Israel to send negotiators to Gaza talks despite 'unacceptable' Hamas demands, PM says
Israel has decided to send a delegation to Qatar on Sunday for proximity talks with Hamas on the latest proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, BBC reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he had accepted the invitation despite what he described as the "unacceptable" changes that Hamas wanted to make to a plan presented by mediators from Qatar, the US and Egypt.
On Friday night, Hamas said it had delivered a "positive response" to the proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and that it was ready for negotiations.
However, a Palestinian official said the group had sought amendments including a guarantee that hostilities would not resume if talks on a permanent truce failed, according to BBC.
Trump backs Patriot missiles for Ukraine
US President Donald Trump expressed support for providing Patriot missile systems to Ukraine following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump said Ukraine needs the systems for defense amid intensifying Russian airstrikes and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for refusing to consider a ceasefire, calling their recent conversation “very disappointing”, Firstpost reported.
Zelensky stated the two leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, including joint production, investment, and purchases. Ukraine has repeatedly urged the US to resume Patriot missile deliveries, warning that delays weaken its ability to protect cities and resist Russian advances.
A source familiar with the Trump-Zelensky call described it as “very good,” raising hopes that US support will continue. Germany is also exploring Patriot acquisitions to assist Ukraine, according to Firstpost.
Trump threatens tariffs on European food, EU warns of retaliation
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 17 percent tariff on European food and farm products, including key exports like Belgian chocolate, Irish butter, and Mediterranean olive oil, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. The warning was delivered during meetings in Washington with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and senior US officials.
Trump also announced plans to send letters to 12 countries warning of permanent tariffs of up to 70 percent after July 9, and is pushing over 60 nations to reach new trade deals within days.
If talks fail, the EU plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on US commodities like as Bourbon and Boeing airplanes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged a full agreement may be difficult given the short period, but emphasized the necessity for a framework accord, especially for sectors like autos, which are presently facing significant US tariffs, Financial Times reported
Trump signs sweeping tax and spending bill into law
US President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law on Friday during an Independence Day-themed ceremony at the White House, featuring a B-2 bomber flyover. The bill narrowly passed the House 218–214, with all Democrats and two Republicans opposing it, BBC reported.
The legislation includes major tax cuts, increased funding for the military and border security, and deep cuts to healthcare and food assistance programs. It is projected to add $3.3trn to the national debt.
Trump praised Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson for their leadership, calling them “a team that is not going to be beat.” The White House called the bill a “victorious day” and a fulfillment of Trump’s core campaign promises, according to BBC.
