While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 6, 2025
Smoke rises in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, on July 5.
Israel to send delegation to Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks
Israel will send a delegation to Qatar on July 6 for talks on a possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the changes requested by Hamas to a ceasefire proposal were unacceptable.
Palestinian group Hamas said on July 4 it had responded to a US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal in a 'positive spirit', a few days after US President Donald Trump said Israel had agreed 'to the necessary conditions to finalise' a 60-day truce.
But in a sign of the potential challenges still facing the two sides, a Palestinian official from a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing in southern Israel to Egypt and clarity over a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals.
'The changes that Hamas seeks to make to the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are not acceptable to Israel,' Mr Netanyahu's office said in a statement late on July 5.
READ MORE HERE
Death toll from Texas floods reaches 32; many still missing
People look on as law enforcement and volunteers continue to search for missing people near Camp Mystic on July 5.
PHOTO: AFP
Some 32 people, including 14 children, have been confirmed dead following flash floods in central Texas, authorities said on July 5 as rescuers continued a frantic search for campers, vacationers and residents who were still missing.
Officials said more than 850 people had been rescued, including some who were clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches of rain in an area around the Guadalupe River, about 137km north-west of San Antonio.
Among the missing were dozens of people from the Camp Mystic summer camp, most of them reported to be young girls, after river waters rapidly rose 29 feet.
READ MORE HERE
Iran's Khamenei makes first public appearance since war with Israel
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a ceremony to mark Ashura in Tehran, Iran, July 5.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 5 made his first public appearance since the outbreak of his country's recent 12-day war with Israel, taking part in a religious ceremony in Tehran, state media reported.
The octogenarian leader was shown in a video broadcast by state television greeting people and being cheered at a mosque as worshippers marked the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, an important date for Shia Muslims.
Mr Khamenei, 86, can be seen on stage dressed in black as the crowd before him, fists in the air, chants 'The blood in our veins for our leader!'
READ MORE HERE
Brics agree to joint statement ahead of Rio leaders summit
Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Brazil's Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin participating at the opening of the Brics Business Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 5.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Diplomats from the Brics group of developing nations have agreed on a joint declaration of their leaders at a summit in Rio de Janeiro this week, three people familiar with the talks said on July 5.
The shared statement, which a gathering of their foreign ministers failed to achieve in April, underscores the group's commitment to consensus despite its quickly expanding ranks.
The group of major emerging economies expanded last year beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
READ MORE HERE
Elon Musk says he has created a new US political party
Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, on May 30.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Mr Elon Musk, an ex-ally of US President Donald Trump, said July 5 he had launched a new political party in the United States to challenge what the tech billionaire described as the country's 'one-party system.'
Mr Musk, the world's richest person and Mr Trump's biggest political donor in the 2024 election, had a bitter falling out with the president after leading the Republican's effort to slash spending and cut federal jobs as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.
'When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,' the Space X and Tesla boss posted on X, the social media platform that he owns.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Japan PM says won't ‘easily compromise' to Trump on tariffs
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox US President Donald Trump has particularly pressed Japan to accept more US automobiles and rice. TOKYO - Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said July 6 he won't 'easily compromise' in talks with Washington as Tokyo seeks to avert President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Japanese goods. 'We will not easily compromise. That's why it is taking time and why it is tough,' Mr Ishiba told a television talk show. His comments came as Japan rushes to negotiate with the Trump administration before the July 9 deadline for trade deals. While Mr Trump imposed a sweeping 10 per cent tariff on imports from most trading partners in April, he unveiled – then paused – higher rates on dozens of economies including Japan to allow room for negotiations. This pause will expire July 9, meaning the elevated rates are due to kick in if countries fail to reach agreements with Washington to avert them. Mr Trump has said he was going to write a letter to Japan, asking it to 'pay a 30 per cent, 35 per cent or whatever the number is that we determine,' and called the bilateral trade relation 'unfair'. He has particularly pressed Japan to accept more US automobiles and rice. