Avsnitt
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Day four of the truce reveals grim discoveries in Gaza, with 120 bodies found in bombed homes.
While over 2,400 humanitarian aid trucks have entered the enclave, challenges persist.
The aid flow offers some relief, but Gaza’s recovery remains overshadowed by the devastation of Israel's 15-month brutal war.
Türkiye declared a national day of mourning after a devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu claimed at least 70 lives and injured 51 others.
President Erdogan expressed condolences and vowed accountability for the tragedy at the popular ski resort. Calling for unity and compassion, he urged all sectors to respect the nation’s grief during this difficult time.
As rescue operations concluded, the country reflected on the immense loss and renewed calls for safety measures.
Donald Trump kicks off his new presidency with a bold move, firing 1,000 opponents in his administration.
His late-night Truth Social post announced the dismissal of key figures, including retired General Mark Milley.
While Trump pushes to reshape the government, critics and even religious leaders urge him to prioritise unity and compassion, especially for immigrants.
A report reveals that children were held in secret detention centres during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Bangladesh’s prime minister.
Babies were reportedly used as leverage during interrogations, with mothers denied basic needs like milk.
The commission investigating enforced disappearances uncovered multiple cases, including a pregnant woman beaten in custody.
Hasina, now in exile after a student-led revolution, faces arrest for crimes against humanity.
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station produced oxygen and rocket fuel components through artificial photosynthesis.
Using semiconductor catalysts, the Shenzhou-19 crew converted carbon dioxide into oxygen and ethylene, a key fuel ingredient.
These experiments, crucial for long-term space survival, are part of China’s push for a crewed moon mission by 2030. -
Trump expresses scepticism over Gaza ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism about the Gaza ceasefire deal when asked if he was confident that all three phases of the agreement would be implemented.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office as he signed executive orders, Trump said the blockaded enclave looked like "a massive demolition site" and that it had to be rebuilt in a different way.
Trump signs first executive orders after inaugural parade
US President Donald Trump has signed a slew of executive orders following the inaugural parade in Capital One arena in Washington.
Trump started on Monday by signing the rescission of 78 Biden-era orders.
He also signed other orders that included a freeze on new regulations, a hiring freeze on federal workers and the withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.
Israel preparing for large-scale attacks in occupied West Bank
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has instructed the army to prepare for large-scale attacks in the occupied West Bank, a day after a ceasefire deal took effect in Gaza.
Alongside enhanced defensive preparations in Gaza, Israeli army must be ready for significant operations in the occupied West Bank in the coming days, Halevi said in a statement.
The statement did not specify the locations of these attacks, though activity in recent years has largely concentrated in the northern occupied West Bank.
Türkiye-Sweden security meeting to discuss counter-terrorism, defence ties
A meeting of the Türkiye-Sweden Security Mechanism is set to take place in the Turkish capital on Tuesday with the participation of high-level officials from both countries.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya plus Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer are expected to take part, diplomatic sources said.
This meeting is key for advancing collaboration between the two nations' counter-terrorism efforts.
Biden pardons his siblings and their spouses as he vacates White House
Joe Biden has pardoned his siblings and their spouses on his way out of the White House.
The former US president claimed that his family had been "subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats", motivated solely by a desire to hurt him, and called it "the worst kind of partisan politics".
The family pardons were the surprise finale in a series of unprecedented presidential actions by the Democrat, who has been known as an institutionalist during his half-century in politics. -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Tears of joy and hugs as Palestinians welcome freed detaineesTears of joy have flown across massive crowds of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia as they welcomed the return of detainees freed from Israeli Ofer prison in the first exchange in the Gaza ceasefire deal.
Palestinians climbed on top of the buses transferring the detainees as they chanted and cheered in celebration.
The families and relatives were seen embracing their loved ones after waiting for hours in the town.
TikTok restores services in US, thanks Trump
TikTok has restored service in the United States after briefly going dark, as a law banning the wildly popular app on national security grounds came into effect.
TikTok credited President-elect Donald Trump, who retakes power on Monday, for making the reversal possible — though the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden had earlier said that it would not enforce any ban.
The video-sharing app had shut down in the United States late Saturday as a deadline for its Chinese owners ByteDance to sell its US subsidiary to non-Chinese buyers loomed.
Israel's Smotrich threatens to topple government if Gaza is not occupied
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to overthrow the government if it does not occupy Gaza.
The extremist minister called a Gaza ceasefire agreement "very serious mistake" and "surrender to Hamas".
Smotrich told Army Radio that Israel "must occupy Gaza and create a temporary military government because there is no other way to defeat Hamas".
Trump vows to act with 'historic speed and strength' post-inauguration
Donald Trump has told a pre-inauguration rally that he would act with "historic speed and strength" upon becoming US president, one day ahead of his return to the White House.
Since the election, "the stock market has surged", and "Bitcoin has shattered one record high after another", Trump told the crowd gathered at the Capital One Arena in Washington.
Trump stayed consistent with the framing he often used in his campaign, criticising President Joe Biden's term as a "failed administration" and promising to "end the reign of a failed and corrupt political establishment".
