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What we know about the Hamas hostages in Gaza on October 12, 2023 at 7:55 pm

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The Israeli and U.S. response to the unprecedented weekend attack by Hamas that left more than 1,200 Israelis dead has been greatly complicated by the abduction of as many as 150 hostages by the militant group. 

Hostage-taking has long been a part of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but never in terms of the numbers seen Saturday, when militants from the group — designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. — streamed over the border in attacks on Israeli towns and military outposts. 

Here’s what we know about the hostage situation:

How many hostages were taken?

It is unknown exactly how many people were taken hostage by Hamas on Saturday, though it has been estimated to be between 100-150 people, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan told CNN on Monday. He called it an “unprecedented number.” 

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Previous hostage-taking operations from Hamas have targeted a few Israelis at a time, usually members of the military. In 2006, the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was negotiated in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinians held in Israeli custody. 

How many hostages are American? 

The exact number of American hostages in Gaza is also unclear, though the White House said Wednesday it is a “very small” number. 

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said 17 Americans were unaccounted for in Israel on Wednesday, though it is unclear what number are believed to be held hostage. The administration later said that 22 Americans have been killed in the conflict. 

“Of the 17 that … we know are missing, right now — and again, this is going to change — right now, we think the number that we know, or we believe are held hostage, is very small, very small, like less than a handful. But that could change over time,” Kirby said. 

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“We just don’t have a lot of granularity on where the people are or what condition they might be in or whether they’re being moved,” he added. “So, I truly wish I had more that I could provide, because there are a lot of families out there really, really worried.” 

What have the U.S. and Israel said? 

The taking of hostages has outraged the Israeli public and government, which has vowed to completely take out Hamas. 

Israeli Energy Secretary Israel Katz said Thursday that the country will not lift its controversial blockade of Gaza until the hostages are released. 

“Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home,” Katz said on X, formerly Twitter. “Humanitarian for humanitarian. And no one will preach us morals.” 

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That blockade has garnered criticism from the international aid community, as hundreds of thousands in Gaza deal with dwindling water supplies, a lack of energy and quickly vanishing medical supplies

The U.S. and other Western allies, which have fully backed Israel in the conflict, have also called on Hamas to release the hostages, as have humanitarian organizations and the United Nations

Are the hostages in danger? 

Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida threatened Monday that the group could kill hostages if Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza “without prior warning.” 

“From this hour on, we announce that any targeting of civilian homes without advanced warning will be met regrettably with the execution of one of the enemy civilian hostages we hold, and we will be forced to broadcast this,” Obaida said in a statement broadcast on Arab news channels. 

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The Israeli military has reportedly continued to warn Gazan civilians before airstrikes, and there have been no reports of hostage executions since Obeida’s threat. 

The hostages have been among the chief concerns of Israeli military and government officials when considering a ground invasion of Gaza this week. The exact location of the hostages is unknown and may be changing, which means a ground invasion could put the hostages in harm’s way. 

What are the options for releasing hostages? 

Hamas said it is seeking the release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons in exchange for the captives. Israel is holding about 5,200 Palestinians in custody, including 170 children, Al Jazeera reported

There have been few public signs of progressing negotiations over the hostages from either Hamas or the Israeli government. 

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A Turkish official said Thursday that Turkish diplomats are leading attempts to negotiate for the hostages’ release, The Associated Press reported. 

A Biden administration adviser said Thursday that the White House is “not contemplating” using U.S. military forces on the ground in the region to free American hostages. 

“At this point, we are not contemplating U.S. boots on the ground involved in that mission,” deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said. “What we have done is sent experts from across our government to the region to consult and advise with their Israeli counterparts to make sure they find the best way to go about getting these people home.” 

​ The Israeli and U.S. response to the unprecedented weekend attack by Hamas that left more than 1,200 Israelis dead has been greatly complicated by the abduction of as many as 150 hostages by the militant group. Hostage-taking has long been a part of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but never in terms of the numbers seen Saturday,… 

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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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