The fragile US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza is facing its toughest test yet. Overnight, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a targeted airstrike in southern Rafah, eliminating three individuals described as "terrorists" who emerged from an underground tunnel near troop positions. While the search continues for five others, the strike raises urgent questions about the stability of the truce that has been in place since October 2025. This escalation comes at a pivotal moment as the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan kicks off. With the newly formed "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza" and the US-led "Board of Peace" attempting to manage civilian affairs and restore public services, the path to demilitarization remains fraught with violations.

The political battle between Sacramento and Washington just went global. Newsom’s office alleges that the Trump Administration and the State Department applied direct pressure to have the Governor barred from the "USA House" pavilion. Despite being invited weeks ago, Newsom was turned away at the door by security, with officials citing a "venue-level decision." Newsom didn`t hold back, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to call the move "weak and pathetic." This comes just hours after Newsom mocked President Trump’s Davos address as "remarkably boring" and "insignificant." Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly fired back, calling Newsom a "third-rate governor" and "Newscum."