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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

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order committing to defend Qatar against external threats, including through possible military action, following Israel’s surprise strike on the Gulf nation. The order, posted on the White House website Wednesday but dated Monday, pledges to safeguard Qatar’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and critical infrastructure. It came amid efforts to reassure Doha after the Israeli attack, which killed six people, including a member of Qatar’s security forces, as Hamas leaders were reportedly weighing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza war. “The United States shall regard any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to U.S. peace and security,” the order states. It further authorizes “all lawful and appropriate measures — diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military” to defend both American and Qatari interests. US begins troop drawdown in Iraq under agreement with Baghdad The move followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit, during which Trump arranged a call between Netanyahu and Qatar’s leadership. Netanyahu conveyed his “deep regret” over the strike, the White House said. Later, Trump also spoke by phone with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about Doha’s mediation in ceasefire talks. Qatar welcomed the U.S. pledge as a “significant step in strengthening defense ties,” while Al Jazeera described the order as a security guarantee. However, questions remain about its binding nature, as treaties typically require Senate approval. Analysts noted that Trump, like previous presidents, has at times pursued international commitments without Senate consent. The order has already stirred debate. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer posted on X: “I don’t want to die for Qatar. Do you?” The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board also criticized the decision, saying it came “without public debate.” Qatar hosts the U.S. Central Command’s forward base at Al Udeid Air Base and was designated a major non-NATO ally by President Joe Biden in 2022 for its role in aiding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Gulf state also maintains close ties with Trump, ranging from business projects to support for his presidential travel. Meanwhile, Israel’s strike has triggered broader regional repercussions. Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, reportedly extending Islamabad’s nuclear umbrella over the kingdom. Analysts suggest other Gulf states, facing uncertainty over Israel and renewed U.N. sanctions on Iran, may also seek formal guarantees from Washington. “The Gulf’s centrality to the Middle East and its strategic value to the United States demand clear guarantees beyond verbal assurances and ceremonial meetings,” wrote Bader al-Saif, a Gulf affairs expert at Kuwait University. Source: AP

The Taliban government on Sunday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Washington could retake Bagram Air Base, four years after America’s withdrawal handed the facility over to Taliban control. Trump recently hinted that the Taliban, facing economic woes, a lack of international recognition, internal tensions and threats from rival militant groups, might allow the U.S. military back into Afghanistan. However, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the claim, urging the U.S. to act with “realism and rationality.” Posting on X, Mujahid said Afghanistan was pursuing an economy-driven foreign policy and sought constructive ties with all countries on the basis of mutual interests. He stressed that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity had been repeatedly emphasized in all negotiations with the U.S. Mujahid also reminded Washington of its commitment under the 2020 Doha Agreement not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan or interfere in its internal affairs. “The United States must remain faithful to its commitments,” he said. Mujahid did not respond to AP questions about whether any discussions on Bagram had taken place with the Trump administration or why Trump believed such a move was possible. In August 2024, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power with a military display at Bagram, showcasing abandoned U.S. equipment. Trump has since repeatedly criticized his predecessor Joe Biden for what he called “gross incompetence” during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal that ended America’s longest war.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday for a state visit that blends high-stakes diplomacy with royal pageantry, as London hopes to secure major technology and trade deals despite ongoing tensions over Ukraine, the Middle East and the Western alliance. The two-day trip features horse-drawn carriages, military guards of honor and a grand banquet at Windsor Castle, where King Charles III will host the president. Trump will also hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British leader’s countryside retreat. Starmer’s office said the visit underscores that “the U.K.-U.S. relationship is the strongest in the world, built on 250 years of history,” while the White House described it as an opportunity to deepen ties and mark the upcoming U.S. 250th anniversary. “This trip to the U.K. is going to be incredible,” Trump told reporters before departing, praising Windsor Castle as “amazing.” Trump becomes the first U.S. president to be accorded a second state visit to Britain, a gesture that reflects both his fondness for royal ceremony and foreign governments’ recognition of his taste for grandeur. Starmer has already sought to cultivate goodwill with Trump, praising his Oval Office décor and even visiting Trump’s golf courses in Scotland earlier this year. But the Labour leader faces unease within his party, as Trump remains deeply unpopular across Europe. The president will avoid Parliament — which is in recess — as well as mass protests planned in London, with most events scheduled at Windsor and Chequers. Analysts say the visit is crucial for Starmer’s image as a statesman, though politically risky. The trip comes at a turbulent moment for Starmer’s government. He recently dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over past ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, and his deputy prime minister resigned over a tax issue. Trump, however, has publicly described Starmer as “a friend,” despite their political differences. Both leaders are expected to announce a major technology partnership involving U.S. investment in nuclear energy, life sciences and AI data centers. Business leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI chief Sam Altman, are part of the U.S. delegation. The May trade agreement easing U.S. tariffs on Britain’s auto and aerospace sectors is also set to be advanced, though disputes remain over steel, aluminum and pharmaceuticals. Starmer also hopes to reinforce U.S. support for Ukraine. While Trump has criticized Vladimir Putin, he has stopped short of imposing new sanctions. The two leaders are also divided on Gaza, with Starmer pledging to back recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN later this month. Despite disagreements, London views the visit as a chance to demonstrate stability in the transatlantic alliance while securing tangible economic gains.  

