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A post using unsourced reddit information and another post on the article have been removed: 17. ASEAN NOW news team collects news articles from various recognised and reputable news sources. The articles may be consolidated from different sources and rewritten with AI assistance These news items are shared in our forums for members to stay informed and engaged. Our dedicated news team puts in the effort to deliver quality content, and we ask for your respect in return. Any disrespectful comments about our news articles or the content itself, such as calling it "clickbait" or “slow news day”, and criticising grammatical errors, will not be tolerated and appropriate action will be taken. Please note that republished articles may contain errors or opinions that do not reflect the views of ASEAN NOW. If you'd like to help us, and you see an error with an article, then please use the report function so that we can attend to it promptly.
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Hunter Biden, facing millions in debt, has filed to drop his lawsuit against former Trump aide Garrett Ziegler, citing financial hardship and personal setbacks. His attorneys claim that recent fires in the Pacific Palisades, which destroyed his $15,800-per-month Malibu rental, have worsened his already dire financial situation. A source close to the case also revealed that Biden plans to leave California and relocate back to the East Coast. The lawsuit, filed in September 2023, accused Ziegler and his nonprofit Marco Polo of hacking Biden’s iCloud and publishing a damning 644-page report based on data from his abandoned laptop. However, Biden’s attorneys now state that he no longer has the resources to continue litigation. In a legal filing submitted Wednesday, his lawyers detailed a significant decline in his income over the past 18 months, attributing it to dwindling book and art sales—his primary sources of revenue. “Plaintiff has suffered a significant downturn in his income and has significant debt in the millions of dollars range,” the filing states, adding that his financial troubles have been exacerbated by the Pacific Palisades fire. His legal team further argued that his focus must now shift to securing housing for himself, his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, and their four-year-old son, Beau Jr., rather than pursuing legal battles. Despite his request to drop the case, Ziegler remains defiant. Speaking to *DailyMail.com*, the conservative activist made it clear that he has no intention of letting Biden walk away so easily. “Hunter wants to cry uncle. We are opposing that,” Ziegler said. “We want our attorneys' fees to be paid, for Hunter to cease lying about us and me, and just generally to shut the f**k up.” Biden’s legal woes extend beyond this lawsuit. He had previously borrowed at least $7 million from Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris to settle tax debts and cover legal expenses. However, reports suggest that this financial lifeline ran dry last year, leaving Biden scrambling as he faces criminal charges related to gun and tax crimes. Now, the decision on whether Biden can drop the case rests with Judge Hernán Vera. If the court rules in his favor, it could mark the end of this particular legal battle—but with mounting financial struggles and ongoing legal troubles, Hunter Biden’s problems are far from over. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-03-07
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Rishi Sunak has now publicly stated that Britain should abandon its legal commitment to achieving Net Zero, a stance that, ironically, he could have taken while in office. His realization has come late, but at least he has finally recognized what was obvious all along—Britain simply cannot afford it. Net Zero was never a wise idea to begin with. Now, however, it has become an outright dangerous one. Even before the government’s desperate search for additional funds to bolster defense spending, the financial burden of Net Zero was staggering. The true cost has never been clear, and even today, no one can accurately predict the final bill. Back in 2019, then-Chancellor Philip Hammond estimated that reaching Net Zero by 2050 would cost Britain over a trillion pounds—a figure dismissed at the time but never seriously disproven. With the economy stagnating and energy prices continuing to climb, this legally binding commitment, hastily passed by Theresa May in the waning moments of her leadership, has the potential to inflict severe economic harm. And for what gain? Even if Britain were to miraculously achieve Net Zero overnight, the effect on global temperatures would be negligible. The UK is responsible for less than 1% of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, major polluters such as China, the US, India, and Russia continue to produce emissions at a scale that dwarfs anything Britain could cut. Unless these nations also commit to drastic reductions, Britain's economic self-sacrifice will achieve little beyond national impoverishment. Climate change will continue its course, but the British people will be left struggling to afford even the simplest pleasures of life. The new Labour government, despite inheriting what they have called a “£22 billion black hole” from the Conservatives, appears determined to dig even deeper. Their £18 billion payout to Mauritius over the Chagos Islands and Ed Miliband’s radical green policies threaten to dismantle industries, scar the countryside, and leave homes freezing. If this continues, the economic consequences will be devastating. However, there may be a glimmer of hope. Reports suggest Miliband could be removed in an upcoming reshuffle, with the government potentially reconsidering some of his more excessive policies. Even so, the financial burden of Net Zero may still cost Britain hundreds of billions. Sunak’s late realization is a step in the right direction, but unless the government acts decisively, the country may be trapped in a costly and futile pursuit that it simply cannot afford. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-07
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A migrant couple from El Salvador has been granted permission to remain in the UK after arguing that warring gangs in their home country made it impossible for them to continue their relationship. Despite not speaking English or being self-sufficient, the couple will now live in the UK at taxpayers' expense following an immigration tribunal’s ruling. The man in the relationship fled El Salvador after receiving death threats from a local gang whenever he visited the town where his girlfriend lived. Due to the threat of persecution, he was granted asylum in the UK. His girlfriend later joined him, arguing that deporting her would violate her right to a family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). An immigration tribunal ruled in favor of the couple, stating that their wish to “remain together in the UK” outweighed the “public interest in immigration control.” The ruling was made despite both individuals being asylum seekers who “do not work (because they are not allowed to), do not speak English, and are not self-sufficient.” Asylum seekers in the UK are entitled to £49.18 per week for food, clothing, and toiletries, as well as accommodation in a flat, house, hostel, or bed and breakfast. The case, which was disclosed in court papers, is one of several where human rights laws have been used to prevent deportations. Similar cases include an Albanian criminal who avoided deportation by citing his son’s aversion to foreign chicken nuggets and a Pakistani convicted of child sex offences who was allowed to stay in the UK because his removal would be “unduly harsh” on his children. