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Israel intensifies Gaza strikes and battles to repel Hamas, with over 1,100 dead in fighting so far

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel intensified its bombardments of the Gaza Strip on Monday after declaring war and vowing to destroy the “military and governing capabilities” of the enclave’s Hamas rulers, as Israeli soldiers fought to secure the border and dislodge Gaza gunmen from areas of southern Israel.At least 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israel — a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades — and more than 400 have been killed in Gaza. Palestinian militant groups claimed to be holding over 130 captives from the Israeli side. More than two days after Hamas launched its unprecedented incursion out of Gaza, Israeli forces were still battling militants holed up in several locations.As Monday began, the military said it was fighting Hamas in “seven to eight” places in southern Israel.Military spokesperson Richard Hecht said it was taking longer than expected to repel the incursion because there were still multiple breaches in the border, which H...

Stock market today: Markets steady in Asia after Israel declares war following Hamas attack in Gaza

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

BANGKOK (AP) — Share prices were mixed on Monday after the Israeli government declared war following deadly attacks by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. U.S. futures were lower and oil prices gained more than $3 a barrel. Conflict in the Middle East often raises the specter of higher oil prices given the risk of disruptions to supplies. “Disruptions or escalations in the region can have far-reaching implications for energy markets, global supply chains, and geopolitical dynamics,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.The fighting has not yet had any discernible impact on oil output, but geopolitical escalations in the Middle East typically lead to a “buy-first-ask-questions-later” response, he said. Oil prices had eased back from highs of the mid $90 range last month in recent trading, falling sharply last week. Early Monday, U.S. benchmark crude oil was up $3.28 at $86.05 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It picked up 48 cents on F...

Morocco welcomes the annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank a month after its deadly earthquake

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — Less than a two-hour drive from where families sleep in tents and earthquake rubble remain in piles, the world’s most powerful financial institutions are gathering for a week of discussions on economic challenges during times of war, inequality and climate change.The International Monetary Fund and World Bank decided in 2018 to host their annual meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, bringing the affair to the African continent for the first time in 50 years.Their original timeline was delayed by the pandemic, but the meeting beginning Monday arrives at an apropos time. After a devastating earthquake last month killed nearly 3,000 and wreaked $11.7 billion in damages, both officials and civil society groups are eagerly anticipating discussions about how to promote economic resiliency in light of natural disaster.“In no other area is the need for international cooperation as evident as in addressing the existential threat of climate change. The world has a res...

Broncos’ third-quarter struggles emerge again in loss to Jets

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

If insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, Broncos Country must be losing its mind.The Broncos have won the coin toss in five straight games to start the season and deferred to receive the second-half kick each time. And each time, they’ve come away with zero points.On Sunday against the New York Jets, the Broncos opened the third quarter with a 13-8 lead and the offense promptly went three-and-out. Rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin was stopped for a 2-yard gain. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw an incomplete pass. Then Wilson was sacked on third-and-long.On the Jets’ next offensive snap, running back Breece Hall, who abused the Broncos all game, burst through a massive hole and cruised into the end zone for a 72-yard touchdown to take a 15-13 lead.In the 31-21 loss at Empower Field at Mile High, everything that’s plagued the Broncos during its 1-4 start was on display. Denver’s offensive struggles in the third quarter was one ...

Jewish community, local leaders attend vigil for war-torn Israel

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

Many in the Los Angeles Jewish community, along with some local leaders, came together Sunday night at Stephen Wise Temple in Bel Air to pray for peace after the deadly surprise attack in Israel by Hamas fighters that wounded thousands and led to the deaths of more than 1,100 people, including United States citizens.  “We’re gathering for support, we’re gathering to raise funds and we’re gathering to demand the rest of the world show solidarity with the people in the state of Israel,” Rabbi Noah Farks, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, told KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo.  L.A. Mayor Karen Bass seen at Stephen Wise Temple in Bel Air on Oct. 8, 2023, where a vigil was held in support of Israel. (KTLA)Israel formally declared war and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas on Sunday, prompting those at the temple this evening to pray for the lives already lost and for those held captive in a war that is likely to drag ou...

