�Hٌ9�Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.

NEW YORK — Outside Nebraska football team’s hotel, sirens blared, horns honked and music cut through the cold December air. A lengthy procession of cars, escorted by the New York Police Department, paraded through the Manhattan streets reveling with passers-by as they celebrated Hanukkah in full force on Thursday night. While trips to a New York Knicks game, the 9/11 Museum and other sights around New York City have been highlights for the Nebraska football roster, head coach Matt Rhule is pleased with the level of focus he’s seen from his players. “Walking around New York City, there’s a lot of things to do that could pull you away (from the game), but they’ve done everything right and we’ve practiced well,” Rhule said. One final non-football activity took place Friday morning when Rhule, Ty Robinson, Isaac Gifford and Jahmal Banks went to the New York Stock Exchange. Rhule helped ring the bell to denote the opening of the stock markets for the day. People are also reading... Beatrice house suffers severe damage from Christmas fire Is John Dutton real? Meet the powerful rancher seemingly inspiring the 'Yellowstone' legend At the courthouse, Dec. 21, 2024 Beatrice church starts construction on fellowship hall Former Beatrice man sentenced for sex assault of runaway City employee retires after 47 years Gage County supervisors vote down FOP contract offer Two faces charges in January vehicle thefts Downtown Beatrice festive for the holidays Beatrice man pleads guilty to receiving child sex abuse images What’s open and closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2024? Beatrice's Schroeder wins at Junior Angus show Nebraska volleyball libero Lexi Rodriguez signs with LOVB's Omaha team Matt Rhule and Nebraska football plan Pinstripe Bowl practice in Central Park Main Street welcomes new director “I’ve grown up here and if you’d told me in one day I’d be on the floor of the stock exchange ringing the bell and a couple hours later I’d be on the field at Yankee Stadium, I never would have believed you,” Rhule said. Having arrived in New York on Monday, Nebraska has practiced in multiple different locations which include the New York Giants practice facility, Fordham University and a Christmas-day walkthrough inside Central Park. “When we landed we went right to practice, and the first thing we did was put our pads on and hit,” Rhule said. “We’ve given them some free time, we’ve done a lot of cool things and celebrated Christmas together, but at the end of the day this is an opportunity for us to finish our season the right way.” * Friday marked the first time Nebraska stepped foot inside Yankee Stadium for an on-field walkthrough prior to playing in the Pinstripe Bowl. As players and coaches alike soaked up the feeling of being inside the legendary sports venue, Rhule found himself impressed with the bowl game’s setup. “A lot of times they play a football game in a baseball stadium and it’s kinda shoehorned in there, but when they rebuilt Yankee Stadium they certainly did it right because (the field) fits perfectly,” Rhule said. * A photo posted by Nebraska football’s social media accounts on Thursday showed the nine newcomers who traveled with the team and have taken part in NU’s bowl game practices. Transfer defensive end Jaylen George and eight incoming freshmen have gotten a “jumpstart” to their Nebraska careers, Rhule said, by being part of team meetings and the on-field preparation. * With wide receiver Isaiah Neyor having opted out of Nebraska’s bowl game, Rhule identified Jaylen Lloyd and Keelan Smith as two wideouts who could see increased opportunities on Saturday. * Nebraska’s transfer portal efforts are not yet fully finished. Following the New Year, the Huskers can again host transfer players on campus for visits. “We’ll be back at work on the first,” Rhule said. “There’s no break, there’s no vacation and there’s no time away; there’s the game and then we’ll be ready to host people that first week (of January).” Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Tonight's thrilling episode of I'm A Celebrity saw a closely-watched return to action with the iconic Celebrity Cyclone challenge as the final four braved the legendary water slide obstacle. Emotions were running high amongst ITV viewers when they had to bid farewell to another contestant, just shy of the grand finale tomorrow night. Ant and Dec were on hand to deliver the edge-of-your-seat reveal of who secured the fourth spot, leaving the camp with only three contenders remaining for that coveted jungle crown, reports Plymouth Live . Ultimately, it was Oti Mabuse who garnered the least public support, leaving Coleen Rooney, Danny, Jones and Reverend Richard Coles to vie for the coveted jungle crown. Sitting down with Ant and Dec, Oti expressed how she was "happy" to be going home and that she felt "grateful" for the opportunity. She also identified her "winner" of the series as Danny. Following the shocking elimination, I’m A Celeb viewers took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter , to share their thoughts on the outcome. One