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, criticized the ruling, stating, “Gang violence in El Salvador has been very substantially reduced recently, and extending to someone’s girlfriend’s – who the man is not even married to – family rights is a step too far. Family rights were designed to stop families and children being broken up in war, not as an immigration back door. This is another case which shows why fundamental reform of human rights law is needed.” The couple initially had their asylum claims rejected by the Home Office after arriving in the UK in March 2020. They appealed the decision, and while the man was eventually granted asylum, the woman’s claim was rejected. However, a first-tier tribunal ruled in favor of her right to remain based on her claim to family life under the ECHR. She later appealed the rejection of her asylum claim. The upper tribunal reviewing her case was told that the man had lived in Comasagua, a town controlled by the notorious Barrio-18 gang. His girlfriend lived in San Marcos, where he frequently visited her. However, he was threatened three times by members of MS-13, who warned him that he could suffer the same fate as his cousin, who had “disappeared.” The tribunal judges accepted that the man faced a “real risk of persecution” if he returned to El Salvador, qualifying him for protection under the Refugee Convention. They also ruled that the couple’s ability to maintain a normal relationship was severely limited by the gang violence in their home country. “The ability to conduct a normal life, including visits to one another, can only be carried out at significant risk to one or the other or both,” the judges stated. “The alternative, for fear of harm, is to remain out of sight and/or to cease visiting one another. Neither is an acceptable state of affairs. It is regrettable that international protection may be required in such circumstances.” Despite ongoing debates about immigration and asylum laws, the ruling highlights how human rights protections continue to play a role in determining who is allowed to stay in the UK. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-07
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China has issued a stark warning to the United States, declaring itself “ready for war” as tensions between the two superpowers escalate. With a significant boost in defense spending and new tariffs on American imports, Beijing has made it clear that it is prepared to retaliate against Washington’s latest economic measures. In a direct response to Donald Trump, China’s representatives in the US warned, “If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.” This statement comes after the White House imposed 20 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, citing Beijing’s failure to curb the flow of fentanyl into the US. China has responded by increasing its defense budget by 7.2 percent, matching last year’s rise and bringing total military expenditure to approximately 1.78 trillion yuan (£190 billion). Additionally, Beijing has announced counter-tariffs of 10 to 15 percent on specific US imports, effective from March 10. In an aggressive message shared by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy in the US, officials warned Washington that “intimidation does not scare us.” They also criticized Mr. Trump for linking the tariffs to the fentanyl crisis, accusing him of using the issue as political leverage. The announcement coincided with China’s annual “Two Sessions” meetings, where its top legislature outlined plans for military expansion. Premier Li Qiang reinforced Beijing’s commitment to President Xi Jinping’s objective of modernizing the Chinese military by 2027. “We will step up military training and combat readiness so as to firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests,” Li declared. China’s increasing military assertiveness has raised concerns across the Asia-Pacific region. Recent live-fire drills near Australia, military exercises close to Taiwan and Vietnam, and confrontations with the Philippine coast guard in the South China Sea have drawn criticism from neighboring countries, including Japan, South Korea, and India. Meanwhile, China has revealed plans to develop a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, aiming to rival the US Navy’s dominance. While China boasts the world’s second-largest military budget, it is still significantly smaller than the US defense budget, which stands at approximately $850 billion (£662 billion) for 2025. The Pentagon estimates that China’s actual defense spending, when including undisclosed expenditures, could be closer to $450 billion, though it remains less than two percent of the country’s GDP. The tensions were exacerbated by the Trump administration’s latest round of tariffs, which also targeted Mexico and Canada. With both nations locked in an escalating trade conflict and military posturing on the rise, the rivalry between the US and China appears to be entering a new and potentially dangerous phase. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-07
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Labour has come under intense criticism over new sentencing guidelines that some claim will create a "two-tier justice system," offering preferential treatment to ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and other specific groups. The measures, set to take effect in less than four weeks, have triggered a heated debate, with Conservative politicians warning they could lead to a system that is "anti-white and anti-Christian." Under the new rules, magistrates and judges will be required to consider pre-sentence reports for offenders from "ethnic minority, cultural minority, and/or faith minority communities." These reports, often used to highlight circumstances that could argue against imprisonment, will also apply to all women, transgender individuals, young adults, and those struggling with addiction. The changes follow lobbying efforts by advocacy groups and have reignited concerns about fairness in the criminal justice system. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick condemned the move, stating it would reduce the likelihood of custodial sentences for specific groups. "Sir Keir Starmer sneered at people who said we have a two-tier justice system. But here we have it in black and white," he said. "This is an inversion of the rule of law. We now have two-tier justice under 'Two-Tier Keir.'" He further warned that the guidelines introduced "blatant discrimination against straight white men." Tory minister Neil O'Brien expressed his outrage on X, formerly Twitter, writing, "What the actual hell – this is just raw two-tier justice." Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who initially appeared to downplay the significance of the guidelines, later distanced herself from the changes, pledging to push for their reversal. "Today's updated guidelines do not represent my views or the views of this government," she said in a statement. "I will be writing to the Sentencing Council to register my displeasure and to recommend reversing this change to guidance. As someone who is from an ethnic minority background myself, I do not stand for any differential treatment before the law, for anyone of any kind. There will never be a two-tier sentencing approach under my watch." The Sentencing Council, an independent body responsible for drafting the rules followed by judges and magistrates, defended the changes, emphasizing the importance of pre-sentence reports in assessing an offender’s background. Chairman Lord Justice William Davis stated, "The guideline emphasizes the crucial role played by pre-sentence reports (PSRs) in this process and identifies particular cohorts for whom evidence suggests PSRs might be of particular value to the court. The reasons for including groups vary but include evidence of disparities in sentencing outcomes, disadvantages faced within the criminal justice system, and complexities in circumstances of individual offenders that can only be understood through an assessment. PSRs provide the court with information about the offender; they are not an indication of sentence." However, critics argue that the move is part of a broader pattern of unequal treatment within the justice system. The controversy mirrors last summer’s riots following the Southport murders, when accusations surfaced that law enforcement had treated different groups unequally. At the time, Reform Party leader Nigel Farage stated that a "two-tier policing" system had become widely apparent, a claim dismissed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The debate escalated further when Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley grabbed a reporter’s microphone and knocked it to the ground after being questioned about the issue—an incident for which he later apologized. The latest revelation that the Justice Secretary’s own officials attended meetings where the guidelines were finalized has fueled accusations that she was aware of the changes all along. Minutes from a January 24 meeting show that her personal representative, Claire Fielder, was present when the plan was approved. According to records, "the council approved the final content in full and signed off the guideline for publication in March." As the April 1 implementation date approaches, pressure is mounting on the government to clarify its stance and respond to the growing concerns over fairness in the justice system. