European leaders are considering sending troops to Ukraine as part of a ceasefire deal and are consulting with the Trump administration about potential U.S. military support. Both sides are assessing what weaponry and forces could be committed. European countries, excluded from direct negotiations, are eager to influence talks that could reshape the continent’s security. French President Macron is hosting a meeting to plan European support for Ukraine. While the U.S. has ruled out deploying its own troops, it may support a European force, depending on the necessary backing. Ava Sinclair 18/02/2025 8:00 am
Police in South Africa are pursuing suspects in the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, shot in Gqeberha. CCTV shows a hooded figure firing at Hendricks’ car. Known for supporting marginalized Muslims, his death shocked the LGBTQ+ community. Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel said it’s too early to determine if it was a hate crime. South Africa’s Muslim Judicial Council condemned the killing, advocating for peaceful coexistence. Despite legal protections, LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa still face violence and discrimination. Noah Prescott 18/02/2025 8:00 am
Israel’s military will remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon past the withdrawal deadline under a ceasefire with Hezbollah, causing frustration for Lebanon. The ceasefire in Gaza is also uncertain amid conflicting signals from Israel and the U.S. Talks on the ceasefire’s second phase have not started. Israeli forces are to withdraw from a buffer zone in Lebanon, to be patrolled by Lebanese and U.N. forces. Israel emphasizes a gradual withdrawal to ensure civilian security, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun insists the ceasefire must be respected. Penelope Kingsley 18/02/2025 4:30 am
Italian archaeologists discovered a “monumental necropolis” in Trento, revealing at least 200 tombs from the early Iron Age, dating between the 9th and 6th centuries B.C.E. The site, found during restoration work, was preserved by prehistoric flooding. It contains cremated remains and “grave goods,” offering insights into Trento’s pre-Roman history. Francesca Gerosa highlighted the find’s significance in understanding the city’s past beyond its Roman roots. The complexity of the necropolis has intrigued researchers, emphasizing the importance of heritage preservation. Noah Prescott 18/02/2025 4:30 am
Hamas plans to release the bodies of four hostages from Gaza on Thursday and three living hostages on Saturday, according to Israeli officials. Israel aims to secure the release of all six remaining living hostages in the first phase of the deal. So far, 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been freed. Concerns grow over the fate of Shiri Bibas and her sons, feared dead. Israel is negotiating the second phase of the cease-fire deal, which could see more hostages released by the March 2 deadline. Noah Prescott 18/02/2025 4:30 am
Europe faces pressure to increase defense spending as the U.S., under Trump’s second term, withdraws support, citing financial strain. With Russia’s war in Ukraine, European budgets are stretched, risking cuts to welfare programs. Leaders like French Foreign Minister Barrot and German Defense Minister Pistorius warn of societal division and political backlash. While some hope for a future U.S. policy shift, the consensus at the Munich Security Conference is that Europe must enhance its defense capabilities independently. Danish PM Frederiksen emphasizes the need for increased NATO spending. Noah Prescott 18/02/2025 1:00 am
Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay imam, was shot dead in Bethelsdorp, South Africa. Police are investigating the motive, with rights groups fearing a hate crime. Hendricks, 58, was in a vehicle when two masked suspects fired multiple shots, killing him. A video of the incident circulates online, though unverified by CNN. South Africa’s high murder rates add to concerns. Hendricks founded the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, supporting queer Muslims. ILGA World and South Africa’s Department of Justice urge a thorough investigation into the potential hate crime. Ava Sinclair 17/02/2025 9:30 pm
An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed Mohammad Shaheen, head of Hamas’ military operations, amid tensions over Israel’s delayed withdrawal from strategic locations. Israel accused Shaheen of planning Iran-backed attacks. Meanwhile, an Israeli court accepted Prime Minister Netanyahu’s request to cancel a testimony day in his criminal trial for security reasons. Netanyahu, facing charges of fraud and bribery, seeks to reduce his weekly testimony days, citing his duties amid regional tensions. The court has yet to decide on this request. Noah Prescott 17/02/2025 6:00 pm
Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay Muslim imam, was fatally shot in Gqeberha, South Africa, in what many suspect was an assassination due to his advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam. Hendricks, who founded a mosque for gay Muslims in Cape Town, was ambushed by masked men. The motive remains unclear, but political parties and LGBTQ+ groups believe he was targeted for his progressive teachings. The ILGA expressed shock and urged a thorough investigation, fearing a hate crime. Hendricks had faced opposition, including fatwas from South Africa’s Muslim Judicial Council, for his stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Noah Prescott 17/02/2025 6:00 pm
Israeli forces will remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon after the withdrawal deadline, despite Lebanon’s opposition. An Israeli strike killed a senior Hamas leader amid tensions marking 500 days since Hamas’ attack on Israel. The Gaza war is paused under a fragile ceasefire, with uncertainty about its extension. Meanwhile, Israel plans to build nearly 1,000 settler homes in the West Bank, potentially expanding the Efrat settlement by 40% and impacting Bethlehem’s development. Ava Sinclair 17/02/2025 6:00 pm
