Key Takeaways
- Israel and Hamas agreed on a hostage release deal, aiming to end the two-year conflict in Gaza.
- China implemented new rare earth export curbs, boosting trade leverage before a Trump-Xi meeting.
- French President Macron will name a new prime minister, averting a snap election.
- The US government shutdown entered its ninth day amidst partisan demands.
- Stocks and gold hit record highs, prompting concerns about a speculative market melt-up.
- Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to lying charges, citing selective prosecution.
Deep Dive
- Israel and Hamas reportedly reached a deal for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, a major step toward ending the two-year war.
- The agreement, brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, involves exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners and an IDF withdrawal.
- The deal includes the release of 20 live hostages and the remains of 28 deceased hostages in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- China unveiled broad new curbs on its rare earth exports, citing national security grounds.
- Overseas exporters of items using even traces of certain rare earths from China now require an export license.
- Certain equipment and engineering technology are also subject to controls.
- This move precedes a high-stakes meeting this month between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping and mirrors US export controls on Chinese chip technology.
- New Jersey gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Mikey Sherrill and Republican Jack Chicharelli, clashed over opioid industry involvement and affordability during their final debate.
- Separately, Jonathan Rindernecht was arrested in Florida for allegedly starting a January fire in Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
- The Los Angeles fire destroyed over 6,800 structures and killed 12 people.
- Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to federal charges of lying to Congress.
- Comey's lawyers assert the case was initiated at President Trump's direction.
- They are seeking dismissal of the charges based on claims of selective prosecution.
- The Israeli cabinet is expected to vote on the deal later today, with passage anticipated despite some opposition.
- A ceasefire is projected to go into effect around noon local time.
- Hostage release is targeted for Monday at the latest, with celebrations underway at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
- President Trump is expected to visit the region over the weekend, potentially meeting Egyptian President Sisi and speaking to the Israeli Knesset.
- This initial phase is viewed as a precursor to full Hamas disarmament and eventual Israeli troop withdrawal.