politics 6 - The Latremie Post

Mike Johnson ‘Betrays’ Trump and Agrees He’s ‘Unhinged’ in Hot Mic Moment… as He Rages ‘This Is Not a Game’ After the Prez Shares ‘Racist’ Meme

**Donald Trump May Be Losing Allies as Speaker Mike Johnson Caught Agreeing President Is ‘Unwell’**

*Published: October 2, 2025, 3:45 p.m. ET*

Donald Trump may be slowly losing some of his closest allies after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was caught seemingly agreeing that the president is not mentally well, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The hot mic moment happened when Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean confronted Johnson at Capitol Hill, pressing him to respond to a “racist” AI-generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Trump posted on Truth Social.

### What Did Mike Johnson Say?

In new footage aired by MSNBC’s *All In with Chris Hayes* on Wednesday, October 1, Dean cornered Johnson and declared, “The president is unhinged. He is unwell.”

Johnson responded, “A lot of folks on your side are too, I don’t control him…,” appearing to agree with Dean’s remarks.

Dean then referenced Trump’s recent bizarre military speech, where he rambled about using the “N word” and claimed America is “under invasion from within.”

“Oh my God, please. That performance in front of the generals?” she said. Johnson quickly replied, “I didn’t see it.”

Dean continued, “It’s so dangerous! You know, I serve on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations; it’s a collision of those two things. Our allies are looking elsewhere. Our enemies are laughing. You have a president who is unwell.”

While Johnson didn’t respond much to Dean on the spot, he spoke more about the exchange later that evening in an interview with Kaitlan Collins on CNN.

“I’m the Speaker of the House, so I represent Republicans and Democrats in that capacity, and I always hear complaints and concerns from members, and I always stop and hear that. I did that for Madeleine Dean; I respect her as an individual,” Johnson said.

He added, “We disagree on every policy matter, and she was concerned about a social media post of the president, which he meant as a joke, and we talked about that.”

“I told her I disagreed with her perspective on it, but I tried to bring her back to the real issue. The fight tonight is not about social media posts. The fight is about where they’re going to keep the government open for the American people,” Johnson explained.

### ‘Is That Really Racist?’

The episode began after Trump posted an unusual AI-generated video of Schumer and Jeffries, which portrayed Jeffries with a mustache and wearing a sombrero. In the clip, an AI-dubbed Schumer spoke to reporters while mariachi music played in the background.

Dean revealed Johnson’s puzzled response when asked about the “racist” video.

“He asked me, like, rhetorically, ‘Is that really racist?’” Dean told CNN’s Manu Raju. “It’s really racist, it’s despicable, and he should have called it out.”

### Johnson Speaks Out on the Meme

On Thursday, October 2, Johnson was more vocal about the meme during a House Republican leadership press conference outside his office.

Addressing the controversy, Johnson said, “Many of you asked me this morning about sombreros and memes and why Hakeem Jeffries is all alarmed by that.”

“These are games. These are sideshows. People are getting caught up in battles over social media memes,” he added.

“This is not a game. We’ve got to keep the government open for the people. I don’t know why this is so complicated.”

Johnson then offered advice to Jeffries, saying, “To my friend, Hakeem. Man, just ignore it.”

### Hakeem Jeffries Responds

Jeffries, however, was not interested in ignoring Trump’s post. He called it “racist” and fired back at the former president.

“Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don’t cop out with a racist and fake AI video,” Jeffries said. “The next time I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face.”
https://radaronline.com/p/mike-johnson-betrays-trump-unhinged-hot-mic-not-a-game-racist-meme/

India and China decide to resume direct flights by late October

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the resumption of direct air services connecting designated points in India and China later this month, in accordance with the winter schedule. This agreement marks a significant step towards normalising air connectivity between the two countries.