person lamented: "Loved Oti! Sad she’s not in the final." (sic) Another demanded: "NO PLEASE I NEED A RECOUNT." (sic) A third person raged: "THE F*** YOU MEAN OTI IS GONE??????" (sic) A fourth fumed: "BOYCOTTING THIS STUPID SHOW THAT WAS MY QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE." (sic) Another fan agreed: "Oti Mabuse MY Queen of the Jungle." (sic) One more wrote: "Thrilled that Richard is in the final, but Oti deserved to be there right at the end. I’m so glad she has shown the country what an absolutely beautiful human being she is." Dwelling on their time in the wilderness earlier on, Richard mused around the campfire: "I've had a great time, I've loved it. And even the tough stuff, looking back, I know I'll have loved the whole thing." Coleen shared her sentiments, adding: "These last few days have made it for me to say I actually have really enjoyed it." Danny concurred: "It's just been more fun, hasn't it? As we've gone on." "When we've been more intimate, as a smaller group," Oti chimed in. Richard then had his campmates in stitches with his humorous remark, as he said: "And when we're very old, and me exceptionally old, we'll remember it. We'll bump into each other as Coleen picks up her peerage, Lady Rooney, Danny's there to get his knighthood and Oti Mabuse is there to sit on the throne! I'll turn up with my sandwiches and go, 'I used to know them!'" I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Final airs tomorrow at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.Dutch court rejects lawsuit from rights groups seeking to halt arms sales to IsraelIn their final fixture of 2024, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game midway through the opening period. Arsenal’s victory takes them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool, having played one match more than the Reds, and a point clear of Chelsea following their Boxing Day defeat to Fulham. Ipswich, although much improved in the second half, have now lost five of their last six games, and remain just one place off the bottom of the table, three points away from safety. 🎯 — Arsenal (@Arsenal) Mikel Arteta’s men have been rocked by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury which could keep the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, out of action for the next two months. Gabriel Martinelli was handed the unenviable task of filling Saka’s shoes on Arsenal’s right-hand side and the Brazilian was involved in the only goal of the evening. The Ipswich defence failed to deal with Martinelli’s cross, with the ball falling to Leandro Trossard on the opposite side of the area. Trossard fought his way to the byline before fizzing his cross into the box for Havertz to convert from a matter of yards. It was Havertz’s third goal in four matches, his 12th of the season, and no less than the hosts, who at that stage of the match had enjoyed a staggering 91.4 per cent of the possession, deserved. Heading into Friday’s fixture, Arsenal had lost only one of their last 75 Premier League games when they had opened the scoring, and their triumph here rarely looked in doubt following Havertz’s strike. Three points that take Arsenal into second 🪜 — Premier League (@premierleague) Havertz thought he had doubled Arsenal’s lead with 34 minutes gone when he converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross. But Jesus – handed his third successive start for the first time in a year – strayed into an offside position in the build-up. When referee Darren England blew for half-time, Ipswich had failed to touch the ball in Arsenal’s box, becoming just the second side to do so in the Premier League this season. Nottingham Forest were the other, away at Liverpool, before they went on to inflict Arne Slot’s sole defeat of his tenure so far. And for all of Arsenal’s possession, while they held just a one-goal advantage, Ipswich knew they were still in the game. An encouraging start to the second half for the Tractor Boys ensued, albeit without testing David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Shortly after the hour mark, Gabriel should have settled any growing Emirates nerves when he arrived unmarked to Declan Rice’s corner, but the defender headed wide of Arijanet Muric’s post when it looked easier to score. Just over an hour on the clock. — IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) Martin Odegaard then forced a fine fingertip save from Muric at his near post after a mazy run and shot from the Arsenal skipper. Rice’s stinging goal-bound volley from the following corner was blocked by Dara O’Shea as Arsenal pushed for a game-killing second. Havertz should have tapped home Trossard’s header but he fluffed his lines. And moments later, substitute Mikel Merino’s effort was diverted from danger by a diving Muric. Ipswich looked to catch Arsenal on the counter, but the match ended without them registering a single effort on Raya’s goal. Ipswich fans goaded their opponents with chants of “boring, boring Arsenal”, but it was the Gunners who enjoyed the last laugh as they saw out 2024 with a win which keeps the pressure on Liverpool.

