World News

Israeli president says humanitarian pause on table in exchange for release of hostages on December 20, 2023 at 2:27 pm

Published

2 years ago

December 20, 2023

Herzog, the head of state, issued the offer during a virtual discussion held by The Atlantic Council on Tuesday. His remarks follow statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel was working to restart negotiations with Hamas.

“There is an effort by brokers, I don’t know much more than that because I’m not involved in the details — Netanyahu met with families of hostages an hour ago and repeated the fact that he sent [David Barnea, head of Israel’s internal security agency, Mossad] to Europe twice in order to reignite the process,” of hostage negotiations, Herzog said.

The Israeli president’s remarks followed reporting that Barnea, CIA Director William Burns, and Qatari officials met in Warsaw to move forward talks with Hamas. More than 100 hostages were taken by Hamas, which is designated by the U.S. as a terrorist group, after the Oct. 7 invasion by the group into Israel, which has triggered a larger war.

“I’ve said it today and I repeat, Israel is willing to enter another humanitarian pause and bring in additional humanitarian aid in order to bring back the hostages,” Herzog said.

“So the entire responsibility for this issue lies with Sinwar and his people,” the president continued, referring to Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas’s military wing.

“We should know that there are about 129 hostages still there in Gaza,” Herzog said.

“But 129 including babies, children, women, and grown ups and old people are all there. And first and foremost, I must must state outright that there are so many humanitarian cases that you know, make make it even more urgent to bring them back home. But we are dealing with a murderous I would say psychopathic leader who’s holding them and he’s using, he’s treading on our nerves.”

Earlier agreements had led to the release of 120 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of more than 200 Palestinians prisoners from Israeli jails and a pause in fighting that allowed for an increase of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.

That truce lasted for seven days. Israel and the U.S. have blamed Hamas for its end, arguing the group held back on a further release of women and children.

Israel restarted its military operation arguing that such pressure would bring back Hamas to the table. Axios reported that Israel is offering a one-week pause in fighting.

The first truce was implemented for a few days, and then extended an additional day in exchange for every 10 hostages Hamas identified and was willing to release.

The latest talks come amid increasing pressure on Israel from the Biden administration and the international community.

The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday is expected to vote on a resolution that would call for a temporary cessation of hostilities and that if passed without a U.S. veto, would be legally binding to implement — although Israel could choose to ignore the demand. Hamas, as a paramilitary and political group and designated terror group, is not a member of the United Nations.

Released hostages have given a grim reflection of what like is like for those still in captivity.

They said they were held underground, with little food, and subject to torture and assault.

Israel’s military operation is also a threat. Three hostages who managed to escape Hamas were killed by Israeli soldiers in what Israel said was an accident and a circumstance of the fog of war, despite the three men appearing shirtless, speaking Hebrew and waving a white flag.

Herzog reiterated that Israel was not willing to enter into a long-term ceasefire, and that their goal of the military campaign in Gaza was not yet fulfilled. Israel is seeking to end Hamas’s ability to govern the Gaza Strip and destroy its military infrastructure and kill its leadership, steps it says is necessary to ensure Israel’s security.

The majority of the international community has called for Israel to implement a ceasefire given widespread destruction by Israel’s military campaign that has killed thousands of people in Gaza — with Hamas estimating that the death toll is nearing 20,000. The strip is in a deep humanitarian crisis, with more than one million people displaced, tens of thousands wounded and injured, and critical shortages of basic necessities.

The Biden administration, which has backed Israel amid divisions within the Democratic Party, has also sent clear signs it wants changes to military’s operations.

Despite Israel’s intense air and ground incursion into Gaza, Hamas has maintained the ability to shoot rockets into Israel. Israel has also exposed underground tunnels leading into Israel, some wide enough to fit vehicles, that it is working to destroy to counter the threat.

Some of these tunnels were not used in the Oct. 7 attack, when Hamas destroyed a border fence and crossed overground by truck, motorbike and foot, and from the air on motorized paragliders, undertaking a massacre of Israelis on the street, at a music festival and in their communities — killing 1,200 and taking hostage 240 people.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that Israel is willing to enter into a pause in fighting against Hamas for the delivery of humanitarian aid if Hamas releases hostages, but that the “responsibility lies with the other side.” Herzog, the head of state, issued the offer during a virtual discussion held by The Atlantic Council on…

Business

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

Published

4 weeks ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

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.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

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.

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.