US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk is set to visit Egypt and Israel to facilitate negotiations for a hostage deal and ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians in any potential IDF military operation in Gaza's Rafah. The US is pushing for a pause in the Gaza war and increased humanitarian aid, while also emphasizing the need for Israel to protect civilians during its efforts to destroy Hamas. Hamas is currently in Cairo for hostage talks, and the US has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, citing the importance of not allowing Hamas to escape accountability for its actions.
The White House is walking back comments made by Brett McGurk, a top aide, who suggested that the release of hostages in Gaza could be tied to increased humanitarian aid. The White House claims that McGurk's comments were taken out of context and that the US does not support conditions on the delivery of aid. Critics argue that McGurk's remarks implied that aid would be withheld until hostages are released. Meanwhile, Israel led journalists to an exposed tunnel shaft in Gaza, which they claim is evidence of Hamas' alleged operation center under a hospital. China welcomed foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, and the Palestinian Authority to discuss ending the war in Gaza. France is not worried about America's commitment to supporting Ukraine, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Ukraine to push for continued aid. Taiwan's deputy minister of foreign affairs warned that China's digital invasion of Taiwan has already begun. Right-wing libertarian Javier Milei was elected as Argentina's president, drawing comparisons to former President Donald Trump. House Republicans are pushing for additional funding for the Indo-Pacific to confront China. Democratic lawmakers are divided over whether to condition future military aid to Israel. South Korea threatened to resume aerial surveillance and suspend an agreement with North Korea if it launches a spy satellite.
