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Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Draft for Gaza, Hostage Release Pending Approval

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Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages, according to officials involved in the negotiations. Mediators from the United States and Qatar on Tuesday said Israel and Hamas were closer than ever to finalizing a deal that could potentially end 15 months of intense conflict.

The Associated Press reviewed a copy of the proposed agreement, confirmed by an Egyptian official and a Hamas representative. An Israeli official also acknowledged progress but said final details were still being worked out. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.

“We are on the brink of achieving a ceasefire,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday. “It’s closer than it has ever been before.” Blinken noted that an official announcement could come within hours or days, contingent on Hamas’s final approval.

Proposed Agreement Details

The three-phase ceasefire plan, based on a framework proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, would begin with the release of 33 hostages over six weeks. These include women, children, elderly individuals, and injured civilians. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women and children.

In the first phase:

– Five female Israeli soldiers would be released, with each exchanged for 50 Palestinian prisoners.

– Israel would gradually withdraw forces from Gaza population centers while humanitarian aid enters the territory at an accelerated pace, with 600 trucks delivering food and medical supplies daily.

Details of subsequent phases remain under negotiation. The second phase would involve the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for additional prisoners and a complete Israeli military withdrawal. A third phase proposes returning deceased hostages’ remains in exchange for a multi-year international reconstruction plan for Gaza.

The conflict, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel, has led to devastating casualties. The assault killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and resulted in 250 hostages being taken into Gaza. Around 46,000 Palestinians have since been killed in retaliatory Israeli strikes, with over half reported as women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

In Gaza, more than 90% of the population of 2.3 million has been displaced, many facing famine-like conditions amid widespread destruction.

The proposed deal requires approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet. Previous attempts to mediate a truce have failed, with both sides blaming each other for delays. However, officials are optimistic this time, citing international pressure and humanitarian concerns.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families of Palestinian prisoners have expressed hope for their loved ones’ release. Meanwhile, displaced residents in Gaza are waiting anxiously for an agreement to bring relief and stability.

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have committed to ensuring the negotiations progress and that hostilities remain paused during the ceasefire’s implementation.

One Indian National Killed, Another Injured While Serving in Russian Army

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An Indian national recruited by the Russian army has been killed, while another is undergoing treatment for injuries in a Moscow hospital, India’s foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has raised the issue with Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, reiterating its demand for the early discharge of remaining Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces, the ministry said in a statement.

“We are working with Russian authorities to ensure the early transportation of the mortal remains to India,” the ministry said. “We have also sought the immediate discharge and repatriation of the injured individual.” Both individuals are from the southern state of Kerala, the statement said.

In May, Indian police arrested four individuals linked to a human trafficking network suspected of luring young Indian men to Russia under false pretenses of lucrative jobs and education opportunities, only to coerce them into fighting in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Following the deaths of Indian nationals in Ukraine last year, the Indian government demanded an end to the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian army. Authorities have also urged Indian citizens to exercise caution when seeking employment in Russia.

According to the foreign ministry, 45 Indian nationals have been discharged from Russian military service since then, with efforts ongoing to secure the release of an additional 50 individuals. In September, the ministry renewed its warning against such recruitments.

TikTok Users Migrate to RedNote Amid Looming U.S. Ban

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TikTok users across the United States are flocking to RedNote, a Chinese social media app, as the possibility of a nationwide ban looms. The app surged to become the most downloaded on Apple’s U.S. App Store on Monday, driven by users calling themselves “TikTok refugees.”

RedNote, a platform popular in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions, combines features of TikTok and Instagram. It boasts 300 million monthly users, predominantly young urban women, who use the app to share lifestyle tips on topics like dating and fashion.

The migration follows an impending Supreme Court ruling on a law that mandates TikTok to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. The deadline for compliance is set for January 19.

TikTok has maintained it will not sell its U.S. business, with its legal team arguing that such a ban violates the free speech rights of its 170 million American users.

Meanwhile, RedNote has embraced the influx of U.S. users, with thousands sharing advice on topics like navigating the app and learning basic Mandarin phrases. Posts under the hashtag “TikTok refugee” have gained traction, with users joking about their transition.

“To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us—sorry in advance for the chaos,” one U.S. user wrote.

