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ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus in a prime-time interview on NBC after lifting the Lions to a win over the Texans with a 52-yard field goal as time expired. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his Christian faith. “This doesn’t happen without Jesus and by this, I mean any of this, like, living doesn’t happen without Jesus dying on the cross,” Bates said recently at the team’s practice facility. “He put us on a stage to glorify his name.” The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way. Quarterbacks C.J. Stroud of Houston, Kirk Cousins of Atlanta and Lamar Jackson of Baltimore along with Ravens coach John Harbaugh are among the many in the league who speak publicly about their Christian beliefs. Stroud, in particular, has been a source of inspiration for Bates. He especially admires how the quarterback regularly credits Jesus at press conferences. “What he’s been able to do in the media and spreading Jesus’ love has been awesome to see,” Bates said. Harbaugh started his latest postgame news conference, reminding reporters and anyone watching or listening that Christmas was coming up and shared the prayer the Ravens had just heard in the locker room. “It’s a big football week, all right? It’s also a big life week,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a big spiritual week.” Cousins has professed his faith publicly, dating back to his college years at Michigan State and continuing in the NFL with Washington, Minnesota and the Falcons. “We all have a platform,” Cousins said earlier this month. “We all try to steward it the best we can. I just want to be able to give a reason to people who ask for the hope that I have. Although Christianity is the dominate religion at all levels of the sport, some Jewish and Muslim players have also used their platform to publicly share their faith. Recently, for example, Jake Retzlaff became the first Jewish quarterback to play for Brigham Young University, the Utah private school run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has embraced his role as an ambassador of Judaism in football. In the NFL, Bates’ story is perhaps one of the most unique in league history. He grew up about 30 miles northwest of Houston in Tomball, Texas, and played soccer at Central Arkansas before switching sports and transferring twice. Bates was a kickoff specialist for two seasons at Texas State and for one year at Arkansas, earning All-SEC honors in 2022. His hometown Texans signed him on Aug. 1, 2023, and waived him 11 days later to send him searching for a new career in the brick business. “I was still in training, so I hadn’t even sold new bricks yet,” he said. “But that’s what I was getting ready to do.” Bates, though, wasn’t ready to hang up his cleats for good and went to an XFL showcase in fall of 2023. “My last shot,” he said. Bates did enough to get signed by the Michigan Panthers and made three field goals from at least 60 yards while playing for them in the United Football League, a team that shares the same home field with the Lions. Bates believes it was divine intervention. He has made the most of the opportunity, making game-winning kicks against NFC North rivals Minnesota and Green Bay as well as Houston. He earned the NFC special teams player of the month honors in November. While playing football is his job, it is not Bates’ calling. “I’m not here to make kicks or miss kicks,” he said. “I think I’m here to spread the love of Jesus. So, however long he gives me this stage, that’s what I plan to do.”
Jonah Goldberg: What if most Americans aren't bitterly divided?Nick Knowles is forced to pay for his knee surgery after Strictly 'refused' and pleas 'I'm hoping they will help with rehab' as he's supported by fiancée Katie Dadzie Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By LILY JOBSON FOR MAILONLINE Published: 18:49 EST, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 18:51 EST, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Nick Knowles was forced to pay for his knee surgery after Strictly Come Dancing 'refused' to pay up. The DIY SOS star, 62, had to pull out of this years live shows in October after badly injuring his knee during rehearsals. After going through two major operations to help him 'walk normally again', Nick pleaded the BBC to help out with rehab costs. According to The Sun , in a now-edited post, he said: 'Thank you for all the amazing messages. To answer a few questions . . . the brace helps keep it stable as I recover. 'No, Strictly insurance did not cover the operations. I paid for them myself but I’m hoping they will help with rehab.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC for a comment. Nick Knowles, 62, has been forced to pay for his knee surgery after Strictly Come Dancing 'refused' to pay up After going through two major operations to help him 'walk normally again', Nick pleaded the BBC to help out with rehab costs (pictured with fiancée Katie Dadzie) The DIY SOS star had to pull out of this years live shows in October after badly injuring his knee during rehearsals Earlier this week, Nick revealed he's learning to walk 'normally' again as he shared a candid clip of himself attempting to walk up the stairs using crutches, with the assistance of a medical professional. In the video, Nick is also padded out with knee and elbow braces as he slowly takes it step by step, admitting he hopes to be 'back to 100% fitness' by August 2025. Updating his 312,000 followers, he wrote in the caption: 'So it wasn’t on my letter to Santa for two major operations - one to reattach my bicep and a second to build a new ACL and mend two years in the meniscus. 