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July launch Business High Court orders Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton $200,000 in damages over counterfeit goods Singapore MOH studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker World Death toll from Texas floods reaches at least 43; dozens still missing Singapore Red Lions and naval divers join forces for Jump of Unity at NDP 2025 Singapore His world crashed when he got F9 in O-level Tamil but PropNex co-founder Ismail Gafoor beat the odds Asia HIV surge in the Philippines amid poor sex education, policy gaps Mr Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo's trade envoy, held telephone calls with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on July 3 and 5. In the Sunday television show, Mr Ishiba reiterated that Japan, as the biggest investor nation in the US economy, should be treated differently from other countries. 'What is unfair? How is it unfair? We need to examine each one' of the US claims, he said. 'We are allies, but we have to say what we have to say. We are the world's largest investor nation and the largest job creator (in the US). We are different,' he said. On another Sunday television show, Mr Ishiba said Japan was 'preparing to deal with all kinds of situations', when asked about how he plans to deal with Mr Trump's letter. AFP
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Tank bumps into traffic light during National Day Parade National Education show
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A video of the accident posted on Facebook page SGRV shows the traffic light slightly askew after the incident. SINGAPORE - Mobile columns – where a country's military hardware such as tanks are displayed during celebrations such as Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP) – often attract attention, awe and admiration from members of the public. However, one tank garnered more attention than its operators had bargained for during an NDP National Education show on July 5. While making a right turn outside Parliament House and the Supreme Court , the leopard tank ended up bumping into a nearby traffic light. A video of the accident posted on Facebook page SGRV shows the traffic light slightly askew after the incident. The video, which was posted at about 9.55pm on July 5, garnered 472,000 views within 10 hours. It also amassed 2,400 likes and 738 comments as at 9am on July 6. The NDP, which marks Singapore's 60 years as an independent nation, will take place at the Padang on Aug 9. In response to queries, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on July 6 that a Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) experienced a technical issue at 7.22pm on July 5. 'This resulted in an incident along North Bridge Road, where the tank came into contact with a traffic light,' the ministry said, adding that the accident came after the mobile column segment of the parade. No injuries were reported during the incident and the tank remained within the cordoned area, away from the public. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July launch Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker Singapore Red Lions and naval divers join forces for Jump of Unity at NDP 2025 World 'Formed to give you back your freedom': Elon Musk says he has created a new US political party Singapore His world crashed when he got F9 in O-level Tamil but PropNex co-founder Ismail Gafoor beat the odds Asia HIV surge in the Philippines amid poor sex education, policy gaps Tech Graduates are not screwed if they study engineering: James Dyson in response to Economist article Business When a foreign wife failed to turn up for a $10m divorce Mindef said the L2SG was travelling within the speed limit of 20kmh when the incident took place. 'The tank crew responded in accordance with standard operating procedures and the L2SG was safely recovered with no damage to the vehicle,' it added. The traffic light had minor damage, but has since been repaired by Mindef, the NDP 2025 committee and Land Transport Authority. Investigations are ongoing. Many netizens viewed the collision as a minor hiccup and called for others to be more empathetic towards the tank driver. Facebook user Chen WL commented: 'Guys, have a little heart. He's probably an NSF (full-time national serviceman) earning minimum allowance... Let's hope the unit or the RSM (regimental sergeant major) won't tekan the poor kid too much...' Another user, Low Beng Keat, said accidents such as this are why rehearsals, previews and dry runs are performed. 'If there is a mistake, get up and move on, learn and be mindful the next time. No big deal, don't take it too hard on our soldiers guarding and defending on our homeland,' he wrote. Several commenters speculated that the accident was due to a mechanical failure. Lucas Por, who said he was a former technician for such tanks, pointed out: '(The) driver even has trouble pivoting while stationary, which should be an easy feat.' User Hizdiebidi Bidi agreed, noting it was 'impossible (that the) driver suddenly forgot how to turn'. Another user, Wo King Tre, said it looked to be a 'steering linage failure'. 'It can happen sometimes. Nothing much the tank operator can do about it. Just have to limp the tank to a safe spot for the technicians to perform recovery,' he said. Many netizens praised the tank operator for reacting swiftly, noting that the accident could have had catastrophic consequences if the tank was not stopped in time. As user Janice Lau put it: 'Tank-ful no one is hurt.'
