US President Joe Biden expresses relief as a deal is reached for the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7. Biden, in a statement, is "extraordinarily gratified" for the imminent reunion of hostages with their families. The US President credits Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their crucial partnership in brokering the deal. The agreement involves a four-day humanitarian pause, starting within the next 24 hours. Qatar, engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations, confirms the truce with Israel and Hamas, aiming to free hostages and facilitate humanitarian aid. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledges the difficulty but deems it the right decision.  

US fighter jets strike two sites in Iraq linked to Iran-backed militants, marking the fourth round of retaliatory airstrikes. The move follows over 60 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reveals, "U.S. forces have been attacked approximately 66 times since October 17." The recent strikes respond to a ballistic missile attack on al-Asad Airbase, signaling an escalation. Central Command states, "The strikes were in direct response to the attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces by Iran and Iran-backed groups." Tensions persist as the US seeks to deter further aggression.

Elon Musk's X Corp has committed to donating all revenue associated with the ongoing Gaza conflict from advertising and subscriptions. Musk announced the contribution, specifying that the funds would go to hospitals in Israel and the Red Cross/Crescent in the Hamas-controlled region. Addressing concerns about fund allocation, Musk assured transparency, stating, "We will track how funds are spent and go through Red Cross/Crescent. Better ideas are welcome." This initiative aligns with Musk's call to care for the innocent, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries. The announcement precedes Israel's approval of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.

In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have reached a consensus on a four-day truce, aiming to secure the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages, including women and children, taken on October 7. The agreement, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet after a marathon session, offers a temporary halt to military operations in exchange for the hostages' release. Hamas, in a statement, welcomes the "humanitarian truce," indicating a brief reprieve for Gaza residents after nearly seven weeks of intense conflict. Netanyahu also emphasized that this ceasefire does not signal the end of the war, stating, "We will continue the war until we achieve all our goals." The truce is contingent on the release of additional hostages, extending its duration.

The UN human rights office reveals that more than 10,000 civilians have lost their lives in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Recent data indicates that half of these casualties occurred away from the frontlines. The actual toll is expected to surpass official figures as verification efforts continue. Explosive weapons, including shells, missiles, and cluster munitions, are responsible for the majority of deaths. Danielle Bell, the head of the monitoring mission, expresses concern over the grim milestone and warns of the ongoing risk of a protracted conflict with an unbearable human cost.

In a virtual summit of the BRICS group, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asserted Saudi Arabia's unwavering stance, demanding a serious and comprehensive peace process to establish a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders. Bin Salman emphasized that security and stability in Palestine can only be achieved through the implementation of international decisions supporting the two-state solution. Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed these sentiments, calling for a ceasefire and emphasizing the fundamental need to restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation for lasting peace in the region. Both leaders highlighted the urgency for collective international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "We are making progress" in discussions with Hamas over the return of hostages seized during the October 7 attacks. Expressing hope for imminent positive developments, Netanyahu addressed Israeli soldiers, emphasizing the goal to "restore security" in both southern and northern regions. The war cabinet, security cabinet, and government are set to convene to address the hostage situation. Hamas and Qatar's mediator announced a potential truce agreement, including a hostage exchange and a five-day ceasefire. Israel's relentless response to the attacks has led to thousands of casualties, particularly affecting children in Gaza.

A senior Russian diplomat, Rodion Miroshnik, declares Russia's inability to coexist with Ukraine's current regime, deeming it "absolutely toxic." Miroshnik, appointed to collect evidence of alleged Ukrainian crimes, accuses Ukraine of breaching human rights and NATO of supplying forbidden weapons. Amid the ongoing conflict, Miroshnik asserts Russia's capacity to resist NATO for as long as needed to achieve the goals of the "special military operation." President Putin frames the war as part of a broader struggle against the United States, while the West portrays him as a war criminal orchestrating an imperial land grab.

In a tragic incident near the Israel-Lebanon border, an Israeli strike targeted a Lebanese TV crew, resulting in the deaths of two journalists from Al Mayadeen, Farah Omar and Rabie al-Memari, along with a third person, Hussein Aqil. Al Mayadeen alleged that the strike, near Tir Harfa, deliberately aimed at the pro-Palestinian and pro-Iranian military alliance channel. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the act, accusing Israel of attempting to silence the media. The violence adds to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, sparking concerns about a broader Middle East conflict involving the United States and Iran.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh revealed on Tuesday that the militant group is on the verge of reaching a truce agreement with Israel, as stated in a Telegram post. The negotiations aim to secure the release of approximately 240 hostages, mostly Israelis, taken during the deadliest assault on Israel in its history on October 7. The intense talks, mediated by Qatar, may result in a five-day truce, involving a ceasefire on the ground and limited Israeli air operations over southern Gaza. Meanwhile According to the Hamas government in Gaza, the war has killed more than 13,300 people, thousands of them children. The potential deal could see the release of 50 to 100 prisoners, including Israeli civilians.