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-03-07
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Scientists working to bring woolly mammoths back from extinction have achieved a remarkable breakthrough, successfully engineering a new species known as the woolly mouse. This marks a significant step toward their goal of reviving the prehistoric giant, which vanished from the Earth between 4,000 and 10,000 years ago. The woolly mice created by the team are nearly identical in size to regular mice but feature a distinctively thick, golden coat, much like that of a mammoth. Scientists also altered the way the rodents metabolize fats, making them better suited to withstand colder temperatures. To accomplish this genetic modification, the researchers used multiple genome editing techniques. Some methods involved modifying fertilized mouse eggs, while others relied on altering embryonic stem cells, which were then injected into embryos and implanted into surrogate mothers. Following the success of their initial experiment, Colossal Biosciences now plans to test the mice’s ability to survive in cold environments. If these creatures prove resilient to lower temperatures, it would further confirm that the genetic modifications were successful. This research marks a significant step forward in the ambitious effort to bring the woolly mammoth back to life, a goal that once seemed confined to science fiction but is now inching closer to reality. Based on a report by NYP 2025-03-07
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Pro-Palestinian protesters have sprayed red paint on the University of Cambridge’s Old Schools building, a historic Grade I-listed structure that houses the university’s main offices. The vandalism occurred on Tuesday, following a court order that restricted protests at the university’s graduation ceremony last weekend. The university had sought a broad High Court injunction to prohibit protesters from entering or occupying key university sites, including the Old Schools. However, Mr. Justice Fordham issued only a “very narrow and limited court order” to prevent disruption during the graduations. He rejected the university’s request for a five-year injunction, stating that restrictions beyond Saturday were not "necessary and justified." After the ceremony, over 80 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Senate House, Cambridge’s primary ceremonial building, for a rally. The vandalism at Old Schools was later claimed by the activist group Palestine Action, which declared: “As long as the University continues to profit from violence, we will continue to take action in solidarity with Palestinians who endure daily oppression and destruction. Now is the time to act. The university must understand that its profits from war crimes will never outweigh the damage done to its reputation and bottom line.” Police launched an investigation after the red paint was discovered on Tuesday morning. Protesters had sprayed slogans such as “Always resist” and “Free Palestine” on the front gates, while the word “Divest” was painted on the walls. A sign for the university offices was also crossed out in red. By Tuesday afternoon, maintenance crews had begun efforts to remove the paint, a process that was expected to take at least two days. One worker told the student newspaper Varsity that cleaning the historic building would be a lengthy task. The Old Schools, originally used for teaching higher faculties, including the Divinity School, now serves as the administrative hub of the university and houses the office of Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice. A Cambridge University spokesperson condemned the act, stating: “We strongly condemn this vandalism of university property. The police have been informed.” This incident follows a similar act last year when pro-Palestinian activists sprayed red paint over Senate House, another historic university building. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-07
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Former newsreader Huw Edwards has not repaid the £200,000 he earned between his arrest and resignation, despite repeated requests from the BBC, according to the corporation’s chairman, Samir Shah. Edwards, 63, was handed a suspended prison sentence last year after admitting to accessing indecent images of children as young as seven. Following his guilty plea, the BBC requested that he return the wages he received between his arrest in November 2023 and his resignation in April 2024. However, Shah disclosed on Tuesday that Edwards has remained "unwilling" to repay the money, even though the corporation has asked him "many times." Appearing before the Commons culture, media, and sport committee, Shah was asked whether any of the funds had been recovered. "We have not," he confirmed. "We’ve obviously asked, and we’ve said it many times, but he seems unwilling. There was a moment that we thought he might just do the right thing for a change, then he decided not to." Expressing frustration over the situation, Shah added: "It’s quite frustrating because I think he should have done it. He could still do it. It’s not right. He’s taken licence fee payers’ money and he knew what he’d done and should return it now." BBC director-general Tim Davie confirmed that legal advice had been sought on the matter, but there were no further actions the corporation could take at this stage. During the committee hearing, Shah also addressed various conduct reviews concerning high-profile former BBC employees, including Russell Brand and Tim Westwood. "No one is untouchable. No one is bigger than the BBC. It’s really, really important. It’s 2025, we can’t have this kind of behaviour and find it acceptable," he stated. "We just have to make sure that the BBC is a modern organisation. People who work for it feel able to voice their concerns, if they have any, and that they will be dealt with, and that no one in the BBC is untouchable." Additionally, Davie provided an update on the external review of complaints against MasterChef host Gregg Wallace. The review, conducted by the show’s production company Banijay UK, is expected to conclude within "weeks, not months." Wallace stepped away from hosting the BBC1 cooking show amid an investigation into historical allegations of misconduct, which he has denied. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-07