The operations will depend on commercial decisions made by the designated carriers and the fulfilment of all operational requirements. The resumption of flights is expected to enhance people-to-people contact, strengthen business ties, and support the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges between the neighbouring nations. This development will particularly benefit students, tourists, and professionals travelling between India and China.

Flight services between the two countries had been suspended following the 2017 Doklam standoff and were further impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely restricted international travel. Relations between India and China deteriorated further after the Galwan standoff in May-June 2020.

The current agreement signals a thaw in ties and reflects renewed efforts to normalise relations after an extended period of disruption. In August, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar. Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity at the earliest and to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement during the meeting.

In addition to flight connectivity, discussions included facilitating visa processes for tourists, business travellers, media personnel, and other visitors travelling in both directions. During his visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China are crucial for regional and global peace and prosperity. He also highlighted the importance of strong people-to-people and economic exchanges for long-term bilateral stability.

(With ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/india-china-to-resume-direct-flights-by-late-october-in-a-bid-to-boost-bilateral-exchanges-amid-thaw-in-ties-23596916

Mike Johnson ‘Betrays’ Trump and Agrees He’s ‘Unhinged’ in Hot Mic Moment… as He Rages ‘This Is Not a Game’ After the Prez Shares ‘Racist’ Meme

Oct. 2, 2025, Published 3:45 p.m. ET

Donald Trump may be slowly losing some of his closest allies, as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was caught seemingly agreeing that the president is not mentally well, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The hot mic moment occurred when Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean confronted Johnson at Capitol Hill, forcing him to respond to a “racist” AI-generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Trump posted on Truth Social.

What Did Mike Johnson Say?

In new footage aired by MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes on Wednesday, October 1, Dean cornered Johnson and said, “The president is unhinged. He is unwell.”

Johnson responded, “A lot of folks on your side are too, I don’t control him…” appearing to agree with Dean’s comments.

Dean then referenced Trump’s recent bizarre military speech, where he rambled on about using the “N word,” and claimed America is “under invasion from within.”

“Oh my God, please. That performance in front of the generals?” Dean exclaimed, to which Johnson quickly replied, “I didn’t see it.”

While Johnson didn’t have much to say back to Dean at the moment, he spoke at length later that evening during an interview with Kaitlan Collins on CNN.

Johnson said, “I’m the Speaker of the House, so I represent Republicans and Democrats in that capacity, and I always hear complaints and concerns from members, and I always stop and hear that. I did that for Madeleine Dean; I respect her as an individual.”

He continued, “We disagree on every policy matter, and she was concerned about a social media post of the president, which he meant as a joke, and we talked about that. I told her I disagreed with her perspective on it, but I tried to bring her back to the real issue. The fight tonight is not about social media posts. The fight is about where they‘re going to keep the government open for the American people.”

‘Is That Really Racist?’

The chaos kicked off after Trump posted an odd AI-generated video of Schumer and Jeffries, which showed Jeffries with a mustache and wearing a sombrero. In the clip, an AI-dubbed Schumer spoke to reporters as mariachi music played in the background.

According to Dean, she also revealed Johnson’s baffled response when asked about the “racist” video.

“He asked me, like, rhetorically, ‘Is that really racist?'” Dean recalled while speaking to CNN’s Manu Raju. “It’s really racist, it’s despicable, and he should have called it out.”

Johnson Addresses the Meme

Johnson, 53, was more vocal about the meme on Thursday, October 2, during a House Republican leadership press conference outside his office.

Hakeem Jeffries Responds to Trump

“Many of you asked me this morning about sombreros and memes and why Hakeem Jeffries is all alarmed by that,” Johnson said. “These are games. These are sideshows. People are getting caught up in battles over social media memes.”

“This is not a game. We’ve got to keep the government open for the people. I don’t know why this is so complicated.”

Johnson then offered some advice to Jeffries: “To my friend, Hakeem. Man, just ignore it.”