President Donald Trump on Saturday called on NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil and warned of imposing tariffs of 50% to 100% on China over its continued purchases of Russian petroleum. In a post on his social media platform, Trump said NATO’s commitment to the Ukraine war has been “far less than 100%,” describing the purchase of Russian oil by some alliance members as “shocking.” Addressing NATO members, he wrote: “It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia.” Since 2023, Turkey has been the third-largest buyer of Russian oil, after China and India, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Other NATO members, including Hungary and Slovakia, also continue to import Russian oil. It remains unclear whether Trump intends to confront Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán directly. Trump’s comments came after multiple Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Wednesday, a NATO ally. Poland shot down the drones, but Trump downplayed the incursion, suggesting it “could have been a mistake.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, called the drone incident “unacceptable and dangerous,” though he said it was still unclear whether Russia deliberately targeted Poland. Trump calls 50% India tariffs a big deal, says it caused a rift with India While Trump has repeatedly pledged to end the war swiftly, critics say he has avoided pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin. His recent meeting with Putin in Alaska produced little progress toward peace. Meanwhile, Congress is pressing him to support a bill toughening sanctions against Moscow. The U.S. and its allies are moving to show firmer resolve. At an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on Friday, acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea reaffirmed that Washington “will defend every inch of NATO territory,” calling the drone incursion “a sign of immense disrespect” for U.S.-led peace efforts. Britain on Friday also banned 70 vessels linked to Russian oil trade and sanctioned 30 individuals and companies, including Chinese and Turkish businesses accused of supplying Russia with weapons components. Trump argued that a NATO-wide ban on Russian oil, combined with heavy tariffs on China, would be a decisive step. “China has a strong grip over Russia, and powerful tariffs will break that grip,” he wrote, adding that tariffs could be withdrawn once the war ends. The U.S. president has already imposed a 25% import tax on Indian goods tied to Russian energy purchases, raising the overall tariff to 50%. Still, Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions with China remain high. Earlier this year, Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods prompted Beijing to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. exports, effectively freezing trade between the world’s two largest economies. Subsequent negotiations lowered U.S. tariffs to 30% and China’s to 10%. In his latest post, Trump blamed the war on his predecessor Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while notably excluding Putin. His remarks followed a call with Group of Seven finance ministers on Friday, during which U.S. officials urged their counterparts to cut off revenues funding Russia’s war effort.