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for temporarily suspending tariffs on most Mexican goods, following their recent imposition. "We had an excellent and respectful call in which we agreed that our work and collaboration has given unprecedented results," Sheinbaum stated in a post on X, written in Spanish. She reaffirmed that Mexico would continue working with the US on key issues such as migration and security, specifically mentioning efforts to curb the illegal flow of fentanyl into the US while also addressing the smuggling of weapons into Mexico. She confirmed that the suspension would remain in effect until April 2. The pause on tariffs applies to goods covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal that replaced NAFTA in 2020 during Trump's first term in office. Trump had pushed for changes to NAFTA, with the new agreement granting the US greater access to Canada’s dairy market and allowing for increased imports of Canadian automobiles. The decision to suspend some tariffs on Mexican goods comes a day after Trump announced a temporary exemption for North American car manufacturers that comply with USMCA regulations. Despite this concession, Trump remained critical of Canada, accusing the country of failing to prevent drug trafficking into the US. Reports indicate that the relief on tariffs contributed to a rise in US stocks, which had suffered two days of losses that erased gains made since the November presidential election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described a recent phone call with Trump regarding tariffs as “colorful.” According to CBC News, citing a senior Canadian government source, the conversation turned heated, with Trump reportedly using profane language multiple times while discussing dairy trade. Trudeau characterized the nearly hour-long call as “substantive” and said discussions were ongoing. Meanwhile, the US treasury secretary took a pointed jab at Trudeau, advising foreign leaders to remain composed in negotiations with Trump. "If you want to be a numbskull like Justin Trudeau and say, ‘Oh, we’re going to do this,’ then tariffs are probably going to go up," he said. Sheinbaum also highlighted Mexico’s efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling, stating that she had presented Trump with data showing a significant decrease in the drug’s movement across the border. "In February, the reduction in fentanyl seizures on the US side of the border with Mexico was reduced by 41.5%," she said during a news conference. She credited the deployment of 10,000 border guards and enhanced customs inspections as measures that were "giving results." However, she also questioned the impact of the tariffs, asking Trump, "Now that you put in the tariffs—how are we going to continue cooperating and collaborating with something that hurts the people of Mexico?" Canada has been granted the same temporary tariff suspension as Mexico, covering goods under the USMCA agreement until April 2. However, because a smaller percentage of Canadian exports fall under the agreement compared to Mexico, some goods from both countries remain subject to tariffs. White House officials explained that Trump’s decision to pause tariffs was influenced by commitments from automakers to shift supply chains back to the US. Additionally, they cited the efforts of both Mexico and Canada to combat fentanyl trafficking as another factor in his decision. Trump signed two executive orders in the Oval Office titled: “Amendments to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border” and “Amendments to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Southern Border.” Despite these temporary concessions, Trump warned that further trade measures could be coming, stating that April 2 would be a pivotal moment when other countries might face reciprocal tariffs. He singled out Canada, labeling it a “high-tariff nation” and claiming that the US does not rely on its exports. "We don’t need trees from Canada, we don’t need cars from Canada, we don’t need energy from Canada, we don’t need anything from Canada," he declared. When pressed about whether similar exemptions might be granted to car manufacturers next month, Trump responded, "We’re not looking at that." Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-07
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Democrats had an opportunity to make Donald Trump’s policies the focus of national debate, but instead, many in the House of Representatives chose to put the attention on themselves. The result? A night that could have been about holding the former president accountable instead became a spectacle that played right into his hands. On Tuesday night, as Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, numerous Democratic lawmakers heckled, booed, and disrupted his speech. Others walked out, waved signs, and made public displays of protest. Representative Al Green of Texas was even escorted out after refusing to sit down, shaking his cane in outrage. Rather than highlighting Trump's policies, these interruptions allowed him to appear as the dominant figure in the room. Yet instead of keeping the focus on these issues, Democrats allowed their protests to steal the narrative. Green shouted, “You have no mandate!” as Trump spoke. Representative Rashida Tlaib wrote messages to the president on a whiteboard, telling him to “start by paying your taxes.” Representative Gil Cisneros called out, “What about the $400 million Tesla contract?” when Trump spoke of government waste. Others simply held up signs that read “FALSE.” Some Democrats took their protest further, staging a walkout mid-speech. Representative Maxwell Frost and others removed their jackets to reveal messages like “RESIST” and “NO MORE KINGS.” Representative Melanie Stansbury turned her protest into a fundraising opportunity, sharing a viral image of herself holding a sign that read “This Is NOT Normal” while linking to a donation page. “Hi that’s me,” she posted online. “We will not be silent. Join me in the fight.” Such theatrics might have been unthinkable in past years. When Republican Joe Wilson shouted, “You lie!” at President Barack Obama in 2009, it was a major scandal. More recently, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert were widely mocked for heckling Biden. This time, however, it wasn’t just one or two lawmakers—it was too many to count. The White House was reportedly thrilled by the spectacle. Instead of having to defend Trump’s controversial remarks, his team was able to highlight a series of emotional moments that painted the president in a positive light. Trump awarded an honorary Secret Service badge to a young boy battling cancer who dreams of becoming an officer. He renamed a wildlife refuge in memory of a girl killed by undocumented immigrants, with her grieving mother in the audience. He surprised a young man with the news that he had been accepted into West Point, fulfilling his late father’s dream. And he announced that a terrorist allegedly responsible for the deaths of 13 U.S. troops during the Afghanistan withdrawal was being extradited to face justice. These moments, while carefully staged, underscored the power of the presidential platform. They also made the Democratic response look disorganized and reactive. “Trump’s speech was good, but Democrats are making it look even better by behaving like petulant children,” one White House ally told journalist Dasha Burns mid-speech. Speaker Mike Johnson reinforced the message, posting, “The way the Democrats behaved was unserious and embarrassing. That contrast between our forward-looking vision and their temper tantrums was on display for all of America to see.” If Democrats believe dramatic protests are the best way to fight Trump, they may find the next four years—and beyond—to be an uphill battle. Instead of seizing on his policy weaknesses, they handed him an easy win. Based on a report by Politico 2025-03-07
