Shutdown Showdown: Gaza, AI, and Trump's Rebels Threaten Gridlock

Gaza's Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt Reopened Amidst International Developments

Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened on February 2, according to Israeli officials, marking a key step in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. The Rafah border had been sealed for nearly a year. While the reopening advances the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the agreement remains fragile.

In other international developments, France's 2026 state budget was adopted after Prime Minister Lecornu invoked Article 49.3 to bypass a parliamentary vote, according to multiple news reports. This move followed months of political gridlock and failed attempts at compromise in a fragmented parliament. Lecornu acknowledged the budget as a compromise and submitted it for constitutional review, hoping to resolve the country's financial challenges amidst ongoing political tensions.

Meanwhile, former President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, presented a "New Gaza" plan in Davos, envisioning modern apartments, industrial zones, and parks for the territory. The plan, contingent on a ceasefire deal requiring Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw, aims to rebuild Gaza into a thriving destination, according to NPR Politics. However, Palestinians have expressed concerns that the plan erases their homes and history.

In the United States, President Donald Trump urged House lawmakers to end the partial government shutdown that began over the weekend, as Speaker Mike Johnson faced resistance on a critical funding bill. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was working with Speaker Johnson to send legislation the Senate had already passed to his desk, where he promised to sign it immediately. "There can be NO CHANGES at this time," he wrote, warning that another prolonged shutdown would be pointless and destructive.

Also in the U.S., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that body-worn cameras are being issued to federal agents in Minneapolis. "Effective immediately we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis," Noem said in a post on X on Monday, according to Time. She added that the body camera program would be expanded nationwide as funding is available.