International Stabilization Force for Gaza Nears Deployment as U.S.-Led Planning Advances 
Supporters Gather Ahead of Verdict in Jimmy Lai’s Landmark Hong Kong National Security Trial 
U.S. Special Forces Intercept Ship Carrying Military Components Bound for Iran 
Ukraine’s NATO Concession Unlikely to Shift Peace Talks, Experts Say 
Zelenskiy Signals Willingness to Drop NATO Bid as Ukraine, U.S. Hold Crucial Peace Talks in Berlin 
Tunisia Protests Grow as Opposition Unites Against President Kais Saied’s Rule 
U.S. Soldiers Killed in ISIS Attack in Palmyra, Syria During Counterterrorism Mission 
New Epstein Photos Surface Showing Trump as Lawmakers Near Document Release Deadline 
Air Force One Delivery Delayed to 2028 as Boeing Faces Rising Costs 
Bolivia Orders Pre-Trial Detention of Former President Luis Arce Over Embezzlement Probe 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
U.S. Intelligence Briefly Curtailed Information Sharing With Israel Amid Gaza War Concerns 
Global Leaders Condemn Deadly Antisemitic Shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach During Hanukkah 
International Outcry Grows Over Re-Arrest of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi in Iran 
Judge Orders Return of Seized Evidence in Comey-Related Case, DOJ May Seek New Warrant 
Thailand Vows Continued Military Action Amid Cambodia Border Clash Despite Trump Ceasefire Claim 
Trump Signals Two Final Candidates for Fed Chair, Calls for Presidential Input on Interest Rates 
Hamas has handed over its remaining Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking a major step in ending two years of devastating conflict in Gaza. The transfer comes under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement led by President Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel to address the Knesset and oversee the deal’s next phase.
Israel’s military confirmed receiving seven freed hostages, while 13 more are expected to follow later in the day. Families of the released captives expressed overwhelming joy, with many gathering near Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and the Reim military base to welcome their loved ones. Photos released by the Israeli military showed the freed captives standing, appearing in stable condition.
The ceasefire’s first phase also includes the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, alongside the repatriation of bodies from 26 deceased hostages. The agreement was finalized last week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where over 20 global leaders are set to meet today to discuss long-term peace efforts in the region.
The war, ignited by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages, has left Gaza in ruins. More than 67,000 Palestinians have died amid relentless Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults. Trump’s 20-point peace plan envisions a "Board of Peace" overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction, though key issues—such as Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s governance—remain unresolved.
At Nasser Hospital in Gaza, masked Hamas fighters participated in prisoner-release preparations, underscoring the challenges of achieving full disarmament. Despite lingering mistrust, U.N. officials welcomed the development, urging Israel to ease aid restrictions as emergency supplies begin flowing back into Gaza.
