INTERNACIONAL
Israel hostage deal in doubt as Hamas adds demands, US envoy calls terms ‘unacceptable’
Hamas has agreed to release 10 living hostages and return the bodies of 18 more, but the terms of the proposed deal have been deemed unacceptable by the U.S. and Israel.
The group, which has been on the State Department’s list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations since 1997, made the announcement in a statement Saturday and said it was being done on the condition that a number of Palestinian prisoners be returned in exchange as part of a means to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
Israeli media reported that Hamas added new demands to the proposal from U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, including a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian aid flow into the strip.
Witkoff’s proposal did not include a full withdrawal or a ceasefire, the Jerusalem Post reported, and that Hamas added terms of its own.
In a statement posted to X on Saturday, Witkoff called Hamas’ response to the American proposal «totally unacceptable» and warned it «only takes us backward.» He urged the group to accept the original framework in order to begin proximity talks as early as next week, which could pave the way for a 60-day ceasefire and the return of both living and deceased hostages.
FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGE SAYS HAMAS CAPTORS ‘WANTED KAMALA TO BE ELECTED,’ WERE ‘VERY SCARED’ OF TRUMP’S RETURN
Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in southern Israel, hold their portraits during a protest at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to mark 600 days of captivity. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images)
In a statement before Witkoff’s response, Hamas wrote: «After conducting a round of national consultations, and based on our immense sense of responsibility towards our people and their suffering, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) today submitted its response to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s latest proposal to the mediating parties.
«This proposal aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Gaza Strip.»
Reacting to the announcement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that while Israel had agreed to the updated Witkoff framework, «Hamas continues to cling to its refusal.» The office emphasized that Israel remains committed to bringing its hostages home and defeating Hamas, citing Witkoff’s remarks as confirmation that Hamas’ latest stance undermines progress.
Hamas is holding 58 hostages in Gaza. Of these, Israeli intelligence assesses that at least 34 are deceased, leaving approximately 24 believed to be alive. More than 250 people were captured during the Hamas terror attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has been negotiating a ceasefire proposal in Gaza. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
RETURN OF TRUMP GIVES FAMILIES OF GAZA HOSTAGES NEW HOPE
The latest proposal being negotiated involves the release of 10 living hostages and a number of bodies during a 60-day pause in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, including 100 serving long sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks, The Associated Press reported Friday, citing a Hamas official and an Egyptian official speaking on condition of anonymity.
U.S. negotiators had not publicized the terms of the proposal.
Witkoff’s office reiterated on social media that the proposed deal could allow «half of the living hostages and half of those who are deceased» to return to their families if Hamas agrees to enter talks under the current terms.
The statement stressed that the window to finalize the deal is narrowing, and that major negotiations could begin «in good faith» within days if Hamas accepts.
«As stated by the U.S. President’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff: Hamas’ response is unacceptable and sets the situation back,» the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Hamas fighters stand in formation as Palestinians gather on a street to watch the handover of three Israeli hostages to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, Feb. 8. (Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump said Friday that negotiators were nearing a deal.
«They’re very close to an agreement on Gaza, and we’ll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow,» Trump told reporters in Washington. Late in the evening, asked if he was confident Hamas would approve the deal, he told reporters: «They’re in a big mess. I think they want to get out of it.»
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Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have stymied previous attempts to restore a ceasefire that broke down in March.
Israel has insisted that Hamas disarm completely, be dismantled as a military and governing force and return all hostages still held in Gaza before it agrees to end the war. Hamas has rejected the demand to give up its weapons and says Israel must pull its troops out of Gaza and commit to ending the war.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
INTERNACIONAL
Trump to jet off to Asia as North Korea fires ballistic missiles and China trade questions loom
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President Donald Trump is heading off to Asia Friday evening, not long after North Korea fired off a ballistic missile for the first time in months and as questions loom regarding trade negotiations with China.
The White House confirmed that Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The meeting comes amid escalated tensions between the two countries on trade after Beijing announced Oct. 9 it would impose export controls on rare-earth magnets, which are used in a host of products ranging from electric cars to F-35 fighter jets. In response, Trump announced the U.S. would impose a new 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, which is slated to take effect Nov. 1.
Even so, Trump sought to diffuse tensions and has routinely touted his relationship with Xi in recent weeks. Additionally, he has voiced confidence both parties will walk away from the summit pleased and that a deal will be made.
TRUMP THREATENS ‘MASSIVE’ CHINA TARIFFS, SEES ‘NO REASON’ TO MEET WITH XI
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
«I think we are going to come out very well, and everyone’s going to be very happy,» Trump said Thursday.