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Jeremy Corbyn has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to launch an independent inquiry into the UK’s involvement in Israel’s military actions in Gaza, similar to the Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq War. In a letter to the prime minister, which was seen by Sky News, the former Labour leader raised concerns that British officials may have been complicit in serious breaches of international law due to decisions taken by the government. Now serving as an independent MP for Islington North, Corbyn expressed frustration over the lack of answers regarding the continued sale of F-35 jet components to Israel, the role of UK military bases, and the legal interpretation of genocide. He accused the government of responding with "evasion, obstruction, and silence" instead of transparency. This lack of clarity, he argued, has kept the public "in the dark over the ways in which the responsibilities of government have been discharged." Drawing comparisons to the Iraq War inquiry led by Sir John Chilcot, Corbyn warned that "history is repeating itself." The Chilcot report, published in 2016 after years of delays, concluded that the UK’s decision to invade Iraq was based on "flawed intelligence and assessments." It also criticised then-Prime Minister Tony Blair for assuring US President George W. Bush of UK support "whatever" happened, months before the invasion. Furthermore, the report found that the process by which the attorney general determined the war’s legality—without a second UN resolution—was "far from satisfactory." In his letter, Corbyn insisted that "many people believe the government has taken decisions that have implicated officials in the gravest breaches of international law." He maintained that these allegations would persist unless there was a "comprehensive, public, independent inquiry with the legal power to establish the truth." Corbyn, who was suspended from the Labour Party in 2020 over a dispute regarding antisemitism and later barred from standing as a Labour candidate in the general election, affirmed that he would continue working with colleagues to explore every possible avenue for securing an independent investigation. In his view, "transparency and accountability" were essential to ensuring that the government’s actions were properly scrutinised. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-03-07
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Ukraine’s Fate Was Sealed Long Before Aid Was Cut
Social Media replied to Social Media's topic in World News
A bunch of off topic videos about Trump have been removed @Hakuna Matata Please read the topic and cease your attempts to hijack the thread. Ukraine’s Fate Was Sealed Long Before Aid Was Cut -
Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
Social Media replied to Social Media's topic in The War in Israel
UPDATE: Trump issues new ultimatum for Hamas to release Israeli hostages President Trump told Hamas he will greenlight additional Israeli military strikes on Gaza unless the group releases its remaining hostages. Trump's ultimatum comes during direct negotiations in Doha between his envoy for hostages affairs Adam Boehler and Hamas officials in an effort to reach a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal. Trump issued the ultimatum after a meeting with six hostages who were released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal. Hamas is still holding 59 hostages in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed 35 are dead. Israeli intelligence believes 22 are still alive, and the status of two others is unknown. Among the remaining hostages are five Americans, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander who is believed to be alive. "'Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. He called on Hamas to also return the bodies of dead hostages it is holding. "Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!" he wrote. Trump told Hamas leaders in Gaza to leave the enclave "while they still have a chance and "not a single Hamas member will be safe" if the group doesn't release the hostages. "This is your last warning!" he said. "To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!" Trump wrote. Based on a report by AXIOS 2025-03-06 Breaking: released hostages met with President Trump and thanked him for managing to get the hostage deal done - and asked him to get the rest of them out as well. This is what they told him: Omer Shem Tov: “My family and, I, myself we believe you’ve been sent by god to release us. You really helped. You have the power to do it”. naama Levy: “You were our hope, and now you’re the hope of the rest of the hostages”. Trump: “so you didn’t think I came along that you’re gonna get out?” Naama: “no. Once you were elected we heard that you want to do everything to make a deal asap”. Trump: “well we said you better let them out. Something happened. We’re gonna get the rest of them. We’re working on it very hard”. -
Donald Trump has escalated his stance against pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses, threatening to withdraw federal funding from universities that allow what he terms "illegal protests." In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that all federal aid to such institutions would be halted, and he vowed to imprison "agitators" or deport them if they were foreign nationals. "American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS! Thank you for your attention to this matter," he wrote. We look forward to ongoing work with the new federal administration to fight antisemitism, and we will continue to make all efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff." Protests at Columbia last year saw students setting up encampments and occupying a campus building in response to the conflict. The recent wave of demonstrations reignited at Barnard College and City College in Manhattan, with students demanding the reinstatement of two peers expelled over an alleged bias incident. During one protest, a security guard was injured as demonstrators forced their way into a building. Trump's stance aligns with previous actions he has taken on campus protests. During his presidency, he signed an executive order targeting antisemitism in higher education, which included measures to prosecute offenders and revoke visas for international students found guilty of antisemitic acts. The Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, created under that order, has since intensified its scrutiny of universities, announcing visits to 10 campuses where antisemitic incidents have been reported since October 2023. Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and a leading member of the Task Force, stated that universities may have failed to protect Jewish students and faculty from discrimination, potentially violating federal law. He added that the Task Force intends to meet with university leadership, students, law enforcement, and community members to assess whether remedial action is necessary. Based on a report by Newsweek 2025-03-06
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Ukraine has long endured broken promises from the West, and the latest decision to cut military aid was just another insult in a series of betrayals. While U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to block Biden-era defense authorizations may have delivered a severe blow to Ukraine’s resistance, the current military stalemate was set in motion years ago. Since the war began, the United States provided military assistance to Ukraine, enabling it to hold the line against Russian forces. However, that support has now come to an abrupt halt. Trump has effectively cut Ukraine off from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a crucial program allowing Kyiv to purchase hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weaponry from U.S. defense companies. Unless Ukraine submits to humiliating negotiations, Washington’s financial backing of the war effort is effectively over. Ukraine has every reason to view this as a betrayal. Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of Ukraine’s Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, likened Trump’s decision to the 1938 Munich Agreement, arguing that it is an even greater foreign policy disaster because, in this case, no one is falsely accusing Ukraine of being the aggressor. Merezhko suggested that Trump’s actions were designed to force Ukraine into surrendering to Russia. Yet, while Ukrainians are right to be outraged, the reality is that the West’s abandonment of Ukraine began much earlier. From the very start of the invasion, Western nations provided Ukraine with just enough support to prevent its defeat but never enough to secure victory. This half-hearted approach led to missed opportunities that might have turned the tide of the war in Ukraine’s favor. One of the clearest examples of this occurred in the fall of 2022. In a rapid counter-offensive, Ukraine reclaimed key territories in Kharkiv, forcing Russian troops into retreat beyond the Oskil River. Ukrainian forces continued their momentum with decisive victories in Izyum, Lyman, and Kherson. The Russian military, suffering from severe manpower shortages, resorted to chaotic “partial mobilization” efforts, and Putin was forced to seek military aid from Iran. Tensions within the Russian establishment were also escalating, particularly between Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Russian Ministry of Defense. At that moment, Russia’s war effort was teetering on the brink of collapse. But rather than seizing the opportunity, the West hesitated. While Ukraine pleaded for comprehensive sanctions against Russia, European nations continued buying Russian gas. The U.S. even refrained from sanctioning Russia’s state nuclear company, Rosatom. Zelensky repeatedly called for NATO-class tanks, long-range missiles, and F-16 fighter jets—requests that were largely ignored at the time. Instead of acting decisively, the West yielded to Putin’s nuclear threats. Although these weapons were eventually provided, they came far too late. By the time Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in June 2023, Russia had already fortified its defenses in Zaporizhzhia, conscripted hundreds of thousands of troops, and strengthened its military supply chains. The window for a decisive Ukrainian victory had closed. By late 2023, Ukraine’s Armed Forces chief Valery Zaluzhnyi admitted the war had become a stalemate. Even as Russia made slow but costly advances in 2024, the West refused to alter its strategy. A report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air revealed that Europe spent more on Russian energy (21.9 billion euros) than it provided in financial aid to Ukraine (18.7 billion euros). Biden’s administration, despite its public support for Ukraine, only approved ATACMS strikes on Russia’s Kursk region in the final days of his presidency. Even the deployment of North Korean forces alongside Russian troops was not enough to convince the West to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles. From the beginning, the U.S. and its allies pursued an attritional war, one designed to gradually weaken Russia rather than secure a swift Ukrainian victory. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made this clear in April 2022 when he stated, “We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it can’t do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine.” Now, with Trump cutting off aid entirely, Ukraine is left in an even more desperate position. But the truth is, long before Trump’s decision, the West had already laid the groundwork for Ukraine’s current predicament. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-06
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Apple has launched a legal battle against the British government over a secret order demanding the company install a backdoor in iPhones, allowing authorities to access encrypted messages and photos. The tech giant has filed an appeal with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which oversees the country’s surveillance laws, challenging Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s directive to weaken its encryption. The order requires Apple to break the security measures protecting its iCloud storage system, a move the company strongly opposes. Last month, Apple disabled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK rather than comply, expressing its disappointment. “We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will,” the company stated. The UK government’s demand has also drawn criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who likened it to surveillance practices used in China. Trump condemned the move, saying, “We told them you can’t do this... We actually told him [Starmer] ... That’s incredible. That’s something, you know, that you hear about with China.” Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. national intelligence director, called the request “egregious” and vowed to investigate whether it complied with legal agreements between the U.S. and the UK. British security officials argue that end-to-end encryption allows criminals to operate freely and obstructs law enforcement investigations. The ADP encryption prevents Apple from accessing iPhone backups, even if requested by authorities. The Home Office’s order could potentially extend beyond the UK, affecting users in other countries where the feature remains active. The appeal, which could be heard within the next month, marks the first known challenge to a UK government-issued technical capability notice to break encryption. Under recent legal changes, companies must still comply with encryption-breaking orders even while appealing them. The Home Office has refused to comment, stating: “We do not comment on operational matters, including, for example, confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.” Apple maintains that complying with the order would endanger millions of users by making private data vulnerable to hackers. Based on a report by The telegraph 2025-03-06
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A Hong Kong-based corporation has announced plans to sell its stake in two crucial Panama Canal ports to a U.S.-led investment group, a move that comes amid heightened tensions between Panama and the Trump administration. The deal would shift ownership of the ports to an investment group spearheaded by BlackRock, one of the largest asset management firms in the world. CK Hutchison, the company behind the sale, confirmed that the port stakes would be transferred as part of a broader agreement with BlackRock, which is set to acquire control of 43 additional ports across 23 different countries. The decision follows increasing pressure from President Donald Trump, who has openly voiced concerns over China’s influence in Latin America and its potential military use of the Panama Canal. Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly called for the canal to be returned to U.S. control. “China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back,” Trump declared in his January inaugural address. His administration has not ruled out the use of military force to reclaim the strategic waterway, further escalating tensions between Washington and Panama City. Despite Trump’s demands, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has remained firm, showing no interest in surrendering the canal, which Panama has solely controlled since 1999. In a sign of the issue’s significance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made an official visit to Panama shortly after taking office, reinforcing the administration’s focus on the region. With the planned sale of the ports, U.S. corporate ownership over key infrastructure near the canal is expected to increase, aligning with Trump’s broader strategy of countering Chinese influence in Latin America. However, it remains to be seen how Panama’s government will respond to the evolving geopolitical landscape surrounding one of the world’s most critical maritime passages. Based on a report by Politico 2025-03-06
