Hard Numbers: Renewed global optimism in US, EU parliament backs vaccine IP waivers, anti-Semitic attacks surge in US, India's tragic audit

Hard Numbers: Renewed global optimism in US, EU parliament backs vaccine IP waivers, anti-Semitic attacks surge in US, India's tragic audit
Gabriella Turrisi

75: A median of 75 percent of people surveyed in a dozen countries — including Japan, Canada, Germany, and France — say they have confidence in US President Joe Biden's approach to foreign affairs, according to a Pew poll. That's a massive rebound from last year, when only 17 percent answered the same about Donald Trump's foreign policy bona fides.

355: The European Parliament has approved a resolution supporting IP waivers for COVID vaccines. A total of 355 MEPs voted in favor of removing vaccine patents, which the EU has so far vehemently opposed as a bloc. Meanwhile, the World Trade Organization says it'll start discussing the text of a potential temporary waiver to intellectual property rights.

115: Anti-Semitic attacks in the US jumped 115 percent in May compared to the same time last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Jews in Los Angeles, New York and elsewhere were targeted amid a recent conflict between Israel and Gaza-based Hamas.

9,429: After a government audit Wednesday, the COVID death toll in the Indian state of Bihar rose to 9,429, a 73 percent increase from the previously reported figure. Still, Bihar has only recorded the 12th highest number of deaths from COVID compared to other Indian states. This revelation comes as the country grapples with a new variant, the Delta mutation, that appears to be more transmissible, on top of a still-surging daily death toll.

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On Tuesday, the US struck four boats off the Pacific coast of Central America, killing 14 people who the White House said were smuggling narcotics.

Israeli warplanes launched heavy airstrikes targeting an entire residential block near the Al-Sousi Mosque in Al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The strikes destroyed a large number of homes, levelling some to the ground. Civil defense and ambulance teams rushed to the scene and are working to rescue victims and recover bodies from under the rubble amidst widespread destruction and significant difficulties in rescue operations due to the ongoing bombardment and a shortage of equipment.

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed 100 people last night, according to local officials, in the deadliest day since the signing of the ceasefire three weeks ago.