QtrendsIsraeli soldiers describe ongoing killings in Gaza despite ceasefire, as war fuels a rise in early marriage and questions grow over Israel's long-term plans. US Defense Secretary Hegseth moderates his tone toward China following the Xi-Trump meeting but reaffirms commitment to Pacific security and urges allies to boost defence. A potential US-Iran nuclear deal faces hard-line opposition from both Tehran and Jerusalem, with threats of renewed war on the table. A dramatic cave rescue effort in Laos has freed four trapped men, with two still missing.
Israeli soldiers have shared rare firsthand accounts from Gaza, describing continued killings even under the ceasefire. The war and mass displacement are also fueling a sharp rise in early marriage among displaced families. Meanwhile, analysts and officials are increasingly asking what Israel's long-term political and military strategy for Gaza actually is.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dialed back warnings about China, signaling a more restrained approach after the Xi-Trump meeting. However, he stressed that the US remains committed to Indo-Pacific security and called on allies to boost their own defence spending. Some US senators warned the softer tone risks emboldening China in the region.
At the annual Asia defense summit, Hegseth assured allies the US is not withdrawing from the region but expects them to take on greater defence responsibilities. The summit opened amid growing doubts over US strategic priorities as Washington juggles tensions with China, Iran, and Russia. Hegseth also reiterated that the US is 'more than capable' of resuming military action against Iran if needed.
A potential US-Iran nuclear deal is taking shape, drawing fierce opposition from Iranian hard-liners and threatening Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's political legacy. Iran has warned of 'utter ruin' if war resumes, while the US continues airstrikes. The deal risks being derailed by hard-line factions on both sides as Trump weighs his next move.
Rescuers freed four men who had been trapped for over a week in a flooded cave in Laos, with search efforts continuing for two others still missing. Divers located five villagers alive earlier in the week after they had been stranded in darkness. The operation has drawn international attention as one of the most complex cave rescues in recent years.