Israel intensified calls for Palestinian evacuations in Gaza's Rafah, signaling potential ground operations. About 300,000 Gazans moved to designated humanitarian areas amidst escalating conflict. Israeli airstrikes targeted central Gaza overnight, resulting in 24 Palestinian casualties. Despite US concerns and humanitarian alarms, Israel persists with plans to enter Rafah, aiming to root out Hamas fighters. Tanks encircle Rafah's eastern section, prompting Washington to withhold some military aid. The Biden administration expressed concern over Israel's use of US-supplied weapons, acknowledging potential violations of international humanitarian law during the Gaza operation.

Britain's economy surges, marking its fastest growth in almost three years in Q1 of 2024, officially ending the recession that began in late 2023. Gross domestic product (GDP) expands by 0.6%, according to the Office for National Statistics, outpacing both the euro zone and the United States. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hails the data as evidence of the economy's recovery, while opposition voices caution against premature celebration. Despite the upbeat figures, challenges persist, including slow productivity growth and lingering pandemic effects. The Bank of England's forecasted rate cuts may be delayed amid the unexpected GDP boost, potentially impacting inflation.

The Biden administration suggests that Israel's use of American weapons in Gaza may violate international humanitarian law, though it hasn't definitively stated so. A State Department report acknowledges ongoing investigations into possible violations but lacks complete information to verify the use of US weapons. The report highlights challenges in assessing individual incidents in Gaza due to Hamas's tactics and the absence of US personnel. While not concluding Israel impeded humanitarian aid to Gaza, the report criticizes repercussions of Israeli military actions. This evaluation comes amidst strained US-Israeli relations, with Biden warning of limiting weapon transfers if Israel initiates a significant offensive.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Malmo, Sweden, to protest Israel's involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest. Chanting slogans and waving Palestinian flags, protesters criticized Israel's participation amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. Notable figures, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, joined the rally, calling for a ceasefire and condemning Israel's actions. Despite a smaller pro-Israel demonstration, tensions remain high ahead of the Eurovision final. Organizers, aiming to keep the event apolitical, rejected calls to exclude Israel but requested lyric changes to avoid controversy. Security concerns persist as Israel warns of potential attacks on its citizens in Malmo.            

Prince William, on his first visit to the Isles of Scilly as Duke of Cornwall, provided an update on Duchess Kate's health, stating she is "doing well" following her cancer diagnosis. During his tour of St Mary's Community Hospital, William expressed that their children are "very jealous" of his visit. He received well wishes for Kate and King Charles from hospital staff. The Duke treated his entourage to traditional Cornish pasties and even went swimming in the waters around Tresco. Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, emphasizing the family's private management of the situation for their children's sake.            

A 23-year-old Black airman, Roger Fortson, was fatally shot by a Florida sheriff's deputy who burst into the wrong apartment on May 3. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump says the deputy used excessive force, entering Fortson's apartment without response or identification. Fortson was on FaceTime with his girlfriend, a nurse, who heard the aggressive banging and the shooting. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office claims they were responding to a "disturbance," but Crump argues it was not Fortson's apartment. A full investigation is demanded to address this tragic incident of police violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed US warnings to halt the military operation in Gaza, saying Israel will fight on, even if it means standing alone. The US has suspended delivery of bombs and artillery shells, citing concerns over civilian deaths. Despite pressure, Netanyahu invoked Israel's War of Independence, saying the country emerged victorious against all odds. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also rejected US warnings, stating Israel cannot be subdued. The operation has sparked international concern, with thousands fleeing the southern city of Rafah. The US has warned of further action if the operation continues.

The Port of Baltimore hopes to unblock its shipping channel by the end of May, according to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The channel has been closed since a container ship struck the Key Bridge on March 26, killing six workers. The closure has impacted supply chains, but shipping companies have adapted well. The US Army Corps of Engineers initially estimated a reopening by May 10, but warned of potential delays due to weather and the complexity of the cleanup. Efforts are underway to remove the vessel and debris, with the goal of restoring normal operations by month's end.

Israeli warplanes have struck Gaza's southern city of Rafah, despite US President Joe Biden's warning to halt artillery supplies if a full-scale assault continues. The strikes have caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties, prompting international condemnation. Biden criticized Israel's conduct, saying "civilians have been killed... it's just wrong." The US has grown increasingly critical of Israel's actions, straining their alliance. Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted across US universities, demanding an end to the violence. The Gaza war began with a Hamas attack on Israel in October, killing over 1,170 people, mostly civilians.

A Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle struck a major Russian oil processing plant in Bashkiria from an astounding distance of 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) away, according to a Kyiv intelligence source. This long-range attack, Ukraine's furthest since the war began, targeted the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat complex, Russia's largest oil processing facility. The strike, along with hits on two other oil depots in southern Russia, aims to undermine Russian forces by disrupting crucial energy infrastructure that funds the economy and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.