President Trump has taken a tough stance with China regarding trade issues but remains hopeful for a potential truce in the ongoing trade war, indicating a complex approach to economic negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for Palestinians to be allowed to leave Gaza amid ongoing military operations and stalled ceasefire negotiations, with Egypt working towards a 60-day truce and humanitarian aid flow, while Israel intensifies its air strikes and faces international criticism over its offensive and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
An Israeli proposal to forcibly relocate Gaza's population into a small enclave threatens to derail ongoing peace negotiations, with critics warning it could constitute war crimes and violate international law, complicating efforts for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
A U.S. envoy has visited Lebanon in an effort to mediate a truce between Israel and Hezbollah amid rising tensions. The visit underscores the U.S. commitment to stabilizing the region and preventing further escalation of conflict.
Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated across the country, including in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Caesarea, demanding a hostage deal amid fears that ongoing Gaza attacks could jeopardize a truce. Families of hostages marched to Jerusalem, where they gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office.
Israeli airstrikes in Rafah, Gaza have caused extensive damage and casualties, with over 97 people confirmed killed and 130 wounded. Talks for a ceasefire have been ongoing, with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Cairo for negotiations. Israel has threatened a full-blown attack on Rafah, despite international pleas for restraint, and is considering a plan to run parts of Gaza without Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with residents facing desperate conditions and a lack of aid.
Hopes for a truce in Gaza and a new hostage deal with Hamas have risen, with Israel threatening to invade Rafah if no deal is reached before Ramadan. Ultra-nationalist Israeli ministers call for settlement expansion and new checkpoints in the West Bank after a shooting attack. A ship was attacked in the Red Sea, and the U.S. conducted strikes against Houthi rebels. UN aid organizations outline steps to prevent a further catastrophe in Gaza, while the World Health Organization warns of a worsening humanitarian crisis. The conduct of some Israeli soldiers in Gaza is criticized, and Doctors Without Borders accuses Israeli forces of not ensuring civilian safety. Israel intercepts an attack near Eilat, and there are reports of a possible attack in the Gulf of Aden.
Israel launched deadly airstrikes on the Gaza border town of Rafah as international mediators prepared to seal a tentative truce deal with Hamas. The US conducted retaliatory airstrikes on over 85 targets in Syria and Iraq linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and their backed militias. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported thousands killed and wounded in Israeli strikes, while the US military launched strikes in Iraq and Syria. Hamas officials are considering a proposed ceasefire deal that includes prolonged pauses in fighting and swaps of hostages, but appeared to rule out some of its key components.
Hamas is considering a truce proposal for Gaza, which includes the exchange of prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, while hardline Israeli government members threaten to collapse the coalition if a deal is not to their liking. Prime Minister Netanyahu has denied reports of a ceasefire deal and vowed to continue fighting until "absolute victory" over Hamas, despite pressure from families of captives held by Hamas. As fighting intensifies, the world is urged to pressure Israel to stop "massacres and war crimes", while donor countries suspend funding to UNRWA following allegations that its staff participated in an attack.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 20,000 as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh holds talks in Cairo for a potential truce that could lead to prisoner-hostage exchanges and increased humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is facing legal battles involving former President Donald Trump's eligibility for the 2024 election and his claim of immunity from federal charges related to the 2020 election. In a prisoner swap, the Biden administration released a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in exchange for 10 Americans detained in Venezuela and the return of a fugitive. Additionally, hackers gained unauthorized access to Xfinity's internal systems, compromising the personal information of approximately 35.8 million customers.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed readiness for another foreign-mediated Gaza truce to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and allow more aid to reach the Palestinian enclave. However, Hamas rejected negotiations over exchanging prisoners during the ongoing Israeli war, although they remain open to initiatives that contribute to ending the aggression and providing relief to the Palestinian people. The US pledged "ironclad" support for Israel, including the provision of critical munitions and defense systems, as Israel continued its bombardment and ground combat in the bloodiest ever Gaza war, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has expressed willingness to enter into another foreign-mediated truce with Hamas in order to recover hostages held by the group and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Herzog placed the responsibility for the situation on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and the rest of the Hamas leadership.
France has condemned the Israeli bombing of a residential building in Gaza's Rafah that killed one of its staff, demanding an investigation into the incident. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna is in Israel to appeal for an immediate and lasting truce in the Gaza war, expressing deep concern over the situation. She also condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas and plans to meet with the families of Israeli captives held in the Gaza Strip. Colonna also intends to pursue an agreement with her Palestinian counterpart in the occupied West Bank and has criticized increasing attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the region.