The United States and other countries are pushing ahead with diplomatic efforts to establish a cease-fire between Israel and the militant Hamas group, as Israel threatens an assault on the Gaza city of Rafah. Hundreds of political parties and independent candidates have registered for South Africa’s election on May 29, as the ruling African National Congress faces the prospect of losing its majority for the first time. Egyptian businessman and Sinai militia leader Ibrahim al-Organi has been appointed head of Egypt's Arab Tribes Union, a paramilitary entity uniting five tribal groups under one umbrella to confront national security challenges.