Key takeaways:
- China sanctions U.S. officials over Hong Kong, warns countries against new U.S. trade deals
- Hamas reportedly recruiting 30,000 youths to replenish ranks depleted by Israeli offensive
Hamas Recruitment Drive Hamas has allegedly recruited 30,000 young people in Gaza to join its militant wing, including untrained minors. The new recruits have reportedly undergone basic training in guerrilla tactics but lack specialized military skills. This massive influx follows earlier reports of 15,000 new fighters recruited in January, as Hamas attempts to rebuild its severely depleted ranks and resources after 18 months of war with Israel.
U.S. Floats Ukraine Peace Proposal The Trump administration has presented Ukraine with a confidential peace deal that would recognize Crimea as Russian, allow Russia to keep currently occupied territories, and block Ukraine's NATO membership. The proposal calls for a ceasefire along current front lines and U.S. oversight of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. While intriguing Moscow, the plan represents a major reversal in U.S. policy and faces likely resistance from Kyiv.
Hegseth Scandal Grows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting criticism over his use of a second Signal chat group to discuss military operations, including details of a U.S. strike on Houthi targets. However, President Trump is standing firmly behind Hegseth, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. The White House reiterated Trump's support, while Democratic lawmakers have called for Hegseth's firing.