Concerns of censorship have also surfaced. Some users reported restricted content critical of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, officials have limited the use of RedNote due to alleged security risks associated with Chinese software.

RedNote, also known by its Chinese name Xiaohongshu, translates to “Little Red Book,” though the company denies links to Mao Zedong’s famous text.

Despite security concerns, many Americans are undeterred. Sarah Fotheringham, a school canteen worker from Utah, joined RedNote, calling it a way to “snub” the U.S. government.

“I don’t have anything that China doesn’t already have. If they want my data, they can take it,” she said in a message on the app.

Fashion designer Marcus Robinson of Virginia created a RedNote account to promote his brand. “I was slightly hesitant about the terms and conditions since they were in Mandarin, but I decided to take the chance,” he said.

While TikTok’s ban won’t cause an immediate shutdown, it would require app stores to cease offering the platform, potentially curbing its growth over time.

For many users, RedNote has already become a favorite. Tennessee-based tech worker Sydney Crawley gained 6,000 followers on the app within 24 hours and plans to maintain her growing platform.

“I will continue to build a following there and explore the connections and opportunities it offers,” Crawley said.

Fotheringham echoed similar sentiments, describing her newfound connection with Chinese culture. “I’ve learned so much about regular Chinese people, their culture, and their daily lives,” she said.

Robinson added, “I love RedNote so far … I just need to learn how to speak Mandarin.”

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LADWP Sued Over Alleged Water Shortages During Deadly Palisades Fire

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A lawsuit filed against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) alleges the utility failed to maintain adequate water supplies crucial for fighting the devastating Palisades Fire, which has scorched thousands of acres and claimed multiple lives. 

The complaint, submitted Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses LADWP of negligence for allowing the Santa Ynez Reservoir—a key water source for Pacific Palisades—to remain empty since February 2024. The reservoir, capable of holding 117 million gallons (443 million liters) of water, was dry when the fire erupted last week. 

“The water supply system servicing Pacific Palisades failed miserably, leaving residents and firefighters with little to no water to fight the blaze,” said Roger Behle, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. 

LADWP, the nation’s largest municipal utility, did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours. 

The Palisades Fire has killed at least eight people, destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and burned more than 23,700 acres (96 square kilometers). As of late Monday, the blaze continued to threaten surrounding neighborhoods. 

Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which has also prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to call for an investigation into reports of insufficient water and low pressure hampering firefighting efforts. 

FILE – Southern California Edison workers service a utility pole in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Jan. 12, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, file)

LADWP acknowledged the investigation and said it would conduct an internal review. “As we face the impacts of climate change and build resilience, we welcome a review of codes and requirements if city water systems are to be used in fighting extreme wildfires,” LADWP spokesperson Ellen Cheng said in a statement Monday. 

According to LADWP CEO Janisse Quinones, firefighting efforts at lower elevations impeded the utility’s ability to refill water tanks at higher elevations. Three storage tanks in Pacific Palisades were reportedly emptied within 24 hours of the fire’s start. 

The lawsuit claims LADWP’s cost-cutting measures delayed essential repairs to the Santa Ynez Reservoir, further exacerbating the water shortage during the emergency. 

The legal action adds to a growing number of lawsuits tied to California wildfires, including a recent case against Southern California Edison over the ongoing Eaton Fire near Pasadena. 

Special Counsel Report: Trump Would Have Been Convicted Without 2024 Re-Election

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A partially released report by Special Counsel Jack Smith reveals that former President Donald Trump would likely have been convicted of illegally attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election had he not been re-elected in 2024. 

The report states that the evidence against Trump was “sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.” However, the U.S. Constitution prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president, leading to the dismissal of the case following Trump’s 2024 electoral victory. 

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, calling Smith “deranged” and the findings “fake.” He has consistently denied wrongdoing. 

Trump, accused of pressuring officials to reverse the 2020 election results, knowingly spreading false claims of election fraud, and exploiting the January 6 Capitol riot, spent four years out of office before his re-election in November 2024. His imminent return to the presidency prompted the dismissal of legal actions against him. 

Smith, appointed in 2022 to oversee U.S. government investigations into Trump, asserted in the report that he “stands fully behind” the strength of the evidence and the decision to bring the case to trial. 