However, Jeffries was not interested in “ignoring” Trump’s post, calling it “racist” and adding, “Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don’t cop out with a racist and fake AI video. The next time I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face.”

https://radaronline.com/p/mike-johnson-betrays-trump-unhinged-hot-mic-not-a-game-racist-meme/

US Govt Shutdown: Republicans, Democrats trade barbs as tourist places close

The first day of the federal government shutdown saw Republicans and Democrats trading blame, as iconic sites across the United States (US) — from the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii — were temporarily closed, news agency AP reported.

Vice-President JD Vance appeared at the White House briefing room to assert that Democrats had refused to keep the government funded because they were seeking to extend health coverage to people in the country illegally. This claim was disputed by top leaders of the Opposition, who argued that their sole aim was to renew funding for health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to prevent insurance premiums from rising nationwide, AP reported.

Neither side showed signs of compromise, raising concerns that the economic impact of the shutdown could grow, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs and essential services at risk.

Callers to the White House comment line heard a recorded message from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blaming Democrats for shutting down the government to prioritise healthcare for illegal immigrants over American citizens, AP reported. Several federal agencies also posted messages on their websites echoing this claim.

In a controversial move, the White House additionally revived a deepfake video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, edited with a moustache and sombrero, which Jeffries described as offensive. He responded with a meme mocking Vice-President Vance.

The Vice-President admitted that he could not predict the shutdown’s duration but hoped some moderate Senate Democrats would vote with Republicans to restore funding. “If this thing drags on for another few days, or God forbid weeks, we are going to have to lay people off,” said Vance.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused the Trump administration of using the American public as pawns. “Donald Trump says it loud and clear: He is threatening pain on the country as blackmail,” Schumer said.

An estimated 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, with some potentially facing permanent job losses. Many offices have been shuttered as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats, though key policy priorities — including deportation measures — continue with minimal disruption.

The Trump administration has also withheld funds for projects in Democratic states, including nearly USD 18 billion for New York City transport projects and almost USD 8 billion in green energy initiatives across 16 states.

The US shutdown has partially disrupted public services, with national parks and memorials closed to tourists. At Acadia National Park in Maine, visitors found trail maps missing and rangers absent, leaving them uncertain about hiking.

“It’s frustrating that they’re playing politics in D.C.,” said visitor Jim Feather, adding, “Their job is to pass a budget. If they’re not doing their job, what are they doing down there?”

Federal courts and essential services like weather forecasting remain operational, but the US shutdown is beginning to affect everyday life and tourism nationwide.

(With AP inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-government-shutdown-2025-republicans-democrats-blame-each-other-as-iconic-tourist-sites-close-23596921

Iran’s Larijani pushes Hezbollah to rebuild, in warning to Israel and US – analysis

**Iran’s Larijani Pushes Hezbollah to Rebuild in Warning to Israel and the US**

In a clear message to Israel and the United States, Iran is signaling that the passing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah does not mean Iran’s support for the group will wane. Instead, Iran intends to back Hezbollah’s rebuilding and resurgence, suggesting that new leaders like Nasrallah will rise in the future.

Ali Larijani, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, underscored this position following a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 13, 2025. The meeting highlighted ongoing ties and Iran’s continued commitment to Hezbollah amid a shifting regional landscape.

This development serves as a warning to Israel and the US that Iran remains deeply invested in maintaining Hezbollah’s influence and operational capabilities in Lebanon and beyond.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/AZIZ TAHER*
*By SETH J. FRANTZMAN*
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869255

Any aggression in Sir Creek will be met with historic response: Rajnath Singh

Highlighting the Indian Army’s achievements, the defence minister stated that the objectives of Operation Sindoor had been successfully met. He emphasized that the aim was not to escalate tensions into a full-scale war, according to PTI.

However, his comments on the Sir Creek area drew particular attention. “Any aggression by Pakistan in the Sir Creek area will be met with a resounding response that will change both history and geography,” Singh warned. He added, “In the 1965 war, the Indian Army had demonstrated the capability to reach Lahore. Today, in 2025, Pakistan should remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek.”

