The Hamas terrorist group agreed on a draft agreement on Tuesday during cease-fire talks, according to two officials involved in the discussions. The details are being finalized with the negotiations at their closest point yet to sealing a deal. The treaty includes a three-phase agreement that would begin with the release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, the elderly, and the wounded. The talks remain tense as the deal does not include a written agreement that the cease-fire will continue, leaving the potential for either side to resume the conflict.
The Department of Justice released volume one of former special counsel Jack Smith’s final report early on Tuesday morning. Smith’s report defends his team and his work, and says that the evidence would likely have led to President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction at trial. Much of the evidence cited in the report has been previously made public, but it also contains some new details—including that prosecutors considered charging Trump with inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach under the Insurrection Act.
A new fast-moving wildfire has broken out in California’s Ventura County, burning more than 50 acres. Firefighters are battling the blaze as strong winds fan this and other wildfires that have already been responsible for at least 24 deaths. Fires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena districts of Los Angeles have scorched vast areas. Meanwhile, looters have targeted evacuated neighborhoods, prompting swift action from authorities.
