Jerusalem (AFP): Israel announced the expansion of its military aims on Tuesday, widening its nearly year-long offensive against Hamas in Gaza to focus on Hezbollah along its northern border with Lebanon.

“The political-security cabinet updated the goals of the war this evening, so that they include the following section: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

Not formally declared as a war, the exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah have killed hundreds, mostly fighters, in Lebanon, and dozens of civilians and soldiers on the Israeli side. Hezbollah claimed a dozen attacks on Israeli positions on Monday and three more on Tuesday.

The Israeli announcement came a day after Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said “military action” was the “only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities”.

It also comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due back in the region this week to try to revive stalled ceasefire talks for Israel’s operation in Gaza.

New Delhi: Delhi Minister Atishi Marlena is set to become the new chief minister following Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation after his meeting with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena this afternoon.

The decision was finalized during an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders' meeting held today.

During the meeting, party leader Dilip Pandey suggested that Mr Kejriwal choose his successor. When Mr. Kejriwal proposed Atishi's name, all AAP MLAs unanimously supported the decision, and she was elected as the leader of the legislature party, according to sources.

Currently serving in key roles in the Delhi government, including education and public works, Atishi is a prominent figure in AAP’s education reform initiatives. She is an Oxford University alumnus and Rhodes scholar with extensive experience in transforming Delhi's schools.

The 43-year-old MLA from Kalkaji assumed ministerial duties after Manish Sisodia was arrested in connection with a corruption case related to Delhi's former liquor policy. During the period when Kejriwal and Sisodia were in custody, Atishi effectively represented the party’s stance.

On August 15, Kejriwal had selected her to hoist the national flag at the Delhi government's Independence Day event. Although the plan was ultimately blocked by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, it underscored the trust AAP leadership has in Atishi.

Dubai (Reuters): Next month's Women's T20 World Cup will offer a record total of $7.96 million in prize money, organising body the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday.

The winners of the tournament will receive $2.34 million, more than double the $1 million awarded to Australia for winning the previous edition of the tournament in 2023.

India received $2.45 million earlier this year for winning the men's T20 World Cup, which handed out a total of $11.25 million.

"This move is in line with the ICC's strategy to prioritise the women's game and accelerate its growth by 2032," the ICC said in a statement.

"Teams will now receive equal prize money for the equivalent finishing position at comparable events as well as the same amount for winning a match at those events.

"The men's T20 World Cup 2024 event prize money is only higher on account of 10 additional teams participating and 32 more matches played."

The losing finalists will walk away with $1.17 million, while each of the 10 participating teams are assured of $112,500.

The Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled for Oct. 3 to 20, was moved to the United Arab Emirates from Bangladesh, which has been rocked by political turmoil and violence in recent months.