Yesterday, both sides approved the deal brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Hamas agreed to release 50 of the more than 240 people it took hostage on October 7th, specifically women and children. Three Americans are expected to be among the hostages released. In exchange, Israel agreed to pause fighting for at least four days to allow fuel and other humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel will also release 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Next up: Israeli citizens have 24 hours to appeal the deal to the Supreme Court. The agreement could go into effect as early as tomorrow. That's the first phase.
What’s the second?
Israel could extend the cease-fire in exchange for Hamas’s release of more hostages. Israel says it would add an extra day to the pause in fighting, for every additional 10 captives that Hamas releases. Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahusaid his government is “committed to bringing all of the hostages home.” Hamas called the deal a “humanitarian truce.” In a statement, Qatar's lead negotiator reportedly said the priority is now “to ensure that the terms of the agreement are respected” while also working on a longer cease-fire. President Biden welcomed the deal, saying he has “no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage.”
theSkimm
There’s been growing international pressure for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed over 13,000 Palestinians and over 1,200 Israelis. Now, this deal marks a major diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that’s nearing its sixth week.
Sam Altman. Early this morning, OpenAI said it reached an agreement for Altman to return as the company’s CEO. The news is the latest in a series of events that’s had the tech world in a frenzy over the past five days. To recap: OpenAI’s board ousted Altman last week and played musical chairs with the interim CEO role. Altman and former OpenAI President Greg Brockman joined Microsoft — OpenAI’s largest shareholder. More than 90% of OpenAI employees threatened to do the same in solidarity. Now, OpenAI has apparently opened its eyes and found there's no alt man for Altman. The company said it's still working to “figure out the details,” but there are changes to the board. In a tweet, Altman said he’s “looking forward to returning” to his old stomping ground. Microsoft says this is a first step to a "more stable, well-informed, and effective governance."
...Oh and speaking of shuffling execs, yesterday, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to federal money laundering charges and stepped down as the company's CEO. It marks the end of the Justice Dept’s three-year investigation into the world’s largest crypto exchange.
What dog lovers are paying attention to…
A mystery illness. In the last couple of months, hundreds of dogs in at least seven states have fallen sick with an infectious respiratory disease. Veterinarians say symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and eye and nose discharge. Some dogs have died from the illness. The disease could be linked to a new bacterial infection, but researchers are investigating the cause. For now, vets recommend that owners make sure their pets are up-to-date on vaccines, limit their exposure to other dogs, and call their vet if they notice symptoms.
Which story is for all the Roman Empire fans...
This one. Yesterday, the BBC reported that a British museum determined emperor Elagabalus was a trans woman. Her gender identity has long been contested among academics. But classical texts claim the emperor — who ruled the Roman Empire from AD 218 to AD 222 — said “call me not Lord, for I am a Lady.” Now, the museum says it'll relabel Elagabalus' display to honor her preferred pronouns.
Raise your hand if your skin is already feeling the effects of colder temps. Let Medik8’s derm-loved serums and moisturizers (which are sold in clinics worldwide) help you out. Right now, they’re offering Skimm’rs 30% off for Black Friday — no code needed. We’re eyeing their…
Affordable presents for friends and family are hard to find, so you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed this holiday season. If so, look no further. We’ve got you covered with:
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. The biggest jewelry sale of the ear, err — year.
Now’s the time to treat your giftees (and yourself) to this brand’s chic, stackable hoop, huggie, and flatback earrings. Because they’re all 30% off during their Cyber Week sale. Grab them before they sell out.*
Sorry, not sorry. This quality e-bike provider is offering up to 75% (aka $1,200) off their curated selection of new and upcycled e-bikes until Nov 28. Plus, they’ll deliver your pick(s) to your doorstep within a week.*
3. Gifts that are here for a good time and a long time.
This brand makes everyday essentials that last. Like a minimalist, RFID-blocking wallet that helps prevent theft. Or a colorful (and noiseless) key case. PS: Skimm’rs get up to 30% off.*
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
On Our Radar
Calling all New Yorkers and NYC visitors: Our interactive holiday experience at Brookfield Place is full of photo opps that’ll get you and your loved ones in the spirit. Be sure to check out the big reveal this weekend. ‘Tis (almost) the season.*
Programming Note
Skimm HQ is OOO tomorrow eating turkey and cranberry sauce. But check your inbox on Friday for a lil' something special.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Reduce, reuse, replay…Elizabeth Z (VT). She’s organizing a community toy swap in order to reduce the impact of buying new toys on the environment.
(Some) Birthdays…Lindsay R. Schneider (NY), theSkimm's Jessica Pepper (NJ), theSkimm's Rachel Hirsch (NY), theSkimm's Jessica Kelly (NY), theSkimm's Karell Roxas (NY), Kathy Roszak (IL), Rachel Grundmeier (DC), Nichole Saunders (TX), Kristin Moore (IN), Charlene Vassil (FL), Mike MacGregor (MA), Danna Ogletree (GA), Judy Gordon (PA), Jessica Jeffress (KY), Paige Olivetti (ID)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Julie Shain
Photos by Said Khatib/AFP via Getty Images, Brand Partners, Sundree, Patchology
