Axios

Hamas' demand for written commitments from the U.S., Egypt and Qatar is a key gap that remains before mediators can come to the table and start to hash out the details of a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza, two Israeli officials told Axios.

Why it matters: Israeli and U.S. officials are more optimistic than before that the latest back and forth with Hamas leaders can lead to a deal to release hostages being held in Gaza and establish "sustainable calm" in the enclave.

Keir Starmer became the U.K.'s new prime minister on Friday, one day after Britain's center-left Labour Party sailed to a landslide victory in the country's elections.

Why it matters: The change in government will likely result in a shift in U.S. relations with one of its closest allies, which for 14 years was governed by the Conservatives.

Liz Truss, the shortest-serving prime minister in British history, lost her seat to a candidate representing the Labour Party, which has swept to power in the country's general election, officials confirmed Friday.

The big picture: Truss, who resigned after a tumultuous six weeks as Conservative Party leader, is the first former U.K. prime minister in nearly 90 years to lose her seat, per the Financial Times.

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat to the center-left Labour Party early Friday, which was projected to win by a landslide in the country's general election — delivering a huge blow to the ruling Conservative Party after 14 years in power.

The big picture: Incumbents are on a losing streak all over the world — particularly in Europe, where inflation has fueled voter discontent. In Britain, however, the Conservatives' looming defeat is largely of their own making.

The deadly Hurricane Beryl was barreling toward Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula where it's expected to make landfall early Friday after lashing the Cayman Islands and Jamaica with heavy rains and powerful winds.

The big picture: The storm's early formation, rapid intensification and location have broken records. While it's expected to weaken into a tropical storm across the Yucatán Peninsula, it's forecast to re-intensify over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening southern Texas over the weekend.

President Biden in a call on Thursday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "it is time to close" a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza.

Why it matters: Biden has pushed for a deal for months. White House officials said they want to take advantage of Hamas' positive response to the latest proposal in order to close the remaining gaps and reach an agreement.