Israel, U.S. aim to extend cease-fire while delaying talks to end war

Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Middle East envoy, is returning to the Middle East this week to push for an effort to extend the truce, which is set to expire on Saturday.

A spokesman for Hamas said, “Extending the first phase depends on what is put on the table and the guarantees of the occupation’s commitment.”

Witkoff feels that phase two of this truce is plausible, which could end the war and release the remaining living hostages.

Starbucks to lay off more than 1,0000 employees

Starbucks Chief Executive Brian Niccol plans to streamline operations by “removing corporate layers,” which include 1,100 employees, according the Wall Street Journal. Café workers will reportedly not be affected.

The company’s quarterly sales have continued to decline, which has encouraged this new effort by the company to gain customers back with an old café ambiance, speed up service and the online experience. These layoffs mark the largest in company history, surpassing their previous high, which was around 350 people.

U.S. votes against U.N. resolution condemning Russia for Ukraine war

The U.S. voted against a United Nations resolution that sought to essentially condemn Moscow for the war with Ukraine. The U.N. vote, along with President Trump’s comments, show the new administration’s stance on the conflict and suggests how he is planning to use it as a possible economic development deal with Russia.

Trump also commented on helping taxpayers regain the money lost in the billions sent to defend the Eastern European nation.