On Tuesday, global tensions and political stalemates dominated headlines.
Hamas remains silent on Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, while the U.S. braces for an imminent government shutdown amid congressional deadlock.
In Europe, rising frictions with Russia continue, even as support flows to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the DRC witnesses a historic verdict as former President Joseph Kabila is sentenced to death in absentia.
A glance at major development on Tuesday.
Hamas remains tight-lipped on Trump’s peace plan
Hamas has kept quiet on Donald Trump’s new 20-point Gaza peace plan, leaving many wondering what the group’s next move will be.
The plan calls for Hamas to disarm, dismantle its military infrastructure, and let an international transitional authority oversee Gaza’s rebuilding.
While Israel has welcomed the proposal, Hamas’s silence has sparked speculation about whether it’s weighing the pros and cons amid pressure from its supporters and regional allies.
Experts say Hamas faces a tough choice: reject the plan publicly or consider a path that might open diplomatic opportunities.
At the same time, the Palestinian Authority has already dismissed the plan outright. Hamas’s quiet response highlights the internal divisions in Palestinian leadership and the challenges facing any lasting peace solution in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with many watching closely for Hamas’s next statement.
US government shutdown seems inevitable
The US government shutdown is about to kick in at midnight after lawmakers couldn’t hammer out a funding deal.
The stalemate has triggered worries about halted services and furloughs for federal workers.
In a surprising move, the Department of Housing and Urban Development plastered its website with a banner blaming the “radical left” for the impasse, warning the shutdown would cause “massive pain” for Americans.
This sparked pushback from Democrats and watchdog groups, who called the message overly partisan for a federal agency.
The blame game highlights deep divisions in Congress, where Republicans hold the reins but can’t secure enough votes, while Democrats push hard to protect healthcare and social spending.
Now, Americans brace for potential disruptions as the government grinds to a halt, with no clear end in sight as talks remain deadlocked.
Europe-Russia tensions continue
Europe isn’t at peace with Russia anymore, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, highlighting the rising tensions between the two.
Merz made it clear that while there’s no formal war, Russia’s aggressive moves are threatening the stability and freedom of the entire continent.
The chancellor pointed to things like Russian violations of NATO airspace and meddling in European affairs as clear signs of hostility.
Meanwhile, the EU and Denmark have stepped up to help Ukraine recover from Russian attacks, particularly by restoring a damaged wind power plant.
Thanks to their support, new turbine blades were installed, helping Ukraine bolster its energy infrastructure at a critical time.
The project not only brings electricity back to homes and hospitals but also shows Europe’s ongoing commitment to standing with Ukraine amid this difficult conflict. It’s a small but meaningful pushback against the hardships caused by the war.
DRC’s former President sentenced to death
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia.
The charges against Kabila relate to alleged abuses of power and involvement in clashes during his presidency, which spanned from 2001 to 2019.
Kabila, who currently resides abroad, was not present at the trial. This verdict marks a significant moment in Congo’s political scene, signaling a hardline approach toward past leadership accused of misconduct.
The ruling has raised concerns about potential instability in the country and the broader implications for governance.
International observers are watching closely as Congo grapples with this dramatic development, which could impact the nation’s future political landscape.
The verdict underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Congo as it seeks justice and accountability for past conflicts.
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