Every CES or consumer electronics show is brimming with ambitious ideas that claim to change everything, yet most of them fade away before fulfilling even a fraction of their bold promises. Occasionally, however, a product emerges that reignites excitement and curiosity. Breggz has introduced the Zohn-1, a set of custom-fit earphones that has captured my attention in a meaningful way. Described as a harmonious blend of modern design, advanced materials, and meticulous hand assembly, the Zohn-1 sets high expectations. The brand promises remarkable audio fidelity paired with a personalized experience—a combination few hearables have achieved. Designer: Xander + Breggz Custom fitting does more than provide comfort or stability—it revolutionizes audio performance. When the Zohn-1 is precisely tailored to your ear’s unique contours, acoustic leaks are eliminated, enhancing bass response and delivering crystal-clear sound clarity. Balanced armature drivers, carefully positioned closer to the eardrum, amplify immersion by creating a direct sound path. This design enhances audio richness and allows for lower volume levels to achieve the same perceived loudness, reducing strain on your ears over time. By combining these elements, custom fitting becomes a critical factor in both audio quality and long-term ear health. The ear-scanning technology used in the Zohn-1 enables precise placement of the balanced armature drivers, which is key to achieving superior audio quality. During my chat with Breggz founder Xander, he revealed that they have incorporated a hearing test into the app. This test identifies missing frequencies in the user’s hearing, particularly in the high and low ends, and compensates for them through tailored sound adjustments. This thoughtful addition ensures a richer and more balanced listening experience, making the Zohn-1 highly personalized for each user. The scanning process transmits data to specialized companies that convert the visual information into 3D-printable files. These files are used to create a custom-shaped earphone shell, perfectly aligning with the unique contours of the user’s ears. This precise fit enhances comfort and significantly improves audio isolation and performance, creating a listening experience tailored to individual needs. The product design centers around the innovative combination of custom ear shells and a small, interchangeable module known as the pebble. This module supports modularity and significantly enhances the user experience by housing critical electronics in a compact, replaceable unit. The pebble ensures that components can be easily upgraded or repaired, providing convenience while maintaining seamless integration with the custom-fit ear shells. Its design also allows for personalization, with options for different materials and finishes, enhancing its appeal as a stylish accessory. Beyond aesthetics, the pebble holds most of the electronics and clicks securely into the personalized shells. This thoughtful design creates a handcrafted, ergonomic piece that fits snugly and rests in the ear with minimal pressure. By adopting this approach, Breggz achieves scalable production of the universal core while delivering a bespoke fit for each user. My current setup is the JH Audio 16, which has long been regarded as a gold standard for audiophiles. Its sound quality is undeniably exceptional, with detailed highs, balanced mids, and a dynamic bass range that few products can rival. However, the Bluetooth ear module that pairs with the JH Audio 16 leaves much to be desired. The module is bulky and awkward, making it uncomfortable for extended use. Its design feels like an afterthought, lacking aesthetic appeal and cohesiveness with the rest of the product. Additionally, the module’s high price point detracts from its overall value, despite the stellar sound quality of the JH Audio 16. The Zohn-1 promises to address these shortcomings through its integrated design and advanced features. By offering a modular approach with the pebble and focusing on comfort, aesthetics, and functionality, Breggz aims to deliver a more cohesive and user-friendly experience without compromising on audio fidelity. Breggz has designed the Zohn-1 with an impressive battery life of eight hours, making it suitable for a full day of listening. This functionality is further enhanced by a stylish charging case that adds to its practicality and serves as a piece of functional art. The case extends the total playtime to 40 hours before needing a recharge, making it ideal for long flights or weekend getaways. The charging case itself is a key component of the Zohn-1 experience. Featuring a gull-wing door system—a nod to upscale automotive design—it balances visual appeal with practicality, enhancing its functionality as a premium accessory. Beyond its style, the case can recharge the Zohn-1 up to five times, eliminating the need for frequent access to a power outlet. This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who often find themselves on the move. Additionally, the Zohn-1 supports a rapid charge function, allowing the battery to refill to 50% capacity in just five to ten minutes. This quick boost reduces the stress of forgetting to charge overnight, ensuring the earphones are ready to go with minimal downtime. Together, these features emphasize both convenience and thoughtful design, making the Zohn-1 a reliable companion for any lifestyle. Unboxing the Zohn-1 is an experience that emphasizes both personalization and aesthetic appeal. At the heart of the package are the custom-shaped earphones, designed to attach seamlessly to the balanced armature drivers. These earphones are crafted to fit uniquely to each user, reinforcing the tailored approach Breggz has taken with this product. Surprisingly, the package also includes a set of five silicone ear tips. While this might seem unusual for a custom-fit device, these tips are included to refine the fit further for those who may need subtle adjustments. They help seal small gaps or add extra comfort, ensuring