//Trump Urges Jordan and Egypt to Accept More Palestinians Amid Gaza Crisis//
During a conversation aboard Air Force One, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinians displaced by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He described Gaza as a "demolition site" and suggested relocating Palestinians to other areas, either temporarily or permanently. Trump's comments follow a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after months of conflict, which left over 47,000 dead in Gaza and displaced nearly the entire population.
Palestinian officials, including Hamas, expressed suspicion about Trump's proposal, viewing it as a potential attempt to permanently displace Palestinians from their homes. Despite global criticism for supporting Israel's military actions, the U.S. administration continues to back its ally, citing the need to defend against Iran-supported militant groups. Trump plans further discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on the matter.
//Israel's Attack on South Lebanon Breaches Ceasefire, Leaves 11 Dead//
Israel’s military killed 11 people, including a Lebanese soldier, and wounded at least 83 others in south Lebanon on the day it was set to withdraw under a ceasefire agreement. The attacks targeted civilians attempting to return to their villages, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. Israeli forces justified the delay in withdrawal by claiming insufficient Lebanese military presence and lingering Hezbollah activities near the border—allegations Lebanon denies.
The ceasefire deal, brokered by the U.S. and France in November, required Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah to pull back forces north of the Litani River. However, these terms remain unfulfilled, with the UN stating conditions are not yet safe for residents to return. Lebanon’s parliament speaker called for urgent international intervention to compel Israel to honor the agreement, as frustration grows among displaced citizens.
//Hamas Breaches Hostage Deal Terms, Delays Civilian Release//
Hamas failed to provide Israel with critical information on the status of hostages still awaiting release, violating the terms of the Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal. The group also did not prioritize the release of civilian hostage Arbel Yehud, as stipulated, before freeing four Israeli soldiers on Saturday.
In response, Israel postponed allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza and delayed its military withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor. The agreement had initially outlined the release of 33 hostages in exchange for 300 Palestinian prisoners, but Hamas missed its deadline to confirm the status of the remaining 26 hostages classified as "humanitarian cases." Hamas accused Israel of delaying the ceasefire’s implementation, but Israeli officials warned that Hamas’s actions constituted a breach of the accord, casting uncertainty over the deal’s progress.
//Rebels Kill 13 Peacekeepers in DR Congo Amid Intensifying M23 Conflict//
Thirteen international peacekeepers, including nine South Africans, three Malawians, and one Uruguayan, were killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during clashes with M23 rebels near the city of Goma. The fighting comes as the M23 continues its advance, having seized strategic towns and killed a Congolese military governor last week.
The violence has displaced over 400,000 people this year, with local leaders reporting over 200 civilian deaths in M23-controlled areas. Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with injured civilians.
Global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for an immediate end to the fighting, with condemnation directed at Rwanda for allegedly backing the M23. The EU and African Union have also urged the group to halt its offensive, while the UN is evacuating non-essential staff from Goma due to escalating risks.The M23, originally formed in 2012, claims to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DRC but faces accusations of human rights abuses and resource exploitation. As tensions rise, the conflict continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis in the mineral-rich region.
//Attack on Sudan Hospital Leaves 70 Dead Amid Escalating Darfur Conflict//
A deadly attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, has left 70 people dead and 19 injured, according to the World Health Organization. The hospital, the only functional medical facility in the besieged city, was crowded with patients when it was targeted. Local officials blamed the attack on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as fighting in Sudan’s Darfur region intensifies.
The assault is part of a broader escalation in Sudan’s civil war, which has claimed over 28,000 lives since April 2023. The RSF’s siege of El Fasher has already caused significant civilian casualties, with the United Nations reporting widespread human rights abuses and warning of an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis.
The Saudi government condemned the hospital attack as a violation of international law, while global leaders continue to call for an end to the conflict. Sudan’s military, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, claims recent victories over RSF forces, including regaining control of a key oil refinery near Khartoum.
