This is AP NewsMinute.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is defending a new military offensive in Gaza.

Israel has expanded the military plan to include more areas

It's also being increasingly condemned.

Netanyahu said Israel has no choice but to complete the defeat of Hamas.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his country will recognize a Palestinian state.

France, Britain and Canada have also signaled they will do that.

Australia has designated Hamas a terrorist entity and called for the militant group to return Israeli hostages.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is keeping up his demands in the war with Ukraine.

Putin is expected to meet with President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday.

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Heavy rainfall triggered flood watches and warnings in six midwestern states.

The National Weather Service says areas around Milwaukee got up to 14 inches of rain.