that every user achieves a snug and optimal fit right out of the box. The charging case stands out as a highlight. Featuring a gull-wing door system, it combines design flair with functionality. This case supports both USB-C and induction charging, providing up to 40 hours of additional playtime. Its thoughtful design complements the premium positioning of the Zohn-1. To complete the unboxing, Breggz includes a proprietary cleaning kit and a leather carrying case. These accessories underline the brand’s commitment to quality and practicality, offering users a stylish and protective way to maintain and transport their earphones. The sustainability story is a big part of Breggz’s approach, even though it exists underneath the flashier features. By constructing the earpieces through an on-demand 3D printing pipeline, the company avoids wasting materials on unsold stock. Breggz has pointed out that glue-free assembly makes recycling more straightforward, and the shell and pebble design could theoretically be taken apart for future upgrades. This is meant to reduce the electronic waste that builds up when entire devices are discarded every year. The extended battery life and ability to replace or repair smaller components reinforce that direction. Breggz is pushing the notion that luxury and eco-friendliness can coexist, which could set them apart if they manage to turn these broad claims into everyday reality. The materials used in this design reflect a premium direction, with an emphasis on sustainability and luxury. Breggz has revealed that the Zohn-1 meets CE and FCC standards for safety and performance. The shell is 3D-printed to order, and there is potential for those who want to go all out with metals such as gold. The pebble itself gets a leather covering that can be swapped with other textures or colors, turning the functional electronics into something that can be personalized for style. In my discussion with the Breggz founder, Xander, he highlighted the unique combination of advanced personalization, modular design, and sustainability at the core of this product. The custom ear-scanning process, which eliminates the need for audiologists, and the 3D-printed shells tailored to each individual user are just the beginning. Features like the interchangeable “pebble,” high-quality, balanced armature drivers, and eco-conscious materials reflect the thoughtful design philosophy behind the Zohn-1. I am eagerly waiting to test the Zohn-1 and discover whether it truly lives up to its promise. By maintaining a consistent focus on easy assembly, upgradable electronics, and 3D-printed customization, Breggz has already distinguished itself from the chorus of wireless earbuds at CES. If this product delivers as envisioned, it could redefine what consumers expect from personalized audio technology.Coffee-table book Pudhu Mandapam released in Madurai

Arsenal up to second after Kai Havertz goal sees off struggling Ipswich'Three times the effort': Nikolay Davydenko calls Grand Slam equal pay unjust

A former Florida Republican said he's breathing a "sigh of relief" that Pam Bondi is now Donald Trump's new attorney general choice, noting that she's not only qualified, she hasn't been embroiled in any sex scandals. Legal analysts debated ethics and experiences during Friday's MSNBC discussion about Bondi. Former Rep. David Jolly (R-FL) confessed that he's a friend of Bondi's and he sees her as completely qualified for the job. She also has the added benefit of not having had any sex scandal, he said. The previous appointee was former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who resigned from Congress ahead of an Ethics Committee vote on whether to release a report on an investigation into allegations against him. Some details of the report have dripped out, including testimony from two witnesses who spoke to the committee. Also Read: Pro-Trump super PAC fined for election law violation Despite calls from Trump and lobbying efforts with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance , Gaetz withdrew his promised nomination on Thursday. "We should breathe a little sigh of relief," said Jolly about Bondi. "The big difference between Matt Gaetz and Pam Bondi is this. Pam Bondi is qualified to run the department. ... She hasn't been accused of sexual misconduct or sex trafficking." But it was Andrew Weissmann, former top prosecutor for special counsel Robert Mueller, who said that the standard should be higher than not having been investigated by the Justice Department. "One thing that is important is for our viewers not to recalibrate simply because there is a new normal that she is not Matt Gaetz," said Weissmann. "That's not the standard for whether somebody should be the attorney general of the United States." He pointed out that it is also not a qualification to be a state prosecutor for years. "Absolutely, she has that experience, but the real issue is, I think, sort of the second part of what David was talking about, which is, one: Does she believe that facts and law are what is supposed to govern the Department of Justice and all decision-making?" asked Weissmann. "Two: Do you think it is right for the president to say who you should prosecute and who you should not prosecute?" he continued. "And so, questions like 'Do you believe there is a stolen election in 2020,' are totally appropriate ones. When she talks about going after, you know, political enemies of Donald Trump, is that the appropriate role for the Department of Justice? She shouldn't have to walk them back because that is the critical issue." See the discussion below or at the link here . - YouTube www.youtube.com

