Hamas makes hostage pledge but demands changes to US Gaza ceasefire plan
Hamas responded to a US ceasefire proposal by saying it is prepared to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 dead hostages in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners, while requesting some amendments to the plan, BBC reported.
The group repeated its demands for a permanent truce, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and guarantees for the continuous flow of humanitarian aid. None of these are in the deal on the table.
It was neither an explicit rejection nor a clear acceptance of the US terms, which Washington says Israel has accepted.
Hamas said it had submitted its response to the US draft proposed by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East," according to BBC.
Zelensky doubts Russia’s intent ahead of Istanbul talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has questioned Russia’s commitment to upcoming peace talks in Istanbul, citing a lack of response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposals. He warned the meeting could be “fruitless” without clear preparation.
Russia confirmed its attendance but has not shared its terms. Both sides reported fresh explosions ahead of the talks. Russia currently controls about 20 percent of Ukraine, including Crimea, BBC reported.
Tensions rise as Israel blocks Arab delegation visit
Israel has decided to block the entry of foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates who intended to visit Ramallah on Sunday for a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, according to Xinhua.
Israeli Foreign Ministry officials condemned the planned visit as a "defiant act" to promote the formation of a Palestinian state. They also cited the Palestinian Authority’s continued refusal to condemn the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel as a reason for the decision.
“Israel will not cooperate with actions that threaten its security,” the officials stated.
EU backs stronger defence ties amid China-Russia threats
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe is boosting defence spending following pressure from the Trump administration, calling it “tough love.”
At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Kallas supported US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for allies to invest more in defence, noting EU unity on security, Xinhua reported.
She connected European and Indo-Pacific security, warning about China's economic power and military ties with Russia and North Korea.
Kallas recommended further cooperation with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and others to combat common threats. Hegseth credited US President Trump for pushing Europe to “step up”, according to Xinhua.
