News Wrap: Biden and Netanyahu speak as Gaza ceasefire talks show signs of progress

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• John Yang:

  In other news, there are signs of progress in talks to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone today. The White House says Mr. Biden underscored recent shifts in the region's balance of power, including a weakened Iran. The president also stressed the need for Israeli hostages to be released and for there to be a surge of humanitarian aid.

  Meanwhile, efforts are underway for Syria to reengage with other nations. Foreign ministers and top diplomats from the west and Middle East met in Saudi Arabia today to map out the next steps, which could include easing Western sanctions on Syria. The summit was the first of its kind since the downfall of Bashar al Assad's regime last month.

  South Korea suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial. Yoon has been holed up in the presidential residence under protection from his bodyguards since he was impeached last month for declaring martial law. Yoon Suk lawyers cite safety concerns the trial will go on even in his absence. The Constitutional Court is deciding whether to remove Yoon from office.

  Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is urging Muslim leaders to back efforts to make gender based discrimination a crime under international law. She spoke today at a Pakistani summit on girls education in Muslim communities. She singled out the Taliban, which bars girls in Afghanistan from going to secondary schools.

• Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize Winner:

  Afghan women and girls must be free to shape their own future. The very loudest champions of their cause must be fellow Muslims leaders such as yourselves.

• John Yang:

  The Taliban tried to kill Yousafzai when she was a teen because of her advocacy for girls education. At the end of the summit, leaders signed a declaration outlining their commitment to empower girls through education.

  Still to come on PBS News weekend, why this year's six season is hitting Americans hard and what a million year old core of ice can tell scientists in Antarctica.