Icelandic volcano erupts, forcing tourists to evacuate famous geothermal spa
A volcanic eruption in Iceland forced tourists to evacuate the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on Wednesday as images captured lava flowing through a fissure in the Earth's surface. The eruption began around 4 a.m. following an intense seismic swarm on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of the capital, Reykjavik, Iceland's Met Office said. "In an abundance of caution, the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon were successfully evacuated," Iceland's government said. "Travelers in the area are advised to monitor air quality, as gas pollution from the eruption site may occur." Lava from the eruption is flowing southeast from a fissure in the barren landscape that is 2,296 to 3,280 feet wide, according to the Met Office. SCIENTISTS PREDICT UNDERWATER VOLCANO ERUPTION 300 MILES OFF OREGON Grindavik has been repeatedly affected by volcanic activity since November 2023 when a volcano in the area came to life after lying dormant for some 800 years. "Air traffic to and from Iceland is unaffected, and Iceland remains open and safe for tourists. This volcanic activity is highly localized and has no impact on infrastructure or attractions across the rest of Iceland," the country's government said. It described volcanic activity as a "fact of life in Iceland, and Icelanders have learned to live with its drawbacks and considerable advantages, such as geothermal energy." HAWAII'S KILAUEA VOLCANO ERUPTS WITH 1,000-FOOT 'LAVA FOUNTAINING' "The Icelandic Meteorological Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland closely monitor and analyze developments relating [to] seismic activities," it also said. Officials said there have been a dozen volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula dating back to 2021. "There is no way of accurately predicting whether, where, or when seismic activity may result in a volcanic eruption or the possible size of such an eruption, but they are closely monitored and constantly evaluated based on the best scientific data available," Iceland's government said. "Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, making it one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Regular seismic events are a characteristic feature of Icelandic geology, ranging from minor tremors to significant earthquakes," it added. "Seismic activity in Iceland is often due to magma movement beneath the earth's crust. It may sometimes result in magma seeking the easiest path to the surface and becoming a volcanic eruption." The Associated Press contributed to this report.

German customs officials seize 1,500 tarantulas smuggled in international spongecake shipment
German customs authorities recently made a skin-crawling discovery when they found about 1,500 young tarantulas concealed in a shipment of spongecake boxes.The package, which had arrived at Germany's Cologne Bonn Airport three weeks ago from Vietnam, weighed more than 15 pounds and had a noticeable smell that tipped off officials, according to a news release from the Cologne customs office."My colleagues at the airport are regularly surprised by the contents of prohibited packages from all over the world, but the fact that they found around 1,500 small plastic containers containing young tarantulas in this package left even the most experienced among them speechless," Jens Ahland, spokesperson for the Cologne customs office, said in a statement. AUSTRIA POLICE TO INCREASE BORDER CHECKS AFTER GERMANY LEGALIZES CANNABIS "An extraordinary seizure for n Customs , even though we are saddened by what some people do to animals purely for profit." CALIFORNIA METH BUST LEADS TO RESCUE OF YOUNG SPIDER MONKEY Many of the tarantulas did not survive the trip , and the surviving spiders were placed in professional care. Criminal proceedings are underway against the package's recipient in the Sauerland region of the country, according to the news release. CALIFORNIA POLICE MAKE GRUESOME FELINE DISCOVERY IN U-HAUL VAN; OWNER FACES ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES "Animals of any kind must be declared to customs and import duties paid for parcels from a non-EU member state," the release noted.Last year, a passenger was busted at Miami International Airport for trying to get onto an airplane with a bag of snakes in the passenger's pants. The TSA shared images of the reptiles on X at the time, writing that officers in Florida "detected this bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's pants at a checkpoint."Jens Ahland did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Huckabee demands Israel 'aggressively investigate' murder of Palestinian-American killed in 'terrorist act'
The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee , on Tuesday called on Israeli authorities to "aggressively investigate" the killing of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American who was reportedly beaten to death by a gang of extremist settlers in the West Bank village of Sinjil on Friday."We have asked Israel to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Mussallet, an American citizen who was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death in the West Bank," Huckabee wrote on X. "There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was only 20 years old."According to the family, Musallet was visiting the West Bank from Tampa, Florida, to reconnect with relatives and visit family-owned farmland. ISRAEL ADMITS IDF LIKELY KILLED AL JAZEERA JOURNALIST 'ACCIDENTALLY' "This is an unimaginable nightmare and injustice that no family should ever have to face," the family said in a statement. "We demand the U.S. State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes." Israeli military officials said the confrontation began when Palestinians threw rocks at settlers, lightly injuring two. IDF forces were deployed to the area and used non-lethal crowd control methods, the army said.So far, no Israeli suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings. Two Israeli minors detained on Friday night for suspected involvement in public disturbances were later released to house arrest. A reserve soldier questioned by the military police over the shooting during the incident was also released. BIDEN SANCTIONS ISRAELI SETTLERS IN WEST BANK AFTER SHOOTING OF US TEEN The Palestinian Health Ministry said Musallet was fatally beaten during an attack by settlers in the area. Another man, 23-year-old Mohammed al-Shalabi, was shot in the chest and also killed during the same incident. Sources in the Israeli police told Haaretz newspaper that the lack of an autopsy and the fact that the bodies were not transferred to Israeli authorities may complicate the investigation.A military court also released Abdullah Hamida, a Palestinian resident arrested during the settler raid, criticizing police conduct. During the hearing, the police representative admitted he was unaware that any Palestinians had been killed, and incorrectly claimed the only wounded were settlers.The State Department acknowledged awareness of the incident but declined further comment, Reuters reports, citing "respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones."

Israel slams UN for ignoring aid already in Gaza while demanding more
Israel is calling out international organizations and the United Nations for allegedly leaving pallets of aid uncollected while decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."Right now, there are thousands of pallets of humanitarian aid already inside Gaza, waiting to be picked up and distributed from the crossings by U.N. agencies and international organizations. Instead of publishing statements about 'Gaza needing more aid' or 'trucks waiting to enter,' aid can be collected and distributed to the civilian population," the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an Israeli government agency, wrote on X . AS US-BACKED GROUP DELIVERS 70 MILLION MEALS, UN AND NGOS FIGHT TO DISCREDIT GAZA AID RIVAL In response to a Fox News Digital request for comment on COGAT's statement, U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Spokesperson Eri Kaneko said the "restrictive operational environment" in Gaza has been making it more difficult to deliver humanitarian services. "Throughout this war, we have been clear that without meaningful safety, security or unimpeded access, large-scale humanitarian operations are impossible," Kaneko told Fox News Digital. "Planned UN missions to deliver aid and services continue to face significant access challenges, with many either denied outright or obstructed due to unpredictable and lengthy coordination procedures."Meanwhile, the GHF joined Israel in its criticisms of the U.N.'s handling of aid to Gaza."No one is limiting the U.N.'s ability to deliver aid-certainly not GHF. In fact, GHF successfully pushed for the U.N.'s reauthorization to operate after Israel reopened access to Gaza," a GHF spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "The real problem is not access. It's execution. The U.N. currently has thousands of pallets of aid inside Gaza awaiting distribution because their trucks are consistently looted, hijacked, or overrun by Hamas, armed gangs, or desperate civilians. This is why over 400 U.N. distribution sites sit empty." AMERICAN VETERANS ATTACKED, INJURED WHILE DISTRIBUTING AID IN GAZA WITH US-BACKED GROUP COGAT's Tuesday statement comes shortly after U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher pushed a statement co-signed by his office declaring that "the fuel shortage in Gaza has reached critical levels.""For the first time in 130 days, a small amount of fuel entered Gaza this week. This is a welcome development, but it is a small fraction of what is needed each day to keep daily life and critical aid operations running," the statement signed by several U.N. agencies read.In response, COGAT slammed Fletcher, saying that he was either unaware of the work his staff has done on the ground or was "spreading lies.""Fuel has been entering Gaza for over a week now for essential humanitarian needs, with your coordination. So, either get updated or stop spreading lies," COGAT wrote.The U.S.- and l-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced harsh criticism from the international community, even as the organization has surpassed 76 million meals distributed in the Strip. "Each delivery reflects the bravery and dedication of our aid workers, who are operating in some of the world's toughest humanitarian conditions," GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree said in a statement on X. COGAT did not respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment in time for publication.