Fire-ravaged Southern California braces for strong winds, fire risk
Southern Californians are bracing for gusty winds and a heightened risk of wildfires less than two weeks after the outbreak of deadly blazes that have killed at least 27 people and charred thousands of homes.
The National Weather Service issued on Sunday a warning of a "particularly dangerous situation" for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning due to low humidity and damaging Santa Ana winds.
Gusts could peak at 113 kph along the coast and 160 kph in the mountains and foothills. -
* Gaza ceasefire and hostage release set to begin
* Gaza ceasefire 'better hold': Trump
*Fuel tanker truck blast kills scores in Nigeria
* Swedish troops deployed in Latvia to 'strengthen' NATO presence
* TikTok goes dark in US, app pulled from stores -
* Israel approves Gaza truce deal in key vote
Israel’s government has greenlit a ceasefire and prisoner swap with Hamas in a 24-8 vote after cabinet talks.
The deal, seen as a pivotal pause in the Israeli brutal war on Gaza, required PM Netanyahu to rally support from his ministers.
TRT World’s Mohammad Al-Kassim reported that most ministers backed the agreement. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision after six hours of debate.
* Syrians protest PKK/YPG in Damascus
Syrians gathered at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus after Friday prayers to denounce the PKK/YPG.
Protesters chanted slogans against the group’s actions, calling for an end to eight years of violations, including road closures and resource hoarding.
Residents reported fears of leaving homes at night due to PKK/YPG control.
* Over 40 Pakistanis dead in migrant boat disaster
More than 40 Pakistanis drowned after a migrant boat capsized off West Africa’s coast, a key route for those attempting to reach Europe.
The tragedy drew grief from President Asif Ali Zardari, who called for tougher measures to stop human trafficking.
Spain-based Walking Borders reported 50 deaths, 44 of whom were Pakistanis, as the group embarked on a perilous journey to the Canary Islands.
* Colombia halts peace talks amid guerrilla violence
Colombia has suspended peace talks with the ELN after guerrilla violence near the Venezuela border left 39 dead.
President Gustavo Petro accused the group of “war crimes” after it targeted rivals and paramilitaries in fresh clashes.
The unrest derailed fragile negotiations and dashed hopes for the ELN to disarm.
* US Supreme Court backs TikTok ban over security fears
The US Supreme Court has upheld a law allowing a TikTok ban unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent, sells the app by Sunday.
In a unanimous 9-0 decision, the court ruled the measure does not violate free speech, citing national security concerns.
Congress had passed the law with bipartisan support, and TikTok’s legal challenge failed to sway the justices. -
Netanyahu announces Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas
"Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a deal to pause war in Gaza and return captives from the besieged Palestinian enclave has been reached.
The announcement comes a day after Netanyahu's office said there were last minute snags in talks to free captives in return for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Palestinian abductees.
Netanyahu said he will convene his security cabinet and then the government to approve the agreement.
The conflict, now in its 469th day, has devastated Gaza, with estimates suggesting up to 200,000 deaths.
Israel's Ben-Gvir threatens to quit Netanyahu govt over Gaza deal
"Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatens to resign if the government approves the Gaza ceasefire deal brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar.
Calling it a ""reckless deal,"" Ben-Gvir claims it undermines Israel’s war achievements by releasing Palestinian fighters and ceding strategic ground.
Despite political tensions, Prime Minister Netanyahu retains a parliamentary majority.
US officials expect the ceasefire to commence Sunday."
At least $10B needed to rebuild Gaza health system: WHO
"The World Health Organization estimates that at least $10 billion will be needed over the next 5–7 years to rebuild Gaza's devastated health system.
With less than half of Gaza's hospitals functional, the need for immediate and sustained humanitarian aid is critical.
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the ceasefire agreement, stating that ""the best medicine is peace,"" but urged its immediate implementation. He stressed the need for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need."
UK and Ukraine sign '100 year partnership' agreement
"During a surprise visit to Kiev, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a landmark ""100 Year Partnership"" agreement.
The agreement aims to deepen defence cooperation, address maritime security challenges, and strengthen ties in areas such as trade, energy, and climate change.
Zelenskyy described the partnership as a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the two nations."
Space X Starship test flight explodes after the liftoff
"Space X's latest Starship launch ended in disappointment with the spacecraft breaking apart shortly after liftoff.
Despite a successful booster landing, the spacecraft experienced an ""unscheduled disassembly,"" losing contact with ground control.
The test flight aimed to send the spacecraft on a near-orbital journey around the globe, but the mission was cut short.
This was the seventh test flight for the world's most powerful rocket, which is crucial for Space X's plans for future lunar missions and ultimately, Mars exploration. -
Hamas, Israel agree to Gaza ceasefire deal
"In a breakthrough, Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange after 468 days of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani announced the deal, starting with Hamas releasing 33 Israeli captives for an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners.
Qatar, Egypt and the US will oversee the implementation. Details of second and third phases will emerge after the first phase concludes."
