Colombian senator and presidential hopeful dies 2 months after shooting

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — A Colombian senator and presidential hopeful has died after being shot at a political rally two months ago. His family confirmed his death on Monday. Miguel Uribe, 39, was shot three times while giving a campaign speech in Bogota and had been in intensive care since the attack. A teenage suspect was arrested at the scene, but it’s unclear who ordered the hit. The shooting alarmed Colombians, recalling the political violence of the 1990s. Uribe was a prominent figure in the conservative Democratic Center party. The attack sparked calls for justice and an end to violence.

Israel targets and kills Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif in Gaza

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military has targeted and killed an Al Jazeera correspondent and others with an airstrike as they sheltered outside a Gaza City hospital. Press advocates say an Israeli “smear campaign” had stepped up after Anas al-Sharif cried on air over starvation in the territory. Both Israel and hospital officials in Gaza City confirmed the deaths of al-Sharif and colleagues, which the Committee to Protect Journalists and others described as retribution against those documenting the war in Gaza. Israel’s military asserted that al-Sharif had led a Hamas cell. Al Jazeera and al-Sharif previously dismissed that allegation as baseless.

Australia will recognize a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Albanese says

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will recognize a Palestinian state. This move aligns with recent signals from leaders in France, Britain and Canada. Albanese’s decision follows internal pressure and criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which he described as a “catastrophe.” The recognition will be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Conditions include no role for Hamas in a Palestinian government and the demilitarization of Gaza. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision, while Australian Jewish and Palestinian groups expressed differing views on its impact.

Europe and Ukraine leaders seek talks with Trump to defend their interests

BRUSSELS (AP) — Ukraine and its European backers are seeking talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in an effort to protect their security interests ahead of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week. The German chancellor has invited Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, NATO’s chief and several European leaders to virtual meetings on Wednesday. Trump and Putin meet in Alaska on Friday. Europe and Kyiv worry a deal could be made without them. The German chancellery says the virtual talks will focus on “preparations for possible peace negotiations and related issues of territorial claims and security.” Neither Zelenskyy nor European leaders have so far been invited to Friday’s summit.