IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
The United States has unveiled a 21-point Middle East peace initiative during the U.N. General Assembly, with officials hopeful of progress on the Gaza conflict in the coming days. U.S. President Donald Trump presented the plan to leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, aiming to balance Israeli concerns with those of regional neighbors. Special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed confidence that a breakthrough could soon be announced.
The Gaza war, now nearing its second year, has drawn widespread condemnation for its devastating toll. According to local health officials, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, while famine-like conditions grip parts of the enclave. The war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israeli authorities say roughly 48 hostages remain in captivity, including 20 believed to be alive.
Despite mounting international pressure, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza City. Witnesses reported tanks advancing near Al-Quds Hospital and closer to Al Shifa, the territory’s largest medical facility. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed damage to an oxygen station, while Israeli forces claimed Hamas militants were firing from hospital compounds — a claim Hamas denies.
The conflict has also spilled into the West Bank, where Israeli forces and settlers killed two Palestinians in separate incidents near Jenin and Ramallah. Meanwhile, airstrikes across Gaza on Wednesday killed at least 50 people, including many sheltering near a market.
Diplomatic efforts are running in parallel. European and Arab states are discussing a stabilization force for post-war Gaza, hoping to align their plan with Washington’s. Still, with heavy fighting, hunger, and displacement worsening conditions, many Palestinians remain trapped in Gaza City under grave risk.
The White House continues to back Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is scheduled to meet Trump and address the U.N. this week, even as Western powers such as France and Britain move toward recognizing a Palestinian state.