Sir Creek is a 96-km-long tidal estuary located between Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and Pakistan. The area remains disputed due to differing interpretations of maritime boundaries. The defence minister pointed out, “Despite 78 years of independence, the border dispute continues in the Sir Creek area. India has repeatedly tried to resolve this issue through dialogue, but Pakistan’s intentions remain flawed and unclear.”

Singh also expressed concern over Pakistan’s recent expansion of military infrastructure near the creek, describing it as a worrying sign. He reiterated that the Indian Army and Border Security Force vigilantly guard the country’s borders to ensure national security.

Regarding Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on May 7, Singh stated, “Pakistan made an unsuccessful attempt to penetrate India’s defence system from Leh to Sir Creek. However, in retaliatory action, Indian forces completely exposed the Pakistani air defence system and sent a message to the world that Indian forces can inflict heavy losses on Pakistan whenever and wherever they wish.”

Stressing India’s restraint during the operation, the Union Minister added, “Escalating it and starting a war was not the objective of Operation Sindoor. I am happy that Indian forces have successfully achieved all military objectives. But our fight against terrorism continues.”

He also praised the joint efforts of India’s armed forces, saying, “It was the jointness of our Army, Air Force, and Navy that executed Operation Sindoor in record time. Your strategy, courage, and capability have proven that India can defeat the enemy in every situation.”

Describing the three services as the “pillars” of India’s strength, Singh concluded, “When these services work together, we can effectively face every challenge.”

On the occasion of Dussehra, while performing the ‘shastra puja,’ Singh reflected, “For us, weapons are not just tools or displays of power. Weapons are a means to establish righteousness.”
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/rajnath-singh-celebrates-dussehra-2025-in-bhuj-warns-pakistan-against-aggression-in-sir-creek-23596895

The Fenian Beatles – the Fab Four’s Irish heritage examined

Seen by most as a fun-filled 1960s romp, *A Hard Day’s Night* is in fact a Beatles movie with an anti-British undercurrent filled with pro-Fenian rhetoric.

I have found the Fountain of Youth. It’s called watching The Beatles in *A Hard Day’s Night*. Not only do you get to hear several of their early ’60s hits, but you also get to laugh at the absurdities of the world through the eyes of youth.

The film is a comedy in the spirit of the Marx Brothers and, with a wink of the eye, casts a cold stare against the Cold War, future stupid wars, austerity, and the general political bulls–t of the time—which, ironically, we are still living through today.

This is a subversive film, very dangerous in its own way.

Ironically, it came out in 1964—the same year that gave us *Dr. Strangelove*, the ultimate subversive film and perhaps the best statement of the century on the stupid politics of the century. It’s like the kids of the time—and I was one of them—are telling the world through this Beatles flick that they are sick and tired of listening to politicians and all their fearmongering about nuclear bombs, communism, and the everlasting Cold War.

There is a memorable scene on the train at the beginning where the band members are trapped in a compartment with a regular commuter—armed with a bowler hat and ubiquitous umbrella—the symbolic backbone of Britain. First, he closes the window. The boys protest. Then they turn on their radio loud and clear, and he turns it off. “I fought the war for your sort!” he finally says. And Ringo has the perfect reply: “I bet you’re sorry you won!”

**Fenians Unite!**

There is also something else that delighted me about *A Hard Day’s Night*: its wonderful anti-British, pro-Fenian rhetoric. This is most evident in Paul McCartney’s supposed grandfather, John McCartney, played by Dublin-born actor Wilfrid Brambell—perhaps best known for his appearances on *Steptoe and Son* on British television.

He’s a disruptive, scheming, lecherous old bastard capable of anything. People often say what a clean old man he is—but actually, he is the opposite: a dirty old man. Wanting to go to a casino where sin is sure to be on duty, he swaps his clothes for the tuxedo of the room service waiter and soon finds himself bending over a gaming table. He spies a well-endowed young woman and comments, “I bet you’re a great swimmer!”