Putin mum on Trump's 50-day ultimatum, Kremlin officials claim Russia 'didn't care'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to publicly respond to the 50-day ultimatum President Donald Trump issued him, though one top official on Tuesday suggested that Moscow "didn't care."Deputy Chair of Russia's security council and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to X to express the Kremlin's first reaction to the joint announcement by Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that Putin has 50 days to end its war in Ukraine or face 100% tariffs. TRUMP, RUTTE ANNOUNCE 'REALLY BIG' NATO ARMS PACKAGE AMID NEW 50 DAY DEADLINE TO PUTIN "Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences," Medvedev said. "Belligerent Europe was disappointed. "Russia didn't care," he added. Reactions to Trump's latest frustration with Putin were mixed, as Rutte championed the move as "logical," though top European Union officials suggested the move lacked teeth this far into the war. "On the one hand, it is very positive that President Trump is taking a strong stance on Russia. On the other hand, 50 days is a very long time if we see that they are killing innocent civilians, also every day," the EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas told reporters from Brussels when asked about the president's announcement."It is clear that we all need to put more pressure on Russia so that they would also want peace," she added. "It is good that the Americans are making the steps, and I hope that they are also giving military aid like Europeans are giving." TRUMP REVEALS MELANIA'S KEY ROLE IN DEALING WITH PUTIN ON UKRAINE WAR Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko also questioned the effectiveness of the move and told German news outlet ARD that "I'm happy about the wave of support from the U.S.""But on the other hand, I do not understand why Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is being given 50 days," he added, according to a translation by Ukrainian media outlets, Kyiv Independent . "In 50 days, many more people could be killed in the capital and, throughout Ukraine, many more buildings could be damaged," he said. "Therefore, why such a delay?"Trump told reporters on Monday that he was frustrated by Putin's lack of action when it came to stopping his war in Ukraine despite four separate occasions when the president thought a deal had been reached with the Kremlin chief."I speak to him a lot about getting this thing done, and I always hang up saying, 'Well, that was a nice phone call,' and then missiles are launched into Kyiv or some other city, and I'd say 'strange,'" Trump said, recounting his conversations with Putin."And after that happens three or four times, you say, the talk doesn't mean anything."

Zelenskyy shakes up Ukrainian government, with US weapons on the way
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reshuffling the government as his country's war with Russia rages more than three years after it began. First Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has been tapped to lead the next government as prime minister. Meanwhile, current Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is set to serve as the country's next defense minister. TRUMP PUTS HIS 'THUMB ON THE SCALE' TO END WAR IN UKRAINE Zelenskyy named Svyrydenko as his pick for prime minister in a post on X saying the two met to discuss goals for the country."We also discussed concrete measures to boost Ukraine's economic potential , expand support programs for Ukrainians, and scale up our domestic weapons production. In pursuit of this goal, we are initiating a transformation of the executive branch in Ukraine. I have proposed that Yuliia Svyrydenko lead the government of Ukraine and significantly renew its work. I look forward to the presentation of the new government's action plan in the near future," Zelenskyy wrote on Monday.Svyrydenko thanked Zelenskyy in her own post on X, and laid out the "priority tasks" defined by the president, including strengthening the economy , increasing domestic weapons production and expanding government support programs."These tasks can be achieved through tangible deregulation, the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles, the reduction of non-critical state expenditures and duplication of functions within state institutions, the protection of entrepreneurship, and the full concentration of state resources for the defense of Ukraine and recovery after hostilities," Svyrydenko wrote. UKRAINIAN US AMBASSADOR, SEEN WITH HEAD IN HANDS DURING OVAL OFFICE MEETING, IS DEPARTING DC In Ukraine, the president nominates the country's prime minister, but the appointment must be approved by the Verkhovna Rada, the country's parliament, to become official.On Tuesday, Zelenskyy said he held a meeting with Svyrydenko and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for Innovations, Development of Education, Science and Technologies Mykhailo Fedorov to discuss "key priorities" for the next government. These include what he laid out for Svyrydenko as well as "fully contracting the required volumes of all types of drones" Ukranian forces need.Outgoing prime minister Shmyhal, who has served in the role since 2020, is set to replace current Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, whom Zelenskyy reportedly suggested would become the country's next ambassador to the U.S., according to Reuters .Zelenskyy praised Shmyhal - the country's longest-serving head of government since it gained independence in 1991- for his "vast experience," according to reports.President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that the U.S. agreed to sell arms to NATO that would be "quickly distributed" to Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Trump called him on Thursday to confirm he wanted to be part of the deal.

'Squad' members 'decide to lie and twist facts' about Israel's history, says prominent Arab activist
Members of the "Squad" are undermining coexistence between Arabs and Jews in the Middle East, Israeli-Arab activist Yoseph Haddad told Fox News Digital."Representatives of the Squad are trying to harm the coexistence and partnership that exist in the region between Arabs and Jews," Haddad said. "I think it was [Alexandria] Ocasio-Cortez herself who said she had no idea about the geopolitics of this region-she's right. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib know exactly what's going on here, but they decide to lie and twist the facts."Haddad, the CEO of Together Vouch for Each Other - an organization founded in 2018 by young Israeli Arabs to bridge cultural and religious divides - has emerged as a prominent voice in Israel's public diplomacy efforts following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 massacre. Since the attack, Jewish communities across the United States and Europe have faced a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, with pro-Hamas demonstrations appearing on college campuses as early as October 8. LAWSUIT ALLEGES ANTI-ISRAEL GROUP LEADERS ARE 'HAMAS' FOOT SOLDIERS IN NEW YORK CITY' "The first group is what I call the useful idiots - people who have no idea what's going on but joined because it felt like the cool thing to do," Haddad said. "Then there are the paid protesters. You see the same faces at different rallies holding different signs - sometimes it's about LGBTQ issues, sometimes it's pro-Palestinian, sometimes it's about internal American problems.""It's always the same person, just a different outfit and a different sign," he continued. "And the third group - the most dangerous-are the extremists who've come from the Middle East. Those are the ones we should be most concerned about."Haddad traced the rise of extremist voices in the West to waves of immigration and population displacement from conflict zones in the Middle East. While the majority of Muslim immigrants fled persecution in search of a better life, he said, a vocal minority brought with them the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood , effectively holding their communities hostage."When you have so many immigrants all around the world, it's enough for 10 or 20 percent of them to be extremists - and suddenly, you're dealing with millions of extremists," he said."Ostriches, when there is a danger and there is a problem, what they do is they stick their head in the sand thinking the problem will just pass because nobody will notice them," he added. "And this is what the weak governments are doing right now, becoming like an ostrich. The only problem is that no one will skip them over, it will make it easier to chop their heads off."Addressing accusations that Israel enforces an apartheid system between Jews and Arabs, Haddad rejected the comparison outright. HARVARD DEAN'S COUNCIL MEMBER RESIGNS FROM POST AFTER LAWSUIT CLAIMS HE 'AIDED AND ABETTED' HAMAS "In real apartheid, like in South Africa, everything was segregated - transportation, hospitals, courts, sports, even walking on the sidewalks," Haddad said. "But if you actually come to Israel and see life here, it's the complete opposite - 180 degrees different.""Stop speaking from a place of emotion - that's exactly what The Squad is doing," he continued. "Start talking about facts. Then you'll realize that anyone who concludes Israel is an apartheid state is an imbecile."He also mentioned a run-in he had with a protester, who he refers to as "the useful idiots."They have no clue ... One time, I read the charter of Hamas to some pro-Palestinian useful idiot, I read it to them, and I said you agree to this, and they said no, no, no I didn't know that. And I said yes, but this is what you are supporting, and he had the headband of Hamas on his head. You understand that this is what you are supporting."He literally took the band off after that. Such useful idiots like this you have a lot, not just in the United States, you can see it in Europe as well."When asked what he believes the Palestinians ultimately want, Haddad pointed to slogans often heard at anti-Israel and antisemitic protests, such as "From the river to the sea , Palestine will be free" and "There is only one solution: Intifada revolution.""The majority of Palestinians do not want to live side by side with Israel," Haddad said. "So when people talk about a two-state solution and question Israel's commitment, I say: Don't ask the Israelis - ask the Palestinians. You'll be shocked to find that many of them aren't willing to accept it."Haddad pointed out that history can be approached in multiple ways - through religious texts like the Torah for Jews, the Bible for Christians and the Quran for Muslims. Even those who are atheists can look to history books for evidence of the deep-rooted connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel.Haddad argued that the Torah explicitly mentions the presence of Jews in Israel, tracing their presence back thousands of years. He also highlighted the Biblical reference to the birthplace of Jesus in Jewish Bethlehem, challenging the notion that Palestinian Muslims have a historical claim to the land before the Jews.Haddad noted that while Jerusalem is never mentioned in the Quran, the term "sons of Israel" appears more than 43 times. He also emphasized that the name "Palestine" was imposed by the Romans as a punishment for the Bar Kokhba revolt.Haddad highlighted that in 1947, Arabs had the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state through the U.N. Partition Plan, which the Jews accepted despite receiving less land and fewer resources. However, the Arabs rejected the plan and opted to wage war. When the Jews emerged victorious, 156,000 Arabs remained within what became Israel. Sharing his personal connection to this history, Haddad explained that his grandfather was one of those Arabs who stayed and eventually became part of the Arab Israeli identity."It's either you accept the fact that Israel exists and is here to stay, or you continue with this cycle of bloodshed and death that we are trying to escape," said Haddad. "But the ones who will suffer the most are you, the Palestinians , whether in the West Bank or Gaza."Several requests for comment sent to Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Omar were not returned.