Despite ongoing international mediation efforts, the war between Sudan’s military and the RSF rages on, displacing millions and leaving parts of the country on the brink of famine. Rights groups warn of ethnic violence and atrocities reminiscent of the Darfur genocide.
The situation remains critical, with calls for a ceasefire and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid growing louder as the conflict deepens.
//Gaza’s Children Face Harrowing Toll: Over 13,000 Dead, 25,000 Injured, Says UN//
The United Nations reports that the ongoing war in Gaza has had catastrophic consequences for children. Over 13,000 have been killed, approximately 25,000 injured, and nearly 19,000 hospitalized for severe malnutrition in the months leading up to December. The conflict has left thousands of children orphaned, with many separated from their families amidst the devastation.
UNICEF and other agencies estimate that 650,000 school-aged children are unable to attend classes due to the destruction of Gaza's educational infrastructure, calling for a complete rebuilding of the region’s education system.
Diplomats have highlighted the broader impact on children, including Israeli victims of the October 2023 Hamas attack, which left many killed, injured, or displaced. Israel’s UN ambassador condemned Hamas, accusing it of using children as human shields and perpetuating violence in Gaza. This grim reality underscores the urgent need for peace and efforts to protect children caught in the crossfire of war, as calls grow for an end to the suffering and the restoration of hope for future generations.
//Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Oil Refinery in Ryazan Again, Fueling Massive Fire//
For the second time in three days, Ukrainian drones have targeted the Ryazan Oil Refinery, a key supplier of fuel for Russia’s military, sparking a large-scale fire. The attack occurred on the night of January 26, 2025, and followed a similar strike earlier in the week. Reports from Russian media and eyewitness accounts confirmed the refinery fire, with geolocated footage corroborating the incident.
Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed that 15 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the Ryazan, Kursk, and Belgorod regions, though several managed to hit their targets. The refinery in Ryazan remains cordoned off, with firefighting efforts ongoing.
The strike highlights Ukraine’s persistent use of drones to disrupt Russia’s critical infrastructure, including energy and military supply chains. Ukrainian officials described the refinery as a crucial facility supporting Russia's war effort.
In related developments, Ukrainian forces also targeted a forward Russian command post in the Kursk Oblast. Meanwhile, recent Ukrainian cyberattacks have disrupted Russian telecoms, further complicating Russia's domestic operations.These attacks form part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to undermine Russian military capabilities and infrastructure deep within its territory.
//Storm Éowyn Leaves Scotland Reeling: Power Outages, Travel Chaos, and Damage Recovery Ongoing//
Storm Éowyn has wreaked havoc across Scotland, leaving about 35,000 homes without power and causing major travel disruptions. Railways, ferries, and roads remain severely impacted, with widespread cancellations and delays expected to continue through the weekend.
Power restoration efforts are underway, with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and Scottish Power reporting progress but warning some customers may face days without electricity. Around 400 incidents of railway damage, including fallen trees and overhead wire issues, have also been reported.
The storm, which brought record wind gusts of over 100 mph and heavy snow, caused structural damage across the country, including the destruction of the Helensburgh leisure center’s roof. Ferry services on major routes remain canceled, while yellow weather warnings for ice, snow, and wind are still in effect.
First Minister John Swinney called for public patience as recovery crews work tirelessly to restore essential services and clear debris. Experts described the storm as one of the most significant in recent decades but praised the public's response to early warnings, which likely reduced casualties.
//Taliban Reject ICC Arrest Warrants for Top Officials Amid Global Outcry Over Women's Rights Violations//
The Taliban has dismissed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) move to issue arrest warrants for two top officials, including leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, over the persecution of Afghan women and girls. The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced the request on Thursday, citing widespread restrictions imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021, which include banning women from education, most public spaces, and employment.
