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Bagong VAT Refund Program, inaasahang magpapasigla sa turismo ng Pilipinas

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bagong VAT Refund Program, inaasahang magpapasigla sa turismo ng Pilipinas

MAYNILA. Kumpiyansa ang gobyerno na ang bagong ipinatutupad na Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund program para sa mga dayuhang turista ay makakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng turismo at retail sectors ng bansa.

Sa isang press briefing sa Malacañang, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na ang bagong programa ay bahagi ng inisyatiba ng pamahalaan upang mapataas ang bilang ng mga turistang bumibisita sa bansa at mahikayat silang gumastos nang mas malaki, na makakatulong din sa paglago ng ekonomiya.

“Ito po ay isang paraan lamang po para mas marami pong turista ang pumunta sa ating bansa at ito din po ay makakapag-engganyo rin po na bumili ng mga produkto dito sa ating bansa,” ayon kay Castro.

Dagdag pa niya, layunin ng programa na gawing mas competitive shopping destination ang Pilipinas upang mas maraming turista ang mamili rito.

Pirmahan ng IRR para sa VAT Refund

Kamakailan, nilagdaan ng mga opisyal ng Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Customs (BOC), at Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ang implementing rules and regulations (IRR) para sa VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists.

Sa ilalim ng Republic Act 12079, ang mga non-resident tourists o foreign passport holders ay maaaring mag-apply para sa VAT refund sa mga locally purchased goods mula sa mga accredited stores, kung ang halagang binili ay hindi bababa sa ₱3,000 at dadalhin palabas ng bansa bilang accompanied baggage sa loob ng 60 araw mula sa petsa ng pagbili.

Pinirmahan ang IRR nina Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, at Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros, sa harap nina Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco at Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.

Mas Maginhawang Transaksyon para sa mga Turista

Sa isang pahayag, binigyang-diin ni Recto ang kahalagahan ng programa upang mahikayat ang mas maraming turista na bumisita, manatili nang mas matagal, at gumastos nang mas malaki.

“We want more tourists to come — and we want them to stay longer, spend bigger, and transact with convenience,” ani Recto sa ceremonial signing.

Ayon sa DOF, gagamitin ng pamahalaan ang serbisyo ng internationally recognized VAT refund operators upang magbigay ng end-to-end solutions para sa mas mabilis at episyenteng pagbabalik ng VAT refund. Maaaring gawin ang refund electronically o sa cash.

“With a multiplier effect of 1.97, every 100 pesos spent by a tourist generates 197 pesos in economic output. Imagine that. Halos doble ang balik sa ekonomiya,” paliwanag ni Recto.

“And more money spent by foreign tourists means more businesses created, more Filipino workers hired, more jobs provided, higher incomes for our people, and more revenues for the government to collect. That’s the simple formula for growth,” dagdag niya.

Pilipinas bilang Global Shopping Destination

Ang VAT refund program ay bahagi ng mas malawak na plano ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upang palakasin ang turismo at gawing premier global shopping destination ang Pilipinas.

“Our shared goal should be clear: Tourists should leave the Philippines with more than just souvenirs. They should leave knowing that this is a country that delivers on its promises. A country that knows how to take good care of its guests. A country that doesn’t just welcome them with smiles—but with systems and policies that work,” saad ni Recto.

“For if we do things right, in the eyes of our visitors, we won’t just be a country of pristine beaches and warm hospitality. We’ll be that one ultimate tourist destination they’ll keep coming back to. Again and again,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa patuloy na pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong tulad ng VAT refund program, umaasa ang pamahalaan na higit pang lalago ang turismo sa Pilipinas at magiging mas kaakit-akit ang bansa sa mga mamimiling dayuhan.

