Biden warns Trump team on climate denial, pushes for Gaza ceasefire with hostages’ release and humanitarian assistance.

Joe Biden has delivered his last policy speech, addressing critical issues facing the future.

In his remarks, he directly challenged officials in the incoming Trump administration who doubt the reality of climate change.

Biden stated, “They are dead wrong. It’s the single greatest existential threat to humanity.”

He said that the transition to clean energy is already underway and highlighted the competition with China for dominance in clean energy manufacturing and supply chains.

Biden asserted that the United States must succeed in this contest to shape the global economy for decades.

Biden announced he is actively pursuing a ceasefire deal in Gaza during his final days in office.

He stated that the proposed deal aims to release hostages held by Hamas and halt the ongoing fighting.

Biden indicated that this agreement would also enhance security for Israel while significantly increasing humanitarian assistance to the region.

He expressed understanding for the suffering of the Palestinian people, stating they have experienced immense hardship due to the conflict initiated by Hamas.

He stressed the urgency of closing the deal to reunite families with their loved ones taken as hostages.

Biden’s focus on these pressing matters reflects his commitment to addressing significant global challenges even as his presidency comes to a close.

US officials optimistic about Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostages deal as Hamas confirms close to agreement amid ongoing negotiations.

American officials are optimistic about a possible ceasefire and hostages release deal in the Israel-Hamas war.

This optimism is the first significant sign seen in the Biden administration in months.

While caution is still being exercised until a final agreement is reached, US officials believe an announcement could be made before President Biden leaves office.

US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer indicated that substantial progress has been made in negotiations.

Finer noted that there is a deal that Hamas should accept but refrained from making predictions about the outcome.

A Hamas official stated that the group is close to reaching an agreement with Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed some progress in the ongoing negotiations in Doha.

Saar stated that Israel is focused on securing a hostage deal and is collaborating with the United States to achieve this goal.

He mentioned that it will soon become clear if Hamas shares the same intention.

However, several issues remain unresolved, according to the Hamas official.

24 dead, thousands displaced, extreme winds complicate containment efforts amid $150 billion damage estimates

Dangerously high winds are expected to return to Los Angeles on Monday, hampering containment efforts of two significant wildfires.

These fires have resulted in at least 24 deaths and devastated land equivalent to Washington, D.C.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, forecasting Santa Ana winds of 50 to 70 miles per hour from Monday through Wednesday.

Fire crews managed to halt the fires’ spread overnight but are anticipating worsening conditions with the forecasted winds.

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has described the situation as serious.

Officials are positioning firefighting resources in high-risk areas, particularly around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the largest currently burning.

More than 8,500 fire personnel are working to combat these wildfires.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noted that fire crews are better prepared this week, having learned from last week’s rapid fire growth under similar conditions.

However, he cautioned that containment remains uncertain.

The current death toll stands at 24, with over 12,000 structures reported as damaged or destroyed.

Search efforts for missing individuals continue, with deputies discovering human remains in areas affected by the Eaton fire.