America
Trump Says Hamas Has ‘3-4 Days’ To Accept US Peace Proposal
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, says the Palestinian group Hamas has between three and four days to respond to his 20-point peace proposal.
The proposal seeks to end the nearly two-year war between Hamas and Israel, whose main backer is the US.
Addressing America’s top military and security agencies in Virginia today, Trump said the proposal aims not only to end the war but also to revive the long-stalled Middle East Peace Process (MEPP).
He warned of dire consequences if Hamas rejects the deal, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already accepted in principle.
Focusing also on the future of the American military, Trump spoke of his desire to reform the institution and upgrade its nuclear arsenal.
US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, also addressed the military and security chiefs who had been summoned from bases and stations worldwide.
Qatar
Hamas Says It Is Studying America’s Proposal With ‘Open Mind’
The Palestinian group Hamas says it is reviewing America’s peace proposal with an open mind.
Sources within the group confirmed they had received the proposal, which was discussed during the meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
Following their talks, both leaders addressed a press conference warning Hamas not to reject the plan.
A Hamas source said the group was carefully studying the proposal, which offers the prospect of ending the war and allowing significant aid into Gaza.
The plan also envisions the release of all hostages—living and dead—in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
In addition, it calls for the exclusion of Hamas from governance in Gaza, its disarmament, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of an international interim administration to be headed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, overseen by a board chaired by Trump.
Indonesia
Rescuers Search for Students Trapped in Collapsed School Hall
Rescue operations are ongoing for over 30 students reported missing after a school hall under renovation collapsed during retrofitting works.
The incident occurred in Sidoarjo Province as students of the Islamic school were praying on the second floor.
Witnesses said the hall caved in when repair workers poured concrete on a structure on the fourth floor.
About 100 students had been evacuated by press time, but as many as 34 remain unaccounted for. One death has been confirmed so far.
Congo
Ex-President Kabila Awaits Verdict in Treason Trial
Former President of Congo, Joseph Kabila, is set to know his fate today as a military court delivers its verdict in his treason trial.
He is accused of backing the M23 rebels and committing crimes against humanity.
Kabila, believed to be hiding in the rebel-controlled Goma District, is being tried in absentia and has so far refrained from making any public comments.
