Breaking: Israel and Hamas Reach Historic Ceasefire Agreement - All Hostages to Be Released Soon
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Israel and Hamas Reach Historic Ceasefire Agreement - All Hostages to Be Released Soon
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan to end the devastating two-year conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The agreement, confirmed by Israeli officials, Hamas, and mediator Qatar, includes the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line. High-level negotiations at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh involve Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, Qatar’s prime minister, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top adviser Ron Dermer.
The breakthrough comes after days of intensive negotiations over Trump’s comprehensive peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, Hamas disarmament, and eventual international governance of Gaza. While all parties have expressed cautious optimism, thornier questions remain unresolved, including the timing of Israel’s complete withdrawal, Hamas demilitarization, and post-war governance arrangements. The war began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, and Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Ex-FBI Director James Comey Pleads Not Guilty to Lying to Congress Charges in Trump Case
Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, entered the plea on his behalf and announced plans to seek dismissal of the case, arguing that Comey—a prominent critic of President Donald Trump—is being politically targeted. The charges stem from testimony Comey gave during a September 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about the Hillary Clinton email investigation and the Russia election interference probe, where prosecutors allege he misled lawmakers about authorizing FBI information leaks to news outlets.
The indictment came just days after Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute Comey, raising questions about prosecutorial independence. Each of the two charges carries a potential five-year prison sentence and fines up to $200,000. Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017 while leading the Russia investigation, appeared in good spirits at the hearing and was accompanied by his wife and daughter. Judge Michael Nachmanoff set a trial date for January 5, with both sides expecting proceedings to last only two to three days. Defense lawyers signaled they would challenge the case on multiple grounds, including claims of vindictive prosecution and the allegedly unlawful appointment of prosecutor Lindsey Halligan.
Pope Leo XIV Announces First International Trip to Turkey and Lebanon for Middle East Peace Mission
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, will make his inaugural international trip by visiting Turkey from November 27-30 and Lebanon from November 30 to December 2, the Vatican announced Wednesday. The historic journey will mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Turkey, where the pope will travel to Iznik (modern-day Nicaea) and meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of 300 million Eastern Orthodox Christians. Leo described the Turkey visit as “a moment of authentic unity in faith” for all Christians, emphasizing it represents an opportunity to look forward rather than backward.
The Lebanon portion of the trip will focus on bringing “a message of peace in the Middle East to a country that has suffered so much,” according to Pope Leo’s remarks to reporters at Castel Gandolfo. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian, extended the invitation when he met the pope in June. The visit comes as the region grapples with ongoing conflict, and Leo is expected to commemorate victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed 200 people. Lebanon’s Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops welcomed the announcement with “great joy and renewed hope,” expressing wishes that the apostolic visit will bring peace, stability, and unity to all Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike.
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Congo Ebola Outbreak Shows Signs of Containment With No New Cases in 10 Days, WHO Reports
The World Health Organization announced Wednesday that an Ebola outbreak in southern Congo’s Kasai Province shows promising signs of containment, with no new cases reported since October 1—marking 10 consecutive days without transmission. The outbreak, which began in early September and represents the first Ebola crisis in this remote region in 18 years, has resulted in 64 total cases (53 confirmed, 11 probable) and 43 deaths as of October 5. The affected area is located more than 620 miles from the capital city of Kinshasa, making response efforts particularly challenging due to the remote geography and limited infrastructure.
WHO officials credit improved logistics and coordinated field operations for successfully containing the outbreak, including helicopter deliveries of medical supplies, decontamination of three health facilities, and ground-based response teams. Despite the positive progress, health authorities remain cautious as nearly 2,000 contacts—individuals potentially exposed to the virus—continue to be monitored. The WHO warned that “a single missed contact could reignite transmission chains,” particularly in areas with high population movement or limited community surveillance capabilities. The outbreak was initially met with concerns about insufficient funding and resources, making the containment success even more significant for public health officials.
India Toxic Cough Syrup Death Toll Rises to 20 Children as WHO Demands Urgent Answers
The death toll from contaminated cough syrup in India has climbed to 20 children, with five more hospitalized suffering from kidney failure, prompting the World Health Organization to demand urgent reassurances from Indian authorities. All deaths occurred in the central state of Madhya Pradesh after children took Coldrif cough syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu. Victims reportedly experienced vomiting and difficulty urinating after taking the medication for fever and cold symptoms, with the first death reported on September 2. Laboratory tests revealed one sample contained a shocking 48.6 percent diethylene glycol—a toxic industrial solvent used in antifreeze and brake fluid—far exceeding the 0.1 percent permissible limit.
This tragedy marks the latest in a series of deadly incidents involving Indian-made cough syrups, following at least 141 child deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon since 2022, and another 12 deaths in India in 2019. Eight Indian states and territories have banned the formulation, and authorities have seized 443 of 600 traced bottles while conducting door-to-door searches for remaining stock. The WHO is seeking clarification on whether Coldrif has been exported internationally and may issue a global warning depending on India’s response. Madhya Pradesh police formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the deaths, while several state compliance officials have been suspended for alleged negligence in what represents a major crisis for India’s pharmaceutical industry reputation.
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