Palestinians stage largest anti-Hamas protests in Gaza since war began

Venus L Peñaflor
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Palestinians stage largest anti-Hamas protests in Gaza since war began

GAZA STRIP. In a rare display of public dissent, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza on Tuesday to protest against Hamas, marking the largest demonstration against the militant group since its attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Video footage obtained by CNN showed large crowds marching through the streets of Beit Lahia, chanting “For god’s sake, Hamas out,” “Hamas terrorists,” and “We want an end to the war.” A CNN journalist on the ground estimated the protesters to be thousands.

A call for further demonstrations spread across social media, with organizers urging Palestinians to continue raising their voices against Hamas. “Our voices must reach all the spies who sold our blood,” read a message circulating online. “Let them hear your voice, let them know that Gaza is not silent, and that there is a people who will not accept to be eradicated.” CNN has not been able to verify the source of the message.

The protests come as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with the enclave’s health ministry reporting that the death toll has surpassed 50,000. The region, home to 2.1 million Palestinians, has suffered extensive destruction due to Israel’s military response to the October 7 attacks. Northern Gaza, in particular, has been heavily bombarded, making it difficult for aid agencies to reach affected areas.

The humanitarian situation has further deteriorated since Israel halted aid deliveries at the start of March following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations. On Sunday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that no food, water, medicine, or fuel had entered Gaza for three weeks. “Every day without food inches Gaza closer to an acute hunger crisis,” the agency warned in a social media post.

Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007, after a brief civil war with Fatah, the dominant faction of the Palestinian Authority. Israel has frequently accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid to bolster its military operations, a claim the group denies.

As the war drags on into its 17th month, frustrations among civilians appear to be reaching a boiling point, with calls for an end to the conflict growing louder.

ICC reaffirms jurisdiction over crimes committed before Philippines’ withdrawal from Rome Statute

DC Alviar
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ICC reaffirms jurisdiction over crimes committed before Philippines’ withdrawal from Rome Statute

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reiterated its jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed in the Philippines before the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, according to ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah. This includes cases occurring between 2011 and 2019, the year the Philippine government formally exited the international tribunal.

In an interview on “State of the Nation” on Tuesday, El Abdallah emphasized that despite the Philippines’ withdrawal, the ICC retains the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes that took place during the period when the country was still a signatory to the treaty.

Regarding the legality of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, El Abdallah stated that the decision rests with the ICC judge. The process of surrendering a defendant to the ICC, he added, depends on the laws of the country involved.

The Philippine Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the government is obligated to cooperate in any criminal proceedings initiated before its withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect. This ruling underscores the country’s legal responsibility to comply with ICC processes in cases that were already under investigation before its exit.

Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11 following the issuance of an ICC arrest warrant in connection with alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. The former president was transferred to The Hague Penitentiary Institution, also known as Scheveningen Prison, arriving at 7:34 p.m. on March 12 (2:34 a.m. on March 13, Philippine time).

On March 14, Duterte appeared before the ICC via video link, where the court formally presented the charges against him concerning the thousands of drug-related deaths that occurred during his tenure. Police records estimate around 6,000 fatalities from anti-drug operations, though human rights organizations claim the actual number could be as high as 30,000, including vigilante killings.

During the proceedings, Duterte was informed of his rights under the Rome Statute. The ICC has scheduled the confirmation of the charges hearing to commence on September 23, 2025, marking a critical stage in the case against the former Philippine leader.

Webb telescope captures stunning image of a forming star and distant galaxy

Venus L Peñaflor
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Webb telescope captures stunning image of a forming star and distant galaxy

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a breathtaking image of a forming star ejecting a stream of gas and dust set against the dramatic backdrop of a distant spiral galaxy.

The composite image, released by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday, creates the illusion of a rocket’s billowing contrail soaring toward the galaxy. However, NASA clarified that the two celestial objects are unrelated—merely aligned by cosmic coincidence.

According to NASA, the stellar outflow is located 625 light-years from Earth in one of the nearest star-forming regions of the Milky Way. (A light-year equals nearly 6 trillion miles.) The phenomenon was observed in the infrared spectrum, revealing stunning details hidden from traditional optical telescopes.