'Thank you to my two magnificently talented surgeons - Mr Ahrens for the bicep and Mr Jig Patel for the knee. 'Three types of knee brace and one type of elbow brace - crutches - game ready ice and pressure machine - pressure leggings - physio stretching out for months ahead but I want to be walking normally by start of February for the next DIYSOS.' He added: 'Katie my fiancee has been patient and supportive and amazingly patient with me - the worst patient in the world. 'It’s been frustrating and very expensive but I’m determined to get back to 100% fitness which I hope will be around August 2025. Thanks for all the well wishes and encouragement - happy new year all.' It comes after Nick took to his Instagram to explain his absence from the Strictly final earlier this month. In a now-edited post, he said: 'Thank you for all the amazing messages. To answer a few questions . . . the brace helps keep it stable as I recover. No, Strictly insurance did not cover the operations. I paid for them myself but I’m hoping they will help with rehab' Nick was supported by Katie as they stepped out for a brief walk in Berkshire on Sunday Nick looked visibly in pain as he struggled to walk on crutches The lovebirds packed on the PDA during the outing The DIY SOS star filmed himself watching the live show from the comfort of Katie's home in Berkshire. Nick revealed he wasn't appearing on the show or in the group dance after having a knee operation two days before for the injury he sustained while competing in the competition. He firstly suffered a shoulder injury when he was changing a tyre on his car and then a failed knee jump during a dance rehearsal left him on crutches. The presenter told his followers: 'Hello everyone. So it's Saturday night, and the big final is on TV. I'm watching it, same as you, but from home rather than being in the studio because, unfortunately, I had a big arm operation, and I've now also had a big leg operation. 'As a result, I'm only two days out from surgery, so I can't be there. 'But I'm sat here watching the amazing show like you, wishing the best of luck to my buddies - JB, Sarah, Chris, and Tasha - who all deserve to be champions, so I hope they all do great. 'Thank you for all your lovely well-wishes and for wishing me a speedy recovery. I'm really sorry I can't be there with all the others too. It's been the most wonderful experience. 'Merry Christmas to all of you, happy New Year, and congratulations to whoever wins the final.' Nick revealed he's learning to walk 'normally' again as he shared a candid clip of himself attempting to walk up the stairs using crutches, with the assistance of a medical professional View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nick Knowles (@nickknowles) Updating his 312,000 followers, he wrote in the caption: 'So it wasn’t on my letter to Santa for two major operations' He thanked his 'two magnificently talented surgeons - Mr Ahrens for the bicep and Mr Jig Patel for the knee' (pictured in October) Disaster first struck for Nick during a dress rehearsal with Strictly pro partner Luba Mushtuk, which reportedly saw the star do a jump and take a bad landing Alongside the clip, he penned: 'So I can't be there at the final because I'm only two days out of surgery and it was quite a big operation on my knee - for those that want to know it was a full ACL reconstruction and two meniscus repairs which included harvesting a replacement tendon from my hamstring - and I'm still recovering from the operation to re attach my distal bicep which makes moving on crutches difficult too. 'I had to have the operation now to be mobile and ready to start filming on @BBCDIYSOS at the beginning of February. 'Lots of rehab and work with physios to come but I will go at it as hard as I did the dance training and success will be managed in stages. 'First to be able to walk without crutches, climb stairs, walk safely on uneven ground by February and then dance too as I have to be able to do my first dance at my wedding in June and I'm assured if I work hard I will be back to 100% as good as new in about 8 months 'Best of luck to my buddies competing tonight and those who are back together in studio. I loved the dancing and the cameraderie - the injuries not so much. 'Merry Xmas to you all and thank you for your wonderful messages wishing me to get well soon. 'I've got some great work coming this year with more amazing DIY SOS shows - two of which we have filmed already and so many wonderful families to introduce you to - there's two amazing travel shows through Mongolia coming soon too which is epic and beautiful and full of amazing people. 