He is known in the casino as Lord John McCartney, a millionaire Irish peer—filthy rich, of course! After losing nearly 200 pounds, he is rescued by the boys.

Grandfather McCartney is eventually rounded up by the police for selling forged Beatle autographs. He then goes right after the poor police desk sergeant:
“Ya ugly great brute, ya got sad-ism stamped all over your bloated British kisser!”

Not to be outdone, he invokes an Irish weapon of war:
“I’ll go on hunger strike. I’m a soldier of the Republic!”

He then sings several choruses of *A Nation Once Again*.

The boys do some anti-British mocking of their own, led mostly by John Lennon. While Lennon is being measured by a tailor, he turns around, scissors in hand, and cuts the measuring tape, declaring regally, “I now declare this bridge open”—a clear mockery of the Royal Family and their civic contributions of the day, such as ribbon cuttings.

Lennon also recreates the sea battles of World War II in the bathtub with a toy submarine, alternately singing *Rule Britannia* and *Deutschland Über Alles*. This is a far cry from the heroic British naval films of the day such as *Pursuit of the Graf Spee* and *Sink the Bismarck*.

Then there’s Lennon dressed as a disheveled Abraham Lincoln, admonishing:
“This older generation is leading this country to galloping ruin! The younger generation will be heard!”

A tip of the hat should go to screenwriter Alun Owen, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Owen was from Wales, but his mother was of Irish descent, perhaps explaining the many nationalist proclamations in the production.

—

### How Irish Were The Beatles?

“Were all Irish,” John Lennon famously declared when The Beatles toured Ireland in the fall of 1963. Indeed, there was a lot of Irish blood in The Beatles.

Paul McCartney, with the most Irish name, was the product of a union between Jim McCartney and his wife Mary Patricia (née Mahon). McCartney’s maternal grandfather was born in Ireland and was Catholic, while his great-grandfather—also born in Ireland—was Protestant.

John Lennon’s father was a merchant seaman of Irish descent. Lennon declared in 1971:
“I’m a quarter Irish or half Irish or something,” and, long before The Troubles started, he told Yoko Ono that’s where they were going to retire. “We went around Ireland a bit and stayed there and had a sort of second honeymoon. So, I was completely involved in Ireland.” In fact, he bought an island off the west coast of Ireland for his retirement plans.

Even Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey, had some Irish blood traceable to County Mayo. Perhaps the most Irish of all The Beatles was George Harrison. His mother was an Irish Catholic, and he often visited Ireland to see family who lived on the Northside of Dublin.

So, it seems the infamous British Invasion was led by a quartet of Irish Wild Geese musicians!

—

### The Troubles Bring Out The Irish in The Beatles

When The Troubles broke out in Northern Ireland in 1969, two of The Beatles actively protested British occupation of Ireland.

John Lennon, collaborating with Yoko Ono, wrote **Sunday, Bloody Sunday** in response to the British killing 14 Irishmen in Derry on January 30, 1972.

*Sunday, Bloody Sunday* features bitter, virulent, and devastating lyrics:

> You Anglo pigs and Scotties
> Sent to colonise the North
> You wave your bloody Union Jacks
> And you know what it’s worth
> How dare you hold to ransom
> A people proud and free
> Keep Ireland for the Irish
> Put the English back to sea.

It continues:

> Well, it’s always Bloody Sunday
> In the concentration camps
> Keep Falls Road free forever
> From the bloody English hands
> Repatriate to Britain
> All of you who call it
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/genealogy/beatles-irish-heritage

Israeli navy intercepts Flotilla, detains Greta Thunberg along with activists

Israeli Troops Detain Activists from Hamas-Sumud Flotilla Attempting to Break Gaza Blockade

Israeli naval forces intercepted several boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla on Friday night as they attempted to break the maritime blockade of Gaza. Out of a convoy of 47 ships, Israeli troops raided only six vessels and detained more than 150 activists onboard, hailing from 37 different countries, according to Al Jazeera.

