Blaire Fleming of the San Jose State Spartans attempts to block a shot during the first set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images) Welcome to the Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter. TRANS ATHLETES IN SPORTS – San Jose State University volleyball player Blaire Fleming's participation in a women's tournament came under scrutiny after an emergency hearing contested that Fleming should be excluded from competing on the basis of being a biological male . Continue reading ... ACCOLADES – Blaire Fleming was listed as a Mountain West volleyball all-conference honorable mention. The recognition comes as Fleming remains embroiled in a lawsuit concerning the athlete's biological identity. Continue reading ... 'NOT IN HOSPICE' – Legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka's wife Diana said her husband is back in Chicago, but he is not in hospice despite the troubled rumors concerning his health. Continue reading ... Head Coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears on the field before a mid circa 1980's NFL football game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Ditka was the head coach of the Bears from 1982-92. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images) NFL POWER RANKINGS – The Chiefs escaped against a bad team on the road. Running backs Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry continue to be gamechangers for their respective teams . Here's a look at the latest Power Rankings brought to you by Fox News Digital Sports. Continue reading ... WINNERS AND LOSERS – Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M all went down this past weekend, which shook up the College Football Playoff picture. Here's a look at the college football landscape powered by Fox News Digital Sports. Continue reading ... NEW HOME – Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is set to sign a deal with the Minnesota Vikings, according to FOX Sports. Continue reading ... New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes the ball against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson) BIG SPLASH – The reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their roster by signing star pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year contract, according to multiple reports. Continue reading ... FROM FOX SPORTS – Each week, FOX Sports' Peter Schrager discusses the NFL's biggest storylines. The formidable challenge the Eagles' opponents contend with, Dolphins quarterback Tagovailoa's attempt at overcoming his cold-weather narrative, and the kicking woes across the league make up this week's topics. Continue reading ... FROM OUTKICK – Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers cast doubt on his NFL future this week. If Rodgers does return in 2025, he made it clear that he prefers to play for the New York Jets. Continue reading ... WATCH NOW – Legendary Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson shared his thoughts on the franchise's head coach, Mike McCarthy. He also discussed whether he believes Deion Sanders would be a good fit in Dallas. Watch here ... FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Autos Fox News Health DOWNLOAD OUR APPS Fox News Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE Fox News Go OUTKICK COVERAGE OutKick Sign up for OutKick's daily newsletter STREAM FOX NATION Fox Nation This article was written by Fox News staff.Putin has 'already lost the war in Ukraine', exiled Russian activist claimsAP News Summary at 5:51 p.m. EST
Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter wasn't all that surprising to those who are familiar with the president's devotion to his family. But by choosing to put his family first, the 82-year-old president has raised new questions about his legacy. Biden has held himself up as placing his respect for the American judicial system and rule of law over his own personal concerns. It was part of an effort to draw a deliberate contrast with Republican Donald Trump. Now, both his broken promise and his act of clemency are a political lightning rod. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The deal, announced on Tuesday night, will see hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed militants Hezbollah suspended for 60 days, with both sides withdrawing from southern Lebanon. Brokered by the US and France, the agreement is designed to provide a permanent end to the conflict, US President Joe Biden said following the announcement. But Israeli ministers insisted it would resume strikes on Lebanon if Hezbollah breached the terms of the ceasefire, while the deal does not affect Israel’s continuing war with Hamas in Gaza. In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer described the deal as “long overdue”, saying it would “provide some measure of relief to the civilian populations of Lebanon and northern Israel, who have suffered unimaginable consequences during the last few months of devastating conflict and bloodshed”. He said: “Now, this deal must be turned into a lasting political solution in Lebanon, based on Security Council Resolution 1701, that will allow civilians to return permanently to their homes and for communities on both sides of the border to rebuild. “The UK and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East. My statement on the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizbollah. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) “We must see immediate progress towards a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the release of all hostages and the removal of restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid.” The announcement of the deal follows a day of intense Israeli air strikes in Beirut, with local authorities saying at least 24 people were killed in the bombardment while Hezbollah continued to fire rockets into northern Israel. Recommending the ceasefire to his cabinet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal would isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus more on Iran, which supports both Hamas and Hezbollah and has staged attacks on Israel in recent months. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the announcement offered “hope” and must become “a turning point that builds momentum towards a lasting peace across the Middle East”. He said: “The UK was the first G7 country to call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah in September and we have worked relentlessly since with our allies and partners to apply pressure to end this conflict since. “We strongly urge all parties to use this agreement to open a pathway to a lasting peace.” While aid organisations have welcomed the ceasefire, they have also called for it to be made permanent and extended to the conflict in Gaza. Amelia Whitworth, head of policy, campaigns and youth at the children’s charity Plan International UK, welcomed news of the deal. She said: “It is essential that all parties respect this ceasefire so that vital humanitarian aid can be delivered to the children and families that desperately need it.” Ms Whitworth added: “Today’s agreement must act as a vital step towards a sustained, permanent ceasefire – both in Lebanon and across Gaza and the wider Middle East region. “The horror must stop immediately, all children deserve to enjoy their childhood free from the threat of violence.” Paras Tamang, global humanitarian director at ActionAid, echoed her comments, saying the ceasefire would provide “temporary relief” for civilians but was “not an acceptable long-term solution to the crisis”. Mr Tamang said: “Whilst air strikes may stop for a while, the fallout from these attacks will continue to be felt for years to come. “More humanitarian aid is needed to help the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost everything.” According to the UN, more than 3,700 people, including 240 children, have been killed in Lebanon since the latest round of fighting began in October 2023, while around 900,000 have been displaced.
