The International Court of Justice ruled today that Israel must immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gazan city of Rafah.
While the court has no means of enforcing its order, and stopped short of ordering a cease-fire in Gaza, the ruling dealt a blow to Israel, which has faced increasing international isolation and a drumbeat of criticism over its conduct of the war.
In response, the Israeli government said that its military “has not and will not” take actions that would lead to the partial or complete destruction of the civilian population of Rafah, in line with the court’s order. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he would hold a meeting to discuss how to move forward. But right-wing politicians said Israel should not comply.
Israeli officials have said that the push into Rafah is aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure. But several countries, including the U.S., have urged Israel to refrain from an offensive in the city out of concern for the vast number of displaced Palestinians who had been sheltering there.
Countries fail to agree on how to prepare for the next pandemic
Negotiators from countries around the globe have failed to reach consensus on the terms of a treaty designed to unify the world in a strategy against a future pandemic. The treaty was expected to be a central focus of next week’s annual meeting of World Health Organization member countries, but fractious debates stalled a deal.
The negotiating body plans to ask for more time to continue the discussions, which aim to lessen the disparity in access to vaccines and treatments between wealthy and poor nations. A major sticking point has been a proposed requirement that countries swiftly share genetic sequences and samples of emerging pathogens.
College sports is entering a new era
The N.C.A.A. and its biggest conferences agreed last night to a critical settlement, under which they will pay $2.8 billion in damages to former Division I athletes and allow college athletes to receive pay directly from the universities they compete for.
If the agreement is approved by a judge, it could reshape college sports. The N.C.A.A. since its founding has operated under a model that defines college athletes as amateurs. Over the years, as college sports have evolved into a mega-enterprise, critics have come to view that model as exploitative. Soon, it could be gone for good.
It remains unclear who will get paid and how much. Here’s what we know.
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A taco stand became an overnight sensation
Two weeks ago, you could have walked by Taquería El Califa de León in Mexico City without noticing it. It is one of nearly 11,000 registered taco shops in the city, and known mostly by locals. But recently, the wait times to get in have stretched to as much as three hours.
The surge in popularity is the result of the Michelin Guide: The fine dining authority this month awarded at least one Michelin star to 18 Mexican eateries, including El Califa de León.
When Josh Seftel FaceTimes his mom, millions tune in
Pat Seftel was a nurse and social worker before she retired. Now, at 87, she is a bona fide television star.
Her popularity stems from FaceTime conversations she has had with her son over the years; one day, he decided to record them, and eventually they caught the attention of the producers of “CBS Sunday Morning,” where she has become a semiregular feature.
Now Seftel, who is known for her positivity and her free-flowing opinions, is often recognized when she goes out to shop for groceries. “It kind of makes my day when somebody recognizes me,” she said.
Have a wholesome weekend.
Thanks for reading. We’ll be off on Monday for Memorial Day. I’ll be back on Tuesday. — Matthew
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