Militants kill 5 Israeli soldiers in Gaza and Israeli strikes kill 51 Palestinians

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli military says five soldiers have been killed in an attack in northern Gaza. Health officials in the Palestinian territory say Israeli strikes killed 51 people. The bloodshed came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the White House on Tuesday for talks with President Donald Trump about a ceasefire plan. There was no announcement of a breakthrough from that meeting. But there were signs of progress toward a deal. The soldiers’ deaths could add to pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal in Israel where polls have shown widespread support for ending the 21-month war.

Kremlin calls transportation minister’s death ‘tragic’

MOSCOW (AP) — The apparent suicide of Russia’s transportation minister brought expressions of shock and sorrow from the Kremlin but no new clues as to why Roman Starovoit might have taken his own life amid media speculation he potentially was facing corruption charges. Starovoit was found dead from a gunshot wound — news that broke hours after a decree Monday from President Vladimir Putin that dismissed the 53-year-old Cabinet member. Investigators say his body was found in a Moscow suburb that is home to many members of Russia’s elite. A criminal probe was launched into his death. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the case except to say it was “tragic and sad.”

ICC issues arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over persecution of women and girls

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two top Taliban leaders. The court accuses them of persecuting women and girls since taking power nearly four years ago. Announced Tuesday, the charges also include targeting individuals who defy the Taliban’s policies on gender and political beliefs. The warrants name Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhunzada and Afghanistan’s Supreme Court head Abdul Hakim Haqqani. The court alleges they acted against those seen as allies of women and girls. This marks a significant move in addressing human rights violations under Taliban rule.

Death toll from Kenya’s latest anti-government protest surges to 31

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The death toll from Kenya’s anti-government protests on Monday has surged to 31, marking the highest single-day toll since the demonstrations began earlier this year, the state-funded human rights commission said Tuesday. It said another 107 people were injured and more than 500 were arrested amid widespread destruction of property, including supermarkets. The arrest figure largely tracked with the one issued by police. The death toll did not say whether any security forces were included. For weeks, youth and other citizens have taken to the streets to protest against police brutality and poor governance and to demand President William Ruto’s resignation over alleged corruption and the rising cost of living.