A Hamas official has reported that international mediators have restarted negotiations with the militant group and Israel regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. The official expressed optimism that a deal to end the 14-month war is now within reach. Ceasefire discussions had been paused last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States due to frustrations over the lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. However, efforts have been reactivated in recent days to bring an end to the conflict, release hostages from Gaza, and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Meanwhile, Iran announced a successful space launch as part of its program, which has been criticized by the West for allegedly enhancing Tehran's ballistic missile technology. The launch utilized Iran's Simorgh program, a satellite-carrying rocket that had previously experienced failed attempts. The payload of the Simorgh was reported to be 300 kilograms, heavier than previous successful launches. The launch aimed to place an 'orbital propulsion system' and two research systems into a 400-kilometer orbit above Earth.
In a separate incident, a Melbourne synagogue in Australia was extensively damaged by arsonists in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned as an antisemitic attack on Australian values. The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue is seen as an escalation in targeted attacks in Australia since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. Albanese emphasized that there is no place for such acts in Australia and labeled the incident as an attack on Australian values and an act of antisemitism.
Additionally, the Pentagon revealed that three U.S. service members are being evaluated for potential traumatic brain injuries following an attack near a base in eastern Syria. The attack near Mission Support Site Euphrates prompted the U.S. to conduct counter strikes after rockets and mortars landed in the vicinity of the base. The U.S. currently has around 900 troops in Syria to counter the Islamic State group.
