Independent

A historic ceasefire agreement has been reached, promising the release of hostages as Israel’s security cabinet approves a truce with Gaza, with the first captives expected to be freed soon.

The Israeli government is set to ratify a significant ceasefire deal after 466 days of conflict in Gaza, as the world anticipates relief and a hopeful resolution to the devastating situation.

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to end 15 months of conflict by implementing a ceasefire, alongside a deal for the release of hostages taken on 7 October 2023, as former President Trump announced their imminent release.

Tulip Siddiq resigned as the government’s anti-corruption minister following investigations in Bangladesh, acknowledging her position had become a distraction despite being cleared of breaching the ministerial code.

Mediators have presented a final draft for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with discussions reaching a crucial stage as pressure mounts to finalise the deal before Donald Trump assumes office, according to senior US officials.

Rachel Reeves has faced criticism for allegedly prioritising economic growth over principles by engaging in discussions with China, with former prominent figures comparing her actions to historic appeasement, though she defends the new £600 million investment as vital for Britain’s future.

Keir Starmer is set to announce a plan aimed at reducing NHS waiting list backlogs, pledging to create millions of additional appointments through increased access to community diagnostic centres and new surgical hubs, though the British Medical Association cautions that further measures are needed.

The analysis of the five-year economic impact of Brexit highlights significant costs, including a £30.2 billion divorce settlement, a £27 billion drop in goods exports to the EU, and serious challenges faced by sectors such as food, agriculture, and fishing, alongside broader issues like reduced workforce availability and changes in migration patterns.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council is facing scrutiny following allegations of concealing an internal inquiry that revealed its failure to address serious misconduct by NHS staff, prompting calls for a parliamentary investigation.

The government has prevented 128 prisoners serving indefinite sentences from moving to open prisons, despite Parole Board recommendations suggesting their transfer, highlighting a significant challenge in the prison system.