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Margaret Brennan presses Palestinian ambassador over not condemning Hamas on November 5, 2023 at 11:24 pm

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CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan on Sunday pressed Palestinian ambassador to the U.K. Husam Zomlot over not condemning militant group Hamas and its Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, to which Zomlot instead called for the U.S. to “be the peacemaker” and recognize the Palestinian state.

In an interview on CBS News’s “Face The Nation,” Brennan pointed to the Israeli government withholding of some tax revenues after it claimed the Palestinian Authority has not condemned Hamas adequately and the group’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israel that left hundreds of civilians dead.

Pressed by Brennan on if he wants to clear the air and specifically condemn Hamas and its attacks, Zomlot responded, “No I want to clear the record.”

“First of all, the Palestinian Authority [PA] is not what represents the Palestinian people. It’s the PLO — it’s the Palestine Liberation Organization,” Zomlot continued. “I represented the PLO in Washington, now I represent the PLO in London. The PA does not have external arms, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people is the PLO.”

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Last week, Israel said it would proceed with a tax revenue transfer to the PA in the West Bank, but would withhold funds for Gaza, where the PA helps fund public sector wages and electricity, according to a Reuters report.

Hamas, which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, is recognized by the U.S. and several other countries as a terrorist organization.

“Let me clarify another matter — it’s the state of Palestine that will take over and protect its people and the West Bank in Jerusalem and in Gaza once the Palestinian occupied territory is liberated,” Zomlot said. “Number three — it is the opportunity for the U.S. to be the peacemaker.”

Brennan then interjected Zomlot and said, “I am sure you are concerned about the tax revenue..”

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Zomlot continued, “Number one, to designate,” before Brennan interjected again, “Do you want to clear the air and condemn —”

Zomlot appeared to ignore the repeated question, saying, “Designate the PLO from the terrorists list in the U.S. Congress.”

“The U.S. should recognize the state of Palestine and allow us to be a full member in the UN [United Nations] and the U.S. must immediately stop voting — vetoing sorry, attempts at accountability,” Zomlot continued.

“These are decades worth of problems,” Brennan responded. ‘I’m just asking with this one specific issue on Oct. 7 and the tax revenue.”

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“No, no, no. Not the case, not the case…because it’s the result of us not really focusing on the root…cause. This is the moment of the U.S. to play the role —” Zomlot responded.

Brennan again interjected, “I understand there are deep root causes but on that specific condemnation, should just be a very quick answer.”

Zomlot then referenced Brennan’s earlier interview with Israel ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog, who spoke of the “unintended consequences” in “every war.”

Israel responded to Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks with a bombardment of Gaza, including hundreds of airstrikes and several bombings that have killed thousands of civilians, according to the Hamas-ruled Health Ministry in Gaza.

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Zomlot argued Israel’s bombardment has been “Israeli military doctrine,” for years.

“We have to leave the conversation there, but it’s very clear that it’s really the U.S. talking about a peace settlement — two-state solutions, and you did not clearly condemn that,” Brennan said. “So, Ambassador, thank you for sharing the Palestinian point of view. We have to leave it there.”

Last week, President Biden called for a “concentrated effort” on the part of world leaders towards a two-state solution to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.

Since entering office, Biden held off on starting U.S.-mediated negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. However, Biden said last week there is no returning to the “status quo” in the wake of Hamas’s attacks.

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Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas, though there is little understanding of who or what entity will lead the Gaza Strip, where an estimated 2.3 million Palestinians reside.

Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority and took complete control of the strip in 2007.

​ CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan on Sunday pressed Palestinian ambassador to the U.K. Husam Zomlot over not condemning militant group Hamas and its Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, to which Zomlot instead called for the U.S. to “be the peacemaker” and recognize the Palestinian state. In an interview on CBS News’s “Face The Nation,” Brennan… 

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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

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Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

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• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

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• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

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• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

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• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

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The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

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US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

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President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

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Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

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Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

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Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.

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