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//Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal takes effect after delay//

Thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to their homes after the ceasefire took effect//

The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal has taken effect after a three-hour delay. Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages on Sunday, identified as dual nationals, while Israel is to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun returning home as Israeli forces withdraw from densely populated areas. Aid deliveries are also being allowed into Gaza.The ceasefire's first phase aims to exchange hostages and prisoners over six weeks, with further negotiations for a full troop withdrawal and eventual reconstruction of Gaza. Israeli PM Netanyahu has warned the ceasefire is temporary, with the war potentially resuming if it breaks down.The conflict, which began in October 2023 after a deadly Hamas attack, has killed over 46,910 in Gaza and caused severe humanitarian crises.

//TikTok unavailable in app stores, goes dark for some users ahead of ban//

TikTok has become unavailable on U.S. app stores ahead of a government ban set to take effect, with many users unable to access the platform. The ban stems from its ties to China-based parent company ByteDance, which the U.S. government requires to be severed. Existing users can retain the app on their devices but cannot redownload or update it.

TikTok logo on a smartphone.

President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he may grant TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid the ban once he takes office. The Biden administration, in its final days, stated it would not enforce the ban but has not provided definitive assurances to TikTok. The app and related ByteDance platforms, such as CapCut and Lemon8, remain functional in other countries but face restricted functionality for users visiting the U.S.

//Protesters storm South Korea court after it extends Yoon's detention//

Hundreds of supporters of South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building early Sunday after his detention was extended, causing significant damage and overwhelming riot police. Authorities arrested 46 protesters, and 40 people sustained minor injuries during the chaos. Yoon, the first sitting president to be arrested in South Korea, faces allegations of insurrection over his brief December 3 martial law declaration.

A judge extended Yoon’s detention for up to 20 days, citing concerns he may destroy evidence. Yoon, detained in solitary confinement, declined further questioning, and his lawyers claim his arrest is unlawful. The insurrection charge, punishable by death but not executed in South Korea for 30 years, could permanently remove Yoon from office if upheld by the Constitutional Court.While Yoon called for peaceful demonstrations, his detention has sparked polarized reactions. His conservative People Power Party criticized the extension, while the opposition Democratic Party praised it as a step toward restoring order. Pro- and anti-Yoon rallies continue across Seoul, reflecting deep national divisions.

Who is captive Romi Gonen, the hostage Hamas says it will release on Sunday?

Gaza hostage Romi Gonen, set to be released on January 19, 2024/

Romi Gonen, one of the three female hostages Hamas is set to release on Sunday, was abducted on October 7, 2023, during the Nova Music Festival. At the time, she was 23 years old and attempting to flee in a vehicle with friends while on the phone with her mother. Terrorists shot her in the hand before dragging her to Gaza. Over a year later, her release is part of a ceasefire deal that will see 33 hostages freed in its initial phase.

//iPhone SE 4 Dummy Units Offer A First Look At Its Design And Form Factor, Showcasing An Uncanny Resemblance To The Sleek iPhone 14//

The iPhone SE 4 is set to launch this spring with a significant redesign resembling the iPhone 14. Dummy units of the device, shared by Sonny Dickson, reveal a 6.1-inch notched display with Face ID, replacing the older Touch ID. The SE 4 will feature a single 48MP rear camera, a potential Action Button, and a design nearly identical to the iPhone 14.

iPhone SE 4 dummy units reveal the design of the device and what users should expect

Internally, it is expected to include the A17 Pro or A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and support for Apple’s latest AI features. Priced under $500, the iPhone SE 4 aims to compete with Android devices while offering premium features at a budget-friendly price.