US President Joe Biden criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict, stating, "I think what he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach," in an interview. Biden advocates for six to eight weeks of unrestricted access to food and medicine for Gaza, amid ongoing talks and escalating international pressure. The condemnation follows strikes killing aid workers, prompting calls for a ceasefire and increased aid access. Biden faces domestic criticism over US military support to Israel amid the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives.            

Australia's foreign minister, Penny Wong, suggests recognizing Palestine while excluding Hamas, aiming for peace. Opposition and Zionist Federation caution against haste. Wong emphasizes a two-state solution to end violence, criticizes Netanyahu's stance. Simon Birmingham opposes, fearing security risks. Jeremy Leibler of the Zionist Federation calls talks premature. Wong argues recognition could enhance Israel's security by sidelining Hamas. Currently, 140+ nations recognize Palestine, but key players like the US, UK, Germany, and Australia hesitate. UN considers granting Palestine full membership. Gaza conflict kills over 33,000 Palestinians, with widespread destruction and famine threat.            

Sky News learns Buckingham Palace plans for King Charles to attend more public events, signaling positive progress in cancer treatment. The monarch's recent handshake with crowds at Easter suggests improving health. Officials consider larger gatherings from late April into May, while the King continues constitutional duties behind the scenes. The King, who announced cancer diagnosis in February, received the first banknotes featuring his portrait from the Bank of England Governor. Plans for future engagements highlight cautious optimism amidst ongoing health concerns.

An explosion at a hydroelectric power plant on Lake Suviana in northern Italy has claimed three lives, with several others missing. The blast, occurring during maintenance work, led to a fire, complicating rescue efforts. The plant, situated 30 meters below water level, poses access challenges for rescuers. Smoke-filled sections and flooding further impede rescue operations, as confirmed by local authorities. The facility, owned by Enel, faces a tragic accident in the Appennine mountain range near Bologna. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway amidst the devastating incident.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators splattered red paint on the Labour Party's London headquarters to protest against the party's stance on the Gaza conflict. The Youth Demand group called for an arms embargo on Israel, accusing Labour of complicity in Palestinian deaths. Twelve arrests were made, and Labour faced criticism for its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Keir Starmer's party suggested suspending arms exports to Israel pending legal advice, the government faced pressure to disclose its guidance. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden stated the UK would halt arms sales to Israel if it breached international law in the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to eradicate Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip's southern city of Rafah, defying US caution. Netanyahu asserts, "No force can hinder us," despite US concerns about further global isolation. The US urges for a plan to safeguard civilians, warning against a Rafah invasion. Netanyahu remains resolute, indicating a forthcoming action without specifying details. Recent Israeli troop withdrawal from Khan Younis precedes potential Rafah incursion. Discussions in Cairo for a truce with Hamas coincide with Israel's military repositioning. Palestinians in Khan Younis lament the aftermath, fearing a similar fate for Rafah.

A Boeing 737-800 bound for Houston had to make an emergency landing at Denver International Airport after its engine cover ripped off during takeoff. Passengers and flight attendants reported hearing a loud noise as debris struck the wing. The plane, Southwest Airlines Flight 3695, returned safely within 10 minutes. Videos circulated on social media showing the detached engine cover caught on the wing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident and launched an investigation. This adds to recent safety concerns with Boeing aircraft, including a door panel detachment on a 737 Max 9 prompting increased inspections.            

Marvel actor Jonathan Majors receives probation for assaulting ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. The court ordered him to complete a 52-week domestic violence program and continue mental health therapy. Majors, known for his role as Kang the Conqueror, faced third-degree assault and second-degree harassment charges. The judge opted for probation over jail time, citing agreement from both sides. Jabbari expressed emotional and physical pain in her impact statement. Majors denies the assault, but prosecutors deemed his case lacking merit. Despite the setback, Majors hopes to return to Hollywood, stating he was "shocked" by the guilty verdict.

New Zealand has implemented stricter work visa regulations to address concerns over unsustainable migration levels. Changes include English language requirements and reduced stay duration for low-skilled applicants. Authorities aim to attract highly skilled migrants while prioritizing job opportunities for locals. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledges the strain on housing and job markets, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. However, concerns over unintended consequences and potential economic impacts persist, with some cautioning against deterring motivated workers.

In a historic display of cross-Channel cooperation, French soldiers made their debut at Buckingham Palace's Changing of the Guard ceremony, marking the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. British and French troops marched side by side on the Forecourt, symbolizing the enduring alliance between the two nations. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, alongside other dignitaries, witnessed this momentous occasion, emphasizing the significance of Franco-British relations. While the event commemorated past collaborations, it also highlighted ongoing joint activities, underscoring the strength of military and diplomatic ties between the UK and France in 2024.