World hails the Gaza ceasefire
"The ceasefire in Gaza was hailed by world leaders, including Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Joe Biden, and President-elect Donald Trump, as a step toward peace, humanitarian aid, and the release of prisoners.
The UN and EU echoed their support, emphasising the urgent need for relief in Gaza.
While Hamas declared the agreement a victory for Palestinian resilience, Egypt stressed the importance of swift aid delivery.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to American leaders for their support in the process."
Gaza, West Bank face deadly Israeli air strikes after truce
"Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel continued to carry out air strikes on Palestinian territories in the region.
At least 20 Palestinians, including children, were killed in besieged Gaza by Israeli bombardment.
Tel Aviv also killed six Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during air strikes on the Jenin camp, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
"
UN rights chief calls for lifting sanctions on Syria
"During a historic visit to Syria, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk emphasised the need for justice and accountability for the grave human rights violations committed during 14 years of conflict.
He called for an end to hostilities, the protection of all Syrians, and the pursuit of transitional justice, including investigating war crimes and addressing the needs of victims.
Turk also urged the international community to reconsider sanctions that have exacerbated the suffering of ordinary Syrians."
Joe Biden delivers his last speech from the Oval Office
"Outgoing US President Joe Biden delivered an emotional farewell address from the Oval Office, marking his final days in office.
He wished President-elect Donald Trump success while cautioning against a looming ""oligarchy"" threatening democracy.
Despite his controversial legacy, Biden criticised social media giants for enabling misinformation and warned of the risks of concentrated wealth and power." -
US, Egypt urge 'flexibility' to achieve Gaza truce
"Israel and Hamas are moving closer to a ceasefire in Tel Aviv's four-hundred-sixty-seventh day of a genocidal war in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza.
US President Joe Biden and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasised the need for ""flexibility"" from all sides during a phone call to solidify a truce between Israel and Hamas-according to a statement from Sisi's office.
A spokesperson for the Egyptian president stated that the two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the negotiations and underscored the importance of the concerned parties' commitment to overcoming obstacles and demonstrating the necessary flexibility to reach an agreement.
Israel's relentless attacks have resulted in over forty-six-thousand-six-hundred-forty-five-Palestinian deaths and one-hundred-ten-thousand-twelve wounded in indiscriminate attacks since October 2023."
Israel prepares to withdraw from Philadelphi Corridor — report
"Israel is reportedly preparing for a major shift as its army plans to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Palestine-Egypt border in Gaza.
Public broadcaster KAN has reported intensive meetings within the Southern Command, indicating steps toward a phased pullout in alignment with a ceasefire agreement.
A security source has revealed plans to vacate the Palestinian side of the-Rafah crossing shortly after a highly anticipated prisoner swap deal is finalised."
US removes Cuba from terror list as 553 prisoners are freed
"US President Joe Biden lifts Cuba’s ""state sponsor of terrorism"" label, a move tied to the release of five-hundred-fifty-three Cuban prisoners.
A White House official cited no evidence for Cuba’s terror designation, lauding the Catholic Church's role in securing political prisoner releases.
Cuba faces decades-long US sanctions, deepened by economic mismanagement and Covid-19.
Cuba said it would free hundreds of prisoners held for ""diverse crimes"" shortly after Washington's announcement.
Meanwhile, Cuba braces for tighter policies under President-elect Donald Trump’s return next week."
South Korean impeached President Yoon arrested over his martial law bid
"In a dramatic dawn raid, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested following his controversial martial law bid.
Anti-corruption investigators and police stormed his residence in Seoul after a weeks-long standoff.
Yoon, who initially resisted, agreed to cooperate but was taken into custody before delivering his planned speech.
In a video message recorded before he was escorted to the headquarters of the anti-corruption agency, Yoon said that the-""rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.""
He faces up to 48 hours in detention."
US bans smart cars with Chinese, Russian technology
"The US has finalised a rule barring Chinese and Russian technology from American cars, citing national security concerns.
The rule prohibits the sale of vehicles containing technology components linked to China or Russia, even if the car is US-made.
The restrictions, set to take effect in 2027 for software and 2030 for hardware, aim to prevent potential security risks and data breaches.
China has condemned these measures as a violation of international trade rules and vowed to take necessary action." -
Gaza truce talks see big progress
"Breakthroughs in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas may bring a long-awaited Gaza ceasefire.
Negotiations in Qatar tackled key sticking points, with a ""concrete"" new proposal now on the table, a source close to the talks revealed.
While details are scarce due to the sensitivity of discussions, the progress marks a hopeful step toward ending the conflict.
Lebanon taps ICJ judge Nawaf Salam as PM
"Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has chosen ICJ President Nawaf Salam to form a new government.
Backed by 84 lawmakers, Salam steps into a critical role amid Lebanon's challenges.
Presidency Director General Antoine Choucair confirmed the news, adding that Salam is set to return from abroad on Tuesday to begin the task.
"100 miners die trapped in South African mine
"At least 100 illegal miners have died from suspected starvation and dehydration after being trapped for months in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, a miners’ advocacy group revealed.
Over 500 others remain underground.
