Rubio tours US-led center in Israel overseeing the ceasefire in Gaza

KIRYAT GAT, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday toured a U.S.-led center in Israel overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, as the Trump administration worked to set up an international security force in the territory and shore up the tenuous truce between Israel and Hamas. Rubio was the latest in a series of top U.S. officials to visit the center for civilian and military coordination. U.S. Vice President JD Vance was there earlier this week where he announced its opening, and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, were also in Israel. Around 200 U.S. troops are working alongside the Israeli military and delegations from other countries at the center, planning the stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza.

Zelenskyy urges US to broaden Russian oil sanctions and seeks long-range missiles

LONDON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the United States to expand sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies to the whole sector. He also appealed for long-range missiles to hit Russian oil infrastructure. Zelenskyy me European leaders in London on Friday. Hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the meeting focused on stepping up pressure on Russia’s economy, enhancing Ukraine’s air defenses and supplying longer-range missiles. The meeting aims to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has resisted peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 111 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukrainian authorities said Russian artillery struck a residential block in Kherson, killing two people and injuring 11 others.

Tropical Storm Melissa stationary in the Caribbean as 4 deaths reported

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Melissa was nearly stationary in the central Caribbean on Friday as forecasters warned it could strengthen and swipe Jamaica as a powerful hurricane and dump a staggering amount of rain — up to 35 inches — on southwest Haiti, where they warned of catastrophic flooding and landslides. The erratic storm was expected to drop copious rain on Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At least three people were killed in Haiti, and one person was killed and one reported missing in Dominican Republic.”These heavy rains are just going to sit over one area for several days,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Men sentenced over London arson attack masterminded by Russia

LONDON (AP) — A British judge has sentenced five men for their roles in an arson attack in London that authorities say was masterminded by Russian intelligence as part of a wider campaign of sabotage and disruption. Another man was sentenced for not disclosing information about a plot to burn a London restaurant. The sentences handed down on Friday ranged from seven to 17 years in prison. The men were involved in a plot to set fire to a warehouse in east London in March 2024 that contained satellite communication devices destined for Ukraine. British prosecutors said that the arson was organized on behalf of the Wagner paramilitary group.