NASA described the discovery as “a lucky alignment” that provides unprecedented insight into stellar formation. The Webb Telescope, launched in 2021 as the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, boasts superior capabilities that allow scientists to study distant cosmic structures with remarkable clarity.

A similar view was first captured in 2006 by NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope, where astronomers nicknamed the stellar jet “the cosmic tornado.” However, Spitzer’s image lacked the resolution to reveal the background galaxy and finer details that Webb has now uncovered.

The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most powerful observatory ever deployed in space, continuing to revolutionize our understanding of the universe with its cutting-edge technology and unprecedented clarity.

DepEd: Bawal ang pangangampanya sa graduation rites

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DepEd: Bawal ang pangangampanya sa graduation rites

MAYNILA. Muling nagpaalala ang Department of Education (DepEd) sa lahat ng pampublikong paaralan sa bansa na mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagsasagawa ng anumang partisan political activities o electioneering sa mga end-of-school year (EOSY) rites para sa School Year 2024-2025.

Sa isang memorandum na inilabas ni Education Secretary Sonny Angara, binigyang-diin na ang lahat ng opisyal ng DepEd, guro, at non-teaching personnel ay hindi dapat makilahok sa anumang aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa politika, alinsunod sa umiiral na mga regulasyon.

Bukod dito, iginiit din ng ahensya na ang mga EOSY rites, kabilang ang graduation at moving-up ceremonies, ay dapat manatiling simple ngunit makahulugan. “Hindi dapat gawing maluho ang mga seremonyang ito. Mas mahalaga ang pagbibigay-diin sa tagumpay ng mga mag-aaral kaysa sa anumang magarbong selebrasyon,” ayon sa DepEd.

Patuloy na hinihikayat ng ahensya ang mga paaralan na sundin ang patakarang ito upang mapanatili ang dignidad ng seremonya at maiwasan ang anumang impluwensyang pampulitika sa edukasyon.

South Korea wildfires claim 16 lives as blazes continue to rage

EDGARDO HERNAL
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South Korea wildfires claim 16 lives as blazes continue to rage

SEOUL. At least 16 people have lost their lives as devastating wildfires continue to spread across South Korea’s southeastern region, forcing thousands to evacuate and causing extensive damage to homes and historical sites.

The fires ignited on Saturday in Uiseong have yet to be fully contained. The Uiseong blaze alone is only 68% under control, with strong winds exacerbating its rapid spread. “Unimaginable” in scale and intensity, the fire is proving particularly difficult to suppress, according to Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science.

Acting President Han Duck-soo has pledged a full-scale response, deploying firefighting helicopters and ground personnel to combat the flames. However, with persistent dry conditions expected on Wednesday, authorities remain on high alert. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has warned that the lack of moisture could further fuel the fires, making containment efforts even more challenging.

Among the victims were four people attempting to flee the inferno. Their vehicle overturned during the escape, leading to three fatalities and one injury, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. The fires have also ravaged centuries-old temples and burned through residential neighborhoods, displacing thousands of residents.

The South Korean government has declared the affected areas as special disaster zones. Officials estimate that the wildfires have already consumed more than 15,000 hectares (37,065 acres) of land.

Lee warned that climate change is likely to make such wildfires more frequent. “We have to admit large-scale wildfires are going to increase and prepare more resources and manpower,” he told a local television station. He also pointed to recent major wildfires in Los Angeles and northeast Japan as indicators of an escalating global trend.

As authorities continue their firefighting efforts, thousands remain displaced, waiting for relief and hoping for an end to the devastation.

MPIC nears P1-B takeover of Franklin Baker, eyes export growth

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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MPIC nears P1-B takeover of Franklin Baker, eyes export growth

MANILA. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is set to finalize its P1-billion acquisition of Franklin Baker Co. of the Philippines within the next two months, as the Pangilinan-led firm aims to expand its presence in the global coconut export market.