Rescuers recovered 18 bodies since Friday, while videos retrieved from a cellphone showed dozens more wrapped in plastic. "
Los Angeles wildfires to cost over $250 billion
"The Los Angeles wildfires are projected to cause staggering losses of $250–$275 billion, AccuWeather reports.
“This could become California’s worst wildfire in modern history,” warned meteorologist Jonathan Porter.
With damages surpassing the 2020 wildfire season and even Hurricane Helene, the scale of destruction is unprecedented.
China eyes selling TikTok US to Elon Musk
"China is considering selling TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk to dodge a looming ban, Bloomberg reports.
While ByteDance prefers to retain ownership, contingency plans are under debate as the US Supreme Court leans towards upholding the app’s ban by January 19.
With time running out, discussions between China and Trump’s incoming administration are intensifying. -
Israeli army detains dozens in occupied West Bank raids
Israeli forces have detained around 70 Palestinians in a series of raids targeting homes in the occupied West Bank.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli soldiers stormed several homes in the town of Deir Istiya in Salfit governorate.
The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli troops have repeatedly raided Deir Istiya in recent days, blocking the town's entrances and exits with barriers.
Israel carries out air strikes on eastern Lebanon
"The Israeli military has conducted air strikes in eastern Lebanon.
Lebanon's official National News Agency highlighted that Israeli forces continued to violate a ceasefire agreement that went into effect on November 27 last year.
Reports indicated that Israeli warplanes bombed areas near the town of Jinta, east of Baalbek."
14 million Syrians will return home within 2 years: Ahmed al Sharaa
"The leader of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al Sharaa, expressed optimism that 14 million displaced Syrians would return to their country within two years following the fall of the Assad regime.
Speaking to Dubai-based documentary filmmaker and YouTube content creator Joe HaTTab in a video that aired Sunday, Al Sharaa emphasised that Syrians who were forced to flee their homeland are already returning.
He highlighted that the revolution has been completed with the regime’s collapse and it is time to transition from a revolutionary mindset to a state-oriented one.
"
Sudanese army regains control of another town in Al Jazirah state
"The Sudanese army has announced that it had regained control of the town of Tambul, marking the second area of eastern Al Jazirah state to be reclaimed in the last 48 hours.
The army said in a statement late Sunday that with the support of allied forces and popular resistance, it has taken full control of the town of Tambul.
Referring to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the army said it has ""cleansed the town of the rebel militia after inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment""."
Turkish UAVs fly high in African markets
"Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have made inroads into Africa, with solutions developed in Türkiye from UAV technologies undertaking new missions abroad.
Turkish drone company Zyrone Dynamics, renowned for its expertise in rotary-wing and variable-volume UAVs, has added a significant milestone to its export achievements.
The company recently exported its ZD100 and ZD200 rotary-wing UAVs to an African country, where they will play a critical role in missions such as disaster search and rescue operations and the delivery of cargo to vital locations." -
* Israel approves plan to withdraw troops from Gaza: report
Israel is moving forward with plans to withdraw its troops from Gaza, following progress in prisoner exchange talks with Hamas, according to media reports.
Haaretz newspaper reported that the military has approved several withdrawal strategies aimed at swiftly pulling soldiers out of the area.
One of the options being considered includes using the Netzarim Corridor, which splits Gaza into two, as a potential exit route.
* Houthis claim another attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea
The Houthis in Yemen say they've launched another attack on the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.
Their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that missiles and drones were used to target the ship in the northern Red Sea.
He explained that the attack aimed to push the carrier out of its operational area.
* Sudan paramilitary leader says 'lost' key Al-Jazirah state capital
The leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, or the RSF, has admitted that his troops have lost control of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazirah state, after an army offensive.
In a message to the paramilitaries and the public, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo vowed to retake the city, a key hub in central Sudan. The RSF had held it since December 2023.
Meanwhile, the army, which has been fighting the RSF since April, announced on Saturday that it had entered Wad Madani and was clearing out "remnants of the rebels".
* Ethiopia, Somalia restore full diplomatic relations
Ethiopia and Somalia have decided to fully restore their diplomatic ties, a move the two nations announced in a joint statement.
The announcement came after a meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where they discussed ways to strengthen their relationship and address shared priorities.
Back in April 2024, Somalia expelled Ethiopia's ambassador and shut down its consulates in Hargeisa, following tensions over the Somaliland port deal. The dispute was eventually resolved with the Ankara Declaration, brokered by Türkiye.
* Toxic smoke from LA wildfires poses health risk
People in Los Angeles are being urged to stay indoors as dangerous wildfire smoke spreads across the area.
Massive fires burning in and around the city have filled the air with toxic fumes, creating health risks for residents.
Anish Mahajan from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health explained in a press conference that wildfire smoke contains a mix of fine particles, gases and water vapours.
It's those small particles that can get into your nose and throat, causing sore throats and headaches, Mahajan said, advising caution for everyone—even those who are otherwise healthy. -
* Israel kills 17 more Palestinians in overnight strikes in Gaza
Overnight air strikes by Israel in Gaza have claimed at least 17 Palestinian lives, intensifying the conflict.