The report highlights Trump’s alleged “unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power” through threats and encouragement of violence. It also details “significant challenges” faced by investigators, including Trump’s use of social media to target witnesses and judicial officials. 

The 137-page document, sent to Congress early Tuesday, followed months of legal disputes. Judge Aileen Cannon allowed the partial release but scheduled a hearing on whether to disclose the second part, which addresses allegations that Trump illegally retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. 

Trump faces separate allegations regarding classified government documents. Two of his associates, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, are accused of assisting him in concealing the materials. Their cases remain active, while Trump maintains his innocence and has dismissed all charges as politically motivated. 

Smith’s report underscores the constitutional limitation preventing the prosecution of a sitting president, stating, “The department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a president is categorical.” 

The report concludes that the 2024 election raised unprecedented legal questions about prosecuting a private citizen who becomes president after indictment. 

Posting online, Trump reiterated his innocence and mocked the special counsel, claiming, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!” He accused Smith of failing to bring the case to trial before the election. 

Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Another 40 Farmers Killed, Dozens Abducted

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People attend a funeral for those killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in Zaabarmar, Nigeria, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. Nigerian officials say suspected members of the Islamic militant group Boko Haram have killed at least 40 rice farmers and fishermen while they were harvesting crops in northern Borno State. The attack was staged Saturday in a rice field in Garin Kwashebe, a Borno community known for rice farming. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)

At least 40 farmers were killed in the Dumba community of Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State, Nigeria, following an attack by militants believed to be members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The attack, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, left dozens missing, with reports suggesting some were abducted by the assailants. 

People attend a funeral for those killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in Zaabarmar, Nigeria, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. Nigerian officials say suspected members of the Islamic militant group Boko Haram have killed at least 40 rice farmers and fishermen while they were harvesting crops in northern Borno State. The attack was staged Saturday in a rice field in Garin Kwashebe, a Borno community known for rice farming. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)

Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday, saying, “Initial reports indicate about 40 farmers have been killed, while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families.” 

The attack came less than 24 hours after two people were killed and a church was set ablaze in a similar attack in Chibok, a community in southern Borno. 

Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack, calling it “barbaric” and urging military forces to track down the insurgents operating in the Lake Chad region, including Dumba and surrounding enclaves. 

Sources revealed that the victims were attacked after venturing beyond military-designated security tracks, which were created to prevent civilians from straying into areas controlled by Boko Haram or ISWAP. 

The Kukawa area has been a recurring target of Boko Haram since 2014, with multiple attacks devastating the region. In December 2019, the militants attacked Baga, the headquarters of Kukawa Local Government, in a violent operation that left scores dead and thousands displaced. 

In his statement, Governor Zulum expressed sorrow over the killings, urging residents to adhere to designated “safe corridors” established by the military to ensure their safety. 

“The government has clearly demarcated land for safe farming and economic activities, allowing the military to focus on clearing unsafe areas. Citizens should avoid venturing into dangerous zones,” the governor emphasized. 

Zulum also praised the armed forces for their ongoing efforts to secure territories for farming and resettlement as part of the government’s long-term strategy to rebuild lives and livelihoods. 

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasized that military operations, including airstrikes, are conducted with precision to avoid civilian casualties. Musa made this statement following allegations of accidental killings during recent airstrikes in Zamfara State. 

“Before any airstrike is conducted, we follow strict protocols and use precision to avoid targeting civilians,” he said in an interview with Arise News. 

Musa also raised concerns about the tactics employed by terrorists, who have resorted to impregnating women to raise a new generation of fighters. 

The Nigerian government is collaborating with international organizations, including the United Nations and European Union, to trace and cut off funding sources for terrorist groups. 

“Locally, we believe they are funded through taxes, levies, kidnapping, and other illegal activities,” Musa said, adding that coordinated efforts are underway to mitigate terrorism financing. 

The military is preparing legal action against Reuters over allegations of forced abortions during counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast. Gen. Musa criticized the report, describing it as baseless and damaging to the country’s armed forces. 

The House of Representatives Committee on Army has assured the Nigerian Army of adequate financial support in the 2025 budget to address insecurity. Committee Chair Aminu Balele praised the Army’s 2024 budget performance, noting a 99% implementation rate. 