MPIC chair, president, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan confirmed in a recent interview that Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV), the conglomerate’s agricultural arm, would acquire 100 percent ownership of Franklin Baker, a leading producer of desiccated coconut.

As part of the takeover, MPIC plans to shift towards producing finished coconut products for export, according to Pangilinan. “It’s an export business for both Axelum and Franklin, which is a good business model: dollar revenues, peso expenses,” he said.

Expansion into Global Markets

Desiccated coconut, or dried and grated coconut meat, is widely used in baking and cooking. MPIC’s move aligns with its strategy to enhance its agricultural portfolio and leverage dollar-based revenues amid fluctuating exchange rates.

Franklin Baker has been an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Axelum Resources Corp., in which MPAV holds a 34.76-percent stake. Axelum currently exports its products to at least 25 international markets, including North America, Australia, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. One of its key clients is the renowned Vita Coco brand.

Financial Challenges and Loan Restructuring

Despite its strong export footprint, Franklin Baker has faced financial difficulties. Last month, industry sources revealed that six banks were negotiating restructured terms for a P6.3-billion syndicated loan to Franklin Baker to prevent a potential default.

According to sources, Franklin Baker has been actively seeking potential investors to stabilize its financial standing. The company, founded in 1921 by American flour miller Franklin Baker Sr. and his son, currently exports to over 50 countries, with the United States as its largest market.

Manufacturing Capacity and Temporary Shutdown

Franklin Baker operates three manufacturing facilities in the Philippines—one in San Pablo, Laguna, and two in Davao del Sur—with a total production capacity of 65 million pounds of desiccated coconut per year.

However, a November 2024 market report by Chelmer Foods Ltd. indicated that all three factories had temporarily ceased operations due to ongoing financial obligations. The report underscores the urgency for Franklin Baker to restructure its debt and secure strategic partnerships.

Strengthening the Philippine Agro-Export Industry

MPIC’s acquisition is expected to reinforce the Philippine coconut industry’s global competitiveness, with peso-denominated production costs and dollar-based revenues providing a strong financial advantage.

As the transaction nears completion, MPIC’s expansion into value-added coconut exports could position the company as a key player in the international market, strengthening the Philippines’ standing as a major coconut producer worldwide.

Review: Robert De Niro’s dual role in ‘The Alto Knights’ can’t quite match ‘Goodfellas’ magic

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Review: Robert De Niro’s dual role in ‘The Alto Knights’ can’t quite match ‘Goodfellas’ magic

When Anna Genovese furiously exclaims to her estranged husband, mob boss Vito Genovese, in a courtroom, “You’re the actor! The best actor in the world! Better than Clark Gable!” the irony is clear. The man portraying Vito is none other than Robert De Niro—one of the greatest actors of all time, revered in his era as Gable was in his.

It’s a clever moment in Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights, a film that strives—but ultimately fails—to capture the brilliance of classic mob movies like Goodfellas. Even with Nicholas Pileggi, the same writer behind Goodfellas, at the helm, The Alto Knights doesn’t rise to the level of its acclaimed predecessors. Instead, it leans heavily on its star. It leans on both of them, as De Niro plays not just Vito Genovese but also his rival, Frank Costello, in this crime drama based on real-life events.

A Gimmick That Only Partially Works

De Niro’s portraying two legendary mobsters is undoubtedly a draw. If you’re someone who believes that more De Niro equals more entertainment, you may enjoy the spectacle. However, the film at times feels like a gangster version of The Parent Trap—a dynamic that makes the material feel less weighty, despite its violent subject matter.

Fans of Goodfellas might wonder if the role of Vito Genovese was originally meant for Joe Pesci. His impulsive and dangerously unpredictable persona is an almost perfect match. Meanwhile, when the two De Niros share the screen in pivotal scenes, one might even imagine Al Pacino stepping in, echoing their legendary face-off in Heat.