How 49ers tight end George Kittle turned back the clock with a three-touchdown game

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

SANTA CLARA –There was a time when most of George Kittle’s highlights included clips of him steamrolling defensive backs and dragging linebackers as he fought for extra yards.There was none of that on Sunday night, and yet Kittle found a different way to create his first career three-touchdown game as the 49ers rolled to a 42-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys.Kittle, who turns 30 on Monday, proved that he can still fly.All three times he scored, Kittle outpaced the defense with his legs, twice bursting through the seams of the Cowboys’ defense while the other score, which came on a reverse flea-flicker, gave Kittle a chance to race past a cornerback on the sideline.Three catches, three scores: the first time in his career he did that.“I saw (former 49ers tight end Vernon Davis) before the game and he told me to score three to tie his record, so I was like, ‘fine, Vern, I’ll do it,’” Kittle joked afterwards.The happy-go-lucky tight end has been just as eager to block for the...

Kurtenbach: The 49ers didn’t just beat the Cowboys. They broke them

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers didn’t just beat the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night.They broke them.The Niners’ victory was so comprehensive, so physically and mentally dominant, so inevitable going into the final 20 minutes of the game, that the Cowboys decided they were done for the evening well before the final whistle blew.And the 49ers didn’t take the hint. They were merciless in their finish.As the Cowboys’ effort waned, particularly on defense, in the second half, San Francisco remained in sixth gear, even with its backups and third-string players in the game, scoring six touchdowns in total.Sometimes in football, the final score isn’t indicative of the true nature of the contest.There was no lie in the 49ers’ 42-10 win. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for four touchdowns, George Kittle caught three, Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Juszczyk added two more and the 49ers’ defense created four turnovers (including three interceptions of Dak Prescott) an...

Carlos Correa stars against former team as Twins beat Astros 6-2 in Game 2 to tie ALDS

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Correa was back at Minute Maid Park, starring in the playoffs like he had so many times before.Only this time he was wearing a different uniform.Correa had three hits and three RBIs and Pablo López pitched seven shutout innings, helping the Minnesota Twins beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Sunday night in Game 2 of their AL Division Series.Kyle Farmer hit a two-run homer for the Twins, who bounced back nicely after losing 6-4 in the series opener on Saturday night.Game 3 of the best-of-five series is Tuesday at Minnesota. Correa, an October star for so many years in Houston, is back in the playoffs after Minnesota stumbled last year in his first season with the Twins. And he is relishing his return to his favorite time of the year.“It worked as motivation for me to, one, never miss it again and, two, be in the spotlight once again and be able to deliver for my team and feel that passion and love that I feel for this game and for winning,” Correa said. Correa hit a...

Brock Purdy throws 4 TD passes to lead the 49ers past the Cowboys 42-10

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers quickly turned the biggest challenge of their young season into a laugher.Purdy threw three of his four touchdown passes to George Kittle, San Francisco’s defense hounded Dak Prescott all night and the 49ers extended their dominance over the Dallas Cowboys with a 42-10 victory Sunday.“It felt good, especially going against the No. 1 defense in the league,” star left tackle Trent Williams said. “Obviously, that’s a big test for Week 5 of the year. I think we pass that test with flying colors. But we’re going to get tested again.”The Niners (5-0) knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs in tight games the past two seasons, adding intrigue to this early season matchup between perceived contenders.The rematch wasn’t even close.The Niners led 14-0 before the Cowboys got their initial first down of the night and were never really threatened on the way to matching a franchise record with their 15th straight regul...

US Senate Majority Leader Schumer criticizes China for not supporting Israel after Hamas attack

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:12:00 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Schumer criticized China on Monday and told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that he was very disappointed by China’s statement on the recent Hamas attack because it didn’t show any sympathy or support for Israel.Schumer is leading a delegation of six senators to China this week. The delegation, which includes three Democrats and three Republicans, is the first visit by U.S. lawmakers since 2019 and comes at a time of growing attacks on China in Congress as America contends with the rise of China as a global power.“I urge you and the Chinese people to stand with the Israeli people and condemn these cowardly and vicious attacks,” said Schumer. A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement on Sunday called on both sides to exercise restraint and immediately end the hostilities — but made no mention of the unprecedented Hamas surprise attack early Saturday that has left more than 1,100 dead in fighting so far and thousands wounded on both s...