The Israel Ministry posted a video announcing the operation, stating, “Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”

Earlier, Israel’s Foreign Ministry, citing documents recovered by its troops in Gaza, alleged that Hamas was directly involved in the activist flotilla currently trying to breach the blockade. According to The Times of Israel, these documents indicate links between the flotilla’s leaders and Hamas’s foreign arm, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians (PCPA).

Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek provided a social media update on Wednesday, stating that 13 vessels had been intercepted so far, while around 30 others remained at sea, determined to continue their journey to Gaza. “They are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hand to break this siege by early morning,” he said. He added that more than 200 activists from 37 countries were on board, representing groups from Spain, Italy, Turkiye, and Malaysia.

According to The Times of Israel, Israeli forces had issued several warnings for the flotilla to change course and return before moving in. The flotilla, carrying aid and hundreds of activists from over 30 countries, was sailing through international waters when the interception took place. The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the effort as the “Hamas-Sumud flotilla,” accusing the activists of aiding the militant group.

To halt the boats, the Israeli navy used water cannons, electronic jamming, and boarding parties. The operation quickly drew criticism from various quarters.

Former British diplomat Craig Murray argued on X that Israel’s actions violated international law, noting that the flotilla was in international waters and not within Israel’s territorial jurisdiction. “The possession of vessels and the abduction of crews at sea can be pursued as crimes in domestic jurisdictions,” he wrote.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Colombian President Gustavo Petro had earlier urged Israel to allow the flotilla to proceed unharmed, according to Al Jazeera.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the operation strongly, calling it “intimidation and coercion” against unarmed civilians. “By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world,” he stated. Anwar Ibrahim also affirmed that Malaysia would use “all legitimate and lawful means” to protect its citizens aboard the flotilla.

Despite the arrests and seizures, flotilla organisers insisted their mission to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the blockade would continue. “The illegal Israeli interceptions won’t deter us,” they said in a statement.

Notably, in June this year, Israel also detained Swedish activist Greta Thunberg along with the crew of another Gaza-bound aid ship, the Madleen.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion without prior notice.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/israeli-navy-intercepts-flotilla-detains-greta-thunberg-along-with-activists-on-over-10-ships-23596842

Israel gives Gaza residents ‘last opportunity to escape’

**Israel Gives Gaza Residents ‘Last Opportunity to Escape’**

*By Chanshimla Varah | October 2, 2025 – 11:09 AM*

—

The Israeli military has issued a final warning to residents of Gaza City to flee to southern Gaza as its forces encircle the city and intensify their offensive.

“This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City,” stated Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz. He further warned that those who remain “will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters.”

—

### Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Impact

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced it has suspended operations in Gaza City due to the escalating Israeli assault.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported at least 46 deaths, including 36 in Gaza City alone.

International humanitarian law experts highlight that such evacuation orders amount to forced displacement. However, individuals who remain in the evacuated areas continue to retain their protected status under international law.

—

### Update on Ceasefire Negotiations

Hamas is reportedly considering amendments to the ceasefire ultimatum recently proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

A Palestinian source close to Hamas, speaking to AFP, revealed that the group may seek changes specifically to the disarmament clauses and the demands for expulsion from Gaza. In addition, Hamas is requesting international guarantees for a full Israeli withdrawal and assurances against assassination attempts on its leadership.

—

### Scrutiny Over Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan calls for Hamas to disarm and release hostages within 72 hours of a ceasefire. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and gradually withdraw troops.

However, the plan has drawn criticism for failing to offer a clear path towards the establishment of a Palestinian state. Trump warned Hamas on Tuesday that the group would “pay in hell” if it rejected the plan.