'So as I lay on the sofa looking like half a Darth Vader with all the added robot attachments I wish you a happy Christmas and an adventurous and fun new year. See you in 2025.' It comes after Nick took to his Instagram to explain his absence from the Strictly final earlier this month The star filmed himself watching the live show from the comfort of his fiancée Katie Dadzie's home in Berkshire Nick has kept his followers up to date with his operation He wrote: 'Lots of rehab and work with physios to come but I will go at it as hard as I did the dance training and success will be managed in stages' Nick is hoping he will recover in time for his first dance at his wedding to Katie next summer. He shared: 'We've booked our wedding for next summer and the plan is for us to be able to do a first dance. It won't be a full Strictly routine but I'm determined to have a special dance with Katie.' The TV veteran praised his 'amazing' Katie for taking him to his hospital appointments and even 'putting his trousers on' as he can't do that himself at the moment. Strictly Come Dancing Nick Knowles Share or comment on this article: Nick Knowles is forced to pay for his knee surgery after Strictly 'refused' and pleas 'I'm hoping they will help with rehab' as he's supported by fiancée Katie Dadzie e-mail Add comment
Hutson has five assists, defending champ U.S. routs Germany 10-4 at world juniors OTTAWA — Defenceman Cole Hutson had five assists as United States opened its defence of its gold medal with a resounding 10-4 win over Germany on Thursday as the 2025 world junior hockey championship got underway. Canadian Press Dec 26, 2024 2:47 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Sweden forward Otto Stenberg (25) and teammate Rasmus Bergqvist (2) celebrate Axel Sandin-Pellikka's (4) hat-trick goal during third period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship preliminary round action against Slovakia, in Ottawa, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby OTTAWA — Defenceman Cole Hutson had five assists as United States opened its defence of its gold medal with a resounding 10-4 win over Germany on Thursday as the 2025 world junior hockey championship got underway. James Hagens had two goals and two assists while Gabe Perreault and Brodie Ziemer also scored twice for the Americans, who are considered among the favourites in Ottawa. Trevor Connelly, Brandon Svoboda, Carey Terrance and Cole Eiserman also scored for the Americans. Julius Sumpf, David Lewandowski, Lenny Boos and Timo Ruckdaschel scored for Germany. Trey Augustine made 18 saves for the U.S., while a busy Nico Pertuch stopped 46 shots. Germany next plays Finland on Friday, while the U.S. has a day off before facing Latvia on Saturday. Earlier, defenceman Axel Sandin Pellikka scored a natural hat trick as Sweden kicked off the tournament with a 5-2 rout of Slovakia. Sandin Pellikka, a Detroit Red Wings prospect playing in hist third world juniors, added an assist for Sweden, which is looking for its first title since 2012. Rasmus Bergqvist and Linus Eriksson had the other goals for Sweden. Dalibor Dvorsky had a goal just under 12 minutes into the game to open the scoring for Slovakia, which was then held without a goal until Daniel Jencko scored on a power play with 85 seconds left in regulation. Sweden plays Kazakhstan and Slovakia meets Switzerland on Friday. In other games Thursday, Czechia played Switzerland and host Canada took on Finland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 26, 2024. The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Junior Hockey Canada set to take on Finland as world junior championship gets underway Dec 26, 2024 1:00 AM Canadian world junior goalie Carter George uses music to drown out pressure Dec 25, 2024 2:56 PM McKenna to Martone: 10 players to watch at the world junior hockey championship Dec 24, 2024 8:27 AM
Final 2024 House race decided with Democrats scoring net gain CBS News has projected a winner for the last race in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats scored a net gain from their last term to create a narrow GOP majority in the chamber. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall joins "America Decides" to examine the state of the 119th Congress.Klubnik's 3 TD passes, DT Page's pick-6 lead No. 17 Clemson to 51-14 win over The CitadelTrump supports Musk in H-1B skilled worker visa debate
The International Criminal Court on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and a Hamas military leader, and crimes against humanity. The announcement came as health officials in the Gaza Strip said the death toll from between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The ICC panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both Netanyahu and his ex-defense minister bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. Israel’s war has caused heavy destruction across Gaza, decimated parts of the territory and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive. Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, . Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here’s the Latest: UNITED NATIONS -- The U.N. humanitarian chief for Gaza is warning that the delivery of critical food, water, fuel and medical supplies is grinding to a halt throughout the territory and “the survival of two million people hangs in the balance.” Muhannad Hadi said in a statement Thursday that Israeli authorities have been banning commercial imports for more than six weeks and at the same time thefts from humanitarian convoys by armed individuals have surged. “In 2024, U.N. trucks have been looted 75 times –- including 15 such attacks since Nov. 4 alone –- and armed people have broken into U.N. facilities on 34 occasions,” he said. Last week, one driver was shot in the head and hospitalized along with another truck driver, Hadi said. And on Saturday 98 trucks were looted in a single attack which saw the vehicles damaged or stolen. The Gaza humanitarian coordinator said bakeries are closing because of lack of flour or fuel to operate generators. “Palestinian civilians are struggling to survive under unlivable conditions, amid relentless hostilities,” Hadi said. He demanded the immediate improvement of security and conditions throughout Gaza to allow the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid “through lawful means.” Israel says it puts no limit on the supplies permitted into Gaza, and it blames the U.N. distribution system. But Israel’s official figures show the amount of aid it has let in has plunged since the beginning of October. The U.N has blamed Israeli military restrictions, along with widespread lawlessness that has led to theft of aid shipments. WASHINGTON — The White House fundamentally rejects the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. She said the Biden administration was “deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.” The Biden administration has increased its warnings and appeals to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to spare civilians in airstrikes and other attacks, and to allow more aid to reach Gaza. However, a 30-day Biden administration deadline came and went earlier this month for Israel to meet specific U.S. targets to improve trapped in the war. U.S. demands included that Israel lift a near-total ban on delivery of aid to hard-hit north Gaza for starving civilians there. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — The three children were playing outside a cluster of tents housing displaced people in the Gaza Strip when an Israeli airstrike killed them, along with six other people. It’s become a grim, near-daily ritual more than 13 months into the Israel-Hamas war, which local health authorities said Thursday has killed over 44,000 Palestinians. Israel carries out frequent strikes against what it says are militants hiding in civilian areas, and women and children are nearly always among the dead. Wednesday’s strike killed Hamza al-Qadi, 7, his brother Abdulaziz, 5, and their sister Laila, 4, in a tent camp in the southern city of Khan Younis. Areej al-Qadi, their mother, says they were playing outside when they were killed. “All that’s left of them are their notebooks, their books and a blood-stained jacket,” she said as she broke into tears. “They were children who did nothing.” The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment on the strike. Gaza’s Health Ministry said Thursday that 44,056 Palestinians have been killed and 104,268 wounded since the start of the war, which was ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack into Israel. Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people that day, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 people. The Health Ministry does not say how many of those killed in Gaza were fighters but says women and children make up more than half the fatalities. Israel, which rarely comments on individual strikes, says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Hours after the ministry announced the latest toll, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and a Hamas military leader. Mahmoud bin Hassan, the children’s father, said he buried them on Thursday. He asked when the international community would take action to stop the war. “When the entire Palestinian population has been killed?” he said. NEW YORK — Human Rights Watch applauded the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants issued Thursday against both Israeli and Hamas officials. The warrants “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement. The New York-based rights group earlier this month released a report saying Israel has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, including massive forced displacements that amount to ethnic cleansing. JERUSALEM — Israeli prosecutors have charged a former aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with leaking classified documents to international media, apparently to protect the Israeli leader from criticism as a hostage deal was collapsing. Eli Feldstein, a former media adviser to Netanyahu, was charged Thursday with leaking classified information with the intent of harming state security and obstruction of justice. The leaked documents are said to have formed the basis of a widely discredited article in the London-based Jewish Chronicle — — suggesting Hamas planned to spirit hostages out of Gaza through Egypt, and an article in Germany’s Bild newspaper that said Hamas was drawing out the hostage talks as a form of psychological warfare on Israel. Critics say the leaks were aimed at giving Netanyahu political cover as the case-fire talks ground to a halt. Some have accused Netanyahu of resisting a deal in to preserve his governing coalition, which includes hard-line members who have threatened to bring down the government if he makes concessions to Hamas. The leaks came at a time of public uproar over the deaths of six hostages who were killed by their Hamas captors as Israeli soldiers were closing in. The indictment said the leaks were meant “to create media influence on the public discourse in Israel in regards to the handling of the hostage situation, after the news of the murder of six hostages.” The indictment identified two other Netanyahu aides as being connected to the scheme, but only Feldstein and an unidentified reservist in Israeli military intelligence were charged. Netanyahu, who denies the accusations, has not been identified as a suspect in the burgeoning investigation. Israeli media say if convicted, Feldstein could potentially face life in prison. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military has launched an investigation into the death of a 70-year-old Israeli man who entered Lebanon with Israeli forces and was killed in a Hezbollah ambush. Investigators are trying to determine, among other things, who allowed Zeev Erlich into the combat zone with the forces and why he was permitted to enter. According to Israeli media reports, Erlich was not on active duty when he was shot, but was wearing a military uniform and had a weapon. The army said he was a reservist with the rank of major and identified him as a “fallen soldier” when it announced his death. Erlich was a well-known West Bank settler and researcher of Jewish history. Media reports said Erlich was permitted to enter Lebanon to explore a local archaeological site. The army said a 20-year-old soldier was killed in the same incident, while an officer was badly wounded. The army announced Thursday that the chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has appointed a team of experts “to examine and strengthen operational discipline and military culture” following the incident. It said its commander for northern Israel, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, would launch a separate “command inquiry,” while Israeli military police conduct a separate probe. Such investigations can lead to criminal charges. BEIRUT — At least 29 people were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes on different towns and villages across Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state-run media. In eastern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed 26 people in six different towns in Baalbek province, the health ministry and the National News Agency said. In Tyre province, southern Lebanon, three people were killed in an Israeli strike, the health ministry said. The health ministry Wednesday said that over 3,550 people have been killed in the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel, the majority following Israel’s escalation in late September. The European Union's foreign policy chief has underlined that the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas officials are a legal and not political matter, and that they are binding on all 27 EU member countries and other signatories to the ICC to implement. “The tragedy in Gaza has to stop," Josep Borrell told reporters during a visit to Jordan. “It is not a political decision. It is the decision of an international court of justice, and the decision of the court has to be respected, and implemented.” “This decision is a binding decision on all state parties of the court, which include all members of the European Union," he added. ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling partyhas welcomed the decision by the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamn Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calling it a judgement made for the sake of “humanity.” Omer Celik, spokesman for the Erdogan’s party, said on the social media platform X that Netanyahu and Gallant would “eventually be held accountable for genocide.” Celik also criticised Israeli officials who described the ICC decision as antisemitic. Turkey is among the most vocal critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and has submitted a formal request to join a genocide case that South Africa has filed against Israel at the U.N.’s International Court of Justice. Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, whose country hosts the International Criminal Court, has confirmed The Netherlands would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he arrived on Dutch soil. “The line from the government is clear. We are obliged to cooperate with the ICC ... we abide 100% by the Rome Statute,” he said in response to a question in parliament Thursday. Other European officials were more cautious. In France, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said he supported the International Criminal Court's prosecutor but declined to comment when asked more specifically if France would arrest Netanyahu if he were to step on French soil. “Today, combating impunity is our priority. We ratified the ICC Statute in 2000 and have consistently supported the court’s actions. Our response will align with these principles,” Christophe Lemoine told reporters at a press conference. Lemoine added that the warrants were “a complex legal issue ... It’s a situation that requires a lot of legal precautions.” In Italy, the foreign and justice ministries didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment about whether Italy, an ICC member which hosted the Rome conference that gave birth