Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, facilitated by Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators, have entered their final phase, focusing on the list of prisoners to be exchanged, according to Palestinian sources. The talks, held on Sunday, aim to finalize the details of a recently agreed ceasefire deal. Under the agreement, Hamas will release 20 living hostages and 28 deceased hostages held in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7, 2023. In return, Israel will free approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees. However, disagreements persist over the composition of the prisoner list. Hamas is pushing for the inclusion of prominent figures such as Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine leader Ahmed Saadat, while Israel prefers to release women, minors, and prisoners serving medium-term sentences. A senior Hamas official, speaking anonymously, revealed that intensive discussions with mediators have been ongoing to expand the list and prioritize the release of long-term detainees. The official expressed confidence that mediators are working tirelessly to resolve remaining obstacles before the official announcement. Hamas reiterated its commitment to implementing the agreement on schedule, emphasizing its humanitarian framework supervised by international partners. Meanwhile, Israel anticipates the release of all 20 living hostages early Monday morning. An international task force will be established to assist in locating the remains of deceased hostages. Israeli security measures have been heightened in Gaza to ensure the smooth execution of the exchange process.
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Qatar PM offers condolences after 3 Qatari diplomats die in Egypt car crash
In a tragic incident near Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, three Qatari diplomats lost their lives in a car crash, prompting an outpouring of condolences from Gulf leaders. The Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He prayed for the deceased to be granted eternal peace and for their families to find strength during this difficult time. Additionally, he wished a swift recovery for the two individuals injured in the accident, who are currently receiving medical care at a local hospital. The Qatar embassy in Cairo confirmed the details of the incident, which occurred early on Sunday. The diplomats were part of Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the royal court, and were on official duty at the time of the crash. The accident has drawn widespread attention, especially given the recent diplomatic activities in Sharm el-Sheikh, where Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt had engaged in indirect talks aimed at brokering peace in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The city is also set to host a global summit to finalize the agreement. Leaders from across the Gulf, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, have extended their condolences to Qatar. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also issued a formal statement expressing solidarity with Doha in this time of grief.
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UAE President offers condolences to Qatar Emir over death of diplomats in car crash
In a tragic incident that has drawn international attention, the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed his heartfelt condolences to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani following the death of three Qatari diplomats in a fatal car crash. The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 12, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The deceased, identified as Saud bin Thamer Al Thani, Abdullah Ghanem Al Khayarin, and Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, were members of the Amiri Diwan, the administrative office of the Qatari Emir. Two other individuals, Abdullah Issa Al Kuwari and Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Buainain, were injured in the crash and are currently receiving treatment at Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital. They are expected to be transferred to Doha for further medical care. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extended its sympathies to the families of the victims and the Qatari leadership, government, and people, describing the incident as a ‘painful loss.’ The Qatari embassy in Cairo is coordinating with Egyptian authorities to ensure the repatriation of the deceased and the injured. This tragic event underscores the risks faced by diplomats in their line of duty and has prompted expressions of solidarity from across the region.
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US embassy in Doha condoles death of 3 Qatari diplomats in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh
The US Embassy in Doha has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic deaths of three Qatari diplomats in a car accident in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, also left two members of Qatar’s Amiri Diwan injured. Both are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. The bodies of the deceased and the injured individuals are expected to be repatriated to Doha later in the day. The embassy extended its heartfelt condolences to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari people, and the families of the victims, emphasizing solidarity with Qatar during this difficult time. The victims were identified as Saud bin Thamer Al Thani, Abdullah Ghanem Al Khayarin, and Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, while the injured are Abdullah Issa Al Kuwari and Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Buainain. The accident comes as Sharm El Sheikh prepares to host a global summit on Monday, chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aimed at finalizing a significant international agreement.
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Trump says inflation is ‘defeated’ and the Fed has cut rates, yet prices remain too high for many
Inflation has shown a persistent upward trend in three of the last four months, slightly exceeding levels from a year ago. This issue, which played a role in derailing then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, remains a significant concern. However, recent statements from President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggest a more optimistic outlook. Trump recently declared at the United Nations General Assembly that grocery prices and mortgage rates have declined, claiming victory over inflation. Similarly, Powell noted in August that inflation, though still elevated, has significantly decreased from its post-pandemic highs and that upside risks have diminished. Despite these reassurances, inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, posing risks for both the White House and the Fed. Surveys indicate that many Americans still view high prices as a major financial burden, and the Fed’s credibility in managing inflation could be at stake if its assumptions about temporary tariff-induced inflation prove incorrect. The Fed recently cut its key interest rate, prioritizing concerns over unemployment rather than inflation. However, economists warn that ongoing tariffs and corporate price hikes could lead to more than just a temporary inflation spike. For instance, tariffs on imported goods like furniture, appliances, and toys have driven up costs, with long-lasting manufactured goods seeing a 2% increase in August—a notable shift after decades of declining prices. Grocery prices rose 2.7% in August, the largest non-pandemic increase since 2015, while coffee prices surged nearly 21% due to tariffs on Brazilian imports and climate-related droughts. Despite these pressures, some Fed officials believe other factors, such as slowing rental costs and reduced immigration, will help mitigate inflation in the coming months. Nonetheless, the interplay between tariffs, consumer confidence, and inflation remains a critical issue for policymakers.
