Oct 25, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace framework recently backed by US President Donald Trump. Speaking to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that Israeli troops "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and vowed to continue neutralizing security threats.

The stance highlights growing friction between Jerusalem and Washington, despite recent US diplomatic pressure leading to a reduction in major Israeli offensive operations. Netanyahu's announcement comes amid heightened political pressure ahead of Israel's general election on 27 October, as he balances demands from far-right coalition members against relations with Washington. Hamas had previously accepted the proposed framework in late July.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.

China’s ruling Communist Party has convened its fifth plenum in Beijing, bringing together hundreds of senior officials for a closed-door meeting scheduled from October 26 to 29. Unlike traditional fifth plenums, which typically prioritize economic planning and long-term financial strategies, this year's gathering is expected to center primarily on political discipline, ideological alignment, and internal party governance.

Observers anticipate that discussions will emphasize President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign and measures to reinforce centralized party control. The shift in focus highlights Beijing's current priority of strengthening internal stability and institutional oversight over broader economic policy shifts during this session.

Sources: Bloomberg.