World News: Hamas rejects Israeli ceasefire disarmament proposal

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In the Middle East, a senior Palestinian official said Hamas rejected a new Israeli ceasefire offer that demanded the group's disarmament.

The ceasefire, presented by Israel to Hamas through mediators Egypt and Qatar on Monday, reportedly included the disarmament of Hamas as a condition for the first time.

However, on Tuesday, Hamas is said to have rejected the offer, labeling the disarmament clause a "red line" for the group and asserting that it will not surrender its weapons under any circumstances.

The offer also included a six-week truce and a phased release of more hostages.

Hamas insists that any agreement must include a permanent end to hostilities and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The rejection of the ceasefire proposal comes amid ongoing negotiations in Cairo, which have yet to yield a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to northern Gaza to encourage troops, marking a rare appearance in the conflict zone.

On Tuesday local time, Netanyahu met with Israeli troops, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and top military officials.

He received briefings on ongoing operations aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to achieving its war objectives, stating, "We are fighting for our existence. We are fighting for our future."

During his visit, he also addressed a recent statement by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying that Iran's calls for Israel's destruction show the existential nature of the conflict.

In the United States, President Donald Trump threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status on Tuesday, accusing the university of promoting political agendas contrary to public interest.

The Trump administration has frozen over 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in federal grants and contracts to Harvard after the university rejected demands to overhaul its academic programs, including eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and increasing cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Harvard's president hit back saying, "The university will not surrender its independence or its constitutional rights."

Former President Barack Obama praised Harvard's stance and urged other institutions to defend academic independence.

Finally, in France, President Emmanuel Macron honored a hundred-and-one individuals who played significant roles in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris on Tuesday local time.

The ceremony at the Elysee presidential palace coincided with the sixth anniversary of the devastating fire at the cathedral in 2019.

Among the honorees were carpenters, ironworkers, scaffolders, organ restorers, and dozens of other craftspeople recognized for their contributions.

Prestigious awards presented by Macron included the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit.

Commander of the Legion of Honour, France's highest public distinction, was bestowed upon Philippe Jost, who supervised the reconstruction.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.