In a statement, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry condemned the court’s actions as baseless and accused it of ignoring decades of war crimes by foreign forces. The ministry further warned the ICC against imposing its interpretation of human rights, citing the importance of respecting Afghanistan's religious and cultural values.
The move has been celebrated by Afghan women's advocacy groups, who see it as a milestone in accountability and justice. However, some analysts fear the Taliban may exploit the decision for propaganda, framing it as a testament to their faith and defiance of global powers.
Meanwhile, the U.N. continues to decry Afghanistan’s ban on girls’ education beyond age 12, with Roza Otunbayeva, head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan, calling it a "tragedy and travesty" that has robbed millions of Afghan girls of their right to education. Afghanistan remains the only country in the world to impose such an explicit ban.
//Colossal Iceberg A23a Threatens South Georgia's Fragile Ecosystem//
The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, twice the size of Greater London and weighing over a trillion tons, is on a collision course with South Georgia, a remote wildlife haven in the South Atlantic. Scientists warn of devastating ecological consequences if the iceberg grounds near the islands, potentially blocking access to critical feeding grounds for millions of penguins, seals, and other marine species.
Having calved from Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986, A23a had remained stationary for decades before resuming its movement in 2023. Now just 173 miles (280 km) from South Georgia, its journey through the Southern Ocean raises significant concerns. The iceberg’s melting could also release massive amounts of freshwater and nutrients, disrupting the region's delicate marine ecosystems.
South Georgia, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, faces the prospect of population declines in its iconic wildlife species due to starvation and competition for resources. Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey are closely monitoring A23a’s trajectory and studying its impact on nutrient cycles, marine food webs, and the broader climate system.
This unfolding event highlights the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and underscores the urgent need to address climate change as melting polar ice continues to reshape environments and threaten vulnerable habitats.
//Kristi Noem Confirmed by U.S. Senate as Homeland Security Secretary Under Trump//
Kristi Noem, former governor of South Dakota, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security secretary. The confirmation, which passed with a 59-34 vote, positions Noem as a key figure in Trump’s administration, particularly as he embarks on an aggressive immigration reform agenda.
Noem shares Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, having previously referred to illegal immigration as an "invasion." During her confirmation hearing, she voiced support for strict immigration policies and emphasized the need to focus on deporting criminal offenders and individuals with final deportation orders, without offering specific protections for agricultural workers.
Taking the helm of the 260,000-employee Department of Homeland Security, Noem will oversee vital areas such as border security, immigration enforcement, emergency response, and cybersecurity. Her prior involvement in border security includes deploying South Dakota National Guard troops to assist Texas with border control, a move that drew attention in 2021.
As she steps into the role, Noem’s confirmation marks a significant development in Trump’s efforts to reshape U.S. immigration policy, focusing on tightening borders and increasing deportations.
//Los Angeles Braces for Mudslides as Rainstorm Approaches After Dry Spell//
Southern California is preparing for a significant shift in weather, with a cold storm expected to bring light to moderate rain from Saturday night through Monday, providing relief after an extended dry spell. The storm is welcome news for the drought-stricken region, helping to hydrate the landscape and support firefighting efforts. However, there are concerns about the potential for flash floods and mudslides, especially in areas recently ravaged by wildfires.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon, highlighting the risk of debris flows in burn scar areas across Los Angeles County. These regions, including those affected by the Hughes, Bridge, Franklin, Palisades, and Eaton fires, are particularly vulnerable to the impact of heavy rain. With a 20% chance of debris flow, the forecast warns residents to stay alert and prepare with sandbags and supplies.
The region has experienced its driest start to the rainy season on record, receiving only a quarter-inch of rain since May. The approaching storm, however, could deliver up to four times that amount, offering a temporary break from fire risks and helping vegetation recover in burned areas. Although the rain will aid firefighting and rejuvenate the ecosystem, experts emphasize that the fire threat won't be entirely over until additional storms arrive. The region could see more rain next week, potentially providing further relief.
