Washington: US President Donald Trump announced plans to initiate investigations into the alleged connections between the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and several notable individuals, most prominently former President Bill Clinton. Trump made this statement via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he reiterated claims that Democrats are promoting the "Epstein Hoax" to divert attention from their supposed shortcomings, such as the recent record federal government shutdown. This shutdown concluded earlier this week after multiple Democratic lawmakers supported a Republican-led spending bill. The president's remarks followed the publication of over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein's estate, including emails purporting that Epstein possessed incriminating information about Trump.
According to Anadolu Agency, the UN has reported that Israel has turned down 23 humanitarian aid requests since the Gaza ceasefire commenced on October 10. This has resulted in essential relief supplies being blocked from entering the area. At a news conference, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that millions of urgently needed shelter items are currently stuck in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, awaiting authorization to enter Gaza. He further detailed that Israeli authorities have denied 23 requests from nine UN partners to deliver nearly 4,000 pallets of crucial supplies, which include tents, sealing and framing kits, bedding, kitchen sets, and blankets.