Israeli military begins its ground offensive in Gaza City as thousands of Palestinians flee

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has launched its offensive in Gaza City, vowing to overwhelm a city already in ruins from nearly two years of war. Vehicles strapped with mattresses and other belongings clogged a coastal road as thousands of Palestinians fled Tuesday. Hundreds of thousands more remain. The operation into the largest Palestinian city further escalates a conflict that has roiled the Middle East and likely pushes any ceasefire farther out of reach. The military wouldn’t offer a timeline for the offensive, but Israeli media suggested it could take months. It says it aims to “destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure.”

Ghana says all immigrants deported by the US have been sent home

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Authorities in Ghana are pushing back on claims that four African immigrants recently deported by the U.S. remain in Ghanaian detention, reiterating their assertion that all such migrants have been returned to their home countries. The government said Monday that all 14 of the deportees had been returned to their countries of origin in West Africa. On Tuesday, Ghana’s presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said in an interview with The Associated Press that 13 Nigerians were sent home on a bus and that one Gambian was sent home on a plane. Lawyers for four of the Nigerian immigrants said in court filings Monday that they were still being held in a facility in Ghana.

Zelenskyy calls for a European air defense system as Russian strike wounds 20

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian officials say Russian forces have bombarded the city of Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine with rockets. The attack wounded 20 people including four children. Officials said Tuesday that the attack happened during the night and struck apartment buildings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging European leaders to create a comprehensive air defense system to protect the continent. The war shows no signs of ending despite U.S.-led efforts to achieve peace. Zelenskyy reported that Russia has launched thousands of drones, bombs and missiles at Ukraine in recent weeks. Russian glide bombs and drone swarms pose significant challenges for Ukrainian defenses.

Colombia’s president lashes out at Trump administration over drug war designation

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has criticized the U.S. after it added Colombia to a list of nations failing to cooperate in the drug war. On Tuesday, Petro accused the U.S. of interfering in Colombian politics as the country prepares for elections next year. The Trump administration’s decision marks the first time in three decades that Colombia has received this designation. Despite the decertification, the U.S. issued a waiver to avoid major aid cuts. The move comes amid rising cocaine production in Colombia and tensions between Petro and U.S. officials over drug policy and extradition requests.