Israel’s largest defense firm secures $130 million rocket supply deal
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company, has secured a $130 million contract to supply advanced rocket munitions to an undisclosed European country.
Israel's cabinet is set to approve a ceasefire with Hamas, ending 15 months of conflict. The deal, including hostages' release and a six-week truce, follows ongoing airstrikes in Gaza. The ceasefire aims to ease the humanitarian crisis and halt the fighting devastating the region.
The Israeli cabinet is set to convene to grant final approval for a ceasefire agreement with Hamas and the release of hostages in Gaza, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. While warplanes continued heavy strikes in Gaza, Palestinian officials reported that at least 86 people were killed on Thursday, the day after the ceasefire was announced.
After internal divisions delayed the expected cabinet vote on Thursday, Israel now plans to hold the meeting on Friday. Netanyahu’s office said approval was "imminent," with a security cabinet meeting scheduled before the full cabinet gathers. However, it remains uncertain whether the full cabinet will meet on Friday or Saturday, potentially delaying the ceasefire's scheduled start on Sunday.
White House spokesperson John Kirby stated that the ceasefire agreement was expected to proceed "as soon as late this weekend." Netanyahu's office confirmed that a deal for releasing hostages had been reached, and no major obstacles to the agreement were anticipated.
A group representing Israeli hostages urged Netanyahu to proceed with the deal without delay. "Every night is another nightmare for the 98 hostages," they said in a statement. A dispute over the identities of some prisoners Hamas wants released remains unresolved, with U.S. negotiators working alongside Egyptian and Qatari mediators to resolve it.
Despite the challenges, Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire, according to senior official Izzat el-Reshiq. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the need for Israel to address Palestinian concerns for long-term peace and sustainability.
In Gaza, initial joy over the ceasefire quickly turned to anger and despair after Israeli airstrikes resumed. Local residents, like Tamer Abu Shaaban, mourned the death of children caught in the violence, asking why the ceasefire had not prevented further loss.
While hardliners within Netanyahu’s government have opposed the deal, a majority of cabinet ministers are expected to support it. Protests erupted in Jerusalem with some Israelis marching through the streets in opposition to the ceasefire.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., outlines a six-week truce, with Israeli forces gradually withdrawing from Gaza. It also includes the release of dozens of hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and sick individuals, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. The deal also promises a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the population is facing extreme hardship due to the ongoing conflict.
Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, Israeli military actions have claimed over 46,000 lives in Gaza and displaced most of its 2.3 million residents. The ceasefire aims to halt the destruction in Gaza and potentially defuse broader regional tensions.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
Kazakhstan’s foreign minister met with the EU’s special representative for Central Asia to discuss investment, trade, and regional cooperation. Both sides emphasized digitalization, climate policy, and infrastructure projects, reaffirming their commitment to deeper economic ties.
As the EU-Central Asia summit approaches, European experts highlight growing economic, geopolitical, and energy interests in the region. With increasing bilateral agreements and investment, Europe aims to enhance cooperation while promoting stability, trade, and regional integration.
Azerbaijan is rising as a global leader in pomegranate production and export, with Forbes highlighting its ideal climate, government support, and growing international demand. With premium-quality produce and sustainable farming, Azerbaijan is shaping the future of the global pomegranate market.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Digital Development met with a delegation from Karamay, China, to discuss collaboration in cloud computing, data processing, and digital governance. Both sides shared experiences and invited each other to major IT events in 2025.
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