to the court, would honor the arrest warrant. Premier Giorgia Meloni hosted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in March 2023 and has strongly supported Israel since Oct. 7, while providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. JERUSALEM — Israel’s mostly ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, has called the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a dark day for justice. A dark day for humanity.” In a post on X, he said the international court “has chosen the side of terror and evil over democracy and freedom, and turned the very system of justice into a human shield for Hamas’ crimes against humanity." Israel Katz, Israel’s new defense minister, said the decision was “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.” He said it “serves Iran, the head of the snake, and its proxies.” Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, also condemned the decision, saying it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.” Hamas has welcomed the decision by the International Criminal Court to issue warrants against Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, calling it an “important and historic precedent” after what it said was decades of injustice at the hands of a “fascist occupation.” The statement did not refer to the warrants issued for the militant group’s own leaders. Hamas called on all nations to “cooperate with the court in bringing the Zionist war criminals, Netanyahu and Gallant, to justice, and to work immediately to stop the crimes of genocide against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip.” DEIR AL-BALAH, The Gaza Strip — Bakeries have reopened in the central Gaza Strip after being closed for several days because of flour shortages. The shortages appear to have been linked to by armed men in southern Gaza last weekend. Associated Press footage showed a crowd of hundreds pushing and shouting outside a bakery in the central city of Deir al-Balah on Thursday. The day before the reopening, the price of a bag of 15 loaves of pita bread had climbed above $13. “In my house, there is not a morsel of bread, and the children are hungry,” said Sultan Abu Sultan, who was displaced from northern Gaza during the war. The amount of aid entering Gaza plunged in October as Israel launched a major offensive in the isolated north, where . Hunger is widespread across the territory, even in central Gaza where aid groups have more access. Humanitarian organizations say Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting and the breakdown of law and order make it difficult to deliver assistance. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people. Hundreds of thousands are crammed into tent camps with little in the way of public services and are reliant on international food aid. NICOSIA — The president of Cyprus says the European Union must play a bigger role in the Middle East as it can no longer stand by as an observer. President Nikos Christodoulides said the 27-member bloc needs to establish closer ties with countries that bolster regional stability like Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf states. “The conflict in the Middle East is taking place on the EU’s doorstep, in an area of vital interest to the bloc’s interests, where any escalation or regional spillover will have significant consequences on its security and stability,” Christodoulides told an Economist conference in the Cypriot capital. Christodoulides said EU member Cyprus for years has tried to get this message across to Brussels. The island nation earlier this year was the staging ground for a maritime corridor delivering some 20,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The EU is wracked by members’ divisions over how peace should come about in the Middle East THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian territory. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects and is likely to further isolate them and complicate efforts to negotiate a cease-fire to end the 13-month conflict. But its practical implications could be limited since Israel and its major ally, the United States, are not members of the court and several of the Hamas officials have been subsequently killed in the conflict. Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have previously condemned ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for the warrants as disgraceful and antisemitic. U.S. President Joe Biden also blasted the prosecutor and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas also slammed the request. The death toll in the Gaza Strip from between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000, local health officials said Thursday. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The Health Ministry said 44,056 people have been killed and 104,268 wounded since the start of the war. It has said the real toll is higher because thousands of bodies are buried under rubble or in areas that medics cannot access. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, . Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year. Around 90% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people have been displaced, often multiple times, and hundreds of thousands are living in squalid tent camps with little food, water or basic services. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames their deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in residential areas, where they have built tunnels, rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. JERUSALEM — A rocket fired from Lebanon killed a man and wounded two others in northern Israel on Thursday, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service. The service said paramedics found the body of the man in his 30s near a playground in the town of Nahariya, near the border with Lebanon, after a rocket attack on Thursday. Israel meanwhile struck targets in southern Lebanon and several buildings south of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, after warning people to evacuate.WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. The announcement caps a turbulent eight-day period in which Trump sought to capitalize on his decisive election win to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz, who had been investigated by the Justice Department before being tapped last week to lead it. The decision could heighten scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth , who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support, said in a statement. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added. Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” He did not immediately announce a new selection. Last week, he named personal lawyers Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and D. John Sauer to senior roles in the department. Another possible contender, Matt Whitaker, was announced Wednesday as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. The withdrawal, just a week after the pick was announced, averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump’s Cabinet picks. The selection of the fierce Trump ally over well-regarded veteran lawyers whose names had circulated as possible contenders stirred concern for the Justice Department's independence at a time when Trump has openly threatened to seek retribution against political adversaries. It underscored the premium Trump places on personal loyalty and reflected the president-elect's desire to have a disruptor lead a Justice Department that for years investigated and ultimately indicted him. In the Senate, deeply skeptical lawmakers sought more information about Justice Department and congressional investigations into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls, which Gaetz has denied. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker with limited legal experience who has echoed Trump's claims of a weaponized criminal justice system. As Gaetz sought to lock down Senate support, concern over the sex trafficking allegations showed no signs of abating. In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18. "They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday of his clients. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department’s investigation ended last year with no charges against him. Gaetz’s political future is uncertain. He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected as attorney general, a move seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025, but he said in his resignation letter last week to House Speaker Mike Johnson that he did not intend to take the oath of office. He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state launched a special election process to fill the vacancy. Republicans on the House Ethics Committee declined this week to release the panel's findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, called it a “positive move." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hoped that Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.” Gaetz is not the only Trump pick facing congressional scrutiny over past allegations. A detailed investigative police report made public Wednesday shows that a woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth, the former Fox News host now tapped to lead the Pentagon, after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday at the Capitol, where he was meeting with senators to build support for his nomination. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Adriana Gomez Licon contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum (HMFF) in Tel Aviv is a civil, volunteer-based organisation focused on the safe return of all hostages held by the terrorist organisation Hamas. Through all available channels the HMFF will not rest until they are all back home. A small group of Sydney women have recently joined together to raise funds for the HMFF. Entrepreneurs Jo Bloch and Nicky Jackson are two of the Sydney group who worked closely with Israeli Itay Shenberger from the HMFF network to help create a new project, Bring Back the Light Australia “This upcoming holiday of Chanukah, we will light an extra candle for the hostages’ return, placing it beside the menorah,” explained Shenberger. “For over a year now, we have all carried a flame of hope in our hearts, yearning for the return of our dearest loved ones. “We are doing everything we can to keep that flame burning at its brightest. “Now, we call on the Jewish communities in Australia to help banish the darkness. “This Chanukah let us spread light and advocate for their return through special candleholders.” The HMFF