Iran vows retaliation if UN Security Council issues snapback sanctions on anniversary of nuclear deal
Iran on Monday warned that it would retaliate if the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) took steps to impose "snapback" sanctions as nations mull further action to halt Tehran's nuclear development. "The threat to use the snapback mechanism lacks legal and political basis and will be met with an appropriate and proportionate response from the Islamic Republic of Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei claimed during a press conference, according to a Reuters report.Baghaei did not expand on how Iran would retaliate, but his threats come amid repeated warnings from security experts that time is running out to enforce the sanction mechanism by Oct. 18 under terms dictated by the 2015 nuclear deal. IRAN CLAIMS ITS PRESIDENT WAS INJURED IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE LAST MONTH The comments coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was originally intended to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions, but which some have argued was insufficient to adequately deter Tehran. Under the terms of the JCPOA, any signatory can unilaterally call up snapback sanctions if Iran is found to have violated the terms of the agreement. Though the U.S., which, alongside the U.K., France, Germany, China and Russia, signed the 2015 deal, was deemed by the U.N. and other JCPOA members unable to utilize the mechanism after Washington withdrew from the agreement in 2018 during President Donald Trump's first term.Despite repeated calls by the U.S. to enforce snapback - which would legally enforce all 15 U.N. members on the council, including Russia, to reimpose sanctions on Iran - no one on the UNSC or JCPOA has yet taken steps to enforce the sanctions. "I would say one of the few good things about the JCPOA is that it reverse engineers the veto in the sense that you really only need one of the permanent members to be able to do this," Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Iran orogram told Fox News Digital. "But why is no one doing it? It's because it's a risky move. "I think it's a worthwhile move, but we have to be honest - it's a risky move," he added. Ben Taleblu explained that Iran's most likely response to the severe sanctions under the snapback mechanism would be its abandonment of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) - an international agreement that over 190 nations have signed, pledging either not to transfer weapons to another recipient by nuclear-capable nations, or not to develop atomic arms by non-nuclear nations, among other commitments. TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO STOP IRAN FROM MAKING NUCLEAR BOMB: 'DANGEROUS TERRITORY' The terms of the agreement are monitored by the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency - which Iran has already suspended cooperation with following U.S. and Israeli strikes against its nuclear program last month. "In a world in which Iran's most likely response is to leave the NPT, one has to be confident in at least the ability of military threats to deter Iran further, or at least the credibility of America's and Israel's, or the international community's, military options against Iran moving forward," Ben Taleblu said. "The problem is the lack of a game plan. Has America provided Europe with a game plan, a road map for post-snapback?" he added, noting there needs to be a much larger strategy for next steps should sanctions be reinforced.Though the U.S. assesses that Iran's nuclear program has been stunted by up to two years, experts remain convinced that Tehran's atomic ambitions have not been deterred , and its ties to terrorist networks and adversarial nations mean it remains a top security concern.Trump has said he is still committed to negotiating with Iran on its nuclear program, though questions remain over how long he will continue to allow negotiations to drag out before a European nation like the U.K., France or Germany must step in to enact snapback sanctions not only before the October deadline, but before Russia takes over control of the UNSC presidency that month.Pushing through the snapback mechanism is expected to be a roughly six-week process. Reports on Sunday suggested that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz could call up the snapback measures as soon as Tuesday, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee championed the move in a post on X. But Fox News Digital could not independently verify these claims and the German Foreign Ministry told Israeli news outlet JNS that the claims were incorrect . The chancellor's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's questions.

Trump, Rutte announce 'really big' NATO arms package amid new 50 day deadline to Putin
President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that the U.S. has agreed to sell arms to NATO just moments after he said Russian President Vladimir Putin has 50 days to secure a peace deal with Ukraine or face "100%" tariffs. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Trump called him on Thursday to confirm he wanted to enter into a deal with NATO allies to sell them arms for aid to Ukraine . Trump said billions of dollars worth of U.S. arms would be purchased from allies like Germany, Finland and Denmark that will be "quickly distributed" to Ukraine. TRUMP SAYS US WILL SEND PATRIOT MISSILES TO UKRAINE, ADDS THAT PUTIN 'TALKS NICE AND THEN HE BOMBS EVERYBODY' "This is really big," Rutte told reporters from the Oval Office sitting alongside Trump. Rutte, who said the decision was built on the "tremendous success" of last month's NATO summit when nearly every nation in the alliance agreed to increase their defense spending to reach 5% of their nation's GDP, called the move "logical.""This is again European nations standing up," Rutte added. "I've been in contact with many countries, I can tell you at this moment Germany, massively, but also Finland and Denmark and Sweden and Norway, we have the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Canada - they all want to be part of this. "And this is only the first wave. There will be more," Rutte confirmed. "So what we will do is work through the NATO systems to make sure that we know what Ukrainians need." TRUMP CONSIDERING MORE AID TO UKRAINE AS FRUSTRATION WITH RUSSIA GROWS Rutte said he had already met with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to ensure the U.S. maintains what it needs for its stockpiles but also works with NATO allies to fulfill orders for Ukraine's defense . Trump said he was "very unhappy" with Moscow and expressed his frustration over what he thought should have been a done deal at least "two months ago."Both leaders said they thought they had secured an agreement with Putin on four different occasions, but then "bombs would be thrown out that night, and you'd say - we're not making any deals," Trump told reporters. "I speak to him a lot about getting this thing done, and I always hang up saying, 'Well, that was a nice phone call,' and then missiles are launched into Kyiv or some other city, and I'd say 'strange," Trump said recounting his conversations with Putin. "And after that happens three or four times, you say, the talk doesn't mean anything."The president countered a major talking point of some isolationist Republicans who oppose the continuation of U.S. support to Ukraine."Ultimately, having a strong Europe is a very good thing," Trump added.

UK to roll out red carpet in 'unprecedented' second Trump visit hosted by King Charles
In an unprecedented announcement on Sunday, the British royal family said its September invitation to President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump has been accepted.The meeting will mark the first time a U.S. president has been invited to the United Kingdom for a second state visit - a move that signifies the value London is placing on the U.S.-U.K. partnership amid escalated security concerns. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also meet with Trump in Scotland during his previously planned "private" visit to his Aberdeenshire-based golf resort later this month, reports first confirmed last week. TRUMP SAYS US WILL SEND PATRIOT MISSILES TO UKRAINE, ADDS THAT PUTIN 'TALKS NICE AND THEN HE BOMBS EVERYBODY' While the Trump-Starmer meeting is still significant, it is not an official state visit that is accompanied by ceremonial events, and King Charles III is not expected to meet with the president during the July meeting.It is not uncommon for U.S. presidents to make the trip to the U.K. multiple times throughout their presidency. Both of Trump's two-term predecessors, Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, visited Britain multiple times, though both were issued just one state visit. The reason for the visit - which will take place from Sept. 17-19 at Windsor Castle as Buckingham Palace continues to undergo massive renovations - has not been explicitly revealed and could be because Trump's previous invitation was issued under the King Charles III's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, prior to his accession to the throne. TRUMP'S WHIRLWIND WEEK AHEAD TO INCLUDE 'MAJOR' ANNOUNCEMENT ON RUSSIA AND MORE TOP HEADLINES However, it also comes amid escalated security concerns as Russia continues to pummel Ukraine, and European nations remain steadfast in their concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin's war ambitions extend beyond Kyiv. "The unprecedented nature of a second state visit for President Trump reflects the reality that global turbulence means it is natural for the U.K. to want to keep its friends close," Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, an international affairs think tank based in London, told Fox News Digital. "In an ever-changing security environment, the one constant we know will act to underpin our way of life is the transatlantic alliance.""Extending this invitation therefore shows that the U.K. is serious about its own commitment to our enduring relationship, but also reminds the U.S. that we have always been an indispensable partner in its global leadership," he added. Since Trump re-entered office, the U.K. has worked to maintain its strong ties with Washington despite some geopolitically challenging moves by Trump that have strained other international relations. Fox News Digital could not immediately reach Buckingham Palace for comment.

