US forces have launched strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen.

Rising Tensions

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US forces have launched strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen.

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Yesterday, the US and several allies, including the UK, struck more than a dozen Houthi targets using missiles, fighter jets, and submarines, killing five and injuring six. The strikes — the first from the US against the Houthis in Yemen since 2016 — are in response to the Iranian-backed group’s repeated attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Since November, the Houthis have carried out more than two dozen drone and missile attacks — the largest one yet happened earlier this week. The Houthis have defied repeated warnings to stop, saying the attacks are in support of Hamas. Now, President Biden says yesterday’s strikes send “a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel.” 

What else?

Biden said he “will not hesitate to direct further measures.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said the strikes were “overdue.” But some Democratic lawmakers said Biden violated the Constitution by not having Congress authorize the military action. Meanwhile, the Houthi deputy foreign minister warned that the US and UK would “pay a heavy price” for the “blatant aggression.” The strikes likely heighten tensions in the Middle East, where there’ve been growing concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could turn into a wider conflict. Saudi Arabia called on the US and UK to show restraint.

theSkimm

Yesterday’s strikes marked a forceful response to the Iranian-backed Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea. It comes at a time when the Israel-Hamas war has no end in sight, with many fearing an escalating conflict.

Yesterday, South Africa presented its case to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The 1948 Genocide Convention defines the crime as an “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.” Here’s what both sides had to say…

South Africa…Lawyers pointed to Israel’s use of “dumb” bombs, the restriction of food and water, and a mounting death toll in Gaza. More than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. At least 70% of homes have been damaged or destroyed. The UN has said up to 1.9 million out of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced. South Africa said “Palestinians have experienced systematic oppression and violence for the last 76 years,” preceding the war. 

Israel…Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the case had a hypocrisy that “screams to the heavens," describing it as “an upside-down world” in which it is “accused of genocide while it is fighting genocide.” Israel says its war targets Hamas, the group that killed more than 1,200 people on October 7th — the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust — and kidnapped about 240 others, according to Israeli figures. Israel acknowledges the high civilian death toll, as it accuses Hamas of embedding itself in residential areas. It has previously said the group uses civilians as human shields.

The hearings continue today, with Israel presenting its case. The ICJ has never convicted a country on grounds of genocide, and the case could last years. But the ICJ’s 17-panel court could rule within weeks on provisional measures to call on Israel to stop military actions in Gaza. A trial has the potential to advance global calls for a cease-fire and impact Israel’s global reputation.

Who did more than show face in court…

Former President Trump. Yesterday, the judge presiding over his New York civil fraud trial let him speak during closing arguments after all. The judge had rejected Trump’s request to let him talk because 45’s lawyers couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t go off-topic. Speaking for about five minutes, Trump called himself an “innocent man” and that he should be paid for what he’s “gone through.” Trump hurled some insults at New York AG Letitia James (D) who accused Trump of fraudulently inflating his net worth. He said James “hates” him and “doesn’t want him to get elected.” The judge warned Trump’s lawyer to “control” him after he called the case a “persecution.” The judge has previously ruled that Trump committed fraud. He’s expected to decide in the coming weeks whether Trump will have to pay a $370 million fine and be barred from ever doing business again in New York.

Who’s stepping into the end zone…

Bill Belichick. Yesterday, Belichick and the New England Patriots announced they're going their separate ways. Belichick is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the NFL. He’s also known for his unique hoodie style, the Belichick-Brady era, and for leading the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. Now, despite having one more year left in his contract, Belichick is moving on after a lackluster season in which the Patriots didn't make it to the playoffs. It’s not yet clear what’s next for Belichick, but seven other NFL teams currently have a head coach spot open. As for the Patriots, the team's searching for a coach for the first time in 24 years.

Who people are sharing words of encouragement for…

'GMA' host Michael Strahan’s daughter.

Who's too hot to handle for some...

FKA twigs.

While Ariana Grande is singing it with her chest...

21 Savage is living his American dream and Kali Uchis is blooming.

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