Israeli Strikes in Gaza Escalate Amid Ceasefire Efforts
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 23 Palestinians on Saturday, January 31, 2026, according to hospital officials in Gaza. The strikes, one of the highest tolls since the October ceasefire, hit locations throughout Gaza, including an apartment building in Gaza City, a day after Israel accused Hamas of new ceasefire violations, according to the Associated Press, as reported by NPR News.
The strikes occurred as efforts to solidify a lasting ceasefire continued in the region. The October ceasefire aimed to halt fighting, but recent events have threatened the stability of the agreement.
Protests Erupt Across U.S. in Response to Immigration Enforcement
Meanwhile, in the United States, protests erupted in cities nationwide on Friday, January 30, 2026, in response to the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown. The demonstrations followed the killings of two people by federal agents during an aggressive enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to Time.
Organizers called for a national shutdown day, urging people to abstain from school, work, and shopping. Tens of thousands of demonstrators were expected to take to the streets from Los Angeles to New York. Dozens of businesses closed their doors in solidarity with the protests.
The protests were sparked by what Minneapolis leaders described as an "invasion" of federal immigration enforcement officers as part of the Administration's Operation Metro Surge campaign, according to Time. Minnesotans previously held a statewide general strike the week prior to demand an end to the operation.
In Minneapolis, a red hat, inspired by a symbol of resistance to Nazi occupation, gained traction as a symbol of solidarity against the immigration policies. According to NPR News, the hats, handmade with the words "Melt the ICE," were displayed at a local yarn store, Needle & Skein. Paul Neary, a shop employee, noted a "collective exhaustion" among the knitters due to the presence of federal immigration officials in the city.
Iranian Director's New Film Acquired
In other news, Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof's new short film, "Sense of Water," was acquired by Films Boutique, Variety reported. This marks Rasoulof's first film since his escape from Iran in 2024, following the release of "The Seed of the Sacred Fig."
'Send Help' Thriller Captivates Audiences
The film "Send Help," starring Dylan O'Brien and Rachel McAdams, has garnered attention for its shocking ending. According to Time, the film depicts a twisted relationship between a nepo baby CEO and his employee after they are stranded on a desert island.
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