Israel approved new settlements in the occupied West Bank, while its troops have reached the outskirts of Gaza City. The developments raise questions about the viability of a cease-fire proposal.

Maps intended to help the G.O.P. win five more U.S. House seats in the midterm elections cleared a key procedural vote in the State Legislature. California will counter on Thursday.

The former chief, Kristin Crowley, claimed that Los Angeles leaders retaliated against her for publicly blaming them for refusing to properly fund the Fire Department.