Haley Vows to Stay in 2024 Race, Despite Trump's Strong Lead; US Vetoes UN Ceasefire Resolution

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley gave a “State of the Race” speech on Feb. 20, where she vowed to stay in the GOP presidential primary contest. The former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and South Carolina governor had faced calls to drop out ahead of Saturday’s primary in her home state. Her rival, former President Donald Trump, is the clear frontrunner, leading Ms. Haley by double digits in the polls. But Ms. Haley said she’s “not going anywhere,” and that the primary season has just started. She also said both President Trump and President Joe Biden are too old and divisive to lead the country.

A Congressional delegation led by Democratic Representative Adam Smith has visited the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The delegation toured warehouses in Egypt where aid is processed before being sent to Gaza. The visit comes as Israel makes its final preparations for a ground offensive into Rafah.

At the United Nations Security Council, the United States vetoed an Algerian resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. ambassador to the U.N. said the Algerian resolution would negatively impact sensitive negotiations ongoing in the region. The United States has proposed its own draft resolution supporting a temporary cease-fire, the release of all hostages, and the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid.