World News

Hamas agrees to release 50 hostages, temporary cease-fire with Israel on November 22, 2023 at 2:17 am

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2023

A deal has been reached to release 50 women and children that were kidnapped by Hamas and is set to go into effect sometime on Thursday, following intensive international negotiations over the course of a month and a half, according to U.S. officials and the Israeli government.

Israel and Hamas agreed to implement a temporary cease-fire for four days to allow for the safe transfer of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The release of hostages is expected to trigger the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, per a Hamas demand.

The U.S. believes that there are more children and women beyond the 50 that Hamas had identified for release, with a senior U.S. administration official telling reporters in a call on Tuesday night that Hamas has not been able to provide a comprehensive list of all the people who were kidnapped from Israel.

The U.S. expects Hamas to work throughout the pause in fighting to identify additional women and children to be released.

“The deal is now structured for women and children in the first phase, but with an expectation for further releases and the aim, the clear aim, is to bring all hostages home to their families,” the official said.

Inside the secret White House effort to secure the Hamas hostage release

The cessation of fighting, what the administration is calling a “humanitarian pause,” can be extended beyond the four days if Hamas identifies and shows a willingness to release more hostages.

The Israeli government early Wednesday morning, local time, said in a statement that “the release of every additional 10 hostages will result in one additional day of the pause.”

Hamas kidnapped more than 200 people on Oct. 7 as part of its unprecedented terrorist attack against Israel — where at least 1,200 people were massacred, the vast majority civilians.

Along with women and children, other hostages include men, Israeli soldiers, dual nationals and foreign nationals. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) earlier this week released a video that it said showed Hamas forcibly moving at least two hostages, a Thai civilian and a Nepalese civilian, through al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip.

At least three Americans are expected to be released in the first phase of the deal, including two women and a three-year-old girl, Liz Hirsh Naftali, whose parents were killed amid Hamas’s assault on their community of Kfar Azza. Naftali is believed to be turning four this month.

The Biden administration has said there are 10 unaccounted for Americans, but has not said that they are all confirmed as hostages.

The pause in fighting is also expected to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries to be scaled up through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, with thousands of Palestinians having been displaced from the north of Gaza to the south amid intense Israeli air bombardment as part of its war aim to eliminate Hamas. Civilians are lacking adequate access to water, food, medicine, shelter and more necessities and what international aid organizations have decried as a desperate humanitarian crisis.

Brett McGurk, Middle East Coordinator for the National Security Council, had earlier said that Hamas’s “bargain” for releasing the hostages was to increase aid to the strip.

Among the other terms Hamas asked Israel to agree to, include allowing Palestinian women and minors held in Israeli jails to be released to their hometowns, mostly in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, the Times of Israel reported, citing an Israeli government source speaking with reporters.

The deal was reached through intensive mediation by the government of Qatar and Egypt, which served as intermediaries between Hamas military leaders hiding out in Gaza, to their political offices in Doha, Qatar, and on to U.S. and Israeli officials.

The senior U.S. official, who spoke with reporters on Tuesday, said a secret cell working to secure the release of hostages was established shortly after Hamas’s attack on Israel, and the extent of its kidnapping of civilians began to unfold.

Qatar initiated discussions with Israel and the U.S. to work toward the hostages’ release.

Calls between the U.S., Israel, Qatar and Egypt have taken place daily, sometimes hourly over the course of the month and a half of the ordeal, with Biden “directly and personally engaged in this process,” the official said.

“In fact, I just came from the Oval Office about half an hour ago… We are cautiously optimistic here that we are in the final stages of what has been an extremely excruciating five-week process.”

The deal marks an extraordinary development in the war between Israel and Hamas nearly seven weeks since Hamas shocked the world by breaking down and through Israel’s barrier with the Gaza Strip. Hamas fighters massacred and murdered civilians in their homes, at a music festival, and on the street under the cover of rocketfire across Israel in an attack they have failed to fully explain, other than what they view as their ultimate goal as to destroy the state of Israel.

Among the more than 200 kidnapped from southern Israel during Hamas’s terrorist attack include Israeli civilians, soldiers and people of dozens of other nationalities taken by Hamas, and some are also believed to have been taken by other designated terror groups, like Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Gazan civilians.

White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that the U.S. does not have a full accounting of the exact number of hostages and who is holding them.

“I think it’s important to remember that other groups also likely hold some hostages… that Hamas may not have access to, or even immediate knowledge of with any great specificity,” he said during a call with reporters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to end Hamas, and Israel has carried out a punishing air campaign across the Gaza Strip, targeting what they said are Hamas combatants and their military infrastructure. But the devastation has led to the death of approximately 13,000 people — according to estimates provided by the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is under control of Hamas.

While Hamas does not disclose how many of those killed are its own members, more than 5,000 children are believed to be among those killed, and a senior U.S. official has said it is likely the death toll is higher than is currently being reported.

And Israel alleges that rocketfire from Gaza — by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad or others — has at times fallen back on the strip into civilian areas.

Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel would not abandon its war against Hamas, even as it agreed to a pause to allow for the release of hostages.

President Biden has backed Israel’s military campaign into the Gaza Strip, saying that he supports Israel’s goal of dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure to prevent the terror group from being able to carry out, again, an attack like that which occurred on Oct 7.

But the president and his senior officials have increasingly raised concern that Israel can do more to protect civilian life in Gaza.

Kirby, on a call with reporters on Tuesday, said that the administration has said they don’t support an expanded Israeli military ground campaign into southern Gaza “absent a cohesive plan by the Israelis to factor in how they’re going to be able to protect what is now mathematically a dramatically increased civilian population.”

“It’s even more incumbent upon the Israelis to make sure, before they begin operations down there, that they have factored in ways in which they can protect those civilians who moved at their urging to the South,” Kirby continued. “And I think that’s really about where I need to leave it.”

Business

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

Published

5 days 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

6 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.