Iranian crowdfunding campaign claims to raise $40M as reward for assassinating Trump
An Iranian movement called the "Blood Covenant" is claiming to have crowdfunded more than $40 million as a reward for assassinating President Donald Trump, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). A website for the movement contained a poster of Trump in crosshairs with an appeal to donate "in order to 'help establish stable peace,'" the nonprofit reported. It added that the poster quotes a verse from the Quran that reads, "Strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah." "This is a call to jihad, inviting believers to donate their money and sacrifice their lives," MEMRI said. "The poster lends religious legitimacy to assassinating Trump." The apparent threat comes weeks after the U.S. launched devastating airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. A U.S. Secret Service official told Fox News "We operate in a heightened and very dynamic threat environment and the safety and security of the President and all of our protectees remains our highest priority. TRUMP TARGETED BY IRANIAN DEATH FATWAS AS WATCHDOG GROUP DEMANDS IMMEDIATE SANCTIONS RESPONSE "To preserve operational integrity, we cannot comment on specific protective intelligence matters. However, our teams work around the clock with international, federal, state, and local partners to ensure the highest levels of protection," the official added.MEMRI said "In Iran in recent days there has been an increase in explicit calls for assassinating Trump, from the Iranian regime's religious establishment, due allegedly to a threat by Trump to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei - even though Trump said he had actually prevented such a move." "These calls are backed by fatwas issued in late June by Iranian grand ayatollahs. The fatwas stated that the punishment for Trump is the same as for a muhareb - that is, an enemy of Allah and Islam - and that is death, and the permitting of his blood," it continued."Iranian regime officials, among them Assembly of Expert members who are close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior clerics and lecturers at the Howza-e Ilmiyya seminaries, and the regime's Friday preachers, are explicitly calling for Trump's assassination," MEMRI added. "The fact that these calls to assassinate Trump are coming from above and being echoed in the street and through all strata of society, including in the Iranian media, underlines the depth and uniformity of the regime's institutional incitement," it also said. "It reflects a broad religious and regime consensus strengthened by reiterated emphasis of the reward anyone carrying out the punishment against Trump can expect to receive - in addition to the $40.3 million, also Paradise and the status of a defender of Islam." IRAN CLAIMS ITS PRESIDENT WAS INJURED IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE LAST MONTH The Foundation for Defense of Democracies alleged that an Iranian national and former employee for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting - which it described as "the regime's main propaganda network" - is behind the creation of the "Blood Covenant" website. The State Department did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. A senior State Department official said the Trump administration is aware of the threats against the president, according to the Washington Free Beacon. Fox News' Pat Ward contributed to this report.

Mother of slain soldier held by Hamas terrorists for 4K days makes plea to Trump
It has been 4,000 days since Hadar Goldin, a 23-year-old Israeli soldier and budding artist, was ambushed and killed by Hamas terrorists during a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza.His remains have never been returned.For his mother, Leah Goldin, the passage of time has only deepened the urgency. In a wide-ranging interview marking the grim milestone, she thanked President Donald Trump and his advisors for their efforts so far- and asked for them to ensure that no ceasefire, normalization deal or regional agreement moves forward without the return of her son."We are turning to and hoping that President Trump and his people - who understand this issue - will recognize that the real victory over Iran is to bring everyone home immediately and unconditionally. Hadar is a symbol, and the Saudis must make this demand on their side, because you can't speak of normalization while we remain in a state of abnormality. MARCO RUBIO HOLDS FIRST MEETING WITH FAMILIES OF HOSTAGES HELD BY HAMAS "These deals are a bluff - and this selective process is horrific. It's killing the families and the hostages. The further we go without bringing everyone back and ending this awful war, the more Hadar Goldins there will be. It's unbearable." Hadar Goldin was born to a prominent family of educators and raised on values of faith, service and compassion. Hadar was known for his gentle character, sharp intellect and deep artistic talent. He had just gotten engaged. In his free time, he drew portraits, wrote poetry and taught children with disabilities.He was serving in the elite Givati Brigade when, on Aug. 1, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, Hamas violated a ceasefire - agreed upon hours earlier with U.S. and U.N. mediation - by launching a surprise attack. Hadar was killed and dragged into a tunnel inside Gaza.For his mother, that moment shattered not only her family's world, but also what she calls "the Israeli military's sacred code.""The IDF's ethos is never to leave a soldier behind ," she said. "But on August 28, 2014, Israel signed a ceasefire with Hamas without demanding Hadar's return. That broke something fundamental."Over the past decade, Leah Goldin has met with world leaders, lawmakers and military officials across the U.S. and Europe, seeking justice for her son and others like him. She points to U.N. Security Council Resolution 2474, passed in 2019, which obligates all parties to an armed conflict to return the remains of the dead as a humanitarian act and confidence-building measure."This is international law," she said. "And yet Hadar is still in Gaza." ISRAEL, HAMAS TALKS DRAG AS AID GROUP CHAIR TELLS UN TO STOP ACTING LIKE THE 'MAFIA' Goldin credits the Trump administration for taking the issue seriously . "When the resolution passed in 2019, it was Trump's people - Jason Greenblatt, Nikki Haley - who led the way," she said.Today, Goldin sees a rare opportunity - a convergence of diplomatic efforts with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Gaza - to demand Hadar's return before any agreements are finalized."Saudi Arabia has enormous leverage," she said. "They're leading the Islamic world. If they want normalization with Israel, then let them demand the return of Hadar and all of the hostages as a gesture of goodwill."She also praised Steve Witkoff, a Trump envoy on both Iran and Saudi issues, and urged him to connect the dots. "He's in charge of the deals. He knows the hostages matter. Don't say you'll finish the business and deal with the hostages later. That's immoral." SIGN UP FOR ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED NEWSLETTER Goldin says she has lost trust in the Israeli government, which she believes has repeatedly sidelined her son for political convenience. "It's the same people for 11 years, just in different chairs," she said. "They sign ceasefires, they release terrorists - but leave Hadar behind."Since Hamas' October 7 massacre, Leah and her family have taken on a new role: advising and supporting the families of current hostages through the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a group they helped build in the days after the attack."My son Tzur, who also served in special forces, said no family should go through this alone," she said. "So we organized - gave them our contacts, our tools, our lessons. But it's painful. Because we've seen this before. And we know how easy it is to be forgotten."She calls the ongoing hostage negotiations "a nightmare of selection," where some are prioritized and others left behind. "As a daughter of Holocaust survivors, this feels like moral collapse," she said.Goldin says she will not stop until Hadar - and all the hostages - come home."Hadar is not just my son," she said. "He's a symbol now. And in every ceasefire, in every backroom deal, in every 'business as usual' moment - I want the world to remember his name."

Iran claims its president was injured in Israeli airstrike last month
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suffered a minor leg injury while escaping an Israeli airstrike last month, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency.The alleged attack happened on June 16 at a secure government facility in Western Tehran , where Pezeshkian was holding a meeting with other senior officials, according to the outlet, which is managed by Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Six bombs or missiles reportedly targeted entry and exit points to block attempts to evacuate the building and disrupt air flow inside. Power was also cut to the targeted floor, after the blasts, the report said.The officials escaped through an emergency hatch, according to the report. Pezeshkian and several others reportedly suffered minor leg injuries during the escape. IRAN SAYS IT CAN STRIKE THE US AND ISRAEL FOR TWO YEARS. DOES IT REALLY HAVE THAT POWER? The report claimed the attack was similar to an Israeli plan that led to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Seyed Hassan Nasrallah in September. TRUMP TARGETED BY IRANIAN DEATH FATWAS AS WATCHDOG GROUP DEMANDS IMMEDIATE SANCTIONS RESPONSE The alleged strike was said to have happened on the fourth day of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Israel has said its military targeted some of Iran's top military leaders and nuclear scientists in a series of air strikes aimed at preventing the regime from realizing its goal of producing nuclear weapons.On June 22, the U.S. launched its own stealth strike on three of Iran's key nuclear enrichment sites. The 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran ended with a U.S.-brokered cease-fire.

