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Hamas wants written guarantee from U.S. for permanent ceasefire in hostage deal

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Hamas is demanding written guarantees from the United States for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip as conditions to agree to a US-backed Israeli truce and hostage deal proposal, according to two Egyptian security sources.

The mediation efforts led by Qatar and Egypt revealed on Tuesday that Hamas had responded to the phased ceasefire plan, which aims to end the eight-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, though specific details were not disclosed.

This plan, publicized by US President Joe Biden in late May, outlines a gradual process. It includes the phased release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza, along with the return of the remains of deceased hostages in a third phase.

While the United States has indicated that Israel has accepted the proposal, Israel has not made any public statements confirming this.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that Hamas is concerned about the lack of explicit guarantees regarding the transition between the phases of the plan. The initial phase involves a six-week truce and the release of some hostages, while the second phase includes a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The Egyptian sources stated that Hamas would only agree to the plan if these guarantees are provided, and Egypt is currently in discussions with the US to address this demand.

“Hamas wants reassurances of an automatic transition from one phase to another as per the agreement laid out by President Biden,” a third source with knowledge of the talks said.

Neither Hamas nor Egyptian authorities have responded to requests for comment.

When announcing the plan, President Biden mentioned that if negotiations for the second phase took longer than six weeks, the ceasefire would continue until those negotiations concluded.

Hamas described its response to the proposal as “positive,” suggesting it opened a “wide pathway” towards reaching an agreement.

However, an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that Hamas had “changed all of the main and most meaningful parameters,” essentially rejecting Biden’s proposal for the hostage release.

A non-Israeli official briefed on the matter, who also requested anonymity, mentioned that Hamas had proposed a new timeline for a permanent ceasefire with Israel and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, including Rafah.

The evolving dynamics of these negotiations underscore the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict, with both sides seeking assurances and conditions that align with their respective interests and security concerns.

SOURCE: TIMES OF ISRAEL

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Federal Judge Grants Trump’s Request to Delay Classified Documents Case

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Federal Judge Aileen Cannon has granted former President Donald Trump’s request to delay certain deadlines in his classified documents case. This decision allows time for prosecutors to review the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity.

Trump’s attorneys submitted a request on Friday asking for permission to file documents to argue that Trump should be immune from prosecution in this case. They proposed a schedule extending through early September, as reported by The Hill.

On Saturday, Cannon ruled that prosecutors and special counsel Jack Smith have until July 18 to respond to Trump’s arguments, according to The New York Times. This ruling follows the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision earlier this month, which stated that Trump is immune from federal prosecution for some official acts taken while in office. However, the justices clarified that this immunity does not extend to unofficial acts.

Trump’s legal team also referenced Justice Clarence Thomas’s opinion in the Supreme Court decision, which questions the authority of special counsel Jack Smith.

In addition to these developments, Cannon has postponed two deadlines in the classified documents case. While this could result in a slight delay, the case continues to progress amid these legal adjustments.

SOURCE: NEW YORK TIMES

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Vending Machines are Now Selling Bullets at Grocery Stores

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Grocery stores in Alabama and Oklahoma have introduced a new way to purchase ammunition through vending machines. These innovative machines, supplied by American Rounds, promise “ammo sales like you’ve never seen before” by revolutionizing the sale of ammunition for handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

The vending machines utilize advanced artificial intelligence technology to verify a buyer’s identification and age. This process involves card scanning and facial recognition software. The buyer simply inserts their photo ID, and the machine scans to match it with the ID card, ensuring that the purchaser meets legal requirements.

In a promotional video, Grant Magers, CEO of American Rounds, explained that the stores were seeking an innovative solution to bring ammo sales directly to their customers. Terry Stanley, COO of Fresh Value in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, expressed his excitement about offering the first ammo kiosk. He emphasized the convenience and positive customer feedback, stating, “We’re always looking for ways to give our customers another reason to come visit our stores. Anything we can do to help them make their shopping trips easier, based on the feedback we’ve gotten from customers today, they are so excited about us having this ammo kiosk.”

The vending machines are currently available at six locations, as listed on the company’s website.

However, the introduction of these machines has sparked some concern. During a briefing of the Tuscaloosa City Council, city council president Kip Tyner raised questions after receiving calls about the ammunition vending machines at Fresh Value. Initially skeptical, Tyner confirmed the machines’ existence and legality with police chief Brent Blankley and other municipal leaders. The city’s police chief and staff reported that the machines are legal and have been vetted by the ATF, as noted by the Tuscaloosa Thread.

This innovative approach to ammunition sales highlights a growing trend of integrating advanced technology to enhance consumer convenience, while also navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and public safety.

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DHS and FBI Issue Warning About Large Fourth of July Events as ‘Attractive’ Targets for

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning on Wednesday regarding potential threats to large Fourth of July celebrations. According to an internal bulletin obtained by ABC News, these events are considered “attractive” targets for lone offenders and small groups with malicious intentions.

The bulletin emphasizes the risk posed by individuals and small groups who might exploit the gatherings for terrorism or other harmful activities. The warning comes as the nation prepares for Independence Day festivities, which traditionally draw large crowds to public spaces.

The FBI and DHS are urging local law enforcement and event organizers to increase vigilance and security measures. The agencies highlight the importance of public awareness and cooperation, encouraging individuals to report any suspicious activities immediately.

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