Strikes in Bureij camp, Shujaiya neighbourhood, and Khan Younis left dozens wounded, according to medical sources.
Paramedics recovered bodies amidst ongoing devastation in Nuseirat and Gaza City.
Israel's new wave of lethal attacks adds to the staggering toll of over 46,000 Palestinians killed during the 463-day war.
* Israel, US, UK launch first joint attack on Houthis
Israel, the US and the UK conducted their first joint air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
Coordinated strikes targeted military infrastructure in Sanaa and Hudaida, including a key power station.
The joint offensive was in response to Houthi attacks on Israeli and US targets in solidarity with Palestinians.
Israeli military confirmed its involvement, stating that the strikes aimed to disrupt Houthi military capabilities.
* Stampede at Damascus mosque kills four, injures many
A stampede at the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus left four dead and 16 wounded, including five children with severe injuries, according to Syrian state news agency SANA.
Authorities are investigating the cause, with Governor Maher Marwan pledging accountability and swift action to prevent future incidents in public spaces.
The civil defence described the scene as chaotic, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in high-traffic areas.
* Trump readies shock-and-awe start with sweeping executive orders
In a private Capitol Hill meeting, US president-elect Donald Trump promised a “shock-and-awe” start to his presidency, with over 100 executive orders targeting border security, deportations and energy policy.
Set to roll out on January 20, the sweeping measures include completing the border wall and deporting over a million migrants deemed ineligible.
Top adviser Stephen Miller emphasised immediate enforcement, signaling a dramatic pivot.
Republican senators brace for an unprecedented surge of executive power, bypassing Congress to reshape key policies.
* Musk says all human knowledge for AI training already 'exhausted'
Elon Musk warns we’ve hit “peak data” for AI.
Speaking in a livestream, Musk claimed humanity's knowledge has been nearly exhausted in AI training, pushing tech firms toward "synthetic" data for self-learning models.
However he noted that the challenge lies in AI’s tendency for “hallucinations” – producing unreliable outputs.
Experts like Andrew Duncan caution against overreliance on synthetic data, citing risks of "model collapse" and diminishing returns. -
Real 'progress' made in Gaza truce talks — Biden
"United States President Joe Biden said there has been ""real progress"" toward a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens as the death toll surpasses 46,000 due to Israel's ongoing genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza since October 7, 2023, with the majority of casualties being women and children and 109,378 others reported wounded."
US passes bill targeting ICC sanctions over Netanyahu warrants
"The US House of Representatives passed a bill, with 243 votes to 140 in favour, sanctioning the International Criminal Court in response to arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
The bill, dubbed the ""Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,"" backed by both Republicans and some Democrats, aims to protect US citizens and allies from ICC investigations.
The Senate is expected to swiftly pass the legislation, allowing President-elect Donald Trump to sign it into law.
The ICC issued the warrants in November 2024 for war crimes committed during Israel's Gaza invasion."
Protests in Mozambique turn deadly as opposition leader Mondlane returns
"At least three people were killed by police in Mozambique as they gathered to welcome opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who returned from exile following controversial election results.
Mondlane, who claims to have won the election, rejects the official results.
His return sparked protests, leading to clashes with police.
Nearly 300 people have killed since post-election protests erupted in October.
Mondlane called for accountability and justice, but his return could further escalate tensions."
Lebanese parliament elects army chief Joseph Aoun as president
"Lebanese lawmakers have elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the country's new president.
Aoun secured 99 out of 128 votes in the second round of voting.
The presidency has been vacant since October 2022, creating political instability.
It comes amidst international pressure to fill the position, particularly due to an impending deadline for a ceasefire agreement in south Lebanon."
Wildfires in California may become the costliest disaster in US history
"Wildfires in Los Angeles are on track to become the most expensive disaster in US history, with economic losses expected to approach 50 billion dollars, nearly doubling earlier estimates.
Insured losses could exceed 20 billion dollars, with figures rising if fires remain uncontrolled.
The death toll has climbed to seven while President Joe Biden called the-fires the worst in California’s history and pledged additional federal support. Early reports indicate the event could rival past catastrophic fires like the 2018 Camp Fire, which saw insured losses of 12.5 billion dollars." -
Israel kills nine Palestinians in Gaza air strikes
"Israel’s air strikes on Gaza have killed at least nine Palestinians, with several others wounded.
Civil defence teams recovered five bodies near Gaza Municipality Park, while four more victims were found following a strike in Deir al-Balah, according to medical sources.
A house in western Deir al-Balah was leveled, leaving destruction and casualties as rescue teams search for the missing.
Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, now in its four-hundred sixty-first-day, has resulted in over forty-five-thousand-nine-hundred-thirty-six-fatalities and one-hundred-nine-thousand-two-hundred-seventy-four-wounded among Palestinians."
Fighting at Chad presidency leaves 19 killed, several injured
"Gunfire echoed in Chad's capital N'Djamena as gunmen attacked the presidential complex. At least nineteen-people, including-eighteen attackers have been killed and nine others wounded.
Tanks rolled through the streets as civilians fled in panic.
