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Wednesday Briefing NYT » World News We’re covering closing arguments in Donald Trump’s trial and Election Day in South Africa.

Can South Africa’s Opposition Parties Break Through? NYT » World News A record 51 parties are competing to unseat the long-ruling African National Congress in the national election on Wednesday. Here’s why it won’t be easy.

Briefly Open to a Fair-Looking Election, Venezuela Reverses Course Again NYT » World News Officials rescinded an invitation to E.U. observers for the presidential vote in July, in another sign that Nicolás Maduro is unlikely to cede power regardless of the result.

As Interest in Clean Energy Grows, Saudi Arabia Eyes a Future Beyond Oil NYT » World News The kingdom is trying to juggle its still-vital petroleum industry with alternative energy sources like wind and solar as it faces pressure to lower carbon emissions.

South Africa’s Black Elites Sour on the President They Championed NYT » World News In pivotal elections on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his African National Congress party are struggling to keep the support of Black middle- and upper-class voters.

Haiti Names New Prime Minister to Try to Lead Country Out of Crisis NYT » World News Garry Conille is taking on the office just ahead of the arrival of a Kenyan-led international police force charged with helping restore order to the violence-torn nation.

U.S. Officials Say Deadly Rafah Airstrike Did Not Cross Biden’s Red Line NYT » World News The deaths were “devastating,” a White House spokesman said, but the scale of the attack was not enough to change U.S. policy.

Israel Pushes Into Rafah as Displaced Palestinians Search for Safety NYT » World News The Israeli military said it had deployed additional combat troops to the southern Gaza Strip, even as a growing chorus of voices demand an end to the fighting.

At Least 21 Killed in Strike on a Tent Camp in Al-Mawasi, Gazan Officials Say NYT » World News The reports come just two days after dozens of people were killed when a fire tore through a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah after an Israeli airstrike.

Blinken Travels to Eastern Europe as Russia Presses War in Ukraine NYT » World News Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken aims to show support for Moldova, which is under threat from Russia, and plans to attend a NATO meeting in the Czech Republic.

Biden Moves to Open U.S. Banks to Cuba’s Private Sector NYT » World News The rules will allow Cuban entrepreneurs to open bank accounts in the United States, making it easier for them to expand and encouraging other Cubans to start businesses.

A Gazan official says a strike killed 21, and other news. NYT » World News

Spain, Norway and Ireland Formally Recognize Palestinian Statehood NYT » World News The moves are a rebuke to Israel, who is the face of mounting international anger over the country’s military offensive in Gaza.

Georgia’s Ruling Party Secures a Contentious Law on Foreign Influence NYT » World News The Parliament, controlled by the Georgian Dream party, overrode a presidential veto of a bill critics say could undermine the country’s efforts to join the European Union.

Pope Apologizes After Reports That He Used Offensive Word Referring to Gay Men NYT » World News Francis’ remark, referring to gay men, came during what was supposed to be a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops last week.

Damages From PFAS Lawsuits Could Surpass Asbestos, Industry Lawyers Warn NYT » World News At an industry presentation about dangerous “forever chemicals,” lawyers predicted a wave of lawsuits that could dwarf asbestos litigation, audio from the event revealed.

Calls Mount to Let Ukraine Strike Russia With Western Weapons NYT » World News The U.S. and other allies have banned Ukraine from firing Western weapons into Russia. Kyiv says that has handcuffed its ability to prevent cross-border attacks.

Middle East Crisis: 3 European Countries to Formally Recognize Palestinian Statehood NYT » World News

World Leaders Denounce Deadly Strike in Rafah NYT » World News They called for an investigation into the attack, which Gazan authorities say killed 45 people, and intensified the pressure for Israel to end its military campaign in southern Gaza.

Why Lawmakers Are Brawling and People Are Protesting in Taiwan NYT » World News Supporters of President Lai Ching-te are protesting legislative amendments introduced by the opposition that would limit his authority.