Israeli ambassador says he’s ‘very hopeful but concerned’ about ceasefire holding

Hamas has been reported to exert coercion over major international aid organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, with dossiers revealing notes on aid workers' personal lives, including comments on their clothing and relationships. This raises serious concerns about the safety and integrity of humanitarian efforts in the region.

Yasser Abu Shabab, a powerful clan leader in Gaza known for his opposition to Hamas, was killed from injuries sustained during a clan confrontation while he was engaged in aid distribution efforts in Rafah. His death underscores the ongoing violence and instability in the region.

Iran has decided to attend the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., reversing its earlier decision to boycott the event due to visa denials for three of its football federation members. The Iranian Football Federation had expressed frustration over the U.S. visa restrictions, which initially led to the boycott announcement.

Israeli authorities have confirmed the return of the remains of Sudthisak Rinthalak, a Thai worker, leaving Ran Gvili as the last remaining hostage, either alive or deceased, in Gaza. This development follows ongoing tensions and negotiations involving Hamas and Israel.

Protesters gathered at a synagogue in Koreatown to voice their objections against a keynote speaker from Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defense firm known for its unmanned aircraft and electronic warfare technology. The protest concluded with several arrests and allegations of hate speech.

The United States has inaugurated a new consulate compound in Irbil, the capital of northern Iraq's Kurdish region, with an investment of $796 million. This significant development aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and support the Kurdish population in the region.

President Donald Trump announced the repeal of federal fuel economy standards established during the Biden administration, which significantly weakens fuel efficiency requirements for new gasoline-powered vehicles. This move is part of Trump's broader agenda to dismantle pollution regulations and promote traditional fuel sources.

President Donald Trump has advocated for tariffs as a means to potentially replace federal income taxes, drawing parallels to Gilded Age economic policies. He believes that tariffs can enhance wealth in the United States, despite expert disagreement on this assertion.