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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen easily survived two no-confidence votes on Thursday, as a clear majority of EU lawmakers rejected censure motions brought by far-right and far-left groups. In the first vote, 378 lawmakers opposed a far-right motion, while 179 supported it and 37 abstained. A separate motion from the far-left was rejected by 383 votes to 133, with 78 abstentions. This marks the third time in a year that von der Leyen has faced — and survived — no-confidence votes since starting her second five-year term as head of the EU’s executive body. She is the first European Commission president in over a decade to be subjected to such motions. The European Commission is responsible for proposing EU laws, enforcing their implementation, managing trade for the 27 member states, and overseeing competition policy. The nationalist Patriots for Europe group accused von der Leyen of letting migration “explode,” claiming it endangered Europe’s “identity and security.” They also alleged that her environmental policies harmed farmers and consumers. Meanwhile, The Left group blamed her for backing “detrimental trade deals” and for failing to “act against the Israeli government’s systemic violations of international law in Gaza.” Despite the criticism, von der Leyen was strongly supported by the main pro-European centrist blocs in the European Parliament, which hold a majority and dismissed the motions as political theatrics by extremist parties. Still, the votes have reignited criticism of von der Leyen and her center-right European People’s Party (EPP), the largest group in the chamber, with opponents accusing them of aligning too closely with right-wing forces to advance their political agenda.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday acknowledged for the first time that Russia’s air defenses were responsible for downing an Azerbaijani passenger jet in December, which killed 38 people. Speaking during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Tajikistan — where both leaders are attending a summit of former Soviet nations — Putin described the incident as a “tragic mistake.” The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, traveling from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechen Republic, crashed on December 25, 2024. According to Azerbaijani authorities, the aircraft was accidentally struck by Russian air defense fire and attempted an emergency landing in western Kazakhstan before crashing, killing 38 of the 67 people onboard. Putin offered an apology to Aliyev for the “tragic incident,” marking his first public acknowledgment of Russia’s role. Aliyev, however, criticized Moscow for initially attempting to “hush up” the matter.

Hungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his “visionary and powerful body of work” that, according to the Nobel Committee, “reaffirms the power of art in the midst of apocalyptic terror.” Krasznahorkai, 71, is known for his dense, philosophical novels often composed in sprawling single sentences. His debut novel Satantango, along with The Melancholy of Resistance, were adapted into critically acclaimed films by Hungarian director Béla Tarr. The Nobel judges lauded his distinctive literary style and outlook, saying his work reflects “an artistic gaze free from illusion, revealing the fragility of the social order while maintaining an unshaken belief in the transformative force of art.” Krasznahorkai has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the 2015 Man Booker International Prize. The Booker jury highlighted his “extraordinarily long, elaborate sentences” whose tone ranges from “solemn to absurd, inquisitive to despairing.” He also received the 2019 U.S. National Book Award for Translated Literature for his novel Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming. As Nobel week peaks, eyes turn to Literature, Peace, and Economic prizes He becomes the first Hungarian writer to win the Nobel in literature since Imre Kertész in 2002, joining a prestigious list of past laureates that includes literary giants such as Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison, and Kazuo Ishiguro. This marks the 117th time the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded, with 121 individual recipients to date. Last year, the honor went to South Korean writer Han Kang, recognized for works that “confront historical traumas and reveal the fragility of human life.” The literature prize is the fourth Nobel announced this week, following awards in medicine, physics, and chemistry. The Nobel Peace Prize will be revealed on Friday, while the final prize—the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences—will be announced on Monday. Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded for CO₂ capture and desert water breakthrough All Nobel awards are presented annually on December 10, commemorating the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes. Winners receive 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million), along with an 18-carat gold medal and a Nobel diploma.