Putin and U.S. Envoy Witkoff Hold “Truly Friendly” Talks as Ukraine Peace Efforts Intensify 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
Australia and Japan Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Australia Imposes Sanctions on Taliban Officials Over Human Rights Abuses 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Honduras Awaits Final Election Results as Asfura Holds Slim Lead Amid U.S. Attention 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Cuba Quietly Signals Openness to Post-Maduro Venezuela as U.S. Pressure Intensifies 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
CFPB to Review Anti-Discrimination Policies and Fair Lending Rules Amid Policy Shift 
Trump’s New U.S. Strategy Seeks to Deter China and Protect Taiwan 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
Trump Backs Review of U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule After Hepatitis B Policy Change 
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that 10 more hostages held in Gaza will soon be released, though he provided no further details. Speaking at a White House dinner with lawmakers, Trump credited special envoy Steve Witkoff for ongoing diplomatic efforts and expressed optimism about the hostage-release process.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been underway in Doha since July 6, with both sides discussing a U.S.-backed plan for a 60-day ceasefire. Trump, who has frequently claimed that a truce is imminent, said, “We got most of the hostages back. We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly.”
The proposed deal includes the staggered return of 10 hostages and the bodies of 18 others, in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees held by Israel. Hamas’ armed wing indicated on Friday that while the group supports an interim truce, it may revert to seeking a full package agreement if talks stall.
The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people, has since escalated dramatically. Gaza health officials report over 58,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign. Israeli sources estimate around 1,650 Israelis and foreign nationals have died due to the conflict.
A sign near the U.S. Consulate in Tel Aviv calling for the return of hostages underscores the ongoing humanitarian urgency. As ceasefire negotiations continue, the potential release of more hostages offers a glimmer of hope, even as a comprehensive peace agreement remains uncertain. The Biden administration’s active role in facilitating the deal highlights Washington’s strategic involvement in ending the deadly conflict.
