Palestinian Hamas leader and Gaza figure
The two-month Iran war has seen markets buoyed as talks continue; Washington has pressed Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while Iran reviews US proposals. A US strike on an Iranian oil tanker was reported as tensions rise, and Pakistan-hosted discussions are ongoing.
As of 09 May 2026, the US has said it is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal sent by Iran via Pakistani mediators while Tehran has been tempering expectations, calling the US offer a "wish list." President Trump has signalled talks are "very good" and a deal "very possible," but has also warned military action remains on the table.
Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed annulment of the Oslo II Areas A/B/C framework, arguing for a unified land regime and warning of further action to dismantle Palestinian governance structures. The comments come amid ongoing West Bank tensions and a Palestinian teen’s death in clashes with Israeli forces.
Fatah has held its eighth General Conference and has re-elected Mahmoud Abbas as movement chair while voters have elected a new Central Committee. Marwan Barghouti has topped the vote, Majed Faraj and Jibril Rajoub have won seats, and Yasser Abbas has secured a place on the Central Committee.
The Board of Peace has convened with international figures to map a Gaza plan aimed at isolating Hamas and kicking off a “temporary reconstruction” in Hamas-free zones. Donors have balked at funding, Israeli political gridlock persists, and legal immunity concerns shadow the mission as talks race to preserve momentum.
The opening ceremony of the Maccabiah Games is underway in Jerusalem as Israel marks 1,000 days since the Hamas attacks. Organizers highlight resilience while ongoing security concerns loom over the event.
Israeli strikes in Gaza City have killed four people, including a public-relations official for the Egyptian Relief Committee, as a World Cup screening event unfolds. Dozens are injured; ceasefire remains fragile while fighting continues across the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has elected Khalil Al-Hayya (Abu Hayya) to lead its political bureau, succeeding Yahya Sinwar who was killed by Israeli forces in 2024. Hayya had led Hamas in Gaza from exile and has played a central role in ceasefire and prisoner-exchange talks amid ongoing conflict and stalled Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
The White House has announced 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Energy, potash and some USMCA-protected items are exempt. The move follows Canada’s retaliation against previous tariffs and signals a potential broad trade dispute ahead.