April 15, 2025

Hamas, Israel truce talks intensify over Gaza "Ceasefire negotiations have intensified as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cites ""intense talks,"" amidst rising public outcry over his decision to resume bombing in Gaza. Hamas has confirmed that it received the proposal through Egypt and is reviewing a new truce and prisoner swap deal. However, the Palestinian resistance group also expressed reservations, with a senior official noting a ""red line"" regarding disarmament. Israel has waged a genocidal war on Gaza since October 2023, killing over 50,000 people." Israeli army corps press Netanyahu to prioritise hostages "Over 1,520 Israeli soldiers, commanders and veterans, including ex-generals and former Prime Minister and army chief Ehud Barak, have issued a powerful petition. They urge the Benjamin Netanyahu-led far-right government to prioritise the release of Israelis held in Gaza, even if it means ending the war. Published by Maariv, a Hebrew-language daily newspaper, the appeal reflects mounting pressure from within the military ranks. Nearly ten such petitions have surfaced since Thursday. Prime Minister Netanyahu has responded with threats to dismiss any active-duty signatories, deepening tensions within Israel’s military and political circles." UN chief warns deepening Sudan crisis as civil war enters its third year "UN Chief Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning as Sudan’s brutal war enters its third year. Over 12 million people have been uprooted in what he calls the world’s largest displacement crisis. Most of those who fled the country mainly went to Ethiopia, Egypt, Central African Republic and Chad. With famine looming and 25 million facing acute hunger, Guterres condemned attacks on civilians and aid workers, urging global action. “The world must not forget Sudan,” he stressed, pushing for peace and accountability as the death toll nears 130,000." US, El Salvador leaders meet to enhance ties, address crime issues "US President Donald Trump welcomed his El Salvadoran counterpart, Nayib Bukele, to the White House, emphasising a ""historic partnership"" aimed at improving global safety. The two leaders discussed El Salvador’s role in holding US-deported criminals in the Terrorism Confinement Center also known as CECOT prison, with Trump highlighting the removal of violent offenders from American streets. Discussions also covered economic growth, tariffs, and security, with Trump’s tariffs impacting Salvadoran exports. Bukele’s visit marks a pivotal moment in US-El Salvador relations, strengthening cooperation on criminal justice and regional prosperity." Harvard faces $2.2B freeze for defying Gaza protest policies "The Trump administration has intensified pressure on academic institutions to intervene and stop student protests criticising Israel's war against Palestine. Harvard University is facing a $2.2 billion freeze in federal funding after rejecting demands from the Trump administration over its Gaza protests and policies. The administration’s demands, including a crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstrations and a ban on campus masking, were swiftly denied by Harvard, with President Alan Garber defending the institution’s independence. The move follows similar actions against Columbia, Cornell and Northwestern universities. Critics, like Senator Bernie Sanders, praised Harvard’s defiance."