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Meghan Markle’s estranged half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., has launched a fresh attack on the Duchess of Sussex following the release of her new Netflix series *With Love, Meghan*. He criticized the show as "embarrassing" and accused Meghan of fabricating details about her childhood for sympathy. Speaking to journalist Kevin O’Sullivan on *TalkTV*, Markle Jr., 58, ridiculed his sister’s portrayal of her upbringing. “This is probably the first time I felt sorry and embarrassed for her,” he said. He also revealed that he hadn’t allowed their father, Thomas Markle Sr., to watch the series due to concerns for his health. "I didn’t have enough heart medication for him to watch it. I didn’t want him to kick the bucket, so I’d have to go refill the prescription before I let him watch it," he quipped. In the series, Meghan described herself as a "latchkey kid" who grew up eating fast food and TV dinners. In a previous 2021 letter to U.S. politicians advocating for paid parental leave, she also claimed her family was financially struggling and that she “grew up on the $4.99 salad bar at Sizzler.” Markle Jr. dismissed these claims, calling them “another one of the malarkey stories she sold to the Royal Family for sympathy.” He insisted, “We weren’t poor. She didn’t have to rub two nickels together at Sizzler’s salad bar.” Critics have also pointed out that Meghan was raised in a middle-class home in Woodland Hills, where her father, an Emmy-winning lighting director, provided a comfortable lifestyle. He reportedly won a $750,000 lottery prize when Meghan was nine, which helped pay for her tuition at the prestigious Immaculate Heart Catholic School in Los Angeles. "The entire world knows how she treated her family, especially her father, who gave her everything," Markle Jr. continued. "That’s why nobody’s buying it." In his interview, he also mocked *With Love, Meghan*, sarcastically stating that dropping bricks on his pinky toes "would probably be better" than watching the show. Predicting its failure, he said, "Everybody’s going to watch the first episode, and it’ll be the worst critically acclaimed episode of all time. Then, five or six minutes into the second, they’ll probably commit themselves to a psychiatric ward." Markle Jr. went on to accuse Meghan of exaggerating her involvement in cooking, claiming, "She didn’t cook anything for anybody ever growing up." He also referenced what he called the "Meghan Markle death stare," saying, "There was always that little look. The Meghan Markle death stare, like her viper jaw pitches up, and she’s about to strike." His latest remarks follow previous controversies surrounding his treatment of Meghan. Last year, he faced backlash for YouTube videos in which he mocked her by wearing a wig and tiara while stuffing a cushion inside his jumper, referring to himself as "Me-gain." Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond called the videos "grotesque" and described his actions as "the ultimate betrayal." Markle Jr. has also suggested plans to cash in on his connection to Meghan by selling merchandise, including glasses, mugs, and T-shirts, telling viewers in a clip, “I'm gonna be riding those coat-tails, baby – oh yeah. If it wasn’t for Meghan Markle, I don’t know what I’d be doing.” His past criticism of Meghan dates back to 2018, when he wrote an open letter to Prince Harry before their wedding, warning him that Meghan was “obviously not the right woman for you” and calling her “jaded, shallow, [and] conceited.” Despite his past attacks, Markle Jr. briefly attempted to reconcile with his half-sister during his appearance on *Big Brother VIP Australia* in 2021. He was filmed writing an apology letter to Meghan and Harry, admitting that his previous words were “very immature and wrong.” In the letter, he explained, “The letter was definitely written out of me feeling really hurt and confused... I know that it was very immature and wrong, and I truly regret it.” Meghan’s new series, which offers lifestyle tips from inside a rented $8 million mansion, has already faced criticism. While it does not directly reference the Royal Family, it showcases the Duchess’s life in California with Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lilibet. The show has been described by some reviewers as “gormless lifestyle filler” with “a tangible desperation,” raising questions about whether it will justify the couple’s $100 million streaming deal. Despite the backlash, Meghan appears committed to her rebranded media presence, presenting herself as a relatable figure who, as she puts it, believes that even those in "little flats" in London can enjoy a small taste of her California lifestyle. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-03-06
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Kyle Clifford, a former soldier, has denied allegations that he raped his ex-girlfriend, Louise Hunt, before murdering her, her mother Carol Hunt, and her sister Hannah Hunt in a shocking attack. The court heard how Clifford, 26, committed "acts of extreme violence" at the Hunt family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on July 9 last year. During the trial at Cambridge Crown Court, the prosecution described Clifford’s attack as premeditated and meticulously planned. Alison Morgan KC, for the prosecution, stated that Clifford, angered by Louise’s decision to end their relationship, had assumed that her family had influenced her decision. Following the breakup on June 26, he began preparing for an attack, purchasing weapons and equipment designed for a multi-person assault that included the planned restraint and rape of Louise. Morgan told the jury that Clifford had deceived Carol Hunt to gain entry to the family home. Once inside, he fatally stabbed her before waiting for Louise to return. “The defendant then waited for Louise Hunt to enter the property, before restraining, raping, and ultimately murdering her with a crossbow,” she stated. Hannah Hunt, 28, was also shot and killed when she returned home from work. Following the murders, Clifford fled the scene, sparking a 22-hour manhunt before being found with self-inflicted injuries at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield. He was taken to the hospital for life-saving surgery and is now paralyzed from the chest down after shooting himself with the crossbow. The court was told that Clifford and Louise had been in a relationship for 18 months after meeting online. However, she had expressed concerns to friends about his “nasty temper.” The Hunt family reportedly found him “disrespectful, rude, and arrogant” and hoped Louise would end the relationship. Evidence was presented that Louise had documented her concerns about Clifford in a phone note five days before the murders. She described him as “racist,” intolerant of transgender people, and someone who frequently used belittling language. She also mentioned his regular visits to his imprisoned brother, noting that he never acknowledged the seriousness of his sibling’s crimes. Investigations revealed that in the days leading up to the attack, Clifford had conducted online searches for crossbows and accessed pornography. He had also written what appeared to be a suicide note on his phone. CCTV footage captured him buying 30 meters of rope, petrol cans, and duct tape, as well as purchasing a crossbow and airgun online. On the day of the attack, Clifford visited a garden center with his family before driving to the Hunt residence, arriving at 1:07 PM. A recorded conversation on the home’s doorbell camera captured his interaction with Carol Hunt, who allowed him inside under the belief he was returning Louise’s belongings. Within minutes, he fatally stabbed her. Louise, who operated a dog-grooming business from a garden pod in the backyard, remained unaware of the attack while continuing to serve clients. Forensic analysis later confirmed beyond reasonable doubt that “penetrative sexual activity took place,” Morgan told the jury. Clifford’s defense team, however, claimed that any sexual contact had been consensual and had occurred on June 23. After the attack on Louise, Clifford used her phone to browse Instagram and text her father, John Hunt, to determine when he would be home. When Hannah arrived at 6:50 PM, CCTV audio recorded the sound of a crossbow bolt being fired. A few minutes later, Hannah was heard exclaiming, “Kyle, I swear to God,” before messaging her partner, Alex Klein, with a desperate plea: “Call police… immediately. To mine. Now. Kyle here. Police now. He’s tying us up.” Screams followed, and another crossbow bolt was fired at 6:54 PM, killing Hannah. She managed to dial 999 using her mother’s phone and identified Clifford as the attacker before she succumbed to her injuries. Emergency services arrived at the scene to find Carol and Louise already deceased, while paramedics attempted, unsuccessfully, to save Hannah. While recovering in the hospital, Clifford reportedly told police, “What I have done is atrocious.” He has since pleaded guilty to the three murders, false imprisonment of Louise, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons. However, he continues to deny the charge of rape. The trial is ongoing. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-06 Related Topic: Kyle Clifford Charged with Murders of BBC's John Hunt’s Wife and Daughters