US President Donald Trump has said he is “not thrilled” about Israel’s air strike in Qatar, which killed five Hamas members and triggered widespread condemnation from across the world. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended this attack as “fully justified,” targeted senior Hamas leaders accused of masterminding the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war. Hamas confirmed the deaths of five members, including the son of top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, but said Israel failed to assassinate its political bureau members. The group denounced the strike in Doha as a “heinous crime” and a “flagrant violation of international law.” Qatar, a key US ally hosting an American air base and the Hamas political bureau since 2012, strongly condemned the assault as “cowardly” and a grave breach of its sovereignty. The interior ministry said one security officer was killed and others injured. Witnesses in Doha reported up to eight explosions in the Katara district. Trump told reporters: “I’m not thrilled about the whole situation. It’s not a good situation. We want the hostages back, but we are not thrilled about the way that went down today.” The White House later said the president had assured Qatar’s emir and prime minister that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.” According to US officials, Trump had instructed envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatari authorities of the impending strike. The White House stressed that bombing inside a sovereign ally “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” though it described eliminating Hamas as a “worthy” objective. Israel said the operation was carried out independently, involving 15 fighter jets that launched 10 munitions within seconds. Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the decision followed recent deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza. Reactions poured in from around the world. The UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned the strike as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, while French President Emmanuel Macron called it “unacceptable regardless of motive.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of further escalation, and Saudi Arabia denounced the “brutal aggression.” Pope Leo XIV said the situation was “very serious,” while families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed deep anxiety that the strike could endanger their loved ones. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid demanded the government clarify whether hostages’ safety had been considered. Hamas said its delegation had been discussing the latest US ceasefire proposal in Doha when the compound was hit. The plan reportedly includes a 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and talks on a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu later told a gathering at the US embassy in Jerusalem that the strike could “open the door to an end of the war.” He urged Gazans to “stand up for your rights and your future” and accept peace. Israel has previously killed several top Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July 2024 and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza three months later. The Gaza war erupted after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage on 7 October 2023. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed at least 64,605 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

President Donald Trump has announced that he is removing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook from her post, marking a sharp escalation in his clash with the US central bank. In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump shared a letter addressed to Cook notifying her of her dismissal from the Fed’s board of governors with immediate effect. He argued there was “sufficient reason” to believe she had provided false information on mortgage documents and invoked constitutional powers he claimed gave him the authority to act. Cook rejected the move, insisting Trump cannot fire her, reports BBC.“President Trump purported to fire me ‘for cause’ when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so,” she said in a statement. “I will not resign. I will continue to carry out my duties to help the American economy as I have been doing since 2022.” Her lawyer, Abbe David Lowell,  said, “We will take whatever actions are needed to prevent [Trump’s] attempted illegal action.” The Federal Reserve has yet to comment on the announcement, made late Monday. Why the Federal Reserve has historically remained independent of the White House Cook, the first African American woman to serve on the Fed board, is one of seven governors. Legal experts say Trump’s move—unprecedented in the Fed’s 111-year history—may face courtroom challenges over whether sufficient grounds exist for her removal. The dispute stems from allegations that Cook signed two conflicting mortgage agreements in Michigan and Georgia. Trump had already demanded her resignation last week following claims of mortgage fraud raised publicly by Trump ally Bill Pulte. Cook has denied wrongdoing, saying the issue arose from a 2019 loan application, before her appointment to the Fed. If the Fed or Cook push back, analysts warn of a potential showdown between the White House and the central bank, which has operated independently since 1951. Trump has also ramped up criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, recently calling him a “numbskull” and “stubborn moron” over his resistance to steep rate cuts. Powell, however, signaled last week that a rate cut could come in September. Markets reacted swiftly to the turmoil, with the US dollar weakening in Asia on Tuesday as investors speculated Cook’s successor may favor more aggressive rate reductions.