Fortunately, Levinson forgoes the de-aging effects used in The Irishman, opting instead for traditional makeup. Yet, despite the effort, the physical distinctions between De Niro’s two characters aren’t always convincing. More importantly, The Alto Knights, despite its strong pedigree, lacks the energy and narrative tightness that made its predecessors iconic. Instead, it presents an occasionally gripping but ultimately uneven portrayal of two mob titans at odds.

A Slow Burn with Some Standout Moments

Set in 1957 Manhattan, the film opens with Frank Costello enjoying a night among high society before returning home to his upscale apartment. As he steps into his lobby, a nervous hitman (played by Cosmo Jarvis) approaches him and fires a shot to the head. “This one’s for you,” the gunman says. The problem? Costello survives.

“You gotta go SEE if they’re dead!” Genovese later scolds his assassin. Meanwhile, Costello, ever the smooth talker, reflects in voiceover: “I shoulda been paying more attention.” From here, the film rewinds to explore how these two men—once friends—became bitter rivals.

Using archival footage blended with actors portraying younger versions of the leads, we see their journey from street-level criminals to powerful figures in the Italian-American underworld. When Vito is forced to flee to Italy due to a murder case, Frank takes control of their shared business. Years later, Vito returns, demanding his place at the top. What follows is a power struggle that escalates into outright war.

The differences between the two men are mirrored in their relationships. Frank’s devoted wife Bobbie (Debra Messing, in a rare dramatic role) urges him to retire and leave New York with their beloved dogs—De Niro’s own real-life pooches, hilariously adorned in mink coats and hats. Meanwhile, Vito’s wife Anna (Kathrine Narducci, delivering an excellent performance) is a fiery entrepreneur who owns a gay bar, but her tumultuous marriage with Genovese spirals into disaster.

The Best and Worst of The Alto Knights

While the film struggles with pacing and depth, it does deliver a few standout moments. A particularly charged courtroom scene, a tense televised Senate committee hearing, and a climactic mob summit in the countryside—complete with vintage cars and a cookout—are among the film’s highlights. When police unexpectedly crash the gathering, dozens of mobsters hilariously scramble for cover.

“We’re hunters!” two of them insist to the skeptical cops. It’s a rare moment of levity in an otherwise serious crime drama. If only there were more such moments scattered throughout the film’s two-hour runtime, which somehow feels even longer.

The Verdict

Despite its compelling source material and powerhouse performances, The Alto Knights falls short of greatness. It lacks the raw intensity of Goodfellas and the operatic grandeur of The Godfather. Instead, it lands somewhere in between—a competent but unremarkable entry in the gangster genre.

The Alto Knights, a Warner Bros. Pictures release, is rated R for violence and pervasive language. Running time: 120 minutes. ⭐️⭐️ (2/4 stars)

House urges Senate to order Vice President Sara Duterte to answer impeachment complaint 

Venus L Peñaflor
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House urges Senate to order Vice President Sara Duterte to answer impeachment complaint 

MANILA. House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, representing the prosecution team, has formally requested Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to issue a summons directing Vice President Sara Duterte to respond to the Articles of Impeachment against her.

In a motion filed with the Senate, Libanan called for Duterte to submit her answer “within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of the writ of summons.”

Libanan, alongside impeachment prosecutor 1-Rider Partylist Representative Rodge Gutierrez, led the filing on Tuesday morning, accompanied by Representatives Paolo Ortega and Jay Khonghun.

The prosecution panel based their request on Rule 7 of Senate Resolution No. 39 dated March 23, 2011, which states: “A writ of summons should be issued to the person impeached, reciting or incorporating said articles, and notifying him/her to appear before the Senate upon a day and at a place to be fixed by the Senate and named in such writ, and to file his/her Answer to said articles of impeachment within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt thereof; to which the prosecutors may reply within an extendible period of five days therefrom.”

The same Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials further stipulate that these provisions “should remain in force until amended or repealed.”