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing two-year conflict. The agreement includes a pause in fighting and the release of hostages and prisoners. As part of the deal, Hamas is expected to release all 20 surviving Israeli hostages in the coming days, while Israel will begin withdrawing military forces from most parts of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope on social media, saying, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.” Hamas confirmed the agreement and stated that it would include an Israeli troop withdrawal, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of detainees. However, several key issues remain unresolved, including how and whether Hamas will disarm and who will take over the administration of Gaza. Tensions Persist Ahead of Ceasefire Implementation Although the ceasefire has not yet been officially approved or enacted, tensions on the ground remain high. Israeli tanks fired warning shots near crowds of displaced Palestinians who had gathered along Gaza’s main coastal highway, hoping to return to their homes in the north. Hundreds of thousands had fled northern Gaza due to Israeli operations that began in late August. The Israeli military continues to warn residents against returning, calling the north a “dangerous combat zone.” Footage from the Associated Press showed smoke rising near the al-Rashid road, with tanks blocking access and scattered gunfire prompting people to flee the area. Israeli Government to Vote on Deal Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to call a meeting of his Security Cabinet Thursday night to approve the ceasefire. Afterward, the full Israeli parliament will vote on the release of Palestinian prisoners. Although some far-right ministers may oppose the deal, both measures are expected to pass comfortably. Once approved, a list of prisoners to be freed will be made public. Families of victims linked to those prisoners will have 24 hours to file objections with Israel’s Supreme Court. However, legal experts note that the court has never previously blocked such releases. Celebrations in Jerusalem During Sukkot In Jerusalem, thousands of religious Jews gathered at the Western Wall to celebrate the Sukkot holiday, with added joy following the announcement of the upcoming hostage release. “We’ve seen God’s miracles before, but today we witnessed one,” said Avi Kozman, celebrating with the traditional Sukkot palm branch after receiving the Priestly Blessing. Sukkot is a time of joy, and many in the crowd saw the news as divine intervention. Hindel Berman, a visitor from New Jersey, said she believed the announcement was an answer to prayers she had been offering since the war began on October 7. “We were screaming and singing last night,” she said.

The Nobel Prize in literature is being announced on Thursday, with the winner joining an illustrious list of laureates that includes Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison and Kazuo Ishiguro. The literature prize has been awarded by the Nobel committee of the Swedish Academy 117 times to a total of 121 winners. Last year's prize was won by South Korean author Han Kang for her body of work that the committee said “confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.” The literature prize is the fourth to be announced this week, following the 2025 Nobels in medicine, physics and chemistry. The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday. U.S. President Donald Trump is considered a long shot despite recently telling United Nations delegates “everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize.” The final Nobel, the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, is to be announced on Monday. Nobel Prize award ceremonies are held on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896. Nobel was a wealthy Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite who founded the prizes. Each prize carries an award of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million), and the winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and a diploma.

World leaders on Thursday expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments in the hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the parties had agreed to the “first phase” of a deal signaling a major breakthrough in the two-year war in Gaza. Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on social media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: “With God’s help we will bring them all home.” Here's how other leaders responded. Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country played a role in the negotiations, on Thursday hailed the agreement. In a statement posted on X, Erdogan thanked Trump for “demonstrating the necessary political will” as well as Qatar and Egypt for facilitating the deal. Erdogan said Turkey would closely monitor the full implementation of the agreement and continue to contribute to the process. “I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years,” he said. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said sending humanitarian aid to the region is a priority and stressed the urgent need to begin rebuilding Gaza. Egypt Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hailed the deal between Israel and Hamas as a “historic moment.” “This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability,” el-Sissi wrote on social media. United Nations “The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. The U.N. chief urged all parties “to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.” China China hoped for a “lasting and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying that Xi Jinping's government expects the agreement to ease the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and calm tensions in the Middle East. “We are ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and the realization of peace and stability in the Middle East,” he said, noting that China advocates for a two-state solution. France French President Emmanuel Macron said the agreement is a “great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region.” In a message posted on X, Macron commended “the efforts of President @realDonaldTrump, as well as the Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators who helped make it happen,” and called on the warring parties “to strictly uphold” the terms of the deal. Macron added that the deal will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting between European and Arab countries’ foreign ministers on the future of Gaza. “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,” he said. Britain British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed news of the agreement and urged an immediate lifting of restrictions on aid. Speaking while on a trade mission to India, Starmer praised the “tireless diplomatic efforts” of the U.S., as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in bringing about the deal. The U.K. will support efforts to turn the ceasefire into a “sustainable path” to long-term peace, he said. “This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years,” he said. Germany German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement and said he was hopeful for a full deal this week. Merz said the developments are encouraging and there’s “a great opportunity to reach an agreement with Hamas in the coming hours already” for the remaining hostages to be released this week and for the Israeli military to pull back. He told reporters that “hopes regarding Israel and the Gaza Strip increased again last night, but this is not yet really concluded, so we are of course watching the situation very closely and remain optimistic that … a solution will be reached there this week.” Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia welcomed the possible start of a ceasefire, with the foreign ministry expressing “its hope that this important step will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, a complete Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of security and stability and the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.” Jordan Jordan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States and thanked Turkey for its role in the deal. Safadi stressed the need for aid to enter Gaza and said Jordan was ready to resume aid deliveries. LebanonLebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the initial agreement would “constitute a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in Gaza.” Aoun called for “continued international and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the region that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and for Israel to “halt its aggressive policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.” Italy Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni hailed the agreement, calling it “extraordinary news.” “This agreement and the broader path outlined by the Trump plan constitute a unique opportunity to end this conflict that must be seized,” Meloni said. “Therefore, I urge all parties to fully respect the measures already agreed upon and to work to swiftly implement the next steps envisaged in the peace plan.” Meloni said Italy will continue to support the mediators’ efforts, standing “ready to contribute to the stabilization, reconstruction, and development of Gaza.” Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel, speaking during a visit to Indonesia, said the agreement is “a significant step and a historical turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East.” “It can put an end to two years of unimaginable suffering. But the full implementation of this plan is crucial. And that starts with the release of hostages, the unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the cessation of all hostilities,” he said. Canada “I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media. “After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable,” he said. “Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace.” Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in the negotiations. Argentina “I want to take the opportunity to say that I will sign the candidacy of Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace,” Argentine President Javier Milei posted on X. “Any other leader with similar achievements would have received it a long time ago,” the libertarian leader and Trump ally wrote. Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a “ray of light.” The announcement brought “hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better,” he said. “Today the world has cause for real hope,” the Australian leader added. India “We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X. Japan “Japan welcomes that the agreement on the ‘first phase’ has been reached among the involved parties,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. “This agreement is an important step toward de-escalating the situation and achieving the two-state solution,” he said. He also praised the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and other mediating countries for their “relentless effort” and sought “sincere and steady implementation” by all involved parties. Hayashi promised Tokyo’s support and contribution to improving Gaza’s humanitarian conditions and reconstruction.  

