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Hamas has delivered what it calls a "positive response" to mediators regarding the latest US proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement. The Palestinian armed group announced Friday night that it was "seriously ready to enter immediately into a round of negotiations" but did not confirm acceptance of the specific terms. A senior Palestinian official informed the BBC that Hamas requested several modifications, including ending a US-backed aid distribution system and obtaining US guarantees that warfare would not resume if negotiations failed. Israel's government has not issued a statement. President Donald Trump, who said he had not been briefed on the details, described Hamas's positive response as "good" and told reporters aboard Air Force One that "there could be a Gaza deal next week." The timing appears significant as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit […]

Eight men in U.S. detention have lost their final legal challenge to avoid deportation to South Sudan, a country facing ongoing human rights concerns. On Friday, Judge Brian Murphy of Boston denied the last-minute appeal following extensive legal activity throughout the day. The men have been held at a U.S. military base in Djibouti since late May, when courts halted an earlier deportation flight to South Sudan. The U.S. Supreme Court has twice ruled that the Trump administration could deport the men to countries outside their homelands, with its latest decision issued Thursday. The appeal, filed that night, argued that repeated deportation attempts to South Sudan were "impermissibly punitive," citing the U.S. Constitution's prohibition of "cruel and unusual punishment." The U.S. State Department advises American citizens to avoid South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict and has previously accused the […]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he and US President Donald Trump agreed to collaborate on strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities during a phone conversation Friday. The two leaders had a "very important and fruitful conversation," Zelenskyy stated, adding they "spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies." According to Axios, citing an unidentified Ukrainian official and a source familiar with the call, Trump expressed willingness to help Ukraine with air defense following escalating Russian attacks. Zelenskyy said the discussion included joint defense production, purchases, and investments. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness for "direct projects with the United States," particularly regarding drones and related technologies, calling such cooperation "critically important for security." The conversation occurred one day after Trump's call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the US president described as […]

President Donald Trump signed his major policy legislation into law Friday afternoon, one day after Congress narrowly approved the controversial measure. The White House signing ceremony, held during July 4th celebrations, implements significant portions of Trump's agenda including tax reductions, defense spending increases, and immigration enforcement measures. Trump celebrated the achievement at an Iowa rally Thursday night, promising supporters it would drive economic growth. However, he faces the challenge of convincing skeptical Americans, as polling indicates widespread disapproval of the legislation. Several Republicans opposed the bill due to concerns about rising national debt, while Democrats argued it favors wealthy Americans at the expense of lower-income citizens. The 870-page legislation includes several key provisions: extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts from his first presidency, significant reductions to Medicaid spending for low-income and disabled Americans, new tax exemptions for tipped income, overtime pay, […]