International News
Israel-Hamas Truce Extended Amid Negotiations
Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend a truce just before its expiration, as announced by both sides on Thursday.
Mediator Qatar confirmed the extension for one day under conditions similar to those that led to the release of hostages in exchange for prisoners.
Israel’s military declared the extension of the ceasefire just moments before the scheduled end at 0500 GMT.
It said “In light of the mediators’ efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework, the operational pause will continue.”
Following this, the prime minister’s office confirmed the extension, citing the reception of a new list of hostages.
“A short time ago, Israel was given a list of women and children in accordance with the terms of the agreement, and therefore the truce will continue,” it said, without specifying the number of captives to be freed.
Hamas stated there was an agreement to “extend the truce for a seventh day,” offering no additional specifics.
Before this, Hamas mentioned that Israel initially declined to prolong the truce despite its offer to release seven hostages and the remains of three others.
Qatar, leading the truce negotiations alongside Egypt and the United States, verified the extension of the pause for one day “under the same previous conditions.”
The announcement followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s arrival in Israel late Wednesday night, amid increasing pressure for a prolongation of the pause.
The truce deal temporarily halted the conflict that commenced on October 7, when Hamas militants breached Gaza’s fortified border into Israel. According to Israeli authorities, the violence resulted in 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and around 240 kidnappings.
Israel responded by declaring its intention to eradicate Hamas, launching a sustained military offensive involving airstrikes and ground operations.
The Hamas administration reports approximately 15,000 deaths in Gaza, primarily civilians, and significant destruction in the northern parts of the territory.
Under the truce terms, extensions are possible if Hamas releases an additional 10 hostages daily. However, both parties had previously cautioned about being prepared to resume hostilities.
Hamas’s armed wing instructed its fighters to stay on high military alert, anticipating a potential return to combat if the truce isn’t renewed, as per a message shared on its Telegram channel.
Israeli army spokesman Doron Spielman mentioned that troops would swiftly transition into operational mode and resume targeting in Gaza if the truce lapsed.
Late Wednesday, an additional 10 Israeli hostages were released in accordance with the agreement’s terms. Additionally, four Thai hostages and two Israeli-Russian women were freed outside the framework of the arrangement.
Hamas released a video showing masked gunmen handing over hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Among those liberated was Liat Beinin, who holds American citizenship and serves as a guide at Israel’s Holocaust museum Yad Vashem.
US President Joe Biden expressed deep satisfaction with the release, stating, “This agreement has produced meaningful outcomes,” referring to the truce.
International News
DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home
Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.
Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.
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The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”
The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”
Details later……….
International News
Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital
Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.
The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.
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According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.
Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.
Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.
Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.
For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.
International News
‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal
US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.
SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock
According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.
“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.
“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”
Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”
“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.
“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.
Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.





