The Biden administration has grown extremely concerned that escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in recent days will deteriorate into an all-out war — and is scrambling to prevent it, according to U.S. officials.
Why it matters: Amid the highly sensitive push to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza, a full-blown war with the Lebanese militant group would dramatically exacerbate the regional crisis and draw the U.S. deeper into the conflict.
The U.S. expanded sanctions against Russia on Wednesday in an attempt to "degrade" its wartime economy amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, the State Department announced.
Why it matters: The move is intended to pressure Russia and hinder its ability to continue the war effort against Ukraine.
Israel's top general met earlier this week in Bahrain with his counterparts from several Arab militaries to discuss regional security cooperation, two sources with direct knowledge of the meeting told Axios.
Why it matters: The low-profile meeting, which took place under the auspices of U.S. Central Command, hasn't been publicly disclosed because of the regional political sensitivities around the war in Gaza.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken said Wednesday that Hamas has not accepted the U.S.-backed proposal for a hostage and ceasefire deal and presented "numerous changes" that go beyond its previous positions.
Why it matters: The U.S. and international mediators see the proposal as the best chance to end eight months of war. About 120 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza and more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
Four American college instructors from Iowa were stabbed in a public park in China on Monday, according to both their university and Chinese officials.
Why it matters: Though the motive remains unclear, Chinese police said Tuesday that a suspect had been arrested in connection to the attack.
Pope Francis will host some of the world's top comedians at the Vatican on Friday — including Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock and Stephen Colbert, the Vatican announced.
Why it matters: The pope "has acknowledged the power the art of comedy has to contribute to a more empathetic and sympathetic world," the Vatican News notes.
Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal for a hostage and ceasefire deal, two Israeli officials tell Axios. Hamas has not confirmed the Israeli claim.
Why it matters: President Biden laid out the the details of the proposal in a speech two weeks ago. Since then, the White House has been mobilizing international pressure on Hamas to accept the deal.
A new book takes readers deep inside the world of gun smuggling from the U.S. to Mexico, a major contributor to violence south of the border.
Why it matters: It's estimated up to half a million weapons are smuggled every year down to Mexico, which has seen spiking gun violence despite strict regulations.
A Latina author who was the firstwinner of a publishing prize for diverse voices says more Hispanics should strive to write their stories no matter how long it takes to become a book.
Why it matters: Latinos are still severely underrepresented in publishing.
A growing part of the Latino electorate is relating less to the Democratic Party and more tothe GOP because of blue-collar economic issues, an anti-Trump Republican consultant says in an upcoming book.
The big picture: The gradual shift makes Latinos the new "Reagan Democrats"— moderate Democrats in the 1980s who supported President Ronald Reagan — and may change assumptions of race and politics that both parties aren't prepared to face, author Mike Madrid argues.
Women translators are helping fuel a new Latin American literary boom.
Why it matters: The translators' work is helping many current authors — most of whom are also women — resonate beyond the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world.
Both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups may have committed war crimes in relation to the holding and freeing of hostages, the United Nations warned Tuesday.
Why it matters: The rebuke comes after Israel conducted a military operation this weekend to rescue four hostages being held by Hamas in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza.
