The United States is scrutinizing Hamas' response to a ceasefire proposal amidst renewed pleas to Israel to refrain from attacking Gaza's Rafah city. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed Hamas' reply, stating discussions with regional partners are ongoing. CIA Director Bill Burns is actively engaged in the matter. While the US supports halting hostilities and releasing hostages, it underscores the importance of a credible and implementable humanitarian plan for Rafah. President Biden reiterated this stance to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing potential civilian casualties from a Rafah military operation.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has informed mediators Qatar and Egypt of the group's acceptance of their ceasefire proposal for Gaza amid escalating tensions over Israel's planned invasion of Rafah. Talks stalled over the weekend due to disagreements, exacerbated by a Hamas rocket attack that killed four Israeli soldiers. Residents of eastern Rafah were instructed to evacuate, raising concerns over the humanitarian impact. US President Joe Biden reiterated concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives since its inception in October.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warns a looming hung Parliament led by the Labour Party, branding it a "disaster for Britain" following the governing Conservative Party's local election losses. Sunak vowed to combat the setback, acknowledging voter frustration over economic challenges. The Tories lost control of 10 councils and over 470 council seats, with Labour and Lib Dems making significant gains. Sunak's warning aligns with analysis projecting Labour to secure 294 seats, falling short of a majority. However, polling experts debate the accuracy of such forecasts, emphasizing the uncertainty of future electoral outcomes.

Columbia University has called off its university-wide graduation ceremony scheduled for May 15, replacing it with smaller, school-based events. The decision comes after weeks of pro-Palestinian protests that disrupted campus activities. The university cited the protests as "incredibly difficult for our community." Consultation with student leaders led to the change, with most ceremonies moved to the main athletic complex. Similar demonstrations have erupted across US universities, demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US military assistance for Israel, and university divestment from companies profiting from Israel's actions.  

As the first anniversary of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation unfolds, the Royal Family invites the public to reminisce about the historic event. Gun salutes echoed across London, with 41 volleys fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and an additional 62-gun salute from the Honourable Artillery Company. The Archbishop of Canterbury commemorated the occasion, praising King Charles III's commitment amid his battle with cancer. The anniversary signifies a year since the royal couple's majestic procession and the religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey, followed by a weekend of jubilant celebrations across the United Kingdom.          

A harrowing wrong-way crash on a Canadian highway has left an Indian couple and their 3-month-old grandson dead. Gokulnath Manivannan, 33, and his wife Ashwitha Jawahar, 27, survived, but their only son and Manivannan's parents perished in the crash. Manivannan expressed profound sorrow, describing the unbearable pain and void in their hearts. The Indian Consulate General extended support, while the couple requested privacy to cope. The collision, leaving an enduring imprint on their lives, underscores the tragic toll of the incident as investigations by the SIU persist.    

A year after King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation, the monarch's dedication to service earns widespread public backing. King Charles, vowing to serve the UK, Realms, and Commonwealth, surpasses expectations amid challenges with grace. His global engagements, including a landmark speech to the Bundestag and warm receptions in France and Kenya, fortify diplomatic bonds. Despite a cancer diagnosis, the King's return to duties underscores his commitment to advocacy. With robust personal backing and reaffirmed public trust, King Charles III leads the monarchy with dignity and resilience.            

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shut down ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, citing unacceptable conditions. Despite international pressure, Netanyahu stated that Israel "cannot accept" Hamas's demands, which would allow the group to rebuild its military infrastructure and threaten Israeli citizens. Netanyahu made the remarks during a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, where he condemned international criticism and rising Anti-Semitism. He vowed that Israel would defend itself, even if it meant standing alone. The move comes as a blow to hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.

NASA astronauts will launch on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on Monday. The first crewed test flight will blast off from Cape Canaveral at 22:34 local time (03:34 BST Tuesday). After years of delays, Boeing hopes to become the second private firm to transport astronauts to the International Space Station, alongside SpaceX. NASA is now buying space travel services from companies instead of owning and operating its own spacecraft. The launch is a big test for Boeing, which faces challenges in its airline and space businesses.

NASA has announced that asteroid 2024 JE will make a close approach to Earth, but poses no threat to our planet. The asteroid, estimated to be approximately 160 feet in diameter, will safely pass by Earth at a distance that does not warrant concern. NASA's Near-Earth Object (NEO) program tracks asteroids like 2024 JE to ensure public safety. While its size is notable, the vastness of space means close approaches are common. NASA's expertise and monitoring ensure we remain informed and safe from potential asteroid threats.