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Israel army bulldozers plough through homes at West Bank camps
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox An Israeli military bulldozer demolishing a home at the Nur Shams Palestinian refugee camp, east of Tulkarem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on June 23. Tulkarem, Palestinian Territories - In the West Bank city of Tulkarem, the landscape has been transformed after Israeli army bulldozers ploughed through its two refugee camps in what the military called a hunt for Palestinian militants. The army gave thousands of displaced residents just a few hours to retrieve belongings from their homes before demolishing buildings and clearing wide avenues through the rubble. Now residents fear the clearances will erase not just buildings, but their own status as refugees from lands inhabited by generations of their ancestors in what is now Israel. The 'right of return' to those lands, claimed by Palestinian refugees ever since the creation of Israel in 1948, remains one of the thorniest issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The army said it would demolish 104 more buildings in the Tulkarem camp this week in the latest stage of an operation that it launched in January during a truce in the Gaza war, billing it as an intensive crackdown on several camps that are strongholds of Palestinian armed groups fighting against Israel. 'We came back to the camp and found our house demolished. No one informed us, no one told us anything,' said Mr Abd al-Rahman Ajaj, 62, who had been hoping to collect his belongings on July 2. Born in Tulkarem camp after his parents fled what is now the Israeli city of Netanya, about 12km to the west, Mr Ajaj said he had not foreseen the scale of the Israeli operation. Thousands displaced It began with a raid on the northern West Bank city of Jenin, a longtime stronghold of Palestinian militants, and quickly spread to other cities, including Tulkarem, displacing at least 40,000 people, according to United Nations figures. Vacating the camp after a warning of a raid, 'we would usually come back two or three days later', Mr Ajaj told AFP. Now left without a house, he echoed the sentiments of Palestinians of his parents' generation, who thought their own displacement in 1948 would also be temporary. 'The last time, we left and never returned,' he said. In Tulkarem, the Israeli army's bulldozers ploughed through the dense patchwork of narrow alleyways that had grown as Palestinian refugees settled in the area over the years. Three wide arteries of concrete now streak the side of Tulkarem camp, allowing easy access for the army. Piles of cinder blocks and concrete line the roadside like snowbanks after a plough's passage. 'Eliminate the refugee issue' Mr Ajaj said the destruction had been gradual, drawn out over the course of the operation, which the army has dubbed 'Iron Wall'. Beyond the military value of wide access roads, many residents believe Israel is seeking to destroy the idea of the camps themselves, turning them into regular neighbourhoods of the cities they flank. Residents fear this would threaten their refugee status and their 'right of return' to the land they or their forebears fled or were expelled from in 1948. The current Israeli government – and particularly some of its far-right ministers, who demand the outright annexation of the West Bank – are firmly opposed to this demand, which they see as a demographic threat to Israel's survival as a Jewish state. 'The aim is clearly to erase the national symbolism of the refugee camp, to eliminate the refugee issue and the right of return,' said Mr Suleiman al-Zuheiri, an advocate for residents of nearby Nur Shams, Tulkarem's other refugee camp, where he also lives. Mr Zuheiri's brother's house was destroyed last week by the bulldozers. 'The scene was painful and tragic because a house is not just walls and a roof. It holds memories, dreams, hopes and very important belongings that we couldn't retrieve,' he said. Each demolished building housed at least six families on three floors, he added. The land allocated to the camps was limited, so residents have had little choice but to build upwards to gain space, adding an extra storey with each new generation. Explosions rock camp Back at Tulkarem camp, 66-year-old Omar Owfi said he had managed to make two trips into the camp now occupied by Israeli soldiers to retrieve belongings on July 2. He feared becoming homeless if his home was demolished. 'They don't care what the house is worth. All they care about is demolishing. We're the ones losing. We've lost everything,' he told AFP. 'They want to erase the camp – to remove as many buildings as possible and leave just streets.' He said he feared for his children and grandchildren, as they dispersed to live with various relatives. The Israeli supreme court froze the military order for mass demolitions in Tulkarem camp on Thursday, giving the state two months to answer a petition against them, said the Palestinian human rights group Adalah, which filed it. But the physical damage has already been done as the army's manhunt for militants continues. As residents retrieved mattresses, wardrobes and air conditioning units from the camp on July 2 under the surveillance of Israeli troops, gunshots rang out through the streets. A loud explosion echoed across the city, followed by a column of dust rising as another building was apparently blown up, sending the smell of gunpowder wafting in the wind. AFP
