Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
Trump Administration Halts Immigration, Green Card, and Citizenship Processing for 19 Countries 
U.S. Repatriation Flight Carrying 266 Venezuelan Migrants Lands in Caracas 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
U.S. President Donald Trump has scored a diplomatic victory, brokering a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas signed in Egypt. While the achievement boosts Trump’s image as a peacemaker, experts say the real challenge lies ahead—maintaining pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to follow through on the broader 20-point peace plan.
Trump’s deal, praised for its ambition, leaves key details vague—an approach that helped secure signatures but now complicates implementation. Central issues such as Hamas’ disarmament and its exclusion from Gaza’s future administration remain unresolved. Despite Hamas’ general agreement, the group’s leaders continue to signal intentions to remain politically active in Gaza, raising doubts about long-term peace.
Analysts caution that Netanyahu’s political survival instincts could soon outweigh diplomatic considerations, especially with Israel’s elections approaching. His right-wing coalition partners, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have already criticized the ceasefire, demanding Hamas’ total surrender. Any delays in disarmament could reignite calls for military action, potentially derailing Trump’s peace framework.
Trump’s leverage over Netanyahu stems partly from his unwavering support for Israel, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and affirming Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. However, his recent assertiveness—such as forcing Netanyahu to apologize to Qatar after a failed airstrike—shows a new willingness to pressure the Israeli leader when necessary.
Despite the symbolic success, the plan’s mention of a possible Palestinian state remains contentious. Former U.S. ambassador Dan Shapiro warns that domestic opposition in Israel could weaken Arab nations’ resolve to ensure Hamas’ compliance, threatening the fragile peace.
As Trump touts his achievement, the durability of his “historic” peace deal hinges on political will and regional cooperation—two forces as unpredictable as the Middle East itself.
