European nations announce recognition of Palestine
Three European nations have announced some controversial news. The nations of Norway, Spain and Ireland have announced they will recognize Palestine as a nation. Leaders from the three countries say they will recognize the Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as the capital. Critics quickly voiced opposition to this decision. Former US Ambassador to the UN and former US candidate Nikki Haley condemned the announcement. Haley said this decision has emboldened Hamas. A leader within Hamas released a statement thanking protestors around the world for demonstrations against Israel. The leader further added the terrorist group’s goal is to defeat Israel and dismantle the Zionist enterprise.
Hamas attacks major Israeli cities
The announcement to recognize Palestine as a nation was made following a recent attack by Hamas. The rocket attack targeted major cities in Israel including, Tel Aviv. The attack comes shortly after IDF forces killed a leader within the terrorist group. Israeli officials expressed regret that some civilians were killed in the attack. The IDF did confirm that the attack was outside of the special safety zone designated for civilians in the area. Hamas’ attack on Tel Aviv and other cities in central Israel is the first attack in four months. The attack was confirmed to have been fired out of Rafah. Israeli officials have launched an attack on Rafah the last stronghold of Hamas. The officials further added a response to the International Court of Justice demanding a ceasefire from Israel. Israeli officials say they will continue their offensive military operations in Gaza. Officials added Israel is not committing genocide, but fighting according to international law; this includes taking steps to evacuate and protect civilians according to Israeli officials.
Religious service allowed at national park after controversy
The national park service allowed a religious group to hold a special service at a National cemetery for Memorial Day. The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization, has held a memorial service annually during Memorial Day to honor soldiers. The service was denied this year by the National Park Service. The organization claimed there was a new policy prohibiting religious services. The Knights of Columbus were represented by First Liberty. Attorneys for the group noted national park service officials had allowed other ceremonies but denied this group, accusing the park service of religious discrimination. The park officials and the group later agreed to terms allowing the Knights of Columbus to hold their services at the cemetery. A lawsuit filed in the case was later dismissed following both parties’ agreement.
SNBC HEALTH report: Researchers are continuing to warn consumers about the dangers of soybean oil
According to research, soybean oil is a commonly used oil, and contains ingredients that are harmful to the body. The oil is known to have high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, which when broken down from cooking at high temperatures, can develop into carcinogenic material. Researchers in 2015 found mice that consumed a diet high in soybean oil increased in risk of weight gain, diabetes, and insulin resistance. The mice also developed a condition called fatty liver disease. Soybean oil can be found in several processed foods including chips, creamers, and mayonnaise. Researchers advise seeking out other kinds of oils to use for cooking and reading labels to avoid soybean oil in processed foods.