Ukraine announces killing Russian agents suspected of fatally shooting senior officer in ambush attack
Ukraine's security agency said Sunday they have located and killed two Russian operatives accused of assassinating one of its senior officers.The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that its agents "eliminated" two Russian "hitmen" in the Kyiv region Sunday morning, in response to Thursday's broad daylight killing of SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych.Voronych-whose attack was captured on surveillance video-was reportedly involved in covert operations inside Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine and is believed to have played a role in organizing last year's surprise Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region."During a special operation, employees of the Security Service of Ukraine eliminated agents of Russian special services who, on the instructions of the FSB of the Russian Federation, carried out the murder of an SBU colonel in Kyiv," the SBU statement read. TOP UKRAINIAN SPY GUNNED DOWN IN KYIV AMBUSH ATTACK: REPORT
According to an investigation, the suspected killers -a man and a woman-were instructed to track Voronych's movements and retrieve a silenced pistol from a stash site before carrying out the hit, the statement continued. UKRAINIAN US AMBASSADOR, SEEN WITH HEAD IN HANDS DURING OVAL OFFICE MEETING, IS DEPARTING DC
Vasyl Malyuk, head of the SBU and commander of the special operation, said the suspected Russian agents were "eliminated" after resisting arrest."The FSB agent-combat group was routed to Ukraine in advance and three days ago committed the murder of an SBU employee, our comrade Colonel Ivan Voronych," Malyuk said in the statement. "As a result of covert investigative and active counterintelligence measures, the enemy's lair was discovered. During the detention, they began to resist, there was a firefight, so the scoundrels were eliminated. I would like to remind you that the enemy's only prospect on the territory of Ukraine is death!" TRUMP CAUTIONED PUTIN HE WOULD 'BOMB THE S---' OUT OF MOSCOW IF RUSSIA INVADED UKRAINE, NEW BOOK CLAIMS Malyuk also thanked the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department for its support and emphasized that countering Russian espionage remains a top SBU priority. He claimed the SBU "prevents 85% of the crimes the enemy tries to commit" within Ukraine .Last Thursday, sources told nska Pravda that Voronych was approached by an unidentified attacker around 9 a.m. local time and was shot five times with a pistol before the suspect fled.Surveillance footage appeared to show the colonel being ambushed outside an apartment building while walking toward a vehicle. Voronych died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, the outlet said.Both Russia and Ukraine have carried out targeted killings since the war began in February 2022. Fox News' Greg Norman and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Israel, Hamas talks drag as aid group chair tells UN to stop acting like the 'mafia'
Negotiations to secure a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas seem to have hit an impasse amid hopes from top mediators, including President Donald Trump's Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, that a deal can be reached soon.There are several issues that remain major hurdles in securing lasting peace in the Gaza Strip and the return of all the hostages, according to multiple sources that Fox News Digital has spoken with. But one of the top sticking points has reportedly been the question of aid to the Palestinians and who exactly should be distributing the direly needed support. TRUMP SAYS 'VERY CLOSE' TO SECURING ISRAEL, HAMAS CEASEFIRE, RETURNING HOSTAGES "This is a complex political environment right in the middle of a ceasefire negotiation," Chairman for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) Rev. Johnnie Moore told Fox News Digital. "I understand on the first night of the ceasefire negotiation, one of the primary issues that Hamas and their negotiators brought up was they wanted to see the elimination of the GHF. "Which ought to tell you something," he continued. "Hamas didn't want 70 million meals of food in the Gaza Strip for the people they allege they care about - this is absurd."Following Israel's near-three-month blockade on aid to the Gaza Strip, the GHF - a U.S. and Israeli-backed aid mechanism - was, in late May, permitted to initiate food delivery with the assistance of the Israel Defense Force (IDF) as a means to ensure food trucks were not overrun and ransacked by the Hamas terrorist group. The GHF, which has faced stiff backlash for its divergence from traditional humanitarian assistance methods, has argued that its convoys have been far better secured from Hamas attacks than United Nations' delivery trucks, and therefore ensured the aid has actually ended up in the hands of Palestinian civilians. Hamas has long used humanitarian assistance as a means of control over Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and as a tool for recruitment, going so far as to threaten starving civilians from accepting GHF food aid for their families in late May, telling them they "will pay the price, and we will take the necessary measures."The GHF has delivered some 70 million meals to between 800,000 and 1 million Palestinians, Moore confirmed. But reports have repeatedly surfaced claiming that Palestinians flocking to the four distribution sites have faced insurmountable dangers and on Friday the U.N. Human Rights Office said it believed nearly 800 people had been killed near aid sites. US-BACKED GAZA AID GROUP LAUNCHES BOLD NEW SYSTEM TO DELIVER FOOD DIRECTLY TO FAMILIES The office based in Geneva said it had recorded some 615 people were killed in the vicinity of GHF sites and 183 near other aid convoys, and according to spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, the majority of these deaths were caused by "gunshot injuries."The U.N. did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's questions about whether it was the IDF or Hamas that was on the firing end of the gun, and whether these deaths occurred as a direct result of civilians seeking aid, chaotic eruptions that ensued outside of distribution centers, or if these were deaths occurred amid the continued war as civilians were in the process of heading to distributions centers. The IDF earlier this month said that following an investigation into civilian casualties reported at aid distribution sites, it had issued new orders to its South Command based on "lessons learned."The GHF this week announced a second phase in its aid delivery system that could lower the threats civilians face when seeking aid, by distributing supplies directly through community leaders across Gaza - meaning there could be less travel involved for civilians in need.But the GHF also fervently rejects the U.N. death toll figures and Moore maintains that no deaths have occurred on or near their distribution sites."The U.N. is lying. They're just lying. They're taking statistics that originate from the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, and they're sharing those statistics without any scrutiny at all," Moore told Fox News Digital. ISRAEL RELEASES CONVERSATIONS WITH GAZA RESIDENTS AMID CRITICISMS OF AID DELIVERY SYSTEM "We know Hamas has routinely lied about civilian death numbers from the beginning of this conflict. We know that Hamas doesn't distinguish between the death of Hamas militants and between civilians, and...we know that from the very beginning of the operation of GHF, Hamas made an intentional decision that the best way to see the end of GHF was to say that our sites were these death traps," he added.The U.N., on the other hand, maintains that it vets its own informants and obtains evidence through "various reliable sources, including medical, human rights and humanitarian organizations."But critics of the U.N. continue to question its trustworthiness following the apparent discovery of at least nine employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), who were reportedly involved in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, which saw the death of some 1,200 Israelis and the abductions of another 250 - 50 of whom remain hostage. Though Philippe Lazzarini , UNRWA Commissioner-General, terminated those employees in October 2024, there remains open hostility between the U.N. agency and Israel, and now the GHF.Lazzarini, along with more than 200 other humanitarian organizations, has also personally called for the removal of the GHF from the Gaza Strip.Moore accused the U.N. of employing "mafia"-like tactics by ganging up on the aid program despite the success it has seen by supplying millions of meals. COULD PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTORS BE THE 'DAY AFTER' SOLUTION IN GAZA? "We want to work with these organizations, but instead of engaging with us, what they've been doing is they've been working behind the scenes to sabotage us," Moore said. "There's no other way to describe it. The U.N. is behaving like a mafia."While the U.N. has not officially called for the removal of the GHF, it has criticized the organization's "militarized" approach to delivering aid, which is not viewed as acceptable by the Sphere Association , which sets the international standards for humanitarian aid.Both the GHF and the U.N. have said more aid is not only needed, but it would help eliminate the intense security risks affiliated with obtaining humanitarian supplies. "I have been very clear that the U.N. cannot do humanitarian work alone in Gaza, we need partners," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told Fox News Digital. "All that we ask is that these partners operate under the globally accepted humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence."Though both sides ultimately have the same goal, there appears to be an increasing impasse over how to provide stable aid for Palestinians who continue to live in extremely dire situations."My mission, and the mission of GHF is really, really simple. It's just to feed people. And it should not be as controversial as it has been," Moore said. "My interest has always been in the in the 'day after'. We have to do both.""We have to plan for the 'day after', and we have to address the emergency, and it's time for the United Nations to stop playing political games," he continued. "We can solve the problems together."But we have to make the decision to work together. GHF has already made that decision, and we've reiterated again and again and again that we want to work with the international community to reach these people. The decision is now theirs, and we'll be here waiting, our hand extended," Moore said.

Russia's Lavrov warns US against 'exploiting' alliances as he meets with Kim Jong Un in North Korea
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed Russia and North Korea's "invincible fighting brotherhood" and warned the U.S., Japan and South Korea against forming an antagonistic alliance during a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Wonsan, North Korea, Saturday, according to the Russian foreign ministry. "We warn against exploiting these ties to build alliances directed against anyone, including North Korea and, of course, Russia," Lavrov said, according to Russia's state Tass news agency.Russia and North Korea have bolstered their ties over the last few years, with North Korea providing troops and munitions to Russia in support of the war in Ukraine and Russia providing military and economic assistance to the closed-off dictatorship. Russian President Vladimir Putin also visited North Korea last year. RUSSIA GIVES RUBIO A 'NEW AND DIFFERENT APPROACH' AS TRUMP PUSHES FOR PEACE WITH UKRAINE The U.S., South Korea and Japan have been expanding or restoring their trilateral military exercises in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear program. On Friday, the three countries held a joint air drill involving U.S. nuclear-capable bombers near the Korean Peninsula, and their top military officers met in Seoul and urged North Korea to cease all unlawful activities that threaten regional security.North Korea may deploy more troops this summer, according to South Korean intelligence. Lavrov called the meeting a continuation of the countries' "strategic dialogue" and said he hoped for more direct meetings in the future. "We exchanged views on the situation surrounding the Ukrainian crisis. ... Our Korean friends confirmed their firm support for all the objectives of the special military operation, as well as for the actions of the Russian leadership and armed forces," TASS quoted Lavrov as saying.Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said more Russian delegations would visit North Korea later in the year, TASS reported. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Lavrov is next scheduled to travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting early next week. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

