The White House accused Hamas on Friday of making "entirely impractical" demands and stalling on a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. Hamas said earlier on Friday it was ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, after the Palestinian militants and Israel resumed indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
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Representatives Ro Khanna and Laura Gillen criticized fellow Democrats for not supporting a young cancer fighter during Trump’s address. They stressed the need for kindness and unity, as they stood and applauded while others remained seated.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has designated Vice President Han Zheng to represent China at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This decision signals China’s desire for stable relations with the US while avoiding the spotlight at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Han’s presence is a calculated diplomatic gesture amidst ongoing tensions.
The UN has appealed for $6 billion to aid 26 million people affected by Sudan's civil war, which has displaced 12 million and pushed millions toward famine. Since April 2023, fighting between the army and paramilitary forces has devastated the country. The funds will provide life-saving aid within Sudan and assist refugees in neighboring nations. Without immediate support, severe hunger, education loss, and healthcare collapse loom.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba deems US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Japanese goods a national crisis. Ishiba has called for cross-party discussions to mitigate the tariffs' impact on Japan's economy and ensure compliance with international trade agreements. The Nikkei 225 witnessed a significant decrease reflecting market concerns.
US President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine might eventually become part of Russia, ahead of Vice President JD Vance's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Trump emphasized that future US aid to Ukraine should have economic benefits for the US. Additionally, Trump is sending his envoy to draft a proposal to end the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed an exchange of all prisoners of war with Russia and called for long-term peace. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness to exchange all POWs and highlighted the resilience and heroism of Ukrainians as the country marked the third anniversary of Russia's invasion.
Finland’s government has proposed a ban on real estate purchases by nationals from countries engaged in wars of aggression, effectively targeting Russian buyers. The move aims to protect national security by preventing potential intelligence and sabotage activities. Exceptions will be made for residents with long-term permits. The bill, expected to be voted on this spring, seeks to close loopholes that allow indirect property acquisitions.
The FBI has uncovered 2,400 new documents related to President John F. Kennedy's assassination after President Trump's executive order to declassify remaining files. This includes 14,000 pages that were supposed to be reviewed but never were. The order aims for transparency and to end the secrecy surrounding these records.
Senator Mitch McConnell, the lone Republican dissenter, voted against Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as health secretary citing Kennedy's controversial vaccine views. "Mr Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency. As he takes office, I sincerely hope Mr Kennedy will choose not to sow further doubt and division but to restore trust in our public health institutions,†McConnell said.
President-elect Trump announced key appointments for his upcoming administration. Aaron Reitz, Senator Ted Cruz's Chief of Staff, is nominated to lead the DOJ's Office of Legal Policy, focusing on Trump's law and order agenda. Chad Mizelle, former DHS General Counsel, is tapped as DOJ chief of staff to restore integrity.