West Fargo Sheyenne stymies Fargo Shanley to return to Class A volleyball championship
By LARRY NEUMEISTER NEW YORK (AP) — The founder and former CEO of the failed cryptocurrency lending platform Celsius Network could face decades in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to federal fraud charges, admitting that he misled customers about the business. Alexander Mashinsky , 58, of Manhattan, entered the plea in New York federal court to commodities and securities fraud. He admitted illegally manipulating the price of Celsius’s proprietary crypto token while secretly selling his own tokens at inflated prices to pocket about $48 million before Celsius collapsed into bankruptcy in 2022. In court, he admitted that in 2021 he publicly suggested there was regulatory consent for the company’s moves because he knew that customers “would find false comfort” with that. And he said that in 2019, he was selling the crypto tokens even though he told the public that he was not. He said he knew customers would draw false comfort from that too. “I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Mashinsky said of crimes that stretched from 2018 to 2022 as the company pitched itself to customers as a modern-day bank where they could safely deposit crypto assets and earn interest. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a release that Mashinsky “orchestrated one of the biggest frauds in the crypto industry” as his company’s assets purportedly grew to about $25 billion at its peak, making it one of the largest crypto platforms in the world. He said Mashinsky used catchy slogans like “Unbank Yourself” to entice prospective customers with a pledge that their money would be as safe in crypto accounts as money would be in a bank. Meanwhile, prosecutors said, Mashinsky and co-conspirators used customer deposits to fund market purchases of the Celsius token to prop up its value. Machinsky made tens of millions of dollars selling his own CEL tokens at artificially high prices, leaving his customers “holding the bag when the company went bankrupt,” Williams said. Related Articles National News | Eminem’s mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper’s lyrics, dies at age 69 National News | FACT FOCUS: Vermont ruling does not say schools can vaccinate children without parental consent National News | Judge weighs whether to order Fani Willis to comply with lawmakers’ subpoenas over Trump case National News | Are you a former SmileDirectClub customer? You might be eligible for a refund National News | Justice Department announces sweeping reforms to curb suicides in federal prisons and jails An indictment alleged that Mashinsky promoted Celsius through media interviews, his social media accounts and Celsius’ website, along with a weekly “Ask Mashinsky Anything” session broadcast that was posted to Celsius’ website and a YouTube channel. Celsius employees from multiple departments who noticed false and misleading statements in the sessions warned Mashinsky, but they were ignored, the indictment said. A plea agreement Mashinsky made with prosecutors calls for him to be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison and to forfeit over $48 million, which is the amount of money he allegedly made by selling his company’s token. Sentencing was scheduled for April 8.
