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Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Ceasefire Talks as Netanyahu Heads to Washington

In a significant diplomatic move, Israel dispatched a delegation to Qatar on Sunday to engage in indirect negotiations with Hamas over a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. The talks come just hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. The Israeli government confirmed the delegation’s departure despite labeling Hamas’s proposed amendments to a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan as “unacceptable.” The plan, which includes a 60-day truce and the staggered release of hostages, has been met with cautious optimism by Hamas, which responded “in a positive spirit” but requested key changes regarding humanitarian aid, Israeli troop withdrawal, and long-term conflict resolution. Public pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to secure a deal, with large demonstrations erupting in Tel Aviv demanding the return of approximately 50 hostages still held in Gaza. Meanwhile, internal divisions persist within Netanyahu’s coalition,...

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Inflation Climb Reinforces Fed’s Cautious Stance as Powell Returns to Capitol

 

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is back on Capitol Hill amid new data showing that inflation in the United States jumped to a 3% annual rate in January—slightly higher than December’s 2.9%. The uptick, driven by rising costs in housing, food, and energy, is prompting concerns that the progress on curbing inflation may be stalling.

In his second day of testimony before Congress, Powell reiterated that the Fed is in no rush to lower interest rates. He emphasized that while the overall economy remains robust, the unexpected surge in consumer prices underscores the need for a “wait-and-see” approach. Lawmakers grilled him on various issues ranging from tariff policies to the safety of bank deposits, but Powell maintained that the current monetary policy framework is appropriate given the mixed economic signals.

Market observers noted that the higher-than-expected inflation data might further delay any future rate cuts, as the Fed continues to weigh the risks of reducing policy restraint too quickly. With Powell’s testimony ongoing, all eyes remain on Capitol Hill as policymakers and investors seek clarity on the future direction of U.S. monetary policy.


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