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Wall Street Inches Higher as Strong Jobs Report Fuels Rate Cut Hopes

U.S. stock futures nudged upward Thursday morning after the June jobs report revealed stronger-than-expected hiring, reinforcing investor optimism for potential interest rate cuts later this year. The Labor Department reported a gain of 147,000 jobs , surpassing economists’ forecast of 106,000. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.1% , down from 4.3%, signaling continued resilience in the labor market. In response, S&P 500 futures rose modestly , building on Wednesday’s record close. The Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones futures  also edged higher, reflecting cautious optimism ahead of the July Fourth holiday-shortened session. Investors interpreted the data as a sign that the economy remains on solid footing, yet not so strong as to deter the Federal Reserve from considering rate cuts. Market sentiment was further buoyed by easing trade tensions, following the U.S. lifting export restrictions on chip design software to China—a move that sent shares of Synopsys  and Cadence Design Sys...
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Hamas Seeks Assurances as Ceasefire Talks Intensify Amid Gaza Bloodshed

As diplomatic efforts to end the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza gain momentum, Hamas has demanded firm guarantees that a proposed U.S.-backed ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to hostilities. The group’s insistence comes as Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 59 people across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including civilians sheltering in schools and those queuing for humanitarian aid.

The proposed 60-day truce, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. While Israel has signaled readiness to move forward, Hamas remains cautious, seeking international assurances that negotiations during the ceasefire will culminate in a full cessation of the war.

Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working to bridge the remaining gaps, with Israel expecting a formal response from Hamas by Friday. If accepted, indirect talks could resume immediately to finalize the deal.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 57,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Israel maintains it will not end the war until Hamas is disarmed and removed from power, while Hamas insists it will not surrender but is open to releasing all hostages if the war ends.

The coming days may prove pivotal in determining whether this latest diplomatic push can finally bring relief to a region long engulfed in violence.

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