'Peacemaker' Trump can end Africa's biggest war, former White House advisor says
Fresh from the success of bringing peace to one African conflict, President Donald Trump and his administration are "uniquely positioned" to end the continent's other major war in Sudan, according to a leading analyst.President Trump got the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to the White House June 27 to sign a peace deal to end their 30-year war.Cameron Hudson, a former senior official on Africa in the George W. Bush administration, exclusively told Fox News Digital Trump's actions on brokering peace in Africa have been "refreshing" and that U.S. involvement in Sudan is essential. TRUMP AND RUBIO SECURE RWANDA-CONGO PEACE TREATY AMID PAKISTAN'S NOBEL PRIZE NOMINATION Sudan is often called the forgotten war. An estimated 150,000 have been killed. On Friday, a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital a staggering 14.2 million have been displaced since the government and the rebel Rapid Support Forces started the current civil war in April 2023. The spokesperson added "over 30 million people (are) in need of humanitarian assistance, (and) more than 630,000 individuals (are) experiencing catastrophic food insecurity. The suffering in Sudan demonstrates the importance of a swift and durable negotiated end to the conflict."At a U.N. Security Council briefing Thursday, Ambassador Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. representative, said, "By many measures, the conflict in Sudan is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. We call on Sudan's warring parties to cease hostilities, allow unhindered humanitarian access to all parts of the country and protect civilians."Shea added, "The United States calls for accountability for the Rapid Support Forces for the genocide in Sudan, where they have murdered men and boys, even infants on an ethnic basis, targeted fleeing civilians and committed acts of brutal sexual violence against women and girls of other ethnic groups."The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), declared aid convoys are being targeted, hospitals bombed and food and water deliberately withheld. RSF rebels reportedly have encircled the city and camps of El Fasher in Darfur and effectively put the area under siege.Hudson, also a former State Department advisor, told Fox News Digital it's the moment for President Trump to make his move because he "is rapidly staking out a position for himself as a peacemaker in the world, and this message resonates deeply with African leaders and their publics."To the degree that Trump has continued to frame his personal diplomacy in terms of peace, that has been well received. Closer to home, his prioritization of peace in the Congo-Rwanda dispute is seen as genuine. BIDEN ADMIN SLAMMED FOR 'WAITING' TO DECLARE GENOCIDE IN SUDAN "Africans, by and large, don't begrudge the president for also having an agenda to secure critical minerals. I think they see his transparency and transactionalism as refreshing from a U.S. president. Washington has a tendency of speaking about our values but pursuing our interests in a contradictory fashion. For Trump, they see his interests as his values."Looking back at the tsunami of words but lack of definitive action from the previous administration, Hudson added, "If you look at the facts on the ground in Sudan today, this might be the last moment we have to try to walk the country back from the brink of collapse. U.S. involvement now is essential, not just for regional stability but for ensuring the U.S.'s own long-term security interests."A failed state of 50 million people on the shores of the Red Sea will disrupt an essential lane of commercial navigation, destabilize partners across the Gulf and send waves of migrants streaming into Europe and Africa. None of this serves Washington's interests."Ambassador Shea said at this week's Security Council briefing the U.S. believes "external support to the warring (Sudanese) parties only serves to prolong the conflict and must cease."Hudson said the U.S. could - and should - end that support."The Trump administration is uniquely positioned to make a difference in Sudan," Hudson said. "The principal backers to the sides in the war - Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey - are all U.S. allies. where President Trump has cultivated close ties and deep influence. He is in a position to help these countries settle their differences and forge a consensus on ending their support for the war. It will take some dedicated diplomacy, but that is the message that he is trying to send, that he is a peacemaker.""The United States remains focused on working with our partners to resolve the crisis in Sudan," the State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital Friday. "We support the restoration of civilian governance in a peaceful, unified Sudan. We continue to engage with key regional and other partners to urge the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to cease hostilities, allow unhindered humanitarian access to all parts of the country, protect civilians and take steps toward a negotiated peace through inclusive dialogue."

Woman found guilty in mushroom murder mystery that left three family members dead after meal
A woman who poisoned four family members, killing three of them, is facing life in prison after a jury found her guilty of murder-by-mushrooms. Erin Patterson invited her estranged husband's mother, father, aunt and uncle to lunch at her home in the southern state of Victoria in Australia in July 2023 and served them beef Wellington made with death cap mushrooms . Patterson, aged 50, told police she must have included the deadly fungi in her recipe by accident. But the trial proved she had lied and tried to hide evidence of her culinary crime by disposing of incriminating evidence. During the 10-week trial, which dominated headlines Down Under, the jury heard how Patterson had invited the family for lunch under the pretext of revealing a cancer diagnosis. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FDA'S PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING WARNING Estranged husband Simon decided at the last minute not to attend, and Patterson was originally also accused of his attempted murder, although she never faced those charges in court. Google searches for beef Wellington recipes have soared in Australia over the last few months, as the trial captivated the country. During Patterson's trial, the jury saw pictures of the leftover beef Wellington and heard how family members had gotten sick and gone to the local hospital, where mushroom poisoning was quickly diagnosed. They also heard from the sole survivor, her estranged husband's uncle Ian Wilkinson, who testified that Erin had served them beef Wellington with green beans and mashed potatoes in individual portions, but served herself on a different plate. No traces of the deadly mushrooms were found in her system, and she told police that she was bulimic and had vomited after eating the food. A doctor who treated the poisoning victims says he had taken one look at her and known something was wrong. In an interview with Australia's ABC News, Doctor Chris Webster said he had asked Erin Patterson where she had gotten the mushrooms. COUPLE CHARGED IN ALLEGED CYANIDE PLOT TO KILL EX-GIRLFRIENDS; AGENTS HOSPITALIZED DURING SEARCH "When she didn't respond in a way that instantly would have explained it as a tragic accident, that's it, from that moment in my mind, she was guilty," he said. "She was evil and very smart to have planned it all and carried it out, but didn't quite dot every 'i' and cross every 't.'"Although prosecutors couldn't find a specific motive for the murders, Australian media outlets have reported that Erin, who had worked as an accountant and also an air traffic controller, had resented her ex-husband, Simon, for not doing his share of household chores. In messages to online friends, the triple-murderer said she had had to hire a cleaner because of Simon's refusal to help out around the house. The couple have two children together. Prosecutors untangled her web of lies about the poisonings, including her claims that she had never been foraging for mushrooms, and that she didn't own a food dehydrator. The kitchen appliance was later found at a nearby landfill site, where Erin had taken it to try and dispose of evidence. Police found death cap mushroom residue inside. Patterson's legal team has 28 days to appeal the conviction. If there is no appeal, she will likely be sentenced in August and faces life behind bars.

Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?
As President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, the question of who could govern Gaza if Hamas loses power is one increasingly being discussed. Among the emerging options are local clans and militia leaders. One of those mentioned is Yaser Abu Shabab. Once jailed by Hamas on charges of theft and corruption, he now commands groups of armed men in Gaza's Rafah who patrol and protect aid convoys while openly challenging Hamas's power . "We are not a militia," he insisted in an interview with Israeli outlet Ynet. "Call us counter-terror forces. Our goal is to protect Palestinian human rights from Hamas terrorism."Abu Shabab's group, known as the "Popular Forces," began forming in early 2024 after the IDF entered Rafah, and Hamas lost control of the area. Allegedly under Israeli protection, his men now escort aid trucks, distribute supplies, and assert control over parts of eastern Rafah. AFTER SETBACK TO IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM, TRUMP EXPECTED TO LEVERAGE MILITARY SUPPORT IN NETANYAHU MEETING For Israel, Abu Shabab represents a test case. Can homegrown actors replace Hamas in Gaza - one enclave at a time?Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, told Fox News Digital, "Emerging enclaves like Abu Shabab's could become building blocks of a post-Hamas order. Whether they develop into territories of self-rule or are later folded into a larger governing authority, they are a necessary part of what's to come."He also dismissed claims that Abu Shabab has ties to ISIS. "That's disinformation pushed by Hamas and repeated in the West," Braude said. "His cousins in Sinai are helping Egypt fight ISIS. He's not part of that world."But others see Abu Shabab's emergence as a troubling echo of past Israeli miscalculations.Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University, told Fox News Digital: "This is a bizarre gang. No ideology, no legitimacy - just a criminal group under Israeli protection." HAMAS 'SERIOUS' ABOUT REACHING CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT BUT INSISTS ON LONG-STANDING DEMANDS Milshtein claimed Israel's support for the group includes captured Hamas weapons and coordination from Palestinian officers based in Ramallah. "Hamas even fired RPGs at them during the ceasefire," he said. "And Israel responded by striking Hamas. It's clear they're being protected."Abu Shabab, who belongs to the influential Tarabin Bedouin clan, says his resistance began when he saw Hamas diverting humanitarian aid. "I started seizing trucks and handing out food," he told Ynet. "I became a wanted man by Hamas, but I fed children. My conscience is clear."Inside Gaza, reactions are mixed. Some locals reportedly follow Abu Shabab because they fear Hamas more than they trust him. Others, like political analyst Mkhaimar Abusada, claim his support is shallow."He's been disowned by his own tribe," Abusada claimed, currently a visiting scholar at Northwestern University. "The Tarabin see him as a collaborator. If Israel leaves Gaza, Abu Shabab will vanish - or be hunted down by Hamas."In his Ynet interview , Abu Shabab said, "We will not leave the Gaza Strip and will continue to fight Hamas until the last one is dead," and added that his group supports the return of Israeli hostages. "Hamas calls me a thief, a traitor, even ISIS - all to scare people. But they're the ones who killed children, like the Bibas family. They live in tunnels. We lost everything."In his interview on Sunday, Abu Shabab denied any connection with Israel. "We are people of peace and brotherhood and do not want wars," he emphasized. "Our connection is with the Palestinian Authority - that's all."Still, Milshtein sees the project as short-sighted. "There's no strategy here ," he said. "Just tactical improvisation. The same people who failed to prevent October 7 are now betting on someone like Abu Shabab. It's delusion - and it's dangerous."Braude said Abu Shabab is no ideologue. "He's a fighter, not a politician," he said. "But if someone like him can hold territory while professionals within it build a civil administration, then that's a meaningful precedent."Fox News Digital reached out to the IDF and Israeli government for comment on allegations it was funding and protecting Abu Shabab and his militia.

