Putin and U.S. Envoy Witkoff Hold “Truly Friendly” Talks as Ukraine Peace Efforts Intensify 
Hong Kong Elections Proceed as Voter Turnout Scrutinized Amid Public Anger Over Deadly Fire 
Cuba Quietly Signals Openness to Post-Maduro Venezuela as U.S. Pressure Intensifies 
U.S. Appeals Court Rules Trump Can Remove Members of Key Federal Labor Boards 
Trump Backs Review of U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule After Hepatitis B Policy Change 
U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Trump’s New U.S. Strategy Seeks to Deter China and Protect Taiwan 
U.S. and Rwanda Sign $228 Million Health Partnership to Boost Self-Reliance 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
Australia Imposes Sanctions on Taliban Officials Over Human Rights Abuses 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Second Strike on Suspected Drug Boat Amid War-Crime Concerns 
Negotiations to solidify the U.S.-backed truce in the Gaza war have entered a “critical” phase, according to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. Speaking at the Doha Forum, he emphasized that despite a reduction in violence since the temporary pause took effect on October 10, the situation cannot yet be considered a true ceasefire, as Israeli forces have not fully withdrawn and movement in and out of Gaza remains restricted.
Qatar, a central mediator in the conflict, is working alongside international partners to advance the next phase of the ceasefire. Al-Thani stressed that stability in Gaza and full humanitarian access are essential before any long-term agreement can be declared. His remarks come as at least seven Palestinians were reported killed Saturday in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Zeitoun, including a 70-year-old woman. Israeli officials said their forces, positioned behind the agreed “yellow line” in northern Gaza, opened fire on militants who crossed the boundary. Israel denied reports of a drone strike.
Efforts continue to move forward with U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the two-year conflict, which includes returning the last remaining hostage in Gaza. Hamas has so far released 20 surviving hostages and 27 bodies in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Israel has stated it will reopen the Rafah Crossing for outbound travel and eventually allow inbound entry once the final deceased hostage is returned.
Trump’s proposal outlines the creation of an interim technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, supported by an international “board of peace” and a multinational security force. However, achieving consensus on the structure and authority of that force remains a major obstacle. While both sides accuse each other of ceasefire violations, mediators continue to push for a sustainable agreement that could pave the way for long-term stability in the region.