European and NATO leaders said Sunday they will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington for key talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, showing support after Zelenskyy was excluded from Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The coordinated move — with several European leaders announcing they will accompany Zelenskyy to the White House on Monday — appears aimed at ensuring the meeting goes more smoothly than the February encounter, when Trump sharply criticized the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office. “Europeans are very concerned about a repeat of the Oval Office confrontation, so they want to fully support Mr. Zelenskyy,” said retired French General Dominique Trinquand, former head of France’s military mission at the UN. “It’s a power play that could work with Trump,” he added. Their presence could reassure Kyiv and other European capitals that Ukraine will not be pressured into a peace deal with Russia that Trump has expressed interest in brokering. It remains unclear whether all of the European leaders will join the meeting with Trump. Trump rolls out red carpet for Putin, leaving Ukrainians feeling betrayed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on X that she will attend the talks, “at the request of President Zelenskyy.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will also participate, according to his office. French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said he will travel to Washington alongside Zelenskyy, though it did not confirm if he will attend the meeting. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also part of the European delegation, but it is unclear whether he will take part in the actual discussions with Trump. The joint trip highlights Europe’s determination to maintain a role in U.S.-led peace efforts following Trump’s Friday summit with Putin, which excluded Zelenskyy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, following Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which produced no agreement to end the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy said he had a “long and substantive” conversation with Trump on Saturday after the U.S. leader met Putin in Alaska. He thanked Trump for the invitation to meet in person and said the two leaders would “discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war.” Highlighting Europe’s role, Zelenskyy said, “It is important that Europeans are involved at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America. We also discussed positive signals from the American side regarding participation in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security.” Zelenskyy spoke to Trump one-on-one, followed by a call with other European leaders. The discussions lasted about an hour and a half. The US-Russia summit in Alaska saw Trump welcome Putin, but ended without tangible progress on ending the war. Trump said, “there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” after Putin claimed the two leaders had reached an “understanding” on Ukraine and warned Europe not to “torpedo the nascent progress.” Trump leaves Alaska summit with Putin without a Ukraine peace deal Before leaving Alaska, Trump told Fox News Channel that the responsibility might fall on Zelenskyy “to get it done,” while also acknowledging European involvement. After returning to Washington, Trump spoke with NATO leaders following his call with Zelenskyy but did not speak to reporters. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the discussions included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish President Karol Nawrocki, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. European leaders, who were not part of Friday’s summit, had no immediate comment. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine continued overnight. Ukraine’s Air Force reported one ballistic missile and 85 Shahed drones were launched, 61 of which were intercepted. Front-line areas in Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Chernihiv came under attack.

President Donald Trump pushes the Senate to confirm his federal judicial nominees, nearly half of them have revealed anti-abortion views or defended state abortion restrictions, raising concerns about the long-term impact on abortion access in the US. Several nominees have played key roles in defending abortion bans and challenging access to medication abortion. Among them are judges who have described abortion as a “barbaric practice” and called themselves “zealots” for the anti-abortion cause. Though Trump has publicly said abortion should be left to the states, his lifetime-appointed judicial picks could influence abortion laws nationwide for decades. Trump’s new tariffs take effect as US economy shows signs of strain Bernadette Meyler, a constitutional law professor at Stanford University, said judicial appointments are a way to shape abortion policy federally “without going through Congress or making a big, explicit statement.” In Trump’s second term, of the 17 judicial nominees, at least eight have argued for abortion restrictions. Many come from states with strict abortion laws such as Missouri and Florida. Notable nominees include Whitney Hermandorfer, who defended Tennessee’s near-total abortion ban; Maria Lanahan, involved in challenging FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone in Missouri; and Jordan Pratt, who called abortion a “barbaric practice” and supported Florida’s 15-week abortion ban. Other nominees have defended parental consent laws, ultrasound requirements, and efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. The White House defended the nominees, citing the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and emphasized states’ rights to decide abortion policy. Anti-abortion groups expressed optimism about the nominations, while abortion rights advocates warn Trump is embedding anti-abortion extremists throughout the judiciary, threatening access to abortion nationwide. Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, said Trump’s approach “feeds into this larger strategy” of distancing himself publicly from abortion while appointing hardline judges.