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Israel and Lebanon Agree to 10‑Day Ceasefire as Trump Announces Breakthrough

  Israel and Lebanon Reach 10‑Day Ceasefire Following Trump Announcement Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10‑day ceasefire set to begin at 5 p.m. EST, according to U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the truce followed “excellent conversations” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.  The ceasefire comes after more than six weeks of intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran‑backed armed group operating in southern Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon and displaced more than a million residents, while Israel has maintained a 10‑kilometre security zone in southern Lebanon. Trump stated that both leaders agreed to begin the truce to pursue peace, adding that he plans to invite them to the White House for the first direct talks between the two countries since 1983. Lebanese officials have welcomed the ceasefire, though Hezbollah has said its adherence depends on Israel halting all attacks....

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Trump Slaps Brazil with 50% Tariffs Amid Bolsonaro Trial Controversy

President Donald Trump speaks during a lunch with African leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports, citing what he called a “witch hunt” trial against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, mark the highest rate imposed by Trump in his recent wave of trade measures targeting over 20 countries. In a letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump condemned the prosecution of Bolsonaro—who faces charges related to an alleged coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat—as an “international disgrace”.

“This Trial should not be taking place,” Trump wrote. “It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!”

Trump also accused Brazil of unfair trade practices and censorship of U.S. social media platforms, referencing a Brazilian Supreme Court ruling that holds tech companies accountable for user content. Despite the U.S. running a trade surplus with Brazil, Trump claimed the tariffs were necessary to correct “grave injustices” and restore a “level playing field”.

President Lula responded firmly, invoking Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law, which allows for proportional countermeasures. “Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being lectured by anyone,” Lula stated.

The move has sparked concern across industries, with analysts warning of potential price hikes on key imports like coffee, orange juice, and steel. As Bolsonaro’s trial continues, the geopolitical ripple effects of Trump’s tariff diplomacy are only beginning to unfold.

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