Trump announces first phase of Gaza peace deal between Israel and Hamas
US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to and "approved" the first phase of his Gaza peace plan. The announcement came after the conclusion of the third day of brokered talks held in Egypt.
In a post on his social network, Truth Social, Trump wrote that both sides have accepted a deal proposed by his administration, calling it the biggest progress in months in the devastating war in Gaza, which just a few days ago entered its third year.
The first phase of this "21-point peace plan" provides for an immediate cessation of fighting, as well as the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
UN forced to significantly cut peacekeeping missions after US cuts funding
The United Nations is set to make major cuts to its peacekeeping forces and operations, forcing thousands of soldiers to leave conflict hotspots around the world. The cuts come as the United States, the UN's largest donor, slashes funding.
A senior UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity after a closed-door meeting, informed reporters on Wednesday that about 25% of the peacekeeping force will be reduced in the coming months.
According to him, this measure was necessary due to President Trump's "America First" policy, which is being reflected in changes in funding for international organizations.
Macron to name new prime minister within 48 hours
French President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours of Wednesday evening, the Élysée Palace announced.
Acting Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the same during an interview earlier on Wednesday, adding that his mission to negotiate with other parties has now ended.
Speaking to France 2 television, Lecornu announced that he had met with the president during the day to deliver the results of the latest round of political consultations.
MEPs partially reject the agreement with Mercosur
A narrow victory, but a victory nonetheless, for opponents of the trade agreement reached with the Mercosur countries in December 2024.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament voted in favor of a resolution setting out the EU's political strategy towards Latin America. 269 MEPs voted against a paragraph calling for the termination of the agreement with Mercosur, signaling the expected future clashes over the controversial agreement.
The vote in Strasbourg was decided by just 10 votes, as 259 MEPs voted in favour, reflecting the Parliament's deep division on the issue.
