Sewage Flows, Google Protests, Cuba Talks: News Roundup

Gazans returning through the Rafah crossing reported being subjected to checks by a local Palestinian militia linked to Israel, while in other news, Google employees are demanding the company cut ties with ICE, and a sewage leak in Wellington, New Zealand, has been described as an environmental disaster. Additionally, Cuba has expressed willingness to engage in talks with the US, and reports indicate that many smart motorways in England are failing to deliver expected value for money.

According to the BBC World, two Gazan women who passed through the newly reopened Rafah crossing with Egypt on Monday reported being searched by members of the Abu Shabab militia, also known as the Popular Forces, at an Israeli military checkpoint inside the Gaza Strip. Lamia Rabia, who was traveling with her children, stated that they were escorted by Israeli forces from the border to the checkpoint.

Meanwhile, Google employees are calling for the company to end its ties with ICE, as reported by the BBC. Nearly 900 full-time Google employees signed an open letter demanding more transparency regarding the company's technology use within the US government. A Google employee of seven years found it "mind-boggling" that the company was maintaining its ties with immigration enforcement, according to the BBC.

In New Zealand, a sewage leak in Wellington has been described as an environmental disaster, as reported by The Guardian. Residents have been advised not to enter the water, collect seafood, or walk their dogs on local beaches after a wastewater treatment plant failure.

The Cuban president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has expressed his government's willingness to engage in talks with the US, according to The Guardian. This comes after months of threats from Donald Trump.

Finally, according to BBC Business, reports indicate that many smart motorways in England are failing to deliver the value for money expected when they were originally planned. Two schemes, involving sections of the M25 and the M6, were found to be offering "very poor" value. The AA, representing motorists, said the schemes had turned out to be a "catastrophic waste of time, money and effort."