Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Mideast tour in Israel amid tensions over President Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s Palestinian population. Israeli PM Netanyahu supports the plan, while Arab leaders oppose it. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds, but negotiations are needed by early March to prevent renewed conflict. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed three Hamas policemen. Netanyahu is prepared to resume war, offering Hamas leaders exile, which they rejected. Israel’s entry of aid into Gaza is delayed, risking the ceasefire. Israel received MK-84 munitions from the U.S. Penelope Kingsley 16/02/2025 2:00 pm
A stampede at a New Delhi railway station resulted in at least 18 deaths, including 14 women and a child, with over a dozen injured. The incident occurred as thousands queued for trains to the Maha Kumbh pilgrimage in Prayagraj. Authorities reported the stampede began when people slipped on a footbridge. Confusion from a platform change announcement allegedly contributed. The injured were taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital. Atishi, the chief minister, described the event as “sad and heartbreaking.” Noah Prescott 16/02/2025 2:00 pm
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend an emergency summit in Paris as European leaders respond to the Trump administration’s efforts to negotiate with Russia on Ukraine, potentially sidelining Europe. Starmer emphasized maintaining US-Europe unity against external threats. The summit follows US actions that disrupted NATO’s united front on Ukraine. Trump’s administration suggested concessions to Russia, raising concerns about Ukraine’s marginalization. European leaders, led by France, are yet to confirm the summit. The situation highlights the need for Europe to play a larger NATO role. Penelope Kingsley 16/02/2025 10:30 am
A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in 18 deaths as a massive crowd gathered for a train to Prayagraj. Porters recounted carrying bodies on handcarts amid the chaos. The stampede occurred when people slipped on stairs leading to platforms 14 and 15. Children and women were among the victims, struggling to breathe. Porters described the scene as unprecedented, with belongings scattered and efforts to rescue children and the elderly. Noah Prescott 16/02/2025 10:30 am
A 14-year-old boy was killed and four others injured in a knife attack in Villach, Austria. A 23-year-old Syrian suspect was apprehended with the help of a civilian who rammed him with a car. The attack occurred near food stands in the town’s main square. The victims, all Austrian, included two 16-year-olds with major injuries and two adults with minor injuries. The suspect, legally residing in Austria and seeking asylum, had no prior police contact. Authorities are investigating connections to the victims but found no terrorism links. Noah Prescott 16/02/2025 7:00 am
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the Ukraine war, joined by national security adviser Mike Waltz and envoy Steve Witkoff. Talks will include Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv, but exclude Europe, causing concern among European allies. An emergency summit in Paris is planned. Rubio reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to resolving the conflict after a call with Putin. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested Ukraine might not join NATO, raising fears of US concessions to Russia. Ava Sinclair 16/02/2025 7:00 am
A 23-year-old Syrian man randomly stabbed six people in Villach, Austria, killing a 14-year-old and injuring five others. The suspect, legally residing in Austria, was detained, and police are investigating his background. A food delivery driver intervened to prevent further harm. The victims were all men, with varying degrees of injuries. Carinthia’s governor and far-right leader Herbert Kickl condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for respect for Austrian laws and values. Penelope Kingsley 16/02/2025 3:30 am
At the Munich Security Conference, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy advocated for an “armed forces of Europe,” citing unreliable U.S. support. German Chancellor Scholz criticized U.S. interference in German elections after Vice President Vance’s comments on European democracy. The speeches highlighted tensions from U.S. President Trump’s decisions, including talks with Putin on the Russia-Ukraine war, excluding European involvement. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a basis for a European army, a concept previously considered by some European leaders. Penelope Kingsley 16/02/2025 3:30 am
In Serbia, parallel rallies were held as students protested against corruption and President Aleksandar Vucic’s supporters gathered. The student-led protest in Kragujevac, linked to a deadly railway station collapse, demanded justice and political reform. It coincided with Statehood Day, symbolizing a call for change. Meanwhile, Vucic’s rally in Sremska Mitrovica emphasized nationalist themes, warning of Western interference. Vucic criticized the student protests, claiming they would be historically dishonorable. Penelope Kingsley 16/02/2025 3:30 am
Top Trump administration officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, are set to meet with senior Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the Ukraine war. President Trump, after a call with Russian President Putin, emphasized the urgency of negotiations. The meeting, confirmed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul, will involve high-level Russian figures. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to play a role in the discussions. Penelope Kingsley 16/02/2025 3:30 am