had candle holders especially created in Israel from the same material as the dog tags worn by IDF soldiers. Each candle holder is supplied with eight yellow candles, one for each night of Chanukah, for a donation of $50. “Help us spread the light, when you put a match to the candles this Chanukah, by praying for the safe return of our hostages and by sharing your images on social media tagged with #BringBackTheLight #BringThemHomeNow.” Shenberger added. Every cent raised from sales will be donated to the HMFF in Israel, helping to provide material support to released hostages and families of hostages. “This will increase awareness and show the world that we stand with the hostages and their families, bringing light to their darkness and strengthening the global call for their release. “Our group has committed to buying 1000 candle packs and we are hoping to raise $50,000.” Shenberger said. “By making a $50 tax deductible donation to the Chai Charitable Foundation (a registered charity) you will receive one candle pack from the Hostage Forum together with an email listing information on various pick-up points across Sydney and Melbourne,” he added.ROSEN, TOP RANKED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Unisys Corporation Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation - UISNone
President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday tapped Federal Trade Commissioner Andrew Ferguson to lead the consumer protection and antitrust agency. Ferguson has said the agency should tackle perceived censorship of conservative viewpoints online. If social media platforms collaborate to suppress such views or advertisers coordinate pulling business from platforms such as Elon Musk's X, they should be charged with violating U.S. antitrust law, Ferguson has said. "We must vigorously enforce the antitrust laws against any platforms found to be unlawfully limiting Americans' ability to exchange ideas freely and openly," Ferguson said in a recent statement . The agency became a political flashpoint under FTC Chair Lina Khan, who promoted antitrust enforcement as a check on corporate power. Her efforts won fans among some Republicans, including incoming Vice President JD Vance , but drew criticism as overly aggressive from some antitrust lawyers and business groups. Her successor will inherit a full slate of cases against Big Tech companies, a lawsuit against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers , and at least a half dozen lawsuits by companies arguing it has outstripped its authority. It is unclear whether the incoming chair would continue with unfinished probes, including into practices at Microsoft , that competitors have complained keep customers from switching to other cloud service providers, and potential privacy concerns involving OpenAI. New leadership could also shift course in two major FTC cases against Amazon.com. One takes aim at practices the agency says keep sellers bound to its platform and help Amazon unlawfully dominate the landscape for online marketplaces, and another over practices allegedly meant to trick Prime subscribers out of cancelling service. The new FTC chair would also oversee a case brought against Meta Platforms, then known as Facebook, in 2020, during Trump's first term. The agency is seeking to unwind its acquisition of Instagram and Whatsapp. But the judge overseeing the case has cast doubt on whether the agency can prevail at trial in April. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington and Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Jasper Ward and Rosalba O'Brien)Boeing is resuming production of its bestselling plane, the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. The company said Tuesday that plane-building resumed at its plant in Renton, Washington, after going through a process of training workers and identifying and fixing potential problems. Boeing shares rose 4.5%, their best single-day percentage gain in nearly four months. Production and deliveries of Max jets and another airline plane, the 787 Dreamliner, have been stopped several times in recent years to fix manufacturing flaws. “Our team has worked methodically to restart factory operations in the Pacific Northwest. We have now resumed 737 production in our Renton factory, with our Everett (Washington) programs on plan to follow in the days ahead," the company said in a statement. Boeing builds its 777 and 767 jets in Everett, north of Seattle. Separately, the company said it took orders for 49 planes in November but lost an order by U.K. carrier TUI for 14 Max jets. It delivered 13 planes, down from 56 a year earlier. Ever since a panel called a door plug blew off a Max operated by Alaska Airlines in January, the Federal Aviation Administration has capped Boeing’s production of Max jets to 38 per month. Boeing hopes to convince regulators that it has corrected quality and safety issues and can raise that number to 56 planes per month. Boeing has been losing money since 2019, after two Max jets crashed, killing 346 people. It needs the cash it earns from delivering new planes to begin digging out of a deep financial hole . New CEO Kelly Ortberg has announced plans to lay off about 17,000 workers and sell new stock to raise cash and prevent the company’s credit rating from sliding into junk status.