Ceasefire negotiations between Israel, Hamas, and other stakeholders are expected to resume in the coming days in Doha, with a focus on reaching a deal that could lead to the release of hostages and an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Officials from the US, Israel, and Qatar have confirmed that an Israeli delegation will travel to Qatar on Sunday to continue discussions.

One key development that may affect the negotiations is the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, considered one of the group’s most hardline figures. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that Sinwar’s death might open the door to progress in the talks. Blinken emphasized the possibility of achieving both the return of hostages and a broader agreement to prevent Hamas from reorganizing.

The US has been actively working towards a ceasefire agreement, with President Joe Biden’s three-step proposal from May serving as a foundation for the current discussions. The plan includes a six-week ceasefire during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from populated areas in Gaza, followed by an increase in humanitarian aid and a potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The ultimate goal is a permanent cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Although previous talks showed some signs of progress, Hamas has accused Israel of being the main obstacle to reaching an agreement. With the renewed talks on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Hamas will participate directly, as this has not yet been confirmed.

Venice has announced plans to double the number of days it will charge tourists an entrance fee in 2025, following what city officials called a “successful” trial last year. The fee, introduced to help manage overtourism, aims to reduce the pressure on the city by discouraging visitors from coming on the same days.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that the goal remains to give Venice the respect it deserves by spreading out tourist visits. From April to July 2025, day visitors will need to pay €5 ($5.41) if they book more than four days in advance, or €10 if they book less than four days ahead. The fee will apply to tourists visiting on Fridays through Sundays and public holidays, covering a total of 54 days, a significant increase from the 29 days of the previous trial.

All visitors over the age of 14 will need to pay the charge via their phones and display a QR code to inspectors at key entry points like the train station. Those who fail to show proof of payment could face fines. However, exemptions remain for those staying in hotels, local residents, students of Venice universities, and visitors with family ties in the city.

City councillor Simone Venturini praised Venice for being proactive in addressing overtourism, highlighting that the city has gone from being one of the most criticized for mass tourism to taking bold action on a global stage. During the trial period last year, the city collected approximately €2.4 million ($2.5 million) in entrance fees, surpassing initial expectations.

However, not everyone is convinced of the program’s success. Opposition councillor Giovanni Andrea Martini criticized the initiative, claiming it failed to distribute tourist visits more evenly and risked turning Venice into a “museum.” Despite some skepticism, Mayor Brugnaro is awaiting further analysis to determine if the scheme’s budget will break even, as costs for the ticket platform and related communication campaign reached €3 million.

Venice’s efforts come at a crucial time, as the city continues to face challenges from mass tourism and climate change. Last year, Unesco recommended Venice be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to these ongoing threats. The city’s entry fee system is part of a broader attempt to preserve its unique cultural and environmental heritage.

In a tragic incident today, four people were killed during an attack on a Turkish Aerospace Industries building. CCTV footage captured the moment when a gunman opened fire with an assault rifle inside the facility. While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the assault, Turkish authorities are investigating, with two suspects—a man and a woman—already “neutralized,” according to Turkey’s interior minister. The involvement of other individuals remains unclear.

This violent episode occurs at a delicate moment in Turkey’s political landscape. There is an ongoing national debate about whether to reignite peace talks with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The PKK has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since the 1980s, demanding greater rights for the Kurdish minority.

The attack comes just a day after Devlet Bahceli, an influential government ally, suggested that PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan should announce the group’s “abolition” in parliament. Ocalan, who founded the PKK, has been in prison since 1999, following his arrest. Bahceli’s statement is considered significant due to his prior opposition to peace talks, signaling a possible shift in Turkey’s stance toward the PKK.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan swiftly condemned the “vile terror attack” and reaffirmed his stance against terrorism. Various international leaders have also expressed their solidarity with Turkey in the wake of the attack.

As details continue to emerge, this incident adds further tension to the already complex discourse surrounding Turkey’s internal conflict with the PKK and the potential for renewed peace efforts.