Tuesday’s Top Stories: Biden calls for Israel to halt Rafah offensive; influencers wise up to potential tax bills

Israel-Hamas war: Biden joins calls for Israel to halt Rafah offensive

US president Joe Biden has added his voice to growing international calls for Israel to drop plans for an all-out military assault on the city of Rafah, in southern Gaza, after a hostage rescue operation that killed dozens of Palestinians.

Speaking after talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah at the White House on Monday, Mr Biden said: “A major military operation in Rafahshould not proceed without a credible plan for ensuring the safety and support of more than one million people sheltering there.

“Many people there have been displaced multiple times fleeing the violence to the north and now they are packed into Rafah, exposed and vulnerable. They need to be protected,” he said.

News from around the World

New York subway shooting: one killed, five injured: One person was killed and five others were injured in a shooting at a New York City subway station during the Monday evening commute, police have said.

Pancake Tuesday

There is a visual allure to a stack of thick American pancakes, Catherine Cleary writes. Photograph: iStock/Getty

Perfect pancake recipe: How to make a better batter: Use a good pan and have kitchen roll to hand, advises Catherine Cleary.

The best from Opinion

Today's Business

‘I wouldn’t have done that if I’d known’: Influencers wise up to potential tax bills: If you’re on social media, you’ll be familiar with the pitch. An influencer, or content creator, opens a box in front of the camera and proceeds to try out the new make-up or try on the new clothes they’ve been #gifted, exclaiming all the time about how good they are. Or maybe they mix a cocktail, or sample a restaurant, or stay in a hotel, or get their hair done, all the while filling your screen with the delights of their experience.