AP-Newswatch

An Israeli strike kills 20 in north Gaza, where Palestinians say they’ve had little food for weeks

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian officials say an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza has killed at least 20 people, mostly women and children. Israel is waging a nearly monthlong air and ground operation in what was already the most isolated and heavily destroyed part of the territory. Palestinians fleeing the area recount how they have gone for weeks hardly eating, with no food aid entering the area since Israel’s assault began The strike late Monday hit a home where several displaced families were sheltering in the town of Beit Lahiya, according to the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, which received the casualties. The Israeli military said it targeted a weapons storage facility from which a militant had operated.

Israel’s Netanyahu dismisses his defense minister as wars rage. Protests erupt across country

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his popular defense minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement that came as the country is embroiled in wars on multiple fronts across the region. The move has sparked protests across the country. Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly been at odds over the war in Gaza. But Netanyahu had avoided firing his rival before taking the step as the world’s attention was focused on the U.S. presidential election. Netanyahu cited “significant gaps” and a “crisis of trust” between the men in his Tuesday evening announcement.

Western officials suspect Russia was behind a plot to put incendiary packages on cargo planes

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Western security officials suspect Russia was behind a plot to put incendiary devices in packages on cargo planes bound for North America, including one that caught fire at a courier hub in Germany and another that ignited in a warehouse in England. Poland says it has arrested four people suspected linked to a foreign intelligence operation that carried out sabotage and is seeking two others. Lithuania’s prosecutor general says there were an unspecified number of people detained in several countries. Western officials say they are seeing an intensification of a hybrid war of sabotage by Russia targeting Ukraine’s allies. Several officials said they believe the attacks were the work of Russian military intelligence. Moscow denies involvement.

NFL trade deadline: Commanders acquire Lattimore; Lions get Za’Darius Smith; Steelers add Williams

The NFC East-leading Washington Commanders made a move to help them stay in first place. The Detroit Lions got their edge rusher. The injury-plagued Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers added receivers. Hours before the NFL’s trade deadline at 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday, the Commanders got four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the struggling Saints, three people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the deal. The NFC North-leading Lions kicked off deadline day by acquiring defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.