17-year-old British teen dies after beach sand tunnel collapses during family vacation: report
A day at the beach turned tragic when a 17-year-old boy was killed after a sand tunnel he was digging abruptly collapsed, burying him alive.The teen, identified as Riccardo Boni by several Italian media outlets, was vacationing in Montalto di Castro, Italy, with his family when the incident occurred on Thursday, July 10.Boni's family was staying at a resort in Montalto di Castro, approximately 70 miles north of Rome. The collapse happened around 3:00 p.m. local time while he was on the beach with his father and siblings.According to local outlet Corriere della Sera , Riccardo Boni and his younger siblings had moved closer to the shoreline, where they began digging a large hole that was reportedly nearly five feet deep, in a more secluded area of the beach. Meanwhile, their father was nearby, dozing off under a beach umbrella. FATHER AND SON DROWN IN LAKE MICHIGAN DURING WEEKEND FAMILY BOATING TRIP TRAGEDY Suddenly, the walls of the tunnel gave way, trapping the teen beneath the sand, the outlet reported. The boy remained buried until his father woke up and realized his oldest son was missing. One of his brothers cried out, "Riccardo is under the sand," according to The Sun . The siblings pointed to the location of the collapsed tunnel, prompting their father and nearby beachgoers to rush over and frantically dig in search of him. FREAK ACCIDENT AT THE BEACH SENDS TEEN TO ICU AS MOM WARNS OF WATERFRONT DANGER Tragically, the boy was found buried in the sand, unresponsive and showing no signs of life. First responders arrived within minutes, including an air ambulance, working to revive him, but it was too late, and the boy could not be saved, the outlet reported. "No-one realized what had happened," Lieutenant Daniele Tramontana, the Carabiniere officer leading the police investigation, told The Sun. AMERICAN TOURIST REPORTEDLY IMPALED ON ROME'S COLOSSEUM FENCE AS DOZENS WATCH IN HORROR "They lost a lot of time because they couldn't see him. When they realized he was missing they began to look for him but it was too late," he continued. A witness on the beach told Corriere della Serra that "no one on the beach had heard the teenager screaming because he was completely buried within minutes." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP A police investigation has since been opened "against persons unknown" in connection with the fatal accident, the outlet added, as authorities consider whether an autopsy will be required."I have spoken to colleagues, and we have never heard of anything like this happening before in Italy," Tramontana said. "We deal with terrible situations all the time, but we can't imagine how a game on the beach ended up this way."

As US-backed group delivers 70 million meals, UN and NGOs fight to discredit Gaza aid rival
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), with support from the U.S. and Israel , has distributed some 70 million meals to Gazans since May. But its aid distribution system has been under consistent attack from Hamas and from some unlikely quarters - the world's leading aid groups.Earlier this month, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called for the "end to the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) since it provides nothing but starvation and gunfire to the people of Gaza." He went on to call it an "abomination."His statement noted that 230 NGOs, including Amnesty International, Oxfam International, Norwegian Refugee Council and Save the Children signed their names to an open letter criticizing GHF while urging a return to the U.N.-led aid distribution model. US-BACKED GAZA AID GROUP LAUNCHES BOLD NEW SYSTEM TO DELIVER FOOD DIRECTLY TO FAMILIES Critics say UNRWA's ties to Hamas have put its very existence at risk, especially given the success of the GHF operation.Gerald Steinberg, the founder and president of NGO Monitor, told Fox News Digital these groups include "anti-Israel superpowers" with "massive PR budgets and dedicated staffs and are able to promote their attacks on GHF widely."Steinberg claimed that GHF has already demonstrated "that aid to Gaza can be provided without relying on the old corrupt billion-dollar aid industry led by U.N. agencies like UNRWA and the NGOs that are allied with Hamas." Steinberg said the number of signatories to the letter has grown to more than 230 as the "powerful NGO network is fighting back and making false accusations in an all-out political effort to force Israel and other donors to end the GHF operation." AMERICAN VETERANS ATTACKED, INJURED WHILE DISTRIBUTING AID IN GAZA WITH US-BACKED GROUP GHF interim Executive Director John Acree said he has no enmity for the NGO signatories of the letter."They write papers and letters and sign documents, and yet we're doing it," Acree said. He implored the groups to "please, come. Come and help us."Acree says GHF reached out to other aid groups "daily" to ask for support. In some cases, humanitarian workers have entered discussions that "we're hoping will eventually lead to partnerships and implementation."Since May, GHF has faced numerous criticisms about its operations, including accusations that Gazans have been killed and injured at distribution sites. In response to Fox News Digital's questions about Lazzarini's remarks, an UNRWA spokesperson emphasized that "UNRWA, like the rest of the U.N., has repeatedly condemned the current aid distribution system in Gaza," which it says "is costing more lives than it saves."UNRWA alleged that "800 starving people have been reported killed since this scheme started operating on the 28th of May," adding that "instead of 'orderly food distribution,' this system brings dehumanization, chaos and death."Lazzarini once again went on X to condemn the U.S.-backed aid mechanism, claiming that "a functioning system was replaced with a deadly scam to force the displacement of people+ deepen the collective punishment of the Palestinians in Gaza." AMERICAN VICTIMS OF TERRORISM COULD SOON SUE INTERNATIONAL ORGS IF CRUZ'S BILL PASSES GHF released a statement Friday as the war of words continued. "These false and misleading stats come directly from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry," the statement said. "The U.N.'s reliance and coordination with a terrorist organization to falsely smear our effort is not only disturbing but should be investigated by the international community." Hamas has responded violently to GHF's arrival on the aid scene. Acree said that GHF's operation "is going against [Hamas'] system of stealing foreign aid, of controlling the market prices, of basically robbing the Palestinians that live in Gaza of their livelihoods and their economic welfare, and we're breaking that." So far, 12 Palestinian GHF staff members have been killed and possibly submitted to "summary execution" on June 11. On July 5, two "highly decorated" U.S. veterans working with GHF were harmed in a grenade attack at a GHF distribution site.Acree said that GHF is evolving. The organization "did not expect the desperation" it encountered. "We've been told by the Gazans this is the first time they've ever received free aid or food, and they've had to pay for it up til now," he said. To counter that desperation, Acree said that GHF is "taking measures now to help tap that tension and to help them understand that we're there to help and relieve that hunger." He said the group still needs "more aid. We still need a lot more help," which includes partnerships with the U.N. and NGOs. The U.S. Agency for Infrastructure and Development has given $30 million to the GHF . Two sources who spoke to Reuters said the U.S. may approve $30 million per month in grants to the GHF in the future.

Trump reveals NATO sale to boost arms to Ukraine as Putin launches overnight maternity hospital strike
President Donald Trump on Thursday night revealed a new NATO deal reached during last month's summit that would allow U.S. arms to flow to Ukraine through allied nations - an agreement reached at last month's summit. "We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%," Trump said in a phone interview with NBC News. "So what we're doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and NATO is paying for those weapons."We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons," he added. RUSSIA GIVES RUBIO A 'NEW AND DIFFERENT APPROACH' AS TRUMP PUSHES FOR PEACE WITH UKRAINE Trump did not detail which weapons were included in the sales or which countries were involved in the deal - though his comments come as European leaders signal they were prepared to purchase U.S. arms for Ukraine. Earlier this month, after the Pentagon issued a pause on some previously pledged defensive aid slated for Kyiv, reports surfaced suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had begun looking for new ways to acquire the arms his nation desperately needed.On Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also told the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome that Berlin is "prepared to purchase additional Patriot systems from the U.S. to make them available to Ukraine."Trump told reporters this week that he did not approve the Pentagon's aid halt, which apparently had been done over stockpile concerns, and defensive arms have reportedly resumed transfer to Ukraine . RUSSIA SANCTIONS BILL GAINS STEAM AS WHITE HOUSE APPEARS TO CHANGE TONE ON PUTIN Trump has increasingly voiced his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his refusal to end his war in Ukraine as Russia's assault continues to escalate in intensity and frequency, including in a series of overnight strikes that killed nine and injured 42 others across Ukraine and hit a maternity hospital."Women in labor with children, women after surgery. Fortunately, there were no children among the victims. Russia targets life. Even where it is just beginning," Zelenskyy said.No one is believed to have been killed in the maternity hospital strike.Trump, who told NBC News that he plans to make a "major statement" on Russia come Monday, was asked on Friday about the strike that targeted the maternity hospital, to which he said simply, "You'll be seeing things happening."Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Thursday from the sidelines of an international conference in Malaysia that, following a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, he would be presenting Trump with a "new and different" approach to ending the war.Rubio did not expand on what this new approach entailed. The secretary was seen approaching Lavrov again on Friday, but when asked about it by reporters, he offered no details and said it was regarding an "unrelated" matter.