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Australia wins toss and opts to bowl against India in Women’s Cricket World Cup
In a highly anticipated showdown at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and chose to bat first against India in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup on Sunday. The match, expected to draw a sell-out crowd, pits two cricketing powerhouses against each other in a crucial encounter. India, currently third in the points table with four points from three games, faces a formidable challenge against the defending champions, who are riding an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak in World Cup tournaments dating back to the 2022 edition in New Zealand. Australia, second in the table with two wins and one no-result, made one strategic change to their lineup, introducing left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux in place of wrist spinner Georgia Wareham. India, fielding an unchanged side, will rely heavily on their top-order batsmen to deliver in this pivotal match. The pitch, expected to favor spinners, could also see evening dew play a role, potentially aiding the chasing team. Both teams are poised for a thrilling contest as they vie for supremacy in the tournament.
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UN chief to attend Gaza peace summit in Egypt
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to participate in the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace in Egypt on Monday, as confirmed by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on Saturday. The summit, hosted in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, aims to finalize an agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, the event will convene leaders from over 20 nations to address the crisis in the Gaza Strip, promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and establish a new era of regional security. Guterres is expected to return to UN Headquarters in New York by Wednesday. The Egyptian Presidency highlighted the summit’s significance in fostering collaborative efforts to resolve the conflict and enhance regional stability.
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Schauffele wins in Japan, the country where his mother grew up and where he has many connections
YOKOHAMA, Japan — Xander Schauffele’s triumph at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan may not rank as his most prestigious win, but it undoubtedly stands as one of his most meaningful. The American golfer delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, carding a 7-under 64 to clinch the title at the Yokohama Country Club. His final score of 19-under 265 edged out compatriot Max Greyserman by a single stroke, marking a poignant victory in a country deeply connected to his family heritage. Schauffele’s mother grew up in Japan, and his maternal grandparents still reside there, adding a personal dimension to his success. Greyserman, who finished as the runner-up for the second consecutive year, closed with a 65, while Michael Thorbjornsen ended three strokes behind with a 64. Schauffele, a two-time major champion and Olympic gold medalist, has an impressive resume, but this win holds a special place in his career. The tournament saw low scoring due to favorable conditions, with Matt McCarty shooting an 11-under 60 and Takumi Kanaya finishing with a 9-under 62. McCarty narrowly missed a chance at a historic 58 after a bogey on his final hole. Schauffele’s victory not only highlights his skill but also underscores the emotional significance of competing in Japan, where his family roots run deep.
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Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 wickets put West Indies on the brink of follow-on in 2nd test
In a commanding display of spin bowling, Kuldeep Yadav claimed three crucial wickets during the morning session on day three of the second test between India and West Indies in New Delhi. The West Indies, struggling at 217-8 by lunch, faced the looming threat of following on. Yadav’s impressive figures of 4-72 in 22 overs underscored his pivotal role in India’s dominance. Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip, both unbeaten on 19, provided some resistance, but the tourists remained in a precarious position. India, having amassed a formidable 518-5 in their first innings thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (175) and Shubman Gill (129 not out), now led by 301 runs. The West Indies, resuming at 140-4, saw their hopes dwindle as Yadav dismissed Shai Hope (36) and Tevin Imlach (21) in quick succession. Justin Greaves (17) also fell victim to Yadav’s precision, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Jomel Warrican (1). Despite a resilient 42-run partnership between Pierre and Phillip, the West Indies’ struggles continued, extending their winless streak against India to 26 tests since 2002. India, leading the two-match series 1-0 after a comprehensive victory in the first test, remained firmly in control.
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Chinese coast guard rams and damages a Philippine vessel off an island in the South China Sea
In a recent escalation of tensions in the disputed South China Sea, a Chinese coast guard vessel employed a high-pressure water cannon against a Philippine government ship anchored near Thitu Island, a territory occupied by the Philippines. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in minor structural damage to the Philippine vessel, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, though no injuries were reported among its crew. The Philippine coast guard condemned the act as a dangerous and provocative maneuver, emphasizing that such aggression would not deter their commitment to protecting national sovereignty.
The Chinese coast guard defended its actions, claiming that the Philippine vessels had illegally entered what it referred to as Chinese waters near Sandy Cay, a cluster of sandbars situated between Thitu Island and China’s artificial Subi Island base. According to Chinese authorities, the Philippine ships ignored repeated warnings, prompting the coast guard to take lawful measures to drive them away. Beijing reiterated its longstanding claim over virtually the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated such claims. The ruling, supported by the United States and its allies, has been consistently rejected by China.
The Philippine coast guard released video footage showing the Chinese vessel firing the water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, striking both the ship and its flags. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, affirmed that such bullying tactics would not force Manila to relinquish any territory. Meanwhile, Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun accused the Philippines of undermining regional peace and stability, placing full responsibility for the incident on the Philippine side.
Thitu Island, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is the largest of nine islands and reefs inhabited by Philippine forces in the Spratlys archipelago, a highly contested region of the South China Sea. China has transformed several barren reefs into militarized artificial islands, including Subi, which lies just over 20 kilometers from Thitu. The latest confrontation adds to the challenges faced by the Philippine government, which is also grappling with natural disasters, including recent earthquakes and typhoons that have devastated parts of the country.
Philippine coast guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan vowed that the harassment would only strengthen their resolve to protect Filipino fisherfolk and uphold national sovereignty. The incident underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, involving multiple nations and raising concerns over regional stability.