Larry Lee
The Latest
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Trump Confirms U.S.-Hamas Talks as He Issues 'Last Warning' Over Hostages
The Trump administration has engaged in direct talks with Hamas for the first time in an effort to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza, two sources with knowledge of the discussions confirmed. The negotiations, led by U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler, took place in recent weeks in Doha, Qatar, a country that has long served as a diplomatic intermediary in the region. 
The Trump administration has engaged in direct talks with Hamas for the first time in an effort to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza, two sources with knowledge of the discussions confirmed. The negotiations, led by U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler, took place in recent weeks in Doha, Qatar, a country that has long served as a diplomatic intermediary in the region. -
Zelensky Says He’s Ready to Negotiate Under Trump’s Leadership, Proposes Ceasefire Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that he is prepared to negotiate an end to the war with Russia and work under President Donald Trump's "strong leadership" to achieve a lasting peace. The announcement came just days after Trump suspended all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a move that drew praise from Moscow and alarm from European allies. 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that he is prepared to negotiate an end to the war with Russia and work under President Donald Trump's "strong leadership" to achieve a lasting peace. The announcement came just days after Trump suspended all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a move that drew praise from Moscow and alarm from European allies. -
EU Unveils $840 Billion Defense Plan as Trump Halts Ukraine Aid
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a sweeping plan Tuesday to bolster the European Union's military capabilities, unveiling a proposal that could mobilize up to €800 billion ($841 billion) in defense spending. 
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a sweeping plan Tuesday to bolster the European Union's military capabilities, unveiling a proposal that could mobilize up to €800 billion ($841 billion) in defense spending. -
Israel Faces Backlash Over Aid Blockade as Gaza Ceasefire Hangs in the Balance
Israel's decision to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation from international organizations and mediators, who accused the country of leveraging starvation as a negotiation tactic. The move, announced on Sunday, came after Hamas rejected a newly proposed ceasefire framework that would have extended the truce through Ramadan and Passover without committing to a permanent cessation of hostilities. 
Israel's decision to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation from international organizations and mediators, who accused the country of leveraging starvation as a negotiation tactic. The move, announced on Sunday, came after Hamas rejected a newly proposed ceasefire framework that would have extended the truce through Ramadan and Passover without committing to a permanent cessation of hostilities. -
European Leaders Rally Behind Zelensky as U.S. Signals Doubts About Ukrainian Leadership
European leaders have reaffirmed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the wake of a tense White House meeting that underscored growing divisions within the Western alliance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led a summit in London over the weekend, gathering European leaders to craft a peace plan for Ukraine, even as U.S. officials hinted that Zelensky may need to step aside for negotiations with Russia to move forward. 
European leaders have reaffirmed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the wake of a tense White House meeting that underscored growing divisions within the Western alliance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led a summit in London over the weekend, gathering European leaders to craft a peace plan for Ukraine, even as U.S. officials hinted that Zelensky may need to step aside for negotiations with Russia to move forward. -
UK and France to Draft Ukraine Peace Plan After Trump-Zelenskyy Clash
European leaders gathered in London on Sunday for high-stakes discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Britain and France announced they would take the lead in drafting a peace plan for Ukraine. The proposal, which will be developed in collaboration with Kyiv, is expected to be presented to the United States as part of a broader effort to end the three-year war between Ukraine and Russia. 
European leaders gathered in London on Sunday for high-stakes discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Britain and France announced they would take the lead in drafting a peace plan for Ukraine. The proposal, which will be developed in collaboration with Kyiv, is expected to be presented to the United States as part of a broader effort to end the three-year war between Ukraine and Russia. -
Israel Blocks Humanitarian Aid to Gaza After Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Extension Proposal
Israel has halted all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip following Hamas' rejection of a ceasefire extension proposal backed by the United States, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli government announced Sunday that it would not allow further deliveries of goods and supplies into the region until Hamas agrees to the proposed framework. 
Israel has halted all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip following Hamas' rejection of a ceasefire extension proposal backed by the United States, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli government announced Sunday that it would not allow further deliveries of goods and supplies into the region until Hamas agrees to the proposed framework. -
Hamas Rejects Israeli Proposal to Extend Ceasefire as Talks Stall in Cairo
Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire by 42 days, insisting that negotiations must move to the next stage, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. The militant group's stance complicates ongoing talks in Cairo, where mediators from Egypt and Qatar have been working to secure an agreement before the current truce expires on Saturday. Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire by 42 days, insisting that negotiations must move to the next stage, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. The militant group's stance complicates ongoing talks in Cairo, where mediators from Egypt and Qatar have been working to secure an agreement before the current truce expires on Saturday. -
Pope Francis Placed on Breathing Machine After Sudden Respiratory Crisis
Pope Francis suffered a sudden respiratory crisis on Friday, prompting Vatican medical staff to place him on noninvasive mechanical ventilation after he experienced a severe episode of bronchospasm and vomiting. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, remains in intensive medical care as concerns over his condition mount. 
Pope Francis suffered a sudden respiratory crisis on Friday, prompting Vatican medical staff to place him on noninvasive mechanical ventilation after he experienced a severe episode of bronchospasm and vomiting. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, remains in intensive medical care as concerns over his condition mount. -
Hundreds of Thousands Protest in Greece on Train Crash Anniversary, Clashes Erupt in Athens
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Greece on Friday, marking the second anniversary of the country's deadliest train crash with mass protests and a nationwide strike that halted flights, shut down businesses, and disrupted public services. Demonstrators expressed frustration over what they see as government inaction and a failure to hold anyone accountable for the disaster that killed 57 people in February 2023. 
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Greece on Friday, marking the second anniversary of the country's deadliest train crash with mass protests and a nationwide strike that halted flights, shut down businesses, and disrupted public services. Demonstrators expressed frustration over what they see as government inaction and a failure to hold anyone accountable for the disaster that killed 57 people in February 2023.
