International
Hamas confirms the maintenance of the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of more hostages this Saturday
The Islamist group Hamas confirmed on Thursday its willingness to continue complying with the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip “in accordance with what was signed”, including the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners scheduled for this Saturday.
“The talks were characterized by a positive spirit and the mediator brothers of Egypt and Qatar confirmed that they will do everything possible to remove the obstacles and close the gaps. Consequently, Hamas confirms its position of continuing to comply with the agreement in accordance with what was signed, including the exchange of prisoners according to the specified calendar,” the group said in a statement after holding talks yesterday in Cairo.
In the same way and as Egyptian security sources confirmed today to EFE, Hamas will continue with the implementation of the ceasefire it maintains with Israel and will release three hostages this Saturday in exchange for Palestinian detainees and prisoners, as agreed.
The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet made any public statement, after a few days ago it demanded that the hostages be released on Saturday before noon.
This included an ambiguous statement by US President Donald Trump, in which it was not clear whether he was referring to the nine still alive in the first phase or to the total of 76.
On Wednesday, a Hamas delegation, headed by Jalil Al Haya, head of the Hamas movement in Gaza and the negotiating legation, held talks with the guarantors of the pact in Cairo and addressed the “secessive Israeli violations”, especially in relation to the entry of humanitarian aid, tents and heavy machinery into the Strip.
“The delegation of the movement held meetings and established contacts with those responsible for the negotiations in Egypt and Qatar, as well as with the technical work teams of the mediator brothers who are monitoring the implementation of the agreement in all its aspects,” Hamas said today.
All meetings dealt with the obligation to comply with all the terms of the agreement – according to the Islamist movement – especially with regard to the provision of prefabricated houses, containers, tents and medical supplies as stipulated in the agreement.
According to Palestinian sources, some 150 trucks loaded with tents entered the northern area of the Gaza Strip last night through the Zikim border crossing.
International
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
COVID-19 vaccines prevented an estimated 2,533,000 deaths worldwide between 2020 and 2024, according to an international study led by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy and Stanford University in the United States, published in the journal JAMA Health Forum. Researchers calculated that one death was prevented for every 5,400 doses administered.
The analysis also found that the vaccines saved 14.8 million years of life, equivalent to one year of life gained for every 900 doses given.
The study, coordinated by Professor Stefania Boccia, revealed that 82% of the lives saved were people vaccinated before becoming infected with the virus, and 57% of deaths avoided occurred during the Omicron wave. In addition, 90% of the beneficiaries were adults over 60 years old.
“This is the most comprehensive analysis to date, based on global data and fewer assumptions about the evolution of the pandemic,” explained Boccia and researcher Angelo Maria Pezzullo.
International
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge’s ruling on Friday that reinstated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, stressing that the immigration program was never intended to serve as a “de facto asylum system.”
On Thursday, Judge Trina Thompson extended protections for about 7,000 Nepalese immigrants, whose TPS was set to expire on August 5. The ruling also impacts roughly 51,000 Hondurans and nearly 3,000 Nicaraguans, whose TPS protections were scheduled to end on September 8.
Immigrants covered by TPS had sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that the program’s termination was driven by “racial animus” and stripped them of protection from deportation.
DHS Deputy Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying the decision to end TPS was part of a mandate to “restore the integrity” of the immigration system and return the program to its original purpose.
“TPS was never conceived as a de facto asylum system; however, that is how previous administrations have used it for decades,” McLaughlin emphasized.
She also criticized Judge Thompson, calling the ruling “another example” of judges “stirring up claims of racism to distract from the facts.”
McLaughlin added that DHS would appeal the decision and take the legal battle to higher courts.
The Trump administration has also terminated TPS protections for approximately 160,000 Ukrainians, 350,000 Venezuelans, and at least half a million Haitians, among other immigrant groups.
International
Trump to build $200M ballroom at the White House by 2028
The U.S. government under President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that it will begin construction in September on a new 8,000-square-meter ballroom at the White House.
The announcement was made by Karoline Leavitt, the administration’s press secretary, during a briefing in which she explained that the expansion responds to the need for a larger venue to host “major events.”
“Other presidents have long wished for a space capable of accommodating large gatherings within the White House complex… President Trump has committed to solving this issue,” Leavitt told reporters.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million, fully funded through donations from Trump himself and other “patriots,” according to a government statement. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to be completed before Trump’s term ends in 2028.
The Clark Construction Group, a Virginia-based company known for projects such as the Capital One Arena and L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., has been selected to lead the project.
The new ballroom will be built on the East Wing of the White House, expanding the iconic residence with a space designed for state dinners, official ceremonies, and large-scale events.
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
Costa Rica faces historic vote on lifting presidential immunity for Rodrigo Chaves
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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