Missing teen surfer found alive on remote island miles from shore: 'Didn't give up hope'
A surfer who went missing after paddling out in the ocean Wednesday afternoon was located the next day on a remote island roughly 8 miles from where his bicycle and clothes were found at a beach access point in New South Wales, Australia .The New South Wales Police Force said in a news release Thursday morning the 19-year-old man, later identified as surfer Darcy Deefholts, had been located after being swept away and going missing the day before.Police said Deefholts left his home in Wooli on a bicycle at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday toward Wooli Beach.After failing to return home, concerned family members contacted police, and a search on land and sea commenced around Wooli Beach. AT LEAST 2 DEAD, 43 MISSING AFTER FERRY SINKS NEAR BALI The next morning, Deefholts was located safely on a small island called North Solitary, about 8 miles southeast of Wooli Beach.The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported Darcy's father, Terry Deefholts, could not believe the news Darcy had been found at about 9 a.m. Thursday."It's kind of surreal. I was at the point of thinking the absolute worst," Terry Deefholts told the station. "I didn't give up hope, but, jeez, I was close."Earlier in the day, the teenager was seen riding his bike around town and fishing at the Wooli breakwall.Family members became concerned Wednesday night after Darcy's clothes and bicycle were located at a beach access point in Wooli, just east of Grafton. AMERICAN TOURIST VANISHES IN TROPICAL PARADISE AFTER EARLY MORNING WALK FROM VACATION RENTAL Melissa Smith, a family member, told the station Darcy likely went out too far on his surfboard and could not get back to shore. "He's a survivor, a strong boy. He would have known that was a safe place, I guess," she said.ABC reported that family members believed Darcy had a Malibu surfboard with him, though his smartwatch and cellphone were left at home in Wooli.Search efforts continued through about 1 a.m. Thursday and commenced at first light. FREAK ACCIDENT AT THE BEACH SENDS TEEN TO ICU AS MOM WARNS OF WATERFRONT DANGER Thursday morning's efforts included six private vessels and a Marine Rescue team, though what was puzzling to some was how calm the sea conditions were and the small amount of wind and swell."There is a fair bit of current running north to south further out, so I suspect he has ended up in [a] current and drifted south," Marine Rescue skipper Matthew McLennan told ABC.Later that morning, one of the search crews found Darcy and reported that he was cold and suffering from exposure, though he was not injured.Darcy was transported to a nearby hospital after returning to shore.A spokesperson from the local health district in Northern New South Wales said in a statement obtained by the station that Darcy was in stable condition and "in good spirits and being supported by family."

Young crewmember murdered aboard luxury superyacht in paradise destination
A 20-year-old South African woman was found dead aboard a luxury superyacht in the Bahamas , and a fellow crewmember has reportedly been charged in connection with her murder.The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) said the woman was discovered dead with visible injuries in the engine room of the vessel on July 3, while it was docked at a marina off Harbour Island. Paige Bell, a stewardess from Johannesburg, was identified as the victim by her family on social media.Authorities said Bell was reported missing shortly before 1:00 p.m. When officers arrived at the scene, they found her unresponsive, along with a 39-year-old man who was "suffering from severe injuries to his arms," which police believe were the result of a suicide attempt.

A local doctor pronounced Bell dead on board, according to the RBPF statement posted publicly on July 3.

TOURIST WHO MISSED NORWEGIAN CRUISE SHIP DISCOVERED DEAD ON MOUNTAIN TRAIL IN ALASKA The man was later identified in court as Brigido Muñoz, a Mexican national and engineer aboard the vessel, according to Our News Bahamas . Police said Muñoz was taken into custody, treated at a medical clinic, and charged with murder on Wednesday, July 9, in Magistrate Court in Nassau. He was denied bail and is scheduled to return to court on November 20, the outlet reported."This evening, Mom and Dad... are flying to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home, but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life," her sister Chelsey wrote in a public post shared on Facebook on Sunday.In a separate family statement, Bell's relatives confirmed her identity and described her death as "brutal."

COLLEGE SENIOR KILLED AFTER 'ACCIDENTALLY' FALLING FROM TROPICAL ISLAND HOTEL BALCONY DAYS BEFORE GRADUATION "It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beautiful Paigey's life was brutally taken from us," the family said on July 4. "We will leave no stone unturned until the guilty is brought to justice."Harbour Island, where the yacht was docked at the time of the incident, is a small but exclusive destination about 60 miles east of Nassau, known for attracting celebrity visitors and superyachts.Bell had previously worked on the motor yacht Sweet Emocean, where former crewmates described her as "more than a teammate - she was family."A GoFundMe page created by colleagues and friends has raised more than $42,000 to assist the Bell family with travel and legal costs as well as to retrieve her body. According to the fundraiser, Bell would have turned 21 on July 14. In her honor, her mother has asked supporters to eat red velvet cake, Paige's favorite, and share a photo in remembrance.The RBPF said the murder investigation remains active, and authorities have not released a potential motive.

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The Royal Bahamas Police Force did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Trump's push for Israel-Syria peace gets major backing as activist brings message to Jerusalem
FIRST ON FOX - In a rare appearance at Israel's parliament this week, Syrian political activist Shadi Martini shared a message from Damascus - one he says came directly from Syria's transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa ."We have an opportunity like this only once in a hundred years," Martini quoted al-Sharaa as saying in a recent meeting held in the presidential palace. "The window will not remain open forever."In an interview with Fox News Digital, Martini, the CEO of Multifaith Alliance and longtime advocate for humanitarian cooperation between Syrians and Israelis, said the conversation with al-Sharaa focused on potential normalization and regional security - but also revealed points of friction.He also confirmed that President al-Sharaa knew his message might be conveyed in Israel. "It wasn't off the record. It was honest and accurate - and the message was, 'Act now.'" WHY SYRIA PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN TRUMP'S PLANS FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE "We talked a lot about Israel," Martini said of the Damascus meeting, which occurred just after Eid al-Adha in June and days before renewed Israeli airstrikes inside Syria . "There was a lot of concern about Israeli incursions in Syrian territory. And the president made clear - how can we talk about a peace deal while that continues?"Still, Martini emerged from the discussion hopeful. "I definitely felt there was an opportunity," he said. "It's not just about al-Sharaa personally wanting this - there's growing recognition across Syria that if we want investment, if we want prosperity, if we want stability, something has to change."That same message was delivered this week to Israeli lawmakers at a first-of-its-kind regional security caucus committee meeting led by members of the Knesset. Martini, once the director of a hospital in Aleppo who escaped to the U.S. when the war in Syria broke out in 2012, addressed the body alongside a Saudi analyst and Israeli officials, signaling what he called a "historic" moment. TRUMP SIGNS ORDER LIFTING SANCTIONS ON SYRIA "Syria is watching Saudi Arabia closely," he said, referencing Riyadh's signals of openness to ties with Israel under certain conditions. "Both countries are looking at the economic opportunity - what President Donald Trump is offering for the region - and wondering if Israel will seize it. Because if not, that prosperity might bypass."Speculation about a potential U.S.-brokered agreement between Syria and Israel has been circulating in the media this week, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met twice with President Trump at the White House.Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, told Fox News Digital, "President Trump welcomes any effort toward a greater peace in the Middle East and around the world." When asked Wednesday morning by FOX Business Global Markets Editor and anchor Maria Bartiromo on "Mornings with Maria" whether he is currently working on a non-aggression pact with Syria, Netanyahu responded carefully: "I think there are opportunities now," he said. "You remember President Wilson used to say, 'I believe in open covenants openly arrived at.' I have a slight variation: I believe in open covenants secretly arrived at. TRUMP ASKS SYRIA TO JOIN ABRAHAM ACCORDS, NORMALIZE TIES WITH ISRAEL IN RETURN FOR SANCTIONS RELIEF "So whatever we can do in diplomacy, I think we should do discreetly - and then surprise people. We worked for three years on the Abraham Accords , and then all of a sudden we surprised people with four peace treaties. And I think more are coming."Martini stressed that al-Sharra said some issues remain unresolved. "There's Gaza, there's the need for a ceasefire, and a pathway to a Palestinian state," he said. "And from Syria's side, there's the issue of the Golan Heights. But the first and most important step is returning to the 1974 armistice line."Martini acknowledged that calls for peace with Israel remain controversial in Damascus. "But more Syrians now understand this is what Syria needs."According to Martini, Israeli lawmakers responded positively. "I felt they were genuinely listening," he said. "And I hope that having a message come directly from Syria will help clarify things."

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