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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Egypt Proposes Ceasefire Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict

Egypt has stepped forward with a new truce proposal aimed at restoring peace in Gaza, following a surge in violence that has claimed the lives of at least 65 Palestinians in the past 24 hours. The escalation began after Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas, effectively ending a two-month period of relative calm.

The Egyptian plan reportedly includes a phased approach, with Hamas releasing five Israeli hostages each week. In return, Israel would implement the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week. The proposal also outlines a timeline for Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza, backed by U.S. guarantees.

While both Hamas and the U.S. have expressed tentative agreement to the proposal, Israel has yet to respond. The situation remains dire, with nearly 700 Palestinians reported killed since the resumption of hostilities, including many women and children. Humanitarian agencies have raised alarms over the worsening conditions in Gaza, where thousands are displaced and essential supplies are running critically low.

This latest effort by Egypt underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict, as the region faces a mounting humanitarian crisis.

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