In the northern Philippines, a 300-year-old village, once submerged by a dam in the 1970s, has resurfaced due to a prolonged drought. Portions of the village, including a church and tombstones, have emerged from the waters of the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija province. This is the sixth time the village has reappeared since the dam's construction. Meanwhile, a heatwave is straining power supplies on Luzon, the country's main island, with thirteen power plants shutting down, further thinning reserves amidst drought conditions in half of the Philippines' provinces.

Amid escalating pro-Palestine demonstrations in the US, activists at Harvard University raised the Palestinian flag over the John Harvard statue, resulting in nearly 900 arrests nationwide. The incident marked continued unrest following mass arrests at Columbia University. Harvard labeled the act a "violation of university policy," pledging disciplinary action. Tensions persisted at various campuses, with clashes reported at UCLA and ongoing protests at George Washington University. Vandalism occurred at USC, prompting condemnation. Negotiations between students and administrators reached a stalemate at MIT, while Tufts urged peaceful resolution. Senate Leader McConnell decried the protests as "dangerous" and denounced antisemitism.      

In a recent call, US President Biden and Israeli PM Netanyahu discussed the situation in Gaza, with Biden expressing his stance against a Rafah invasion without a solid humanitarian plan. Israel agreed to consider US concerns before taking action. They also talked about releasing hostages from a recent Hamas-led attack and speeding up aid to Gaza, including opening new crossings. This follows Iran's missile and drone strikes on Israel earlier. The call reflects Biden's unwavering support for Israel's security amid rising tensions.

Israeli airstrikes on three homes in Rafah, Gaza, resulted in the death of 13 individuals and numerous injuries, with Hamas media outlets reporting a higher death toll. The strikes occurred ahead of scheduled discussions between Hamas and Egypt regarding a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, now in its sixth month, has claimed over 34,000 lives, displaced millions, and ravaged Gaza. Mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, are intensifying efforts to broker a deal as tensions escalate and Israel threatens further military action. Hamas seeks clarification on Israel's response to ceasefire proposals.

Israel's military announces plans to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza, utilizing new corridors through an Israeli seaport and border crossings. Following Hamas's Oct. 7 attack, aid access was restricted but has since reopened amid international pressure. The enclave, home to 2.3 million people, faces dire conditions with widespread homelessness, famine threats, and damaged infrastructure. Israel's efforts have garnered support from Western and Arab allies, including the United States, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements on the ground. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari affirms a significant increase in aid over recent weeks, with further escalations anticipated.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Saudi Arabia to restart ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel amid fears of escalating regional conflict. Hamas delegation in Cairo to respond to Israeli proposal on hostage release. President Biden to discuss situation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. World Central Kitchen resumes aid operations in Gaza. Pressure mounts on international mediators to secure swift deal amidst looming threat of Israeli ground invasion. Palestinian Authority President Abbas urges US intervention to prevent potential catastrophe in Rafah. Israeli Defense Forces approve continuation of war plans, while ministers issue competing demands over ceasefire deal.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to definitively rule out a July general election following a Conservative MP's defection to the Labour Party. Dan Poulter cited dissatisfaction with the Tory government's handling of the National Health Service (NHS) as reason for his switch. Sunak, pressed during a 'Sky News' interview, reiterated his stance of a general election in the "second half of this year" but declined to specify further. The uncertainty comes amidst mounting challenges for the Conservative government ahead of upcoming local and mayoral elections on May 2.            

Amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, a Hamas delegation is set to travel to Egypt to respond to Tel Aviv's latest proposal. Israel has agreed to halt its planned offensive in Rafah, Gaza, pending discussions with the United States, which has urged Israel to address concerns before taking further action. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Saudi Arabia is seen as a pivotal moment for negotiations. Efforts to broker a ceasefire deal intensify amidst the looming threat of conflict escalation.            

Prince Harry is set to return to the UK next month for the first time since his brief visit to see his father, who was undergoing cancer treatment. The Duke of Sussex will attend a ceremony on May 8 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, marking his first major event in Britain in some time. While it's unclear if other royals will be present, it remains unknown if Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, or their children will accompany him. Harry's visit underscores his continued commitment to the Invictus Games and British engagements.          

Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has greenlit the construction of the Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the globe's largest aviation hub. With an estimated cost of $35 billion, the airport will accommodate a staggering 260 million passengers annually, featuring 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways. The project signals a monumental shift, with operations from Dubai International Airport to be transferred to the new facility. This ambitious endeavor will not only redefine Dubai's skyline but also catalyze the development of a surrounding city, housing millions and attracting global aviation leaders.