Israel has shifted its military focus to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a group backed by Iran, following attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah. Recent Israeli strikes targeted Yemen's Sanaa airport and other Houthi-controlled sites in response to Houthi rocket attacks. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides. Israel plans to address the U.N. Security Council, seeking condemnation of the Houthis. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, part of a broader Middle East tension involving Iran-backed groups, has significant implications for regional stability and international commerce, with the U.S. also taking action against the Houthis.

The Trump administration's proposal to potentially deploy U.S. troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels and manage immigration has raised concerns among Mexican officials. The nomination of Ronald D. Johnson, a former military officer and CIA official, as ambassador to Mexico signals a focus on security and immigration enforcement. This move aligns with Trump's broader strategy of strengthening ties with right-wing governments in Latin America. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who opposes a military-heavy approach, may face challenges in maintaining cooperative relations with the U.S. amid these developments. The article highlights the potential economic and diplomatic repercussions of Trump's policies on U.S.-Mexico relations.

Transgender individuals working in the U.S. government express concern over potential policy reversals under President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously opposed transgender rights. The article highlights the apprehension within the community, particularly regarding military service and healthcare access. Key figures like Bree Fram and Rachel Levine emphasize resilience and advocacy, while legal challenges are anticipated against any restrictive measures. The article also notes historical and ongoing efforts to support LGBTQ+ rights within federal institutions.

Israel conducted limited airstrikes on Iran, targeting military sites near Tehran, in retaliation for Iran's missile attack on Israel. The strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian areas, following U.S. advice to prevent further escalation. Western nations, including the U.S., urged de-escalation to avoid a broader Middle East conflict. Iran downplayed the damage and emphasized its right to self-defense, while analysts noted Iran's reluctance to provoke a full-scale war. The situation remains volatile, with both nations in a reactive stance, and the potential for further conflict persists.

The term 'apartheid' has been used by pro-Palestinian activists to describe Israel's treatment of Palestinians, a comparison that has sparked debate among human rights experts. The concept of apartheid originated with South Africa's National Party in 1948, establishing a racial hierarchy to maintain white dominance. This system enforced strict racial segregation and discrimination, raising questions about its applicability to the Israeli-Palestinian context.

The Biden administration abstained from vetoing a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, signaling frustration with Israel's actions during the five-month conflict. The resolution, which passed 14-0, calls for a two-week halt to fighting during Ramadan and the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled a planned delegation to Washington in response. The U.S. abstention reflects its isolation in supporting Israel unconditionally and domestic pressure from Democratic voters. The resolution aims to facilitate a permanent cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian aid, with Hamas expressing readiness for a hostage-prisoner exchange. Over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with warnings of imminent famine.

The Biden administration allowed the passage of a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. The U.S. abstained from vetoing the resolution, reflecting growing impatience with Israel's conduct during the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a planned delegation visit to Washington in response. The resolution calls for a cease-fire during Ramadan and the release of hostages, though it does not directly link the two demands. The U.S. decision comes amid increasing international and domestic pressure to distance itself from the ongoing violence in Gaza. The resolution aims to halt the fighting and facilitate humanitarian aid, but its implementation remains uncertain.

The Biden administration allowed the passage of a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. The decision to abstain from vetoing the resolution highlights growing impatience with Israel's conduct during the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by canceling a planned delegation visit to Washington. The resolution calls for a cease-fire during Ramadan and the release of hostages, though it remains uncertain how quickly it will be implemented. The U.S. faces both international and domestic pressure to distance itself from the ongoing violence in Gaza, with significant dissent within the Democratic Party and criticism from the political right. The resolution aims to ease humanitarian aid delivery and potentially lead to a permanent cease-fire.

The term 'apartheid' has been increasingly used by pro-Palestinian activists to describe Israel's treatment of Palestinians, a debate that has been ongoing among human rights experts. The origin of 'apartheid' dates back to South Africa's racial hierarchy established in 1948. The United Nations broadened the definition to include inhuman acts for establishing domination by one racial group over another. Human Rights Watch concluded that in Gaza and the West Bank, Israeli policies amount to apartheid and persecution. In Israel proper, Palestinians face discrimination but have legal rights, unlike the codified system of apartheid. The West Bank situation differs, with Jewish settlers living under civilian law while Palestinians are subject to military law. Israel's blockade of Gaza is argued by some to be a form of apartheid. The debate over whether Israel is an apartheid state is intertwined with the conflict's history and the prospects for peace or a Palestinian state.

The term 'apartheid' has been increasingly used by pro-Palestinian activists to describe Israel's treatment of Palestinians, a debate among human rights experts. The United Nations broadened the definition of apartheid in 1973 to include systematic oppression by one racial group over another. Human Rights Watch concluded that in Gaza and the West Bank, Israeli policies amount to apartheid and persecution. In Israel proper, Palestinians face discrimination but have legal rights, unlike the codified system of apartheid. The West Bank situation differs, with Jewish settlers living under civilian law while Palestinians are subject to military law. Israel's blockade of Gaza is argued by some to be a form of apartheid. The debate over whether Israel is an apartheid state is intertwined with the ongoing conflict and the prospects for peace or a Palestinian state.