US urges Israel to reach ceasefire
President Biden Put pressure on Israel to limit its operations in Rafah and reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. He publicly stated that he had delayed the delivery of heavy bombs to Israel and sent the CIA director to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The United States announced last week it was suspending some military aid to Israel, fearing it could be used in a full-scale attack on Rafah. CIA Director William Burns met privately with Netanyahu.
Israel Downplayed pause in weapons deliveries.
But experts say the pause is a sign that the relationship is under new pressure and that more breakdowns are likely as U.S. public support for Israel’s war effort declines. They also acknowledged that such disagreements were unlikely to change the course of the conflict. Biden has made clear that he remains deeply committed to Israel, even as he has said there are limits to U.S. aid and patience.
detail: The suspended weapons deliveries include 2,000-pound bombs, which are among the most destructive bombs in Israel’s arsenal. During the first six weeks of the war, the country frequently used such weapons in areas of Gaza designated as safe for civilians, A Times investigation found.
China-U.S. climate talks begin
Biden administration’s chief climate envoy John Podesta First meeting with Beijing Foreign MinisterLiu Zhenmin was in Washington yesterday. Talks continue today. Our international climate correspondent Somini Sengupta told me the stakes are high.
The two countries disagree on a range of geopolitical issues. They are also the world’s biggest polluters. “If they don’t come together,” Somini said, “we’re all going to be screwed.”
Trade tensions loomed large in the negotiations. China dominates green energy technology. Somini said this could be “a good thing because it makes things cheaper and it accelerates the energy transition”.
“But it also brings risks,” she added. “The White House doesn’t want Americans — or the rest of the world — to take food from China. It gives Beijing too much power. It’s unclear whether anyone can truly compete with China.”
American dissatisfaction: Cheap Chinese products abound Biden administration goalsthe company warned they posed a threat to U.S. factories.
A review of what France has said about hosting the Olympics safely
Olympic flame Arrived in France yesterday The week-long Paris relay begins as the country gears up for the Summer Olympics.
President Emmanuel Macron has declared that the Games will be built safely, without the construction hazards and migrant abuses seen at the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar. Government figures show there have been fewer than 200 injuries and zero deaths at the Olympic venues during four years of construction.
But inspection records and other documents suggest a different story. Injuries among undocumented immigrants are often handled on the books, which all but guarantees they won’t show up in government statistics, staff and officials said.even Fatal accidents involving legally working workers are sometimes ignored Counting from the Olympics.
More headlines
Japan has been promoting women in the workplace for years, partly in response to a severe labor shortage. Some employers are trying to change male-dominated workplace culture.
Some progress has been made: since 2020, women have accounted for nearly half of each new diplomat intake at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and many women have continued their careers after getting married.But women are still trying Balancing career and family obligations.
Lived: Kim Ki-nam, North Korea leading propagandist for decadesdied at the age of 94.
conversation starter
art and ideas
Eurovision Song Contest hangs in the balance in Gaza
War in Gaza looms as Eurovision Song Contest approaches.pro-Palestinian groups and many fans Attempts to ban Israeli Eden Golan from competition were unsuccessful. She will perform today.
Some artists have tried to protest the war, although attendees and competitors Banners and symbols that may cause tension are not allowed. A Swedish artist wore a hijab during Tuesday’s first round and Irish performers said they were banned from displaying pro-Palestinian slogans.
“Public discussion has been around Gaza to an almost impressive degree,” said my colleague Alex Marshall, who covers culture for The Times.
Alex told me he doesn’t expect major disruption to the concert itself. Two protests are planned away from Malmö, Sweden, where the games will be held. He believes viewers are more likely to express their opposition to Israel’s war by voting against Golan.
But for many attendees, politics will take a back seat, he said.
“Eurovision says it’s about bringing the world together in music,” he said, “and a lot of fans believe that.”
learn more: Alex thinks Croatia, the current betting leader, will win.This is its song.
suggestion
PS My colleague Priya Krishna wrote about her mother cooks.
That’s it for today. See you tomorrow. — Amelia
Send us an email: Briefing@nytimes.com.
our thanks Alex Marshall and Somini Sengupta.