Contradicting the plan’s terms, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would remain in most of Gaza.

—

### Upcoming Discussions in Doha

Despite international pressure, primarily from countries that have endorsed Trump’s plan, Hamas’s leadership traditionally discusses ceasefire proposals in Doha.

The new peace plan is set to be debated in Doha, where Egyptian and Qatari mediators will convene alongside Turkey’s intelligence chief to discuss the way forward.

—

*The situation remains fluid as both military action and diplomatic efforts continue to unfold.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/israel-says-final-opportunity-for-gaza-city-residents-to-leave/story

Macron says oil tanker off France is linked to Russia’s shadow fleet

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that an oil tanker immobilized off the French Atlantic coast had committed “very serious wrongdoings.” He linked the vessel to Russia’s shadow fleet, which is reportedly evading Western sanctions imposed over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

The tanker, which was sailing last week near the coast of Denmark, has been cited by European naval experts as possibly involved in drone flights over the country. French naval forces forcibly boarded the ship a few days ago at the request of prosecutors who suspected illegal activities, a military official confirmed on Wednesday.

The prosecutor’s office in the western French city of Brest opened a judicial investigation into the crew’s “refusal to cooperate” and “failure to justify the nationality of the vessel.” Meanwhile, the ship has been ordered to remain in place pending further investigation, according to the official.

On Wednesday, French naval forces boarded the ship again to provide food and fuel to the crew aboard. The official who shared this information was not authorized to be publicly named due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

According to the Marine Traffic monitoring website, the ship departed the Russian oil terminal in Primorsk near Saint Petersburg on September 20. It sailed off the coast of Denmark before staying off the French western port of Saint-Nazaire since Sunday.

Macron suggested the ship was stopped due to French authorities’ “intervention.” Speaking on the sidelines of a European Union leaders’ summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, he stated:
“I think it’s a good thing that this work has been done and that we’ve been able to stop it. There were some very serious wrongdoings made by this crew, which is why there are legal proceedings in the case.”
He declined to provide further details.

The Russian Embassy in Paris did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

When asked about the ship’s connection to drone incidents in Denmark and reports of two detainees aboard, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen refrained from commenting on specifics. However, she acknowledged the broader issue:
“I can say in more general terms that we are facing a lot of problems with the shadow fleet. And that has been the case, especially in the Baltic Sea for quite a long time. And we are working very closely together to battle this situation.”

Highlighting the ongoing threat, on Christmas Day 2024, a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker known as the Eagle S triggered a nationwide alarm in Finland. The tanker was suspected of deliberately severing a critical undersea electric cable located 50 miles off the coast.

A seven-month investigation by “60 Minutes” revealed that this incident was not isolated. It uncovered that a major Russian oil company was hiding ownership of the tanker behind layers of shell companies to evade Western sanctions.

In response, NATO launched “Baltic Sentry,” a mission deploying ships and planes to monitor the shadow fleet and protect vital seabed infrastructure. According to British Admiral Keith Blount, NATO’s deputy supreme allied commander Europe, no cable-cutting incidents have occurred since.

Macron emphasized that the current incident underscores “the existence and the reality of a phenomenon that we have been describing and denouncing for a long time,” referring to the “notorious shadow fleet.” This fleet represents tens of billions of euros for Russia’s budget and is estimated to finance around 40% of Russia’s war effort.

The tanker, known as “Pushpa” or “Boracay” — names it has used interchangeably — sailed under the flag of Benin and appears on the European Union’s list of ships targeted by sanctions against Russia.

The shadow fleet consists mainly of aging tankers purchased secondhand, often by opaque entities registered in countries that do not impose sanctions. These ships operate under flags from non-sanctioning nations and play a crucial role in helping Russia’s oil exporters bypass the price caps imposed by Ukraine’s allies.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/macron-russia-shadow-fleet-oil-tanker-off-france/