US & EU sign trade deal, Israel announces “tactical pause”| Hook News Brief

Hook News Brief | 28.07.25

US and EU finally sign trade deal

US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen together finally announced a trade deal between two of the world's biggest economic partners.

Most importantly, the pair agreed a US tariff on all EU goods of 15%, half the 30% import tax rate Trump had threatened to implement. Furthermore, Trump declared that the 27-member bloc would open its markets to US exporters with 0% tariffs on certain products.

42-year old man stabs 10+ people at a Walmart in Michigan

Shifting focus, at least 11 people have been injured, with six in critical condition, in a stabbing at a Walmart supermarket in Michigan, US.

Authorities confirmed that a 42-year-old suspect was in custody following the incident in Traverse City, which they said appeared to be a “random act”.

At least 3 killed after passenger train derails in Germany

To Europe now and at least three people have been killed and several others have been seriously injured after a passenger train derailed in south-west Germany.

Operator Deutsche Bahn said the train crashed near Stuttgart for “unknown reasons”. Around 100 people were on board the train when at least two carriages derailed in a forested area around 18:10 local time.

Thailand and Cambodia to hold peace talks in Malaysia

To the latest from Asia - Thailand and Cambodia have announced they will attend mediation talks over their deadly border conflict in Malaysia on Monday.

Talks are scheduled to begin at 3 PM local time with acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet leading their respective delegations.

The deadly border dispute has killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 218,000 over the last four days.

Israel announces a “tactical pause” in fighting in some areas of Gaza

Shifting focus to Gaza - Israel on Sunday began a limited, daily pause in fighting in three populated areas of Gaza to allow what Prime Minister Netanyahu described as a “minimal” amount of aid into the territory.

The Israeli military said it had begun a “tactical pause” from 10 AM to 8 PM local time in the densely populated areas of Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Muwasi. The pause would be repeated every day until further notice with Israel continuing to fight in other areas of Gaza.

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