The Israeli military seized control of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt amid talks of a cease-fire. Boeing faces another delay after its Starliner’s mission to space was scrubbed at the last minute. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Israel takes control of Rafah border crossing amid cease-fire talks
The Israeli military has taken control of the Rafah border crossing in Gaza, which is located between the war-torn territory and Egypt. This action occurred shortly after Hamas announced its agreement to a cease-fire proposal.
Israeli forces deployed tanks to Rafah as part of a ground offensive, described by officials as a limited operation targeting Hamas. While it does not appear a full-scale invasion, the Israeli army said it is conducting “targeted strikes” in the eastern part of the city.
Israel said most residents had evacuated the area near the crossing following its direction to move to an “expanded humanitarian zone” approximately 12 miles away.
With Israel controlling the border crossing, the prospects for a cease-fire remain uncertain.
Hamas communicated to mediators from Qatar and Egypt that it had accepted their ceasefire proposal on Monday, May 6. However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating the proposal did not meet Israel’s demands.
Israel has agreed to send a delegation to Cairo Tuesday to engage in negotiations.
White House, Speaker react to Columbia canceling commencement ceremony
As Straight Arrow News reported on Monday, May 6, Columbia University canceled its main commencement ceremony due to security concerns after weeks of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, a university official announced. The decision came after consultations with students, opting instead for smaller, college-specific ceremonies. More than 200 protesters have been arrested since the demonstrations began.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the cancellation during a Monday, May 6, press briefing.
“It is unfortunate that a small group of people went too far and cost their classmates this important event,” Jean-Pierre said. “When it comes to commencement day and speaking at these events, the president understands this is a moment of joy and celebration. And we feel for each of the graduates.”
Jean-Pierre repeated President Joe Biden’s White House remarks that protests should remain peaceful. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Columbia‘s president and administration for its handling of the events, urging the board to appoint a new president due to her “shocking unwillingness to control their campus.”
Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson, facing calls for his removal from office, met with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for nearly two hours on Monday, May 6. Greene has been vocal about forcing a vote to oust Johnson. Johnson described their meeting as “productive,” and the two are set to continue talks on Tuesday.
Judge fines Trump for gag order violation, warns of possible jail time
The fourth week of former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York started Monday, May 6, with another fine levied against the former president. Judge Juan Merchan fined Trump $1,000 for violating a gag order that bars him from discussing the jury or witnesses. This violation, cited during an April 22 interview, follows earlier fines totaling $9,000 for nine previous infractions.
Judge Merchan warned Trump that further violations could result in jail time, stating, “The last thing I would want to do is put the former president in jail, but I have a job to do.”
Outside the courtroom, Trump reacted to the judge’s remarks, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional principles over personal freedom.
“The U.S. Constitution is more important than jail,” Trump said. “And I’ll do that sacrifice any day”
The prosecution also indicated that their case would likely take another two weeks.
US Army sergeant detained in Russia on theft charges
A U.S. soldier was detained in Russia on criminal charges, according to Army officials. Officials said the soldier, identified as Staff Sgt. Gordon D. Black, is being accused of theft.
Black’s mother said he was visiting his girlfriend at the time of his arrest. According to the Army, Black was in the process of switching stations from South Korea to Texas, when he traveled to Russia on his own without official permission.
This incident comes as tensions continue over other detained Americans in Russia, including former Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich. Both are being held on espionage charges.
Gershkovich’s trial is set for June 30.
The U.S. continues to caution its citizens against traveling to Russia due to security concerns.
Boeing Starliner spacecraft launch scrubbed due to mechanical issue
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft encountered another setback Monday night as a planned launch was delayed due to a valve issue in the rocket’s upper stage, just hours before liftoff. Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and co-pilot Sunita Williams were already preparing for the flight when the scrub was announced.
This test flight, the first manned mission for the Starliner, is intended to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station.
A valve issue in the Atlas 5 rocket’s upper stage postponed the launch. NASA and Boeing are now targeting no earlier than a Friday launch. If a valve replacement is needed, the launch may face further delays.
This delay continues a series of challenges for Boeing’s Starliner, which is competing with SpaceX’s operational Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Celebrities dress to impress at Met Gala fundraiser
The annual Met Gala was held Monday, May 6, in New York City, drawing celebrities each dressed according to this year’s theme, “Garden of Time.”
The fundraising event was hosted by Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, with celebrity co-chairs Jennifer Lopez, Chris Hemsworth and Bad Bunny.
Tickets for the event costed $75,000, with proceeds benefiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
The gala also marked the opening of the museum’s latest costume exhibition, titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
The 2023 gala raised nearly $22 million.