The violence comes after the Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi visited the country amid regional instability, including terrorist attacks and Chad's strained ties with France.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby is facing challenges as Chad seeks new global alliances amidst its oil wealth and humanitarian struggles."
Russia-Ukraine war kills 650 children among 12,300 civilian fatalities
"Over twelve-thousand-three-hundred-civilians, including six-hundred-fifty-children, have died in the Ukraine war since twenty twenty-two, says the United Nations.
A surge in drone, missile and glide bomb attacks has driven a thirty-percent spike in casualties, with five-hundred-seventy-four civilians killed between September and November twenty-twenty-four.
The UN has warned that these actions may constitute to war crimes."
Number of 'ghost guns' recovered in US surged 1,600% since 2017
"The United States' Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives study reveals one-thousand-six-hundred-percent surge in so-called ghost gun recoveries at crime scenes from twenty-seventeen to twenty-twenty-three.
These untraceable firearms, built without serial numbers and bypassing background checks, were linked to over twenty-seven-thousand-crimes, including one-thousand-seven-hundred-homicides.
The study underlines the urgent need for stricter gun regulations, as sixty-percent of trafficked firearms end up in the hands of convicted felons.
The Biden administration is awaiting a Supreme Court decision on regulations aimed at curbing ghost gun proliferation."
Archaeologists uncover Queen Hatshepsut's temple in Egypt
"Archaeologists in Egyptian city of Luxor have made significant discoveries, including intact portions of Queen Hatshepsut's valley temple and the tomb of Queen Teti Sheri, grandmother of the first pharaoh of the New Kingdom.
The team, led by renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass, unearthed over 1,500 decorated stone blocks from Hatshepsut's temple, which was intentionally destroyed centuries ago.
The findings offer invaluable glimpses into the lives and legacies of these powerful women who shaped ancient Egyptian history." -
Israel kills nine Palestinians in Gaza air strikes
"Israel’s air strikes on Gaza have killed at least nine Palestinians, with several others wounded.
Civil defence teams recovered five bodies near Gaza Municipality Park, while four more victims were found following a strike in Deir al-Balah, according to medical sources.
A house in western Deir al-Balah was leveled, leaving destruction and casualties as rescue teams search for the missing.
Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, now in its four-hundred sixty-first-day, has resulted in over forty-five-thousand-nine-hundred-thirty-six-fatalities and one-hundred-nine-thousand-two-hundred-seventy-four-wounded among Palestinians."
Fighting at Chad presidency leaves 19 killed, several injured
"Gunfire echoed in Chad's capital N'Djamena as gunmen attacked the presidential complex. At least nineteen-people, including-eighteen attackers have been killed and nine others wounded.
Tanks rolled through the streets as civilians fled in panic.
The violence comes after the Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi visited the country amid regional instability, including terrorist attacks and Chad's strained ties with France.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby is facing challenges as Chad seeks new global alliances amidst its oil wealth and humanitarian struggles."
Russia-Ukraine war kills 650 children among 12,300 civilian fatalities
"Over twelve-thousand-three-hundred-civilians, including six-hundred-fifty-children, have died in the Ukraine war since twenty twenty-two, says the United Nations.
A surge in drone, missile and glide bomb attacks has driven a thirty-percent spike in casualties, with five-hundred-seventy-four civilians killed between September and November twenty-twenty-four.
The UN has warned that these actions may constitute to war crimes."
Number of 'ghost guns' recovered in US surged 1,600% since 2017
"The United States' Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives study reveals one-thousand-six-hundred-percent surge in so-called ghost gun recoveries at crime scenes from twenty-seventeen to twenty-twenty-three.
These untraceable firearms, built without serial numbers and bypassing background checks, were linked to over twenty-seven-thousand-crimes, including one-thousand-seven-hundred-homicides.
The study underlines the urgent need for stricter gun regulations, as sixty-percent of trafficked firearms end up in the hands of convicted felons.
The Biden administration is awaiting a Supreme Court decision on regulations aimed at curbing ghost gun proliferation."
Archaeologists uncover Queen Hatshepsut's temple in Egypt
"Archaeologists in Egyptian city of Luxor have made significant discoveries, including intact portions of Queen Hatshepsut's valley temple and the tomb of Queen Teti Sheri, grandmother of the first pharaoh of the New Kingdom.
The team, led by renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass, unearthed over 1,500 decorated stone blocks from Hatshepsut's temple, which was intentionally destroyed centuries ago.
The findings offer invaluable glimpses into the lives and legacies of these powerful women who shaped ancient Egyptian history." -
Israeli shelter attack kills four children, wounding many others
"Israel is continuing its relentless attacks on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza.
In southern Gaza's Khan Younis, an Israeli drone strike on a ""safe zone"" killed at least four Palestinian children and wounded ten others, mostly minors, according to medical sources.
Witnesses reported that the victims were transported to Nasser Medical Hospital using animal-drawn carts.
Another Israeli attack targeted displaced families in the Wijdan Camp."