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NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, who has been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June, has backed Elon Musk’s claim that the billionaire had proposed an early rescue plan that was ultimately rejected by then-President Joe Biden. Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams initially embarked on what was meant to be an eight-day mission, but their return was delayed when the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they were testing was deemed unsafe for the journey home. As their stay stretched into months, the situation became politically charged, with Musk and former President Donald Trump accusing Biden’s administration of intentionally leaving the astronauts aboard the ISS to avoid making Musk look like a hero. Musk’s assertion that the astronauts were abandoned for "political reasons" recently sparked a public clash between him and Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen. In a Fox News interview, Musk claimed the Biden administration had neglected the stranded astronauts, but Mogensen countered, accusing him of spreading falsehoods. Mogensen noted that NASA had long planned to bring Wilmore and Williams back aboard the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which arrived at the ISS in September with two spare seats. No alternative plan was ever officially proposed, and the delay in Crew-9’s return has been due to setbacks in preparing the Dragon spacecraft for Crew-10, now scheduled for launch on March 12. NASA has also stressed that extended astronaut stays in space are not uncommon. In 2023, astronaut Frank Rubio spent over a year on the ISS after a meteoroid damaged his return vessel, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Similarly, following the 2003 Columbia disaster, NASA suspended shuttle flights for two years, forcing astronauts to rely on Soyuz and prolong their missions. Musk’s comments have drawn criticism from the space community, particularly after he used a slur for people with intellectual disabilities in response to Mogensen. Former NASA astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly publicly defended Mogensen and condemned Musk’s remarks. “Obviously, we’ve heard some of these different things that have been said,” Wilmore commented. “We have the utmost respect for Mr. Musk, and obviously respect and admiration for our president of the United States, Donald Trump. We appreciate them… and we’re thankful that they are in the positions they’re in.” Wilmore’s statement comes at a time when NASA’s leadership is facing scrutiny over its shifting rhetoric. Acting NASA administrator Janet Petro recently raised eyebrows with remarks that echoed Trump’s political slogan, stating that the agency aimed to put "America first" in its space endeavors. “We’re going to be putting America first, we’re making America proud, we’re doing this for the U.S. citizens,” she said, just before a private Moon lander touched down on Sunday. The remark marked a departure from NASA’s long-standing philosophy of conducting space exploration “for all mankind.” As the situation continues to unfold, Wilmore and Williams remain aboard the ISS, awaiting their long-delayed return home. Based on a report by AP 2025-03-06 Related Topic: Elon Musk Claims Biden Administration Delayed NASA Astronauts’ Return for Political Gain
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Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has expressed his firm belief that U.S. President Donald Trump has the capability to broker peace in the Middle East. His statement came as Egypt unveiled a $20 billion proposal aimed at rebuilding war-torn Gaza, an initiative backed by several Arab nations. The proposal was presented during a summit of Arab leaders in Cairo, positioning itself as an alternative to Trump’s controversial plan, which suggested evacuating Gaza’s more than 2 million residents and redeveloping the enclave under U.S. administration. Trump’s idea, which involved transforming Gaza into a luxurious “Riviera,” faced strong criticism, with many accusing it of attempting “ethnic cleansing.” The U.S. administration had implied that Palestinians would be relocated to Egypt and Jordan, raising concerns over whether they would ever be allowed to return to their homeland. In contrast, Egypt’s plan calls for financial contributions from oil-rich Arab nations and the international community to fund extensive reconstruction efforts over the next two years. The initiative has been well received by the Arab League, proposing the construction of 200,000 new housing units in Gaza, where approximately 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed due to the ongoing conflict. Despite this effort, a major obstacle remains unresolved. The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas expired over the weekend, and while fighting has not resumed, no agreement has been reached to extend the truce. The uncertainty surrounding the cease-fire adds another layer of complexity to the already fragile situation. The United Nations has expressed strong support for Egypt’s initiative. “I welcome and strongly endorse the Arab-led initiative to mobilize support for Gaza’s reconstruction, clearly expressed in this summit,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. “The UN stands ready to fully cooperate in this endeavor.” Palestinian Authority (PA) has shown openness to Egypt’s plan, which also includes a provision for elections to be held in Gaza within a year. Hamas has not allowed elections since it took power in 2006, while PA President Mahmoud Abbas, whose faction was ousted from Gaza by Hamas, insists that his group is the only legitimate governing body capable of leading the enclave. Abbas has expressed his readiness to organize presidential and parliamentary elections. One of the major sticking points in achieving a long-term resolution is determining who will govern Gaza post-war. Israel has remained firm in its stance that Hamas must be completely removed from power and cannot return as the ruling force. All plans for Gaza fail if they do not start with a complete defeat and disarmament of Hamas. Either Hamas surrenders military and political power, or operation to do that by force are required. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed the Arab Summit’s proposed Gaza reconstruction plan, stating: “We will not trade our weapons for reconstruction or the entry of aid.” While Hamas has rejected proposals from “external forces,” referring to Trump’s plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the former president’s vision, calling it an “innovative” and “visionary” idea that should be implemented. As discussions continue, the future of Gaza remains uncertain. The success of Egypt’s reconstruction initiative depends not only on securing the necessary funding but also on resolving the political disputes that have long plagued the region. Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Trump, whose potential involvement in the peacemaking process has sparked both optimism and controversy. Based on a report by NYP | X 2025-03-06