RIDE-CT: Tough times in powersports industryTHE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. The warrants said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people, according to local health authorities, who say more than half of those killed were women and children. Their count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Experts say hunger has become widespread across Gaza and may have reached famine levels in the north of the territory, which is under siege by Israeli troops. Israel says it has been working hard to improve entry of aid, though the trickle of supplies into Gaza remains near the lowest levels of the war. Netanyahu condemned the warrant against him, saying Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” by the court. In a statement released by his office, he said: “There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza.” Gallant, in a statement, said the decision "sets a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defense and moral warfare and encourages murderous terrorism.” The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects, putting them at risk of arrest when they travel abroad and potentially further isolating them . Israel and its top ally, the United States, are not members of the court. But others of Israel's allies, including some of its close European friends, are put in an awkward position. Several, including France, welcomed the court's decision and signaled they might arrest Netanyahu if he visited. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden's administration was “deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.” The warrants represent "the most dramatic step yet in the court’s involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," said Anthony Dworkin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Israeli leaders, politicians and officials across the spectrum denounced the warrants and the ICC. The new defense minister, Israel Katz, who replaced Gallant earlier this month, said Thursday’s decision is “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.” Human rights groups applauded the move. The warrants against both sides “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement. The decision came six months after ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the warrants. The court issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, over the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It said it found reasonable grounds to believe Deif was involved in murder, rape, torture and the taking of hostages amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the Hamas-led attack, militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking some 250 others hostage. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be dead. Khan withdrew requests for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh , who have both since been killed. Israel says it also killed Deif in an airstrike, but Hamas has never confirmed his death. The warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were issued by a three-judge panel in a unanimous decision. The panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both men bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The judges said the lack of food, water, electricity, fuel and specific medical supplies created conditions “calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza,” including the deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration. They also found that by preventing hospital supplies and medicine from getting into Gaza, doctors were forced to operate, including performing amputations, without anesthesia or with unsafe means of sedation that led to “great suffering.” Israeli diplomatic officials said the government is lobbying the international community to speak out against the warrants and is considering an appeal to the court. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal decision on how the government will proceed. Despite the warrants, none of the suspects is likely to face judges in The Hague anytime soon. Member countries are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that. For example, Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted on an ICC warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, recently visited Mongolia, a member state in the court but also a Russian ally. He was not arrested. Still, the threat of arrest now complicates any travel abroad by Netanyahu and Gallant. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants are binding on all 27 members countries of the European Union. France signaled it could arrest Netanyahu if he came to its territory. Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called it a “complex legal issue” but said France supports the court’s actions. “Combating impunity is our priority,” he said. “Our response will align with these principles.” Hamas in a statement welcomed the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant but made no mention of the one against Deif. Israel’s opposition leaders fiercely criticized the ICC’s move. Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, said it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.” Israel’s campaign has caused heavy destruction across Gaza and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive. Two days after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, Gallant announced a total seal on Gaza, vowing not to let in food, fuel or other supplies. Under U.S. pressure, Israel began allowing a trickle of humanitarian aid to enter a few weeks later. Israel now says it puts no limit on the supplies permitted into Gaza, and it blames the U.N. distribution system. But Israel's official figures show the amount of aid it has let in has plunged since the beginning of October. The U.N has blamed Israeli military restrictions, along with widespread lawlessness that has led to theft of aid shipments. The case at the ICC is separate from another legal battle Israel is waging at the top U.N. court, the International Court of Justice, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide , an allegation Israeli leaders staunchly deny. Lawyers for Israel argued in court that the war in Gaza was a legitimate defense of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide. Associated Press journalists Raf Casert in Brussels, Mike Corder in The Hague and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.