Analysis: Barkley is NFL's version of Ohtani
AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:35 p.m. ESTSony Brings Back PS1-PS4 Themes For 30thA family has been forced to switch off their Christmas lights after local 'Scrooges' complained. The Stoniers turn their home into a festive winter wonderland every year, featuring over 7,000 lights and numerous inflatables in a tradition dating back 23 years. They say excited children flock to see the decorations which covers their property after spending £10,000 on it over the years. But Michael Stonier, 21, was left stunned when they got a letter from social housing bosses trying to impose restrictions on this year's lights, claiming neighbours complained the light was keeping them awake at night. Homes Plus Group told him they must be switched off by 10pm each night and even ordered him not to put them up too early in the year (before November 16). Michael, who lives with mum Gail, 52, and brother Timothy, 23, at the property in Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, has now accused the social housing provider of trying to ruin Christmas. He said: "We've been doing this as a family for 23 years, before I was even born and we've not had a single complaint until now. We love Christmas and get the lights up as early as September because the children in the local area love it. “The lights get everyone interested, it makes my community happier. We have disabled children and autistic children who come down the street just to look at our decorations and it warms your heart to see them so happy.” Michael said he was “baffled” when he got a letter. He said: “Why doesn't every other house who puts up Christmas lights in the country get the same warning? It can't be one rule for them and one rules for others. “I even spoke to a local police officer to ask if there was a law about Christmas lights causing light pollution and he said there wasn't. There's also no law saying how early they can go up or what time you have to turn them off by. "Some of the older kids come later at night so I want to keep them on past 10pm some nights. As a family we feel victimised and pinpointed and feel we cannot even breathe in our own home. “Homes Plus is acting like Scrooge. It's just pathetic. They are just saying 'bah humbug' to the entire community just over what I assume are only one or two complaints. “They won't tell me how many people have complained but most people seem to enjoy them. There's houses around the area and I'm sure all over the country who have more lights on their houses then we do. “We just can't understand it - we're just trying to spread a bit of festive cheer. Our electricity bills more than double during this time of year but we don't mind as we get the satisfaction of seeing the smiles on kids faces. I'm not taking them down or turning them off, they are here to stay." In an email sent to Michael's mum, Homes Plus Group said: "I have been informed that the Christmas lights have gone up earlier than I asked. I will now be logging this as an incident when you have not followed my recommendations. "I have also been notified that the lights are not being turned off at 10pm in line with what I asked for. I will again now document that you have failed to follow this instruction. “You were aware that people had complained about the light pollution and the decorations going up so early in September. You were aware that someone had cut the fairy lights wire which would have given you an indication of how people in your community are feeling. "I did explain that the lights were keeping your neighbours awake and turning the lights off at 10pm was a way to mitigate the complaints. I again ask that the lights are turned off at 10pm to mitigate light pollution when people are in bed." Homes Plus Group said it would not comment on Michael's individual case but its executive director of housing and care Les Clarke told LancsLive : "We know the festive period is a special time and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the celebrations. In the run-up to Christmas, we are sharing advice and guidance with our customers on how to celebrate safely and considerately. "Whilst Christmas decorations can help to spread festive cheer, there is a danger that they can become a fire hazard and cause a nuisance to neighbours if care is not taken. The guidance we share from our local authorities and fire and rescue services advises on how you can minimise the dangers so that everyone can enjoy a safe and happy Christmas."
An old lady foolishly ignored by people who don’t notice her sharp, glinting eyes watching their every move? No, not Jane Marple, but Kathy Bates’s Madeline “Matty” Matlock, whose creators haven’t so much run with a key idea behind Agatha Christie’s creation as careered into town on a juggernaut, honking its horn. In Matlock (Sky Witness), a high-concept gender-swap reboot of the Eighties 1egal drama, we first meet our woman shuffling her change in a coffee shop, secreting free sweets and sugar sachets, and earwigging on a stock yuppie before conning her way into the offices of her swish old New York law firm and asking to return. Rather miraculously, she uses the intel gleaned from the coffee shop to get rehired. This, by the way, is one of a number of implausible moments in a drama where credulity feels so stretched the show might as well be made of elastic.
