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Israel Launches Gaza City Offensive Amid Famine and Global Outcry

                                             Displaced Palestinians flee from one area to another in Gaza City on Friday.   The Israeli military has declared Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone” and confirmed it has begun the initial stages of a long-anticipated offensive on the war-ravaged enclave’s largest urban center. The move ends daily humanitarian pauses that had allowed limited aid deliveries, intensifying fears for hundreds of thousands of displaced residents already enduring famine conditions. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said forces are operating “with great force” on the city’s outskirts, vowing to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages. Israel also announced the recovery of two hostages’ remains, including Ilan Weiss, killed during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. The United Nations and aid agencies...

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Warns of Approaching Debt Ceiling Crisis


Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has issued a stark warning that the United States could hit its debt ceiling as early as mid-January. In a letter to congressional leaders, Yellen stated that her agency would need to begin taking "extraordinary measures" to prevent the nation from breaching the debt limit. These measures are special accounting maneuvers intended to keep the government operating without defaulting on its obligations.

Yellen emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging Congress to act swiftly to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. The debt ceiling, which had been suspended until January 1, 2025, is expected to be reinstated on January 2, 2025. However, due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments, the Treasury does not expect to need to take extraordinary measures until January 14 to January 23.

The federal debt currently stands at approximately $36 trillion, a figure that has grown significantly over the years under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased government borrowing costs, making the situation even more critical.

Yellen's warning comes after President Joe Biden signed a bill last week that averted a government shutdown but did not address the debt ceiling issue. The bill was passed only after intense debate among Republicans over how to handle President-elect Donald Trump's demand to raise or suspend the debt limit.

As the new year approaches, the nation's fiscal health hangs in the balance, with lawmakers facing a critical decision on how to address the impending debt ceiling crisis.




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