Although there has been some movement in the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, insiders familiar with the discussions say major obstacles still remain that could prevent an agreement.
Roughly 80% of the points under negotiation have been settled in principle, according to those involved. However, the remaining disputes involve the most sensitive and potentially deal-breaking issues. Chief among them are disagreements over how humanitarian aid will be distributed during the ceasefire, and where the IDF will be positioned throughout the planned 60-day halt in combat.

While in Washington, DC, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed the press corps traveling with him and emphasized that he and President Donald Trump are closely aligned in their objectives regarding the situation in Gaza. “The release of the hostages and the end of Hamas rule in Gaza,” he stated, are mutual priorities.
Netanyahu elaborated on the nature of their collaboration, saying, “We have a shared strategy and shared tactics for this. This includes full coordination. President Trump wants a deal, and I want a deal, but not at any cost.”
For his part, President Trump expressed cautious optimism during his remarks. “There is a chance we will announce a deal in Gaza either this week or next week, but nothing is certain,” he said.
{Matzav.com}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the United States is placing sanctions on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, citing her attempts to bring charges against American and Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court.
“Today, I am imposing sanctions on UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt the International Criminal Court action against US and Israeli officials, companies, and executives,” Rubio declared.

President Trump voiced strong support for the newly launched Justice Department inquiries into James Comey and John Brennan, describing the two men as “crooked as h—.”

[Video below.] Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu appeared on Fox Business Wednesday, where he addressed a range of pressing regional issues and highlighted the strength of his partnership with President Donald Trump.
During the interview, Netanyahu said that negotiations for the release of hostages were progressing and expressed confidence that every individual held captive would ultimately be brought home. He also made a stark comparison, warning that allowing Hamas to continue ruling Gaza would be akin to permitting the Nazi SS to remain in control of Germany following World War II.

Avraham Azoulai, a resident of Shaked Farm in the hills near Yitzhar, was killed while operating engineering equipment in Gaza, just three months after marrying. The Shomron Regional Council confirmed his passing on Wednesday.
Azoulai becomes the third individual from Yitzhar to be killed during the ongoing conflict. Like many from his community, he had volunteered to assist the IDF by working with heavy machinery in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu sat down on Wednesday with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon for a significant conversation focused on military collaboration and strategic stability in the region. The dialogue underscored a strong bond rooted in shared values and mutual defense, and looked ahead to greater prospects built on that alliance.
As the meeting began, Netanyahu recalled his long history of visits to the Pentagon. “Do you know how many times I’ve been in this room?” he asked. When Hegseth encouraged him to guess, Netanyahu replied, “I’d say 40, 50 times.”

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has come under scrutiny after attending Friday services in January at a Brooklyn mosque long linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Some Muslim critics are now urging voters to reexamine Mamdani’s alignment with the Brotherhood, a movement known for backing various terrorist groups and advocating for a global Islamic rule. The Brotherhood, which was recently outlawed in Jordan for destabilizing activities, has consistently shifted toward authoritarian rule wherever it gained power. Its vision includes the revival of an Islamic caliphate reminiscent of the pre-1924 era.

President Trump issued a fresh series of tariff warnings on Wednesday, notifying six nations that they’ll face steep duties on their exports to the U.S. unless new trade deals are finalized by August 1.
The Philippines was told it would be hit with a 20% tariff rate. Brunei and Moldova were warned of a 25% duty, while Algeria, Iraq, and Libya are now staring down the possibility of a 30% tariff unless negotiations succeed.
“It is a Great Honor for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship,” Trump wrote in each of the letters sent to the respective countries.

Kamala Harris once recorded an interview ahead of the presidential election that was ultimately deemed too bizarre to release, according to a social media host who recently disclosed the incident.
The then-candidate participated in a taping of “Subway Takes,” an internet-based show hosted by Kareem Rahma, where guests reveal controversial or unexpected opinions. The segment, filmed during the summer of 2024, never made it online. Rahma explained the situation in an interview with Forbes reporter Steven Bertoni, which was posted to TikTok on Monday.
“Her take was really confusing and weird, not good, and so [we] mutually agreed we shouldn’t publish it,” Rahma told Bertoni during their conversation.

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