分类： politics

In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has called on Israel to cease its bombing campaign in Gaza, asserting that Hamas is prepared to engage in peace negotiations. This follows a statement from the Palestinian militant group indicating its willingness to release hostages under Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, emphasized the urgency of halting military operations to ensure the safe and swift release of hostages, stating, ‘Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.’ He further highlighted that the ongoing discussions are not solely about Gaza but are aimed at achieving long-term peace in the Middle East. The Hamas statement, issued hours after Trump’s Sunday deadline for a response, expressed approval for the release of all hostages and readiness to discuss the details of the proposal. Trump’s unusual move to share the Hamas statement on his social media platform was mirrored by the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would address Hamas’s acceptance of the deal, sharing a behind-the-scenes image of him preparing for the announcement. Trump’s 20-point peace plan, unveiled earlier in the week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had warned of severe consequences if rejected. However, a senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, criticized the plan as ‘vague, ambiguous, and lacking clarity.’

The United States Embassy in Jamaica has officially called off its American Citizens Services Town Hall, originally slated for Friday in Montego Bay, St. James. The cancellation, announced via a social media post on Thursday, is attributed to a lapse in appropriation, a direct consequence of the ongoing US federal government shutdown. The shutdown commenced on Wednesday following a deadlock between Republican and Democratic lawmakers over budget negotiations, particularly concerning Democratic demands for extended health care funding. At the heart of the congressional impasse is the Democrats’ push for the continuation of health care subsidies set to expire, which would otherwise lead to significant cost hikes for millions of low-income Americans. Despite controlling both the legislature and the White House, Republicans require Democratic support to pass government funding bills. However, they have yet to propose any solutions to address the health care subsidy issue. Democrats, in turn, are leveraging their position by withholding support for government funding, intensifying the political stalemate.

The recent shutdown of the United States federal government has triggered widespread concern among immigrant advocacy groups, particularly for Caribbean and other immigrant populations. Organizations such as the Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) have highlighted the severe consequences of the shutdown, which began after Congress failed to agree on funding. The HBA, based in San Diego, California, expressed grave concerns over delays in asylum hearings, visa and work permit applications, and the exacerbation of the already backlogged immigration court system. Guerline Jozef, HBA’s founder and executive director, emphasized that these disruptions leave families in limbo, prolong detention periods, and increase uncertainty for vulnerable groups like Haitians. She urged leaders to prioritize the dignity and humanity of those affected. Meanwhile, Murad Awawdeh, president of NYIC, criticized the inconsistent handling of immigration courts, which has caused chaos in New York courthouses. He also condemned the Trump administration’s decision to continue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, including its $170 billion deportation and detention agenda, while essential services for millions of families remain unfunded. Caribbean-American Democratic leaders, including Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, have blamed the Trump administration and Republicans for the shutdown. Clarke, representing Brooklyn’s 9th Congressional District, accused the administration of undermining affordability and equity in the nation. Espaillat, the first Dominican Republic-American in the House, criticized the White House for freezing funding for critical infrastructure projects like the Gateway Project and Second Avenue Subway, calling it a display of reckless partisanship. The shutdown has left thousands of families in turmoil, with immigrant communities facing heightened threats of raids, deportation, and detention, further destabilizing their lives.

In a significant development, a group of 35 United Nations (UN) independent experts issued a stark warning on Friday, asserting that key components of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza contravene international law and could exacerbate the oppression of Palestinians. The experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but speaking independently, expressed grave concerns over the 20-point plan, which was unveiled last week and endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While acknowledging certain positive aspects, such as the call for a permanent ceasefire, the release of unlawfully detained individuals, and increased humanitarian aid, the experts criticized the plan for its broader implications. They highlighted that the proposal’s establishment of a transitional ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump and the introduction of an ‘International Stabilisation Force’ could perpetuate colonial practices and undermine Palestinian self-determination. Additionally, the plan’s provision for a security perimeter within Gaza, which would maintain partial Israeli occupation indefinitely, was deemed ‘absolutely unacceptable.’ The experts also condemned the selective focus on de-radicalization in Gaza, ignoring the prevalence of anti-Palestinian rhetoric in Israel. Furthermore, they criticized the unconditional amnesties offered to Hamas and the lack of accountability for Israeli human rights violations. Emphasizing the need for a just and lawful resolution, the experts insisted that the future of Palestine must be determined by its people, free from external coercion.

The United States government shutdown, which began on Wednesday, shows no signs of resolution as the Senate prepares for a fourth vote on a funding proposal introduced by President Donald Trump’s Republican party. The proposal, however, is widely expected to fail, prolonging the crisis into next week. Federal agencies remain unfunded, leading to widespread disruptions in public services due to the ongoing impasse in Congress. Senate leaders have no plans to convene over the weekend, making Friday’s afternoon vote the final opportunity this week to break the deadlock. Analysts warn that the shutdown could persist, exacerbating the political and economic turmoil. In a significant development, the Trump administration has halted the release of a crucial employment report, obscuring insights into the health of the world’s largest economy. This marks the latest in a series of delayed economic data releases, leaving government officials and business leaders without vital decision-making indicators. The stalemate centers on Democratic demands to extend expiring healthcare subsidies, which, if unaddressed, would significantly increase costs for millions of low-income Americans. Republicans, who control both the legislature and the White House but require Democratic support to pass funding bills, have yet to propose a solution. Democrats are leveraging their position by refusing to assist in funding the government, intensifying the standoff. Amid widespread pessimism, some Republicans hope that a fourth failed vote might pressure moderate Democrats to compromise. Reports suggest that Republican Senate leader John Thune is open to negotiations with Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer to seek a resolution.