Israeli strikes across Gaza kill more than 400 and shatter ceasefire with Hamas

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel has launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. The territory’s Health Ministry said they killed at least 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Tuesday’s surprise bombardment shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel’s actions. The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza and head toward the center of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations.

The parents of a US student who vanished ask that she be declared dead

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The parents of a U.S. college student who vanished almost two weeks ago in the resort town of Punta Cana have asked authorities to declare her legally dead. In a letter to Dominican police dated Monday, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi Konanki state that after an extensive search, local authorities believe that Sudiksha, a 20-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh, drowned. A police official not authorized to speak about the case confirmed Tuesday that authorities received the letter. Sudiksha Konanki and five friends had traveled to the Caribbean nation on March 3 for spring break. Police said she disappeared at a beach by her hotel before dawn on March 6.

Peru declares an emergency and deploys the army as violence surges in the capital

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Peru’s president declared a state of emergency in the capital and deployed soldiers to help police address a surge of violence, amid widespread outcry a day after the killing of a popular singer. President Dina Boluarte’s government published a decree Monday saying authorities will restrict some rights, including the freedom of assembly and movement, for 30 days. That means the police and the army would be able to detain people without a judicial order. Peru has seen an increase of killings, violent extortion and attacks on public places in recent months. Police reported 459 killings so far this year.

Indian city sets curfew after Hindu groups demand demolition of Muslim ruler’s tomb

NEW DELHI (AP) — Authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of a western Indian city a day after communal clashes that were sparked by protests by Hindu nationalist groups demanding removal of the tomb of a 17th-century Muslim Mughal ruler. Officials say Monday’s clashes in Nagpur city injured 34 police personnel and five other people. At least 45 vehicles and several houses were also vandalised. Clashes between Hindus and Muslims broke out during an agitation led by Hindu nationalist groups demanding the dismantling of the tomb of Aurangzeb, a Muslim Mughal ruler who has been dead for more than 300 years.