(AFP, Tel Aviv) Relatives of the last group of Israeli hostages released after two years in Gaza have revealed that their loved ones were treated extremely cruelly by Hamas, with some allegedly being held in cages, pits or underground tunnels.

(Tokyo Comprehensive News) After Japan's conservative opposition Restoration Party suspended consultations with the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Democratic Party for the People on the nomination of prime minister, Liberal Democratic Party leader Sanae Takaichi is expected to win the prime minister election to be held next week.

(Washington/Paris) US President Trump again warned on Thursday that Hamas's killing in Gaza violates the ceasefire agreement and will be annihilated by the United States if such behavior continues.

(Washington) - U.S. President Donald Trump held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday (October 17), urging him to reach a deal with Russia on the war. Trump declined to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, leaving Zelensky empty-handed, having hoped the United States would increase pressure on Russia.

Sixty-four South Korean citizens implicated in Cambodian criminal activities arrived at Incheon International Airport on Saturday morning (October 18) under police escort from Phnom Penh's Dresden International Airport. They appeared to be handcuffed, but their hands were covered with cloth. Most of them are criminal suspects wanted by South Korea, including some wanted by Interpol. They will be investigated and face legal action for allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities in Cambodian criminal circles.

(Washington/Beijing) China and the United States have agreed to hold a new round of trade negotiations next week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jeffrey Bennett and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to meet in Malaysia to seek to ease the trade tensions caused by mutual countermeasures between the two countries and prepare for the China-U.S. summit at the end of this month.

(Washington Comprehensive News) US President Trump officially ordered a 25% tariff on imported medium and heavy-duty trucks and a 10% tariff on buses starting November 1, but he also extended a tax credit for imported auto parts to 2030.

(Washington) Following the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Kazakhstan, preparations for Gaza's reconstruction have begun, with senior finance officials from various countries expressing their willingness to help. The World Bank and the United Nations are finalizing new cost estimates for Gaza's reconstruction, projecting a total of US$70 billion (S$90.6 billion).