meet Wednesday in San Francisco for the first time since the G20 summit in Indonesia last November.
The big picture: Biden has publicly sought to temper expectations for the four-hour meeting in San Francisco, but announcements on fentanyl, military communications and other key issues are expected, according to news reports.
The watermelon — a long-time symbol of Palestinian solidarity and resistance — has reemerged online, at protests and as part of artwork worldwide to support Palestinians as the war in Gaza intensifies.
Why it matters: The red, green, black and white fruit — which matches the colors on the Palestinian flag — has symbolized unity for over half a century. It's now accompanying calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and for greater Palestinian rights.
Climate change is set to cause a 4.7-fold surge in heat-related deaths by mid-century if government inaction on global warming continues, a report published Tuesday found.
The big picture: The world is on track for 2.7°C (4.86°F) of heating by 2100 unless swift action is taken to lower emissions, according to the annual Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report.
The U.S. has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups are using the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip and other medical facilities for military activities and holding hostages, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday.
Why it matters: The Al-Shifa Hospital has become a focal point in the Israel-Hamas war. Its grounds have become a refuge for thousands of displaced people, while Israeli officials have claimed it houses Hamas' headquarters and parts of the group's extensive tunnel system around Gaza. Hamas has denied those claims.
Israel plans to allow trucks used by the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) in Gaza to refuel at the Rafah crossing on Wednesday, according to four U.S. and Israeli sources.
Why it matters: The UN, other aid groups and hospitals have said they desperately need fuel to deliver aid to those in need in Gaza or to run generators that have been powering hospitals.
Tens of thousands marchedin Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to support Israel's military campaign against Hamas.
Why it matters: The "March for Israel" comes nearly six weeks after Hamas attacked Israel, as the death toll in Gaza continues to climb and the dire humanitarian crisis there deepens.
Single Latinas who live alone have among the lowest rates of ownership of any group in the U.S. due to low-wage jobs and a housing market that needs more regulation, experts tell Axios Latino.
The big picture:Home ownership is seen by many as a pathway to wealth building — and rent in many cities has skyrocketed.
Community organizations that serve and are led by people of color are banding together to secure some of the billions of federal dollars earmarked for environmental and climate causes.
Why it matters: People of color are disproportionately affected by climate change and pollution, yet funding for programs that would help them has largely gone to large, national groups instead of community-led ones, sources say.
President Biden said on Tuesday he thinks that a deal to free dozens of hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza "is going to happen."
Driving the news: The U.S. and Israel are negotiating through Qatar with Hamas a deal that could see the release of about 80 women and children who were kidnapped during the Oct. 7 attack.
The White House sent an urgent message last week to trade negotiators in San Francisco who were racing to reach an agreement on part of President Biden's trade plan with 13 Pacific Rim nations: Slow down.
Why it matters: The new order has thrown into question the president's commitment to a key section of his signature trade effort, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), according to three people familiar with the issue.
