Justices lift lower court order that froze ‘reductions in force’ layoffs while litigation proceeded. Plus, Ed Sheeran tries his hand at art

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Good morning.

The US supreme court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to resume plans for mass firings of federal workers, which critics say could threaten important government services.

What have the Democrats said? They condemned the ruling. Antjuan Seawright, a party strategist, said: “This rightwing activist court has proven ruling after ruling, time after time, that they are going to sing the songs and dance to the tune of Trumpism.”

How many have been killed seeking food? The casualties totalled 640 killed and more than 4,500 injured between 27 May and 2 July, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

What has Israel said? The Israeli military has repeatedly said it does not target civilians, takes all feasible precautions to avoid harm to non-combatants and abides by international law.