The summit between Trump and Xi will mark the first time they’ve met in person since Trump took office in January. The two previously met in person in June 2019 in Japan.
Trump’s meeting with Xi will come on the tail end of a larger trip to the region. Trump is first headed to Malaysia to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Sunday afternoon before participating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) dinner in the evening.
NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES BALLISTIC MISSILES DAYS BEFORE TRUMP’S VISIT TO THE PENINSULA
Xi Jinping, China’s president, during a news conference with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president, not pictured, at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, Brazil Nov. 20, 2024. (Ton Molina/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
While in Malaysia, he will also meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Trump will then head to Tokyo Monday and is slated to meet on Tuesday with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who was just elected earlier in October. Takaichi is the first woman to serve as the prime minister of Japan.
Trump will then close out his trip heading to South Korea, where he will meet with the South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and will deliver keynote remarks at the APEC CEO lunch.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES MEETING WITH XI JINPING AT SOUTH KOREA APEC SUMMIT SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONTH
President Donald Trump, right, and Xi Jinping, China’s president, greet attendees waving American and Chinese national flags during a welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Nov. 9, 2017. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Trump is scheduled to return to Washington Thursday.
Meanwhile, North Korea has upped its aggression in recent days, firing off multiple short-range ballistic missiles Wednesday, the first one Pyongyang has launched since May. Meanwhile, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un showed off a new intercontinental ballistic missile at a military parade in front of Chinese, Russian and other top officials Oct. 10.
«We are aware of the DPRK’s multiple ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners,» U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said in a statement on Wednesday.
«The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts,» INDOPACOM said. «While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation.»
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
white house,donald trump,south korea,japan,china
INTERNACIONAL
Rodrigo Paz prometió “poner a Bolivia en el mundo” y busca más apoyo externo en plena transición
El presidente electo Rodrigo Paz manifestó este viernes que está “recuperando el rol de Bolivia en el mundo” en sus primeros días tras confirmarse su triunfo en el balotaje de las elecciones presidenciales, celebrado el domingo. En un mensaje difundido a través de sus redes sociales, Paz describió el “trabajo arduo” que ha realizado desde que el órgano electoral comunicó los resultados preliminares que lo daban como vencedor de los comicios.
Entre los primeros compromisos de su mandato, Paz subrayó la necesidad de “poner a Bolivia en el mundo y el mundo en Bolivia”, una gestión que, según explicó, ha implicado tomar decisiones clave y mantener comunicaciones “nacionales e internacionales”. El presidente electo agradeció el respaldo de jefes de Estado y líderes políticos que lo felicitaron por su victoria, incluyendo la “apertura de naciones” y lo describió como un “gran” gesto de Estados Unidos y de organismos multilaterales que prometieron cooperación para ayudar a Bolivia a hacer frente a la escasez de combustibles.
Además, Paz aseguró que, durante el proceso de transición, se ha buscado que distintas fuerzas políticas entiendan que “es a través de la democracia y reconociendo resultados” como se genera “unidad y fortaleza”.
Llamó a trabajar “en equipo” para abordar la crisis económica que atraviesa el país y señaló que se ha dado un “mensaje claro” orientado a conocer el funcionamiento interno de cada ministerio y entidad estatal, en la perspectiva de “ordenar la casa” para mejorar la “economía de la gente”. Destacó que el esfuerzo de su equipo se ha desarrollado “prácticamente sin dormir” tras conocer la magnitud del desafío.
El mandatario electo expresó que en su gestión participarán quienes “quieran ayudar a la patria de forma honesta y sincera y que quieran ponerle el hombro” a Bolivia para “salir adelante”. El cómputo oficial finalizó el miércoles y ratificó la victoria de Paz, quien alcanzó el 54,96% de los votos, frente al 45,04% de su rival, el ex presidente Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.
El reconocimiento al triunfo de Paz llegó de distintas figuras políticas, incluyendo al presidente saliente Luis Arce, ex mandatarios, opositores y gobiernos de otros países latinoamericanos y europeos. Paz asumirá el cargo el 8 de noviembre, fecha para la cual se estableció una comisión de Transmisión de Mando Presidencial entre los equipos de Arce y Paz, encargada de organizar los actos oficiales de investidura. Paralelamente, se constituyó otra comisión para la Transición de Gobierno, encargada de coordinar la entrega de informes y documentación oficial entre las autoridades salientes y entrantes.