“Such language is significant and has been determined by the Supreme Court to relay an intention for the said rules to be ‘valid from the date of their adoption until they are amended or repealed’ and ‘to be effective even in the next Congress,’” the prosecution’s submission to the Senate read.

“Thus, it behooves the Honorable Impeachment Court to give effect to the constitutional mandate for the instant impeachment case to ‘forthwith proceed’ and issue the writ of summons to respondent Duterte,” it added.

Senate’s Response

Responding to the request, Escudero stated that the Senate’s legal team would review the matter before taking any action.

“We will refer it to the Senate Legal Team and discuss it with them tomorrow. We will act on this accordingly and in due course,” Escudero said in a statement.

Earlier, Escudero released an initial timetable for the impeachment trial, with proceedings expected to commence on July 30.

Articles of Impeachment

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, citing betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes across seven Articles of Impeachment:

  1. Conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez;
  2. Malversation of PHP 612.5 million in confidential funds with questionable liquidation documents;
  3. Bribery and corruption in the Department of Education (DepEd), allegedly involving former Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado (Procurement Head), Bids and Awards Committee Member Resty Osias, DepEd Chief Accountant Rhunna Catalan, and Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajarda;
  4. Unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), with her declared wealth reportedly increasing fourfold from 2007 to 2017;
  5. Involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City during her tenure as mayor;
  6. Destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder efforts, including boycotting the State of the Nation Address (SONA) while declaring herself “designated survivor,” leading protests calling for Marcos’ resignation, obstructing congressional investigations by instructing subordinates not to comply with subpoenas, and allegedly threatening harm against the First Couple and Romualdez;
  7. The totality of Duterte’s conduct as Vice President.

A total of over 215 House members signed the impeachment complaint—well above the constitutionally required one-third of House members necessary to bypass committee-level deliberations and send the case directly to the Senate for trial.

Duterte’s Response

Vice President Duterte has stated that she has no plans to resign despite the impeachment proceedings against her.

While the impeachment court is yet to be convened, Duterte has also said that she will not appear in the hearings, as the rules allow.

She has instead filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with the Supreme Court (SC), seeking an urgent temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or a writ of preliminary injunction to halt the impeachment trial. The Vice President’s petition challenges the validity and constitutionality of the complaint against her.

Additionally, several lawyers from Mindanao and other regions have petitioned the SC to order the Senate to cease and desist from conducting the impeachment trial, arguing that the complaint is procedurally defective.

In a 114-page petition, they further requested the SC to declare the Articles of Impeachment null and void.

As the Senate reviews the House’s request for a summons and the Supreme Court deliberates on Duterte’s legal challenge, the nation watches closely how this historic impeachment case will unfold.

Israeli strikes kill over 65 in Gaza as Egypt pushes for new ceasefire proposal

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli strikes kill over 65 in Gaza as Egypt pushes for new ceasefire proposal

GAZA CITY. Israeli air and ground strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed more than 65 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including women and children, the Gaza Health Ministry reported on Monday. The latest escalation follows Israel’s decision to break the ceasefire with Hamas, leading to renewed military operations that have claimed hundreds of lives within days. The ongoing conflict, now in its 17th month, has pushed the total death toll in Gaza beyond 50,000.

Amid the intensifying violence, Egypt has introduced a new ceasefire proposal in an attempt to restart negotiations and halt the fighting. According to an Egyptian official, the proposal involves Hamas releasing five living hostages—including an American-Israeli citizen—in exchange for Israel allowing increased humanitarian aid into Gaza and agreeing to a temporary pause in hostilities lasting several weeks. Additionally, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of the arrangement.

A senior Hamas official confirmed that the group had “responded positively” to the Egyptian initiative but did not provide further details. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing closed-door negotiations.

The situation remains fluid as international mediators work to prevent further escalation and push for a long-term ceasefire agreement.

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