If you love history, it lives on at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which became a national historic park in 1963. It focuses on the Civil War but also shines a light on African American history, industry, transportation and natural heritage. And if you find joy in hiking, cycling, mountaineering or paddling, you will find lots to do in and around this picturesque town on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. There also are numerous shops and restaurants, including in nearby Bolivar, if eating, drinking and shopping are high on your to-do list. Food for thought Walking around charming Lower Town gives the feeling of stepping back in time. One of the most visited historic sites is the only armory building to escape destruction during the Civil War: John Brown’s Fort, where the abolitionist and several followers barricaded themselves during the final hours of their doomed raid. People are also reading... Other buildings reach even further into the past. When millwright Robert Harper established a ferry across the Potomac River in 1761, it made the town a starting point for settlers moving into the Shenandoah Valley and farther west. They included members of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, who in 1803 made preparations here for their historic exploration of the western portion of the country after the Louisiana Purchase. Wearing comfortable shoes? National Park Service rangers lead free tours detailing the history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Or take a self-guided Black heritage walking tour that includes 34 stops. Lower Town also includes an industry museum, a 19th-century “landscape” that will fascinate the kids, and both Civil War and Black history museums. And if you climb the rocky set of 44 steps that were carved into the hillside in 1810 behind the museums, you can take in a view of the city below from the stone patio of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The great outdoors West Virginia is famous for its variety of outdoor activities on both land and water, and Harpers Ferry does not disappoint. The Appalachian Trail, one of America’s most famous footpaths, passes through Lower Town, and visitors can trek or bike the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath that runs along the banks of the Potomac River. If you don’t mind breaking a sweat and have a few hours, a moderately strenuous but rewarding hike follows the Maryland Heights trailhead to Overlook Cliff. Less challenging (but not accessible to those with physical limitations) is the hike up the Stone Steps to St. Peter’s church, past the ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church, to Jefferson Rock. Continue up the hill a little farther, and you’ll hit the Appalachian Trail on your way to Camp Hill, the 32-acre site that once housed Storer College and is now owned by the Park Service. Harpers Ferry is considered the halfway point of the trail, and during the season, weary-looking hikers are a common sight around town and on the towpath across the Potomac. Many stop at the trail’s hikers’ lounge on Washington Street to rest or take a picture on its front porch. Water sports, including fishing, are also popular here. Some people canoe and kayak through October; there’s also white water rafting in season. You also can go horseback riding. Shop, eat, drink After all that walking and history learning, you’re going to want to unwind with some good food and drink. While you won’t find big-city gourmet eats, you can get a pretty good meal at several places around town. I had a tasty salad made with microfarm hemp hearts, greens, tomatoes and avocado on the patio at The Rabbit Hole and a pretty good burger at Coach House Bar and Grill. For coffee, fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches, head to Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee. Some places are dog-friendly, including my favorite spot for pizza and a beer — Harpers Ferry Brewing in neighboring Purcellville, Virginia. Perched on the side of a mountain next to Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, it offers an awesome view. Want to take a piece of West Virginia home with you? In boutiques along High Street and Public Way, you’ll find everything from original art and distinctive jewelry crafted by regional hands to old-fashioned candy and confections, antiques and hokey souvenirs. Lodging options include bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, a hostel and locally and nationally owned motels. For a guide on where to eat, seasonal events and other attractions, visit wherealmostheavenbegins.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Ex-NRL Boss Todd Greenberg Appointed New Cricket Australia CEOTraveling this holiday season? 10 things the TSA wants you to knowIf you’re reading this, you value a free press, and you should be alarmed by President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Kash Patel to head the FBI. Current FBI Director Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee, is about to be dismissed for perceived disloyalty after the FBI retrieved classified documents that Trump had kept at Mar-a-Lago. Wray would be the second FBI director to be sacked by Trump, after James Comey’s firing in 2017. Expect no independence of thought or action from Patel, known for unwavering loyalty to Trump. Patel has vowed to target government officials who leak information to reporters and to push for legal changes making it easier to sue journalists. He told Steve Bannon in a 2023 podcast, “We’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections,” as part of a comprehensive housecleaning of the Justice Department and the FBI. Patel will t urn the nation’s top law enforcement agency into a tool for Trump, punishing critics and dissenters while undermining the press. This approach threatens the independence of the FBI and the vital role of the Fourth Estate in defending democracy. Those who value a free and accountable government have every reason to be deeply concerned. Mervyn Turner, Scotch Plains Putin won’t drop nukes on Ukraine Regarding Paul Mulshine’s recent column, “World War III? Nukes don’t give you time to relax”: It’s Mulshine who should relax. Vladimir Putin wants to re-create the Great Russian Empire, including Ukraine, which is why he will not use nuclear weapons in his war there. The state of Kievan Rus , established in the ninth century, was Russia’s first great empire, and that is why Putin wants to control Ukraine. What is now modern-day Kyiv was the center of Kievan Rus, and has many historic and religious relics important to the Russian Orthodox Church. Kievan Rus was situated along the Dnieper River and traded with the Byzantine Empire, resulting in the conversion of many Russians to Orthodox Christianity. The Russians adapted this version to their own Russian Orthodox Christianity, which is practiced today, and of which Putin claims to be an adherent. The Mongols destroyed the state of Kievan Rus in the 13th century. If