Por su parte, “Tuto” Quiroga anunció el miércoles que no obstaculizará en la Asamblea Legislativa al gobierno de Paz, con el objetivo de permitirle aplicar su plan anticrisis. En conferencia de prensa, Quiroga afirmó que “Paz tiene derecho a designar a las personas que considere más capacitadas para presidir las cámaras de diputados y senadores” y pidió a los legisladores de su partido respaldar tales decisiones, argumentando que el apoyo se debe manifestar “no con discursos, sino con votos”.
En el Congreso, el Partido Demócrata Cristiano de Paz se consolidó como la primera fuerza política, seguido de Alianza Libre de Quiroga. El presidente electo informó, además, sobre contactos con otras fuerzas, como Alianza Unidad y Súmate, mientras Quiroga aseguró que su respaldo a la gobernabilidad no depende de un acuerdo de coalición.
Las protestas también marcaron la semana postelectoral, con jóvenes marchando para exigir una auditoría de los resultados. Aunque la Alianza Política de Quiroga solicitó la publicación de 34 actas de votación, el propio ex mandatario reconoció que, pese a errores que suelen presentarse en los procesos electorales, “nada hubiera cambiado el resultado” debido a la “brecha de casi nueve puntos” entre ambos candidatos. Observadores internacionales de la Unión Europea y la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA) validaron el resultado de la elección.
Por otro lado, en el ámbito diplomático, la Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América (ALBA) anunció este viernes la suspensión del gobierno entrante de Bolivia, que asumirá Paz en noviembre, por considerar inaceptables sus declaraciones “proimperialistas y colonialistas” respecto a Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua. Según el comunicado difundido por la cadena Venezolana de Televisión, la suspensión “no afecta los vínculos permanentes, afectivos y solidarios” con el pueblo boliviano.
Bolivia había ingresado a la ALBA en 2006 y mantenía relaciones estrechas con países como Venezuela durante los gobiernos de Evo Morales y Luis Arce. En declaraciones a la agencia EFE, Paz delineó su política exterior, señalando que su administración establecerá relaciones internacionales con países “que tengan la democracia como principio” y manifestó su interés en “retomar las relaciones con Estados Unidos”, rotas a nivel de embajadores desde 2008, cuando Morales expulsó al entonces embajador estadounidense, hecho que la Casa Blanca siempre negó.
El mandatario electo subrayó que, aunque existen representaciones diplomáticas de Venezuela en Bolivia, no comparte “la modalidad democrática” del régimen de Nicolás Maduro. De esta manera, la transición política y los movimientos diplomáticos perfilan un inicio de gestión marcado por la búsqueda de consensos internos y la redefinición de la política exterior boliviana.
(Con información de AP y EFE)
Elections,South America / Central America,Elections / Voting
INTERNACIONAL
German chancellor defends remarks on migrants suggesting citizens ‘afraid to move around in public spaces’
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has doubled down on comments he made about migration, saying many Germans and Europeans are «afraid to move around in public spaces.»
Merz has rejected criticism from some German political circles over his government’s tough stance on illegal immigration.
«But we still have this problem in the cityscape, of course, and that’s why the federal interior minister is facilitating and carrying out large-scale deportations,» he said during a visit to Potsdam last week.
GERMANY BRACES UNDER COLLAPSING GOVERNMENT AND LOOMING TRUMP TRADE WAR
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sparked backlash while remarking about the country’s migration policies. (Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)
The statement prompted backlash, some accusing the German leader of being racist. He rejected the criticism while on the sidelines of a summit on the Western Balkans in London, saying migrants were «an indispensable part of our labor market,» German-based DW News reported.
He also claimed that many people in Germany and across Europe are nonetheless «afraid to move around in public spaces» because of migrants «who do not have permanent residence status, do not work and do not abide by our rules,» the outlet reported.
MD GOV DEFENDS $190K TRUMP-CENTRIC IRISH CONSULTANT CONTRACT AS POTUS MOVES IN NEXT DOOR
Numerous demonstrators gather for a demonstration in Berlin Oct. 19, 2025, with the slogan «Brandmauer hoch!» («We are the cityscape»), referring to a statement made by Chancellor Merz in reference to migration policy. (Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images)
«I don’t know whether you have children. If you do, and there are daughters among them, ask your daughters what I might have meant. I suspect you’ll get a pretty clear and unambiguous answer. There’s nothing I need to retract,» he said when asked if he would withdraw his earlier remarks.
Some have signed a petition disputing Merz’s comments. The signees include actor Marie Nasemann and environmental activist Luisa Neubauer.
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«There are approximately 40 million daughters in this country. We have a genuine interest in ensuring that our safety is taken seriously,» Neubauer wrote on Instagram. «What we are not interested in is being misused as a pretext or justification for statements that were ultimately discriminatory, racist and deeply hurtful.»
germany,illegal immigrants,europe
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