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a temporary halt in hostilities in Gaza to facilitate the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The agreement reflects key elements of a peace proposal introduced by the Trump administration, which Palestinians cautiously welcomed on Thursday as a potential turning point in the ongoing two-year conflict. “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” former U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media late Wednesday. He added that “all parties will be treated fairly.” For many Palestinians displaced by the war, the news brought relief. Alaa Abd Rabbo, originally from northern Gaza, said, “We are tired, we have been displaced, and this is the day we have been waiting for. We want to go home.” In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages celebrated with tears and Champagne following the announcement of the deal. According to individuals familiar with the agreement, Hamas is expected to release all 20 surviving hostages within days, while Israeli forces will begin a phased withdrawal from most areas of Gaza. The sources spoke anonymously, as the deal has not been fully disclosed publicly. Key issues, including Hamas’ potential disarmament and the future governance of Gaza, remain unresolved. Still, both sides appear closer than they have been in months to ending a conflict that has devastated Gaza, killed tens of thousands, and sparked unrest across the region. The war began on October 7, 2023, after a deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel, and has since triggered global protests and allegations of genocide — claims that Israel strongly denies. Negotiations leading to the agreement took place in Egypt and concluded after three days of talks. “We will bring them all home, with God’s help,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on social media, announcing that he would present the deal to his government for approval on Thursday. Hamas, in turn, urged Trump and other mediators to ensure Israel fulfills its commitments, including troop withdrawals, prisoner releases, and aid access into Gaza. Despite the announcement, skepticism remains among some Palestinians. Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, a pediatrician at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, said, “We need to go back to living,” while expressing doubts based on past experiences. Trump’s Peace FrameworkThe Trump plan calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the remaining 48 hostages abducted during the October 2023 Hamas-led attack, which left 1,200 dead and 251 hostages taken. Only about 20 of those hostages are believed to be alive today. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that the release of hostages could begin as early as Monday, adding, “This is more than Gaza. This is peace in the Middle East.” Under the proposal, Israel would retain a military presence along Gaza’s border, while an international force—primarily from Arab and Muslim-majority countries—would oversee security within the territory. The United States would lead a major international effort to rebuild Gaza. The plan also includes a future role for the Palestinian Authority (PA), although Netanyahu opposes such involvement. Any PA participation would require major internal reforms, potentially taking years. The plan remains vague on the question of Palestinian statehood—an issue Netanyahu has firmly rejected. Despite the uncertainty, both Palestinians and Israelis expressed cautious optimism. “This is a huge day, a huge joy,” said Ahmed Sheheiber, a displaced Palestinian from northern Gaza, speaking from a shelter in Gaza City. He said he was eagerly awaiting the ceasefire so he could return to his home in the Jabaliya refugee camp. In Tel Aviv, hostage families and supporters gathered in the city’s central square. Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan Zangauker and a leading voice in the campaign to free hostages, told reporters, “If I have one dream, it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed.” Breakthrough After Months of StalemateTrump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner participated in the Egypt talks, alongside Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Israeli adviser Ron Dermer. Trump said he may visit the region in the coming days. This would be the third truce since the war began. The first ceasefire in November 2023 resulted in over 100 hostages being released in exchange for Palestinian detainees. That truce collapsed quickly. A second agreement earlier this year saw 25 hostages freed, along with the bodies of eight others, in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, but it also ended abruptly in March following an Israeli airstrike. Human Cost of the ConflictThe war has taken a severe toll on civilians. Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 injured, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, which is considered a credible source by the UN and independent observers. The ministry reports that about half the deaths were women and children, though it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Much of Gaza lies in ruins, with many families living in makeshift shelters along the beach. Thousands have been displaced by the latest Israeli offensive in the north. Among them is Ayman Saber from Khan Younis, who said he plans to return and rebuild his home, destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. “I will rebuild the house. We will rebuild Gaza,” he said.