US declares genocide in Sudan but silent on Israel's genocide in Gaza
"The United States has declared Sudan's Rapid Support Forces and allied militias guilty of genocide, imposing sanctions on their leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned systematic ethnic killings, mass sexual violence and attacks on fleeing civilians.
The war between the Sudanese army and RSF, ongoing since 2023, has devastated the country, leaving millions displaced and half the population facing famine.
Meanwhile, criticism mounts as activists draw parallels to US support for Israel's genocide in Gaza, fueling global debates on accountability and justice."
France's Macron faces backlash over Sahel comments
"President Emmanuel Macron faces criticism after suggesting African nations ""forgot to say thank you"" for France's military efforts against insurgencies in the Sahel.
His remarks, delivered to French ambassadors, sparked accusations of neo-colonialism amid strained ties in West Africa.
France withdrew troops after coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Once seen as allies, Senegal and Chad now also demand French military departures, marking a stark shift in France's regional presence."
Raging wildfire prompts evacuations in Los Angeles
"A raging wildfire tore through Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades, scorching 1,262 acres and forcing mass evacuations.
Fierce winds fueled the flames, which engulfed homes and sent panicked residents fleeing on foot as gridlocked roads stalled escapes.
Firefighters battled the inferno with water drops from planes, while bulldozers cleared abandoned cars.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of flames ""this close to the cars."
Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion suspect used ChatGPT to plan blast
"US authorities have said that Matthew Livelsberger, the suspected driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel on New Year's Day, used the AI chatbot ChatGPT to gather information for the attack.
Investigators found evidence that Livelsberger utilised ChatGPT to research explosives and their potential use in the attack.
A six-page ""manifesto"" containing grievances and outlining the attack plan was also discovered on his phone.
Livelsberger died by suicide before the explosion, which wounded seven other people." -
UN 'deeply concerned' over babies freezing to death in Gaza
"The United Nations has raised alarms after a one-month-old baby in Gaza froze to death.
It is Gaza’s eighth such tragedy in less than three weeks amid Israel’s genocidal war.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric condemned the preventable deaths and urged for the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Over the weekend, 37 UN-led missions faced hurdles, with only 12 completed and 15 denied outright."
Strong earthquake kills dozens in Tibet
"A powerful earthquake struck the Tibet region of China near the Nepalese border, killing at least fifty-three-people, wounding sixty-two and causing significant damage.
The quake, reported at magnitude 7.1 by the US Geological Survey, was felt in Nepal and parts of India.
Local authorities are assessing the damage and providing assistance to affected areas."
US transfers 11 Yemeni Guantanamo detainees to Oman
"The United States has transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention center to Oman, reducing the prison population to 15.
The Pentagon stated that all detainees were deemed eligible for transfer following a thorough review process.
It marks a significant step towards the US government's goal of closing the infamous US prison in Guantanamo."
Canada's Trudeau resigns as Liberal Party leader, prime minister
"Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his plan to step down, staying on until the Liberal Party selects a new leader.
Trudeau, in power since 2015, cited “internal battles” and a loss of support as reasons for his decision.
The party’s leadership race will coincide with Parliament's suspension until March 24, postponed from January 27.
Trudeau’s announcement follows a period of political unrest, including the finance minister's abrupt resignation last year."
Elon Musk under fire from European leaders for meddling in politics
"European leaders are increasingly critical of Elon Musk's political interventions.
French President Macron accused Musk of ""directly intervening in elections,"
while German Chancellor Scholz condemned his ""erratic"" comments.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed Musk for spreading ""lies and misinformation"" regarding a historical child sex abuse scandal.
Musk responded with harsh accusations against Starmer.
Musk announced his support for the far-right AfD in Germany and Brexit cheerleader Nigel Farage's Reform party." -
Latest Israeli strikes kill at least 12 Palestinians across Gaza
"At least 12 Palestinians were killed, and several others wounded, in Israel's latest air strikes on Gaza.
A medical source reported that three were killed when a drone targeted a motorcycle near Rafah in southern Gaza. Four more lives were lost in an air strike on the Asdaa police station in Khan Younis, the source added.
In Abasan Al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis, two Palestinians were killed, and others injured when civilians were hit by another air strike. Meanwhile, Al Awda Hospital confirmed that a strike on a house in Nuseirat camp, central Gaza, claimed two more lives.
In Gaza City's Shujaiya neighbourhood, one Palestinian was killed, and several others were injured in an attack on a civilian gathering. "
S Korea anti-corruption agency asks police to execute Yoon's arrest warrant
"South Korea's anti-corruption agency has asked the police to take over enforcing the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. This comes after a standoff with Yoon's presidential security service prevented his detention last week.
Officials confirmed the discussions last week, just hours before the one-week warrant for Yoon's detention was set to expire.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials is likely to seek a new warrant to extend the detention window, police said, adding that they are currently reviewing the agency's request. "
Winter storm won't delay Trump election certification process — Johnson
"House Speaker Mike Johnson says the massive winter storm sweeping across the US won't stop Congress from certifying Donald Trump's presidential election win on Monday.
Under the Electoral Count Act, the task must be completed at 1 p.m. on January 6, regardless of conditions, Johnson told Fox News.