China Explores Possible TikTok U.S. Sale to Elon Musk: Bloomberg

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Chinese officials are reportedly exploring the potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk, according to *Bloomberg News*. The move is being considered as a contingency plan if the short-video app is unable to avoid a looming ban in the United States. 

Sources cited in the report indicate that Beijing would prefer TikTok to remain under the control of its parent company, ByteDance. However, the escalating scrutiny and national security concerns from U.S. lawmakers may push the company toward alternative solutions, including a sale. 

The report suggests that TikTok’s U.S. operations could be sold either through a competitive bidding process or via a government-directed arrangement, signaling that ByteDance may no longer have full control over the app’s future. 

China’s government holds a “golden share” in ByteDance, which gives it partial influence over the company. Critics, including members of Congress, have argued that this stake provides Beijing with leverage over TikTok, fueling bipartisan concerns about the platform’s operations in the U.S. 

One option reportedly under consideration involves Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), taking control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. The report claims that X and TikTok could operate jointly under Musk’s leadership, although no consensus has been reached within Chinese government circles about this plan. 

It is unclear how much ByteDance is aware of these discussions or whether Musk and TikTok have been involved in any preliminary negotiations regarding a possible deal. 

A TikTok spokesperson dismissed the report, saying, “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.” The company has previously maintained that the Chinese government’s “golden share” has no influence over its global operations outside of China, including TikTok. 

Requests for comment from Elon Musk, ByteDance, X, and China’s Cyberspace Administration and Ministry of Commerce have gone unanswered as of now. 

The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, as the platform continues to face mounting pressure from lawmakers and federal agencies. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court appeared inclined to uphold legislation that could either force ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or result in a nationwide ban of the app by January 19. 

U.S. officials have expressed concerns that TikTok’s ownership structure could allow the Chinese government to access user data or influence content, allegations that TikTok has consistently denied. 

While no formal decisions have been made, the potential sale of TikTok U.S. to Musk would mark a dramatic development in the ongoing saga surrounding the app’s future in the United States. Whether such a deal materializes remains uncertain, but with the January 19 deadline looming, TikTok’s fate may soon be decided.

OnlyFans Star Claims Record After Allegedly Sleeping with 1,057 Men in 12 Hours 

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OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue claims she has broken a controversial record by allegedly engaging with 1,057 men in 12 hours, surpassing a record purportedly set over two decades ago. 

The adult content creator reportedly achieved the feat during an event in London over the weekend, a publicist told *The Sun*. Leading up to the event, Blue posted videos on social media calling for “boys, dads, and husbands” to participate, urging them to “spare two minutes” to help her reach her goal. 

Blue’s team stated she reached the milestone with “video proof” documenting the event. A documentary crew was also reportedly present to capture the attempt, which will be shared on her platforms in the coming months. 

In a post-event video, Blue expressed satisfaction, saying, “I don’t need a wheelchair. I feel like I had a heavy day in the bedroom, which is exactly what I’ve had.” She explained the event’s logistics, revealing that she began with group interactions before transitioning to “one-on-ones” for efficiency. 

Blue’s claim appears to overshadow a record set by adult star Lisa Sparks, who reportedly engaged with 919 men in 22 hours in 2004. The claim, however, is not recognized by Guinness World Records. 

Blue also surpassed OnlyFans star Lily Phillips, who recently went viral for a documentary showcasing her attempt to engage with 100 men in 14 hours. Phillips had been vocal about her own plans to reach 1,000 men in a single day, stating she was in “training” for the attempt. 

Phillips has not publicly commented on Blue’s alleged accomplishment. 

Blue’s announcement drew significant criticism online, with many questioning the legitimacy of the event. Critics accused her of seeking publicity, while others mocked the claim. 

Responding to detractors, Blue dismissed the criticism with sharp retorts, including a response to someone who told her to “find God.” She replied, “I hope he finds me & fills me up.” 

Despite the backlash, Blue remained unapologetic. “I loved it. Yesterday was a movie day in bed,” she said in one response. 

Many social media users expressed doubt over the practicality of the event, with comments calling it “fake news” or questioning the “mental and physical stamina” required. 

