I srael launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran on Friday, driving energy prices higher and adding to existing geopolitical tensions. The attacks killed at least three senior Iranian military leaders, including the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces,

Optimism that Israel and Hamas may soon agree to a two-month ceasefire deal is blooming in Washington ahead of Israeli Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU’s Monday visit to the White House. Analysts and some former officials say that conditions for a deal to temporarily halt fighting in the enclave have improved in the wake of U.

Hamas has said it has submitted a positive response to mediators about a ceasefire proposed by the US. The BBC has been told that it has requested some key changes but is prepared to enter negotiations ‘immediately’.