Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his troops would pursue a planned ground offensive in southern Gaza's Rafah that has spurred fears of mass civilian casualties. His comments came as talks were expected to resume in Doha towards a truce in Gaza. Most of Gaza's 2.4 million people have sought refuge from relentless Israeli bombardment in the southern city. US President Joe Biden, who has backed Israel during the war, has said an invasion of Rafah would be a "red line" unless credible civilian protection plans are in place.

NETANYAHU'S REACTION TO SCHUMER'S CALL FOR ELECTIONS

Russian President Vladimir Putin won a landslide re-election Sunday to a post-Soviet record fifth term, which was met by a Ukrainian counter-offensive and domestic protests. With half of the ballots counted, Putin led with 87.3% of the vote. Nationwide turnout was 74.22%, election officials said, surpassing 2018 levels of 67.5%. Three other candidates from parties loyal to the Kremlin offered Putin no serious competition.

SEE PUTIN'S COMMENT ABOUT THE DEATH OF CRITIC NAVALNY

Icelandic police declared a state of emergency over the weekend as lava spewed from a new volcanic fissure on the Reykjanes peninsula, the fourth eruption to hit the area since December. Live video images showed glowing lava and billowing smoke as the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management announced it had sent a helicopter to narrow down the exact location of the new fissure.

HOW THE ERUPTIONS POSE MAJOR DISRUPTIONS FOR CAPITAL

What was the deadliest volcanic eruption in recorded world history?

Friday's answer: The 2020 US presidential election saw a record $1.5 billion spent on advertising, and 2024 is projected to shatter the mark.