Blue’s feat has sparked discussions on the logistics of such events, with Phillips previously describing the planning involved in similar attempts. “The logistics are insane,” Phillips said during a podcast interview. “It’s hard enough to get 1,000 guys together wanting to [participate]. It’s another thing making sure they all do it in the time limit.” 

While the claims remain unverified, Blue’s alleged record has fueled debate online about the boundaries of adult entertainment and the extreme stunts undertaken by creators for notoriety. 

Russia Accidentally Destroys North Korean SAM System in Kursk 

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Russian forces reportedly destroyed one of their own North Korean-made surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in a “friendly fire” incident in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has launched a fresh offensive. 

Russian military bloggers initially claimed the SAM system had been supplied to Ukraine by Western nations. However, Alexander Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military and political analyst, concluded that Russian forces mistakenly targeted the SAM, according to the Ukrainian Independent Information Agency. 

The incident highlights North Korea’s growing military support for Russia. Pyongyang has reportedly supplied Moscow with short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, self-propelled guns, and even troops to bolster Russia’s efforts in the ongoing conflict. 

Kovalenko noted that the destroyed SAM system’s transfer was not detected by Western or South Korean intelligence, indicating the existence of covert logistical supply chains between North Korea and Russia. “This is extremely alarming,” he said. 

Kovalenko, who has over 100,000 Telegram subscribers, said the error occurred when a Russian drone operator mistook the North Korean SAM system for a Western-manufactured system used by Ukrainian forces in the region. 

Analysis from Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi corroborated this claim, citing battlefield footage and photographs that show the North Korean SAM’s design closely resembles that of Western systems. 

Ukraine has long accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons and personnel. In November, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that Moscow had received over 100 KN-23 and KN-24 short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. 

“Along with the missiles, Pyongyang sent military specialists to service the launchers and participate in war crimes against Ukraine,” the intelligence agency said. 

Kovalenko emphasized the strategic implications of North Korea’s contributions: 

“Russia’s reliance on North Korean air defense systems reveals a severe shortage in its own arsenal. These supplies reflect Moscow’s difficulty in replenishing critical losses,” he said. 

South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States estimate that Russia has deployed more than 10,000 North Korean troops to aid its forces. Given the mutual defense treaty signed between Russia and North Korea last year, Pyongyang’s support for Moscow is expected to continue. 

The treaty obligates both nations to assist each other in the event of armed aggression, solidifying their strategic partnership amid growing international scrutiny.

newsweek.com

Tyson Fury Retires from Boxing After Loss to Oleksandr Usyk 

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British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing one month after losing a rematch to Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk. 

The 36-year-old made the announcement in a short video posted Monday on Instagram, where he shared a cryptic farewell message. 

“Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing,” Fury said. “It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it, and I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.” 

The reference to Turpin, an 18th-century English highway robber, left fans puzzled. 

Fury’s decision follows his unanimous decision loss to Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 21, where statistics revealed Usyk landed 42% of his punches (179 out of 423) compared to Fury’s 28% (144 of 509). 

Fury previously acknowledged mistakes in his first split-decision loss to Usyk in May, particularly criticizing his own showboating during the fight. 

Fans had hoped Fury might face fellow Briton Anthony Joshua in a long-anticipated bout, but that now appears unlikely. 

This isn’t the first time Fury has announced his retirement. He made a similar declaration on his 34th birthday in August 2022 but returned to the ring just two months later. Earlier that year, he hinted at retiring after defeating Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium before winning two more fights against Derek Chisora and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou. 

Fury’s boxing career, which began in 2008, boasts a record of 34-2-1 with 24 knockouts. His only career losses came against Usyk, alongside a draw against Deontay Wilder in 2018. 

The rivalry between Fury and Usyk earned mutual respect, with Usyk humorously thanking Fury after winning Ring magazine’s Male Fighter of the Year award. “My friend, greedy belly, thank you so much. You’re a great opponent,” Usyk said. 

Boxing promoter Frank Warren, who has worked with Fury, expressed support for the decision. “If that’s what he wants to do, that’s great. He’s done everything he can do. Probably the best British heavyweight of his generation by far,” Warren told the BBC. 

Fury’s retirement brings an end to a career that has left an indelible mark on heavyweight boxing.

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