The United Nations will reduce its global peacekeeping force by a quarter in the coming months, forcing thousands of troops to withdraw from conflict zones as a result of the latest U.S. funding cuts, a senior UN official said on Wednesday. Speaking on condition of anonymity after a private briefing, the official said the 25% downsizing comes as the United States — the UN’s largest donor — moves to align its contributions with President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy. The decision will affect between 13,000 and 14,000 military and police personnel out of more than 50,000 peacekeepers currently deployed across nine missions worldwide. The UN support office in Somalia will also face reductions. Overall, the peacekeeping budget will be cut by about 15% this year. Current UN missions are deployed in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Kosovo. Each of the UN’s 193 member states is required to contribute to peacekeeping operations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly stressed that peacekeeping — which accounts for only about half of one percent of global military spending — remains one of the most cost-effective tools for maintaining international peace and security. The cuts follow a meeting on Tuesday between Guterres and representatives of major donor countries, including Mike Waltz, the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz and other Trump administration officials have argued that the UN system is “bloated and inefficient,” pledging to withhold additional U.S. contributions until a full review of every UN agency and program is completed. Since beginning his second term in January, President Trump has ordered a review of U.S. participation in multilateral institutions, leading to Washington’s withdrawal from UNESCO, the World Health Organization, and the UN Human Rights Council, while reassessing funding for others. As part of broader UN reforms and in response to reduced U.S. funding, more than 60 UN offices and agencies are now facing 20% workforce cuts. In a recent television interview, Ambassador Waltz said the U.S. aims to “get the UN back to basics — promoting peace, enforcing peace, preventing wars,” adding that Washington intends to eliminate “unnecessary spending.” UN peacekeeping operations have expanded significantly since the end of the Cold War. From 11,000 personnel in the early 1990s, the force peaked at around 130,000 in 2014 across 16 missions. Today, approximately 52,000 peacekeepers serve in 11 conflict zones in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. According to the UN official, the U.S. has pledged $680 million toward nine peacekeeping missions — a sharp decline from the $1 billion contribution made a year earlier. The funding will prioritize missions of particular U.S. interest, including those in Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The U.S. and China together account for roughly half of the UN’s peacekeeping budget. Another senior UN official said China has signaled its intention to pay its full share by the end of the year.  Source: AP

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan aimed at pausing fighting and releasing hostages and prisoners — marking what he described as a major breakthrough in the two-year-long war. “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on social media. According to people familiar with the matter, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days, while Israeli forces are expected to begin withdrawing from most parts of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, saying on social media, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.” Hamas confirmed that the agreement includes Israeli troop withdrawal, entry of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Israeli forces stop new Gaza-bound aid flotilla Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter told CNN that living hostages are expected to be released on Sunday or Monday, following Cabinet approval of a list of Palestinian prisoners for release. “We hope it leads to a complete cessation of hostilities and a rebuilding of Gaza for the sake of the Gazans and for the sake of Israel,” he said. In a Fox News interview, Trump said the hostages will “probably” start being released on Monday, calling the agreement “peace in the Middle East.” He said Gaza would become “a peaceful, much safer place,” adding that wealthy neighboring countries would help reconstruct the territory, with U.S. support. The Israeli Army said it “welcomes the signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages,” adding that forces have been instructed to strengthen defenses and prepare for “any scenario.” In Israel, news of the deal sparked celebrations in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where families of captives hugged and cheered through tears of joy. The U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the U.S.-brokered agreement as a “desperately needed breakthrough,” urging all parties to fully comply with the deal and calling for a “credible political path” toward a two-state solution. Israeli forces intercept flotilla bound for Gaza, detain over 140 activists Netanyahu’s office described his phone conversation with Trump as “warm and moving,” calling the agreement a “historic achievement.” The Israeli leader thanked Trump for his “global leadership,” while Trump praised Netanyahu’s “determined leadership.” The deal will go before Israel’s Cabinet for final approval Thursday. Once approved, Israel is expected to begin its withdrawal within 24 hours, while Hamas will have 72 hours to release the hostages, according to U.S. officials. Mediators in Qatar confirmed that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which “will lead to ending the war, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the entry of aid.” The Hostages Families Forum welcomed the ceasefire announcement with “excitement, anticipation and apprehension,” thanking Trump for his “commitment and determination that led to this historic breakthrough.” Source: AP

Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla carrying food and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip, officials and organisers said. The fleet, consisting of nine vessels with 150 crew and activists, was stopped in international waters, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza, which are coordinating the mission. Israel’s foreign ministry described the attempt as “another futile effort to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone.” All passengers were reportedly transferred safely to an Israeli port and are expected to be deported. The passengers come from multiple countries, including Turkey, whose foreign ministry condemned the interception as “a grave violation of international law” and “an act of piracy.” The move follows last week’s interception of a 42-boat convoy carrying 479 pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Israel has enforced a naval blockade of Gaza since 2007 and launched a military campaign following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Gaza authorities say over 67,000 people have been killed and at least 460 have died from malnutrition since the conflict began.   Source: BBC