Putin wants to reassemble the Great Russian Empire, he cannot do it by nuking Ukraine, which would make Kiev and vicinity inaccessible beyond his lifetime. Shirley Allen, Hopewell Township No water-saving deed goes unpunished Once again, we are experiencing severe drought conditions and are being asked to conserve water. I remember the last time we had a problem and our politicians asked us to conserve water. Many of us did not shower or shave every day. We let our lawns burn out, and we used dirty washing machine water for our plants. A lot of us followed the toilet-flushing guideline popularized by then-New York City Mayor Ed Koch during a 1980s water shortage: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.” We saved a lot of water. But, because the water companies did not sell enough water to make big enough profits, we were rewarded with surcharges on our bills. Hopefully, if we get into those dire straights again, the politicians will protect the people that they represent and not let this robbery occur once again. Robert E. Malinowski, Point Pleasant You can’t fix stupid I read the very sad recent article, “ 5 bears hit by cars in a week in Delaware Water Gap in ‘troubling’ trend,” about the five bears hit by cars in one week up in the Delaware Water Gap. Happily, the solution (?) to the problem was contained in another article a few days ago about proposed legislation to restrict homeowners’ use of bear-attracting bird feeders in New Jersey from April to November. Because if we outlaw bird feeders, the bears will ... go away? This is quite possibly the stupidest legislative suggestion ever. And, that includes Prohibition, which was pretty stupid. I also read about the cold snap we’re experiencing. Happily (?), according to U.S. Rep. Marjorie Tyler Green, R-Ga., the government — specifically President Joe Biden and the current Democratic administration — controls the weather. It’s obvious. Just look at the “evidence” of the Red-State areas where recent hurricanes struck. Unhappily, while the Democrats still have control, they’ll probably use the weather to punish the country for electing Donald Trump and Republicans congressional majorities. The evidence is going to be right in front of you. There’s a common thread running through these two episodes: You can’t fix stupid. John S. Rounds, Lawrence Middletown mayor wrong in Facebook feud Concerning the recent article “Facebook group shuts down after calling for boycott of N.J. businesses over MAGA support”: I read Middletown Mayor Tony Perry’s comments about this Facebook group that discouraged patronizing of businesses in the Monmouth County township, based on their alleged support of President-elect Donald Trump. Perry, a Republican, had called the Facebook group’s actions “outrageous,” and said that the targeted businesses are “important members of our community.” Perry’s simplistic explanation ignores that Trump’s issues go way beyond political differences. Trump’s genital-grabbing support, housing discrimination, business fraud, charity fraud and tax evasion should not be considered mere political issues. They are ethical and character issues. I, too, have concerns about the people and businesses that support such an unethical candidate, and the party that put him on the ballot. Andy Babij , Livingston MeMaw probably ate pawpaws When I read the article, “This American fruit could outcompete apples and peaches on a hotter planet,” about the U.S. resurgence of the pawpaw fruit, it reminded me of an old American folk song I learned as a child, “Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.” The song described a group of children searching for one of their friends who was in the pawpaw patch, picking up pawpaws and putting them in her pocket. Pawpaw have been grown and eaten by Americans for a long time. Ellen Moxley, East Orange A holiday gift from felon, to felon Concerning President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to appoint New Jersey’s Charles Kushner as U.S. ambassador to France: Kushner, a property developer, spent two years in prison after pleading guilty in 2005 to tax evasion and witness tampering. Kushner’s son Jared is Trump’s son-in-law, married to Ivanka. Trump pardoned Charles Kushner in December 2020. What a sad thought it is that the choice for the best representative of American interests in France is a convicted felon, whose son is married to the daughter of another convicted felon, Trump himself. RECOMMENDED • nj .com Who would Trump FBI nominee Kash Patel target? He compiled a lengthy list Dec. 2, 2024, 1:22 p.m. After mysterious flights, FAA bans drones over Trump’s N.J. golf course Dec. 2, 2024, 5:44 p.m. Paul L. Newman, Merion Station, Pa. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion . Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion . Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion . Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters .
Drama surrounds final three F1 races of season
A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders Tuesday, raising hopes and renewing difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has killed more than 3,700 people, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. But while the deal, set to take effect early Wednesday, could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, has previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. Here’s what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: The terms of the deal The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday (9 p.m. EST Tuesday). Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the U.S. would monitor compliance by all sides. Biden said the deal “was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL , does not provide “effective enforcement” of the deal. Lingering uncertainty A Hezbollah leader said the group's support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday that Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the deal also brokered by France. Where the fighting has left both sides After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signaling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has come not only in its ranks, but to the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israel’s advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israel’s overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the group’s effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israel’s massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their country’s fate to Gaza’s at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in grave condition. No answers for Gaza Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israel’s attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the group’s top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas offered a pointed reminder Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. “The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” he said in a speech to the U.N. read by his ambassador.None
