A senior Hamas official stated on Monday that the group is willing to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a comprehensive prisoner swap and a guaranteed end to the war in Gaza. Negotiations in Cairo, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, stalled as Hamas accused Israel of obstructing a ceasefire.

Maldives plans to eradicate smoking. A new law will prohibit tobacco sales to those born after January 2007. This phases out smoking for future generations. The law is set to take effect on November 1, 2025. Penalties for violations are being developed. Britain has a similar law in progress. New Zealand repealed its generational smoking law last year.

President Trump stated he anticipates a swift decision regarding Iran, following positive discussions in Oman where both nations agreed to meet again this week. While threatening military action if a nuclear deal isn't reached, Trump met with advisors and expressed optimism about the Iran situation. A second round of nuclear talks is reportedly scheduled for next Saturday in Rome.

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada defended the recent public executions as part of Islamic law, rejecting Western criticism and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Islam beyond mere rituals. This statement follows the execution of four men convicted of murder in sports stadiums, drawing condemnation from rights groups and the UN.

In Afghanistan, four men were publicly executed on Friday, marking the highest number of executions in a single day since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The executions, carried out in three provinces, bring the total to ten under the current regime.

Israeli aircraft struck a residential block in war-ravaged northern Gaza, killing at least 23 people, health officials said, as the renewed fighting in the devastated Palestinian enclave showed no signs of letting up.

Tragedy struck the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as a roof collapse resulted in at least 18 fatalities and over 120 injuries. Rescue teams are diligently searching the wreckage for survivors, while authorities investigate the cause of the incident.

South Korea's cabinet is set to finalize a June 3 date for a presidential election following the removal of Yoon Suk Yeol. This decision will be made official at a meeting on Tuesday. Yoon was ousted for violating his official duty by declaring martial law and deploying troops.

Marine Le Pen, recently convicted of embezzling public funds, led a Paris rally claiming the verdict was politically motivated. Le Pen's party likened the situation to a 'judicial coup,' while thousands of supporters voiced defiance. This event marks an effort to challenge the credibility of France's legal system before the 2027 presidential race.

A second unvaccinated child in West Texas has died from a measles-related illness, as the outbreak spreads to neighboring states and Mexico. The CDC is assisting with response efforts, and health officials emphasize the importance of the measles vaccine, which is 97 percent effective after two doses.

Indonesia's senior economic minister announced that the nation will not retaliate against U.S. tariffs, opting instead for diplomacy and negotiations to protect bilateral trade relations and economic stability. A high-level delegation will be sent to the U.S.

Pakistan is set to expel 3 million Afghan immigrants, focusing on those living illegally. As of April 10, deportations will begin, with specific deadlines imposed for those holding different documentation. The Taliban has requested a more organized process for returning citizens, while affected Afghans fear uncertainty in a country they barely know.

President Donald Trump announced plans to impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on Russian oil within a month if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. He expressed his anger towards Russian President Vladimir Putin's criticism of Ukrainian leadership and emphasized his commitment to ending the war.

Myanmar, already weakened by four years of civil war, faces new hardships following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that killed more than 1,600 people. The existing humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by a devastated infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and disrupted communication, complicating relief efforts amid ongoing conflict.

A small plane traveling from Iowa to Minnesota crashed into a house in a Minneapolis suburb on Saturday, killing at least one person. The house was destroyed, but the residents were unharmed. The plane, a single-engine SOCATA TBM7, had departed from Des Moines International Airport and was headed to Anoka County-Blaine Airport.