He added that he has encouraged lawmakers to remain in Washington to ensure full attendance despite the storm. "
Trudeau to announce resignation as early as Monday — Canadian media
"Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly preparing to announce his resignation as Liberal Party leader as early as Monday, according to The Globe and Mail.
Three sources told the outlet they expect the announcement before a key national caucus meeting on Wednesday.
However, it's unclear if Trudeau plans to step down immediately or stay on as prime minister until a new leader is selected. "
Musk does a U-turn on support for UK's anti-immigration party leader
"Elon Musk seems to have reversed his stance on Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, after a public disagreement with the former Brexit figurehead.
On Sunday, Musk posted on X that the Reform Party needs a new leader because Farage lacks what it takes.
Farage had recently claimed he was in talks with Musk about a significant donation to his party, which had split the right-wing vote and helped Labour win July's general election.
But things soured after Musk voiced support for jailed British extremist agitator Tommy Robinson, a move Farage publicly criticised." -
*) Gaza truce talks resume as Israel kills 30 in fresh strikes
Talks for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release are back on, Israel confirmed, with Qatar mediating the high-stakes negotiations.
Meanwhile, Gaza's civil defence reports over thirty killed in fresh air strikes, including 11 members of the al Ghoula family—seven of them children.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued "detailed instructions" for the ongoing efforts, according to Israeli officials.
*) UN condemn Israel over violations of peace agreements
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon-UNIFIL has condemned Israel for destroying a Lebanese army observation tower and a Blue Line marker.
Calling it a "flagrant violation" of UN Resolution 1701, UNIFIL urged restraint to preserve peace.
Since October, Israel’s military actions have resulted in over 4,000 Lebanese deaths, with
16,600 wounded.
With 383 ceasefire violations reported, tensions remain high as calls grow for adherence to international agreements.
*) Suspect in Germany market attack was involved in seven prior cases: report
A suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market attack, Taleb-Al-Abdulmohsen, had prior run-ins with German authorities, media reveal.
Linked to seven investigations since 2023, the 50-year-old Saudi-born psychiatrist allegedly issued threats online and targeted a lawyer and staff.
Despite a risk assessment, no alert reached his employer.
The December 20 attack left five dead and over 200 injured. Detained days later, Abdulmohsen, described as anti-Muslim and far-right-leaning, remains under arrest.
*) Serbia records hottest year on record
Serbia experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with average temperatures exceeding previous records by a significant margin.
The country faced a series of heatwaves throughout the summer, contributing to a sharp rise in temperatures.
The extreme heat aligns with global trends, as 2024 is set to be the warmest year on record globally, according to the United Nations.
Climate scientists attribute this unprecedented heat to human-induced global warming, which has fueled a rise in extreme weather events worldwide.
*) Austria's chancellor steps down after failed coalition negotiations
Austria faces a political shakeup as Chancellor Karl Nehammer announces his resignation after coalition talks with the Social Democrats collapsed.
Nehammer cited irreconcilable differences in a video message and pledged an "orderly transition."
It follows a failed attempt to form a centrist government excluding the far-right Freedom Party or FPO which won 28.8 percent of the vote.
Critics warn of potential risks to democracy if the FPO joins forces with Nehammer's conservative People's Party. -
*) US plans '$8B arms deal' with Israel amid Gaza genocide
The Biden administration has informally notified the US Congress of a proposed 8 billion dollars arms deal with Israel that includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters alongside artillery shells,
According to Axios, the US military backing to Israel has totalled more than 200 billion dollars since the creation of the country on the historic Palestinian lands.
Washington provides 3.8 billion dollars annually to Israel which has killed over 45,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
*) US says no plans for army base in Ayn al Arab as Syria FM tours region
The US military has denied plans to build a new base in Syria's Ayn al Arab near the Turkish border.
Videos showing trucks carrying construction materials sparked the rumours, but officials dismissed them. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said, "There are no plans to build a US base in Kobani."
Türkiye has repeatedly criticised US cooperation with the YPG, an extension of the PKK terror group.
*) Mike Johnson re-elected as US House speaker
Republican Mike Johnson was re-elected US House Speaker on the first ballot in a 218-215 vote.
The newly-elected 119th US Congress began, with Republicans in full control of both chambers for the first time since 2019.
Johnson was unanimously nominated by his party to retain the gavel shortly after the November 5 elections.
*) German airports hit by IT outage, long queues at border control
A nationwide IT outage has disrupted border control systems at German airports, causing long queues for passengers from outside the Schengen zone.
Federal police manually processed travellers, with no immediate explanation for the issue.
Airports like Frankfurt and Berlin reported significant delays for non-Schengen arrivals.
*) Chinese BYD tops Tesla in fourth quarter, delivers record EV vehicles
Chinese automaker BYD outpaced Tesla in the fourth quarter, delivering about 600,000 EVs compared to Tesla which delivered less than 495,000.
For 2024, BYD delivered 1.76 million EVs, narrowly trailing Tesla’s 1.79 million.
Both companies reported record-breaking sales for the year. - Visa fler
