Global Trade Partners React to New US Tariffs; US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff Visits Gaza

On Thursday, the eve of the Aug. 1 deadline for trading partners to reach trade agreements with the United States, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a new wave of tariffs on dozens of countries. Global trading partners responded on Friday, with some welcoming the move after securing favorable terms, while others expressed disappointment as their tariff rates increased.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee traveled to Gaza on Friday to inspect the U.S.- and Israel-backed aid distribution system. The visit took place as Witkoff works on a final plan to speed up aid deliveries to Gaza, the White House said on Thursday.