//Trump Pushes for US Control of Greenland, Challenges Canada on Trade, and Proposes Gaza Solution in First Week//
In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump made bold statements on international affairs, reaffirming his interest in acquiring Greenland, criticizing Canada's trade practices, and commenting on the Gaza conflict.
Trump reiterated his belief that the U.S. should gain control of Greenland, calling it "an absolute necessity" for national security, despite Denmark's rejection and Greenland’s insistence on its autonomy. The U.S. president claimed that the island's residents were eager to join the U.S., a sentiment not shared by the local population or leadership.
Turning to Canada, Trump criticized the country's trade policies, saying it was "unfair" and heavily reliant on the U.S. He suggested that Canada would benefit from becoming a U.S. state, which he argued would lower taxes for Canadians while improving trade relations.
Trump also weighed in on the Gaza conflict, calling the region a "demolition site" and proposing that neighboring Arab countries, including Jordan and Egypt, could take in displaced Palestinians. This suggestion was met with shock from Palestinians and support from Israel’s far-right factions.
As his second term unfolds, Trump continues to challenge global norms with his unconventional proposals, making headlines on the international stage.
//Trump Administration Lifts Biden’s Hold on 2,000-Pound Bombs to Israel, Fueling Tensions//
In a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to release a hold on the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, reversing the decision made by the Biden administration. The hold was initially placed due to concerns over the potential humanitarian impact of such large bombs in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Under Biden’s administration, there was particular worry about the use of these bombs in the city of Rafah, which shelters over a million Palestinians. The resumption of bomb shipments signals a return to Trump-era support for Israel’s military actions, especially as the conflict continues to unfold. This move is expected to further escalate tensions regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza, where a ceasefire had recently been agreed.
//Trump Proposes Deploying 90,000 IRS Agents to Border After Issuing Federal Hiring Freeze//
President Donald Trump has suggested relocating nearly 90,000 newly hired IRS agents to guard the U.S. southern border, shortly after announcing an indefinite federal hiring freeze. The proposal comes in the wake of a controversial $72 billion funding boost for the IRS under the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to hire additional agents.
Speaking at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump told supporters that he is considering firing the IRS employees or repurposing them for border security, where they could be armed. This move reflects his broader efforts to prioritize national security and border control during his second term in office, following a series of executive actions, including the hiring freeze, with exceptions for key security and military positions.
//US Air Force Removes Lessons on Black WWII Pilots Following Trump’s Executive Order//
In response to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the US Air Force has removed training materials about the contributions of black and female pilots during World War II. This includes lessons on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of around 1,000 black pilots who served in a segregated air base in Alabama, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), who played a vital role in transporting planes during the war.
The move comes after Trump’s return to office, fulfilling his campaign pledge to block DEI training across the federal government. The Air Force confirmed the removal of historical videos and DEI-related content from military training curricula, ensuring compliance with the new order. Trump's action has sparked debate, as critics argue the initiatives help combat discrimination, while supporters of the move claim they can be divisive. The impact has extended beyond government agencies, with private companies like Meta and Amazon scaling back similar training programs.
//India and China Near Water Conflict Over Himalayan Dams: A Battle for the Siang River//
Tensions are escalating between India and China over water security in the Himalayas as India plans to construct a massive $13.2 billion hydroelectric dam on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh, countering China's recently approved dam on the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) in Tibet. The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project will be India’s largest, generating 11,000 megawatts of power, but local communities fear the environmental and social costs, with at least 20 villages at risk of being submerged.
The Indian government argues that the dam is crucial for water security, especially as China builds the world’s largest dam upstream. However, local indigenous communities like the Adi tribe oppose the project, calling it an invasion of their sacred land and threatening to displace thousands. Protests have intensified, and the state government has deployed paramilitary forces to manage the unrest. As both nations engage in a geostrategic struggle for control over this vital water source, the stakes are rising for millions in both India and Bangladesh who depend on the river.
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