Reuters World News: Trump's Tax Bill, Gaza Ceasefire, Vietnam Trade Deal, and Aid Cuts

US Tax Bill and Economic Outlook

• 🏛️ House Republicans have advanced Donald Trump's tax cut and spending bill to a final vote, aiming to overcome internal party divisions.
• 📉 A crucial US payrolls report is expected to indicate a slowing labor market, potentially influencing the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rate cuts.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump continues to call for Fed Chair Jerome Powell to resign and is reportedly considering options to replace him.
• ⚖️ A judge has blocked Trump's asylum ban at the US-Mexico border, ruling it exceeds his authority.

Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

• 🕊️ Hamas is considering a 60-day ceasefire proposal put forth by President Trump, which he states Israel has agreed to.
• 🇵🇸 Hamas's primary sticking point remains Israel's withdrawal from the enclave, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on the elimination of Hamas.
• 💔 The collapse of the ceasefire could have severe consequences for Gazans facing airstrikes and severe shortages, as well as for the families of the remaining hostages.

International Trade and Aid

• 🇻🇳 The US has struck a trade deal with Vietnam, imposing a 20% tariff on exports to the US and a 40% levy on transshipments through third countries, largely targeting Chinese-made products.
• 🇮🇳 Negotiations for a similar trade agreement are also underway with India, with a deadline of July 9th for all such deals.
• 🇺🇦 The US is pausing some critical weapons shipments to Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv about its ability to defend against Russian air strikes.

Humanitarian Crisis in DRC

• 💔 A Reuters investigation reveals that US aid cuts have reduced supplies of emergency kits for rape survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving thousands without access to life-saving medication.
• 💊 These kits are crucial for preventing HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancies within 72 hours of an assault.
• ⚠️ The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo exacerbates the shortage, with only a fraction of women receiving these vital kits, increasing their exposure to further trauma and health risks.