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What is Egypt’s peace plan proposal to end the Israel-Hamas war? on December 26, 2023 at 10:29 pm

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Egypt’s newly proposed peace plan to end Israel’s war with the militant group Hamas is drawing mixed reactions.

Even so, neither side of the conflict appeared to reject the proposal altogether, sparking the possibility for new diplomatic talks.

International pressure for a cease-fire is growing amid the war’s climbing death toll in Gaza, where more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in the violence since early October, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

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Israel has largely rejected calls for a cease-fire, reiterating the country’s mission to destroy Hamas following the group’s Oct. 7 surprise assault on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Here’s a breakdown of Egypt’s proposed plan, including what it would entail and what each side and other government leaders are saying about it.

What is Egypt’s proposed peace plan?

Egypt’s proposal includes a phased hostage release and the creation of a Palestinian government of experts to temporarily lead the Gaza Strip and Israeli-occupied West Bank, a senior Egyptian official and a European diplomat familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press (AP).

The proposal calls for an initial cease-fire of up to two weeks where Palestinian militants could free 40 to 50 hostages, including women, the sick and elderly, in exchange for 120 to 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisoners, the Egyptian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the AP.

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Negotiations would continue during the initial cease-fire to extend the truce and release more hostages and bodies held by Palestinian militants, the official said. He reportedly added Egypt and Qatar would work with all Palestinian factions, including Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, to reach an agreement on the government of experts.

This government would control Gaza and the West Bank during a transitional period while Palestinian factions work on holding presidential and parliamentary elections, the official said.

Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas would discuss an “all-for-all” deal that would see the release of all of the remaining hostages in Gaza in return for all Palestinian prisoners in Israel, the official said. The comprehensive deal would also require Israel to withdraw its military from Gaza and Hamas to halt its rocket fire into Israel.

The Egyptian official told the news wire the details were discussed with Qatar and presented to Israel, Hamas, the U.S. and the European governments.

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Egypt and Qatar have served as mediators between Israel and Hamas, and both played a large role in negotiating last month’s temporary cease-fire between Israel and Gaza that saw the release of about 100 hostages kidnapped during Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks.

The temporary cease-fire also allowed multiple aid convoys to enter the territory, which was under siege and depleted of humanitarian resources.

Former NBC News correspondent Martin Fletcher agreed the proposal is the “first comprehensive plan” for ending Israel’s war with Hamas, calling it a “ray of light.” Fletcher said the proposal will hopefully spark conversations through intermediaries between the two sides, though it does not appear either side is taking the proposal “seriously” yet.

Plan initially receives cold reception

While the plan sparked renewed hopes of further diplomacy talks between Israel and Hamas, it was initially met with a cool reception from both sides, though neither side directly rejected it.

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While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly comment on the proposal, he told members of his Likud party Monday he was focused on moving forward with Israel’s offensive, per the AP.

“We are expanding the fight in the coming days and this will be a long battle, and it isn’t close to finished,” he said Monday.

While Hamas did not officially response to the proposal, top official Izzat al-Rishq said in a statement that it will not negotiate without a “complete end to the aggression,” per the AP.

Rishq said Hamas would not agree to a “temporary or partial truce for a short period of time,” the news wire added.

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Meanwhile, a delegation from the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is slated to go to Cairo soon to talk about the proposal and what a unified government running both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank may look like, The Wall Street Journal reported. The PLO, which Hamas is not part of, initially said it rejected certain parts of the proposal.

Israel considers proposal

Despite Netanyahu’s determination to move forward with the offensive, Israel’s war cabinet appears to be looking into Egypt’s proposal.

The Wall Street Journal reported Israel’s war cabinet took the proposal to a wider group of ministers, who are expected to review the proposal Tuesday night. Israeli officials noted it is unlikely it will agree to any deal that would allow Hamas to keep a role in Gaza after the war ends, the Journal reported.

A person familiar with the agenda for Tuesday night’s meeting told the Journal the 14 voting members of the security cabinet are not expected to vote on the proposal Tuesday but will be briefed on hostage release efforts and other issues related to the war.

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Danny Danon, a senior lawmaker in Netanyahu’s Likud party, reportedly said Israel is willing to discuss the proposal’s framework for the release of the hostages. As for the later stages, Danon said Israel is “very determined to make sure that Hamas will not be part of any future agreement in Gaza,” per the Journal.

What are people saying about it? 

Neither President Biden nor National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby have spoken publicly about the matter. The Hill reached out to White House and the National Security Council for further comment Tuesday.

The White House declined AP’s initial request for comment about the proposal.

U.S. officials are in close contact with Egypt and Qatar about the release of more hostages as several proposals circulate on the negotiating table, a person familiar with the matter told the AP on the condition of anonymity. The person added the U.S. questions if the plan will have a breakthrough.

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​ Egypt’s newly proposed peace plan to end Israel’s war with the militant group Hamas is drawing mixed reactions. Even so, neither side of the conflict appeared to reject the proposal altogether, sparking the possibility for new diplomatic talks. International pressure for a cease-fire is growing amid the war’s climbing death toll in Gaza, where more… 

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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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