Rebels from the Rwandan-backed M23 group have entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after a rapid advance. M23 fighters encountered little resistance as they moved towards the city center, causing civilians to flee. The capture of Bukavu would give M23 control over the Lake Kivu area, marking a significant territorial expansion since their insurgency began in 2022. The Congolese army withdrew after the rebels seized the Kavumu airport. Ava Sinclair 15/02/2025 5:00 pm
The family of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran on unspecified security charges, is determined to secure their safe return. Arrested in January during a global motorbike trip, the couple had planned a brief stay in Iran. The family, supported by the British government, is navigating the situation’s complexities and appreciates the community’s support. Before their detention, the Foremans expressed admiration for Iran’s culture and people on social media. Ava Sinclair 15/02/2025 5:00 pm
Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized with a respiratory tract infection after worsening bronchitis. He slept well, ate breakfast, and read newspapers while continuing treatment. The Vatican canceled his audiences through Monday. Francis, prone to winter respiratory issues, had part of a lung removed in his youth and has faced other health challenges, including intestinal surgeries and recent falls. He uses mobility aids and is being treated at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where popes have a private suite. Ava Sinclair 15/02/2025 5:00 pm
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged European members to stop complaining and offer solutions amid a more confrontational U.S. He announced a new defense spending target, exceeding 2%, to be discussed at the June summit. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham noted that Putin’s actions in Ukraine have inadvertently strengthened NATO, highlighting divisions over defense spending between the U.S. and Europe. The issue was contentious during Trump’s presidency, as he criticized NATO members for not meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target. Penelope Kingsley 15/02/2025 5:00 pm
A drone with a warhead hit Chernobyl’s protective shell, raising nuclear safety concerns. Kyiv blamed Moscow, while Russia denied involvement, calling it a false flag attack. The incident, coinciding with the Munich Security Conference, highlights ongoing risks amid the war. The IAEA confirmed no radiation increase but stressed the need for military restraint around nuclear sites. Competing claims from Russia and Ukraine remain unverified, complicating peace efforts. The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi emphasized the persistent nuclear safety risks and urged caution. Noah Prescott 15/02/2025 1:30 pm
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the creation of a European army to counter Russia, suggesting the US may not always support Europe. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he emphasized that Ukraine would not accept deals made without its involvement. Zelensky highlighted US Vice President JD Vance’s warning that Europe must enhance its defense capabilities. He noted that the traditional US-Europe relationship is changing, urging Europe to adapt. The idea of a European army has been supported by leaders like France’s President Emmanuel Macron to reduce reliance on the US. Ava Sinclair 15/02/2025 1:30 pm
US President Donald Trump’s “Gaza Riviera” idea, based on a plan by economist Joseph Pelzman, includes renewable energy, transport systems, and hotels. However, it requires Gaza to be “completely emptied,” with Egypt potentially taking in refugees. This proposal faces criticism for potential ethnic cleansing and financing issues. Middle Eastern governments, including Egypt and Jordan, have condemned the plan. King Abdullah II of Jordan reaffirmed his opposition to displacing Palestinians after visiting Washington. Noah Prescott 15/02/2025 1:30 pm
Hamas released three hostages—Alexander Troufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn—in exchange for over 300 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire with Israel. The hostages, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’s October 7 attack, were handed to the Red Cross and transported to Israeli forces. They appeared in better condition than previous releases. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed their return, emphasizing support for their recovery. Ava Sinclair 15/02/2025 1:30 pm
A UN peacekeeping vehicle was torched in Lebanon amid protests by Hezbollah supporters. The UNIFIL force commander was injured in a violent attack on a convoy. UNIFIL condemned the attack as a violation of international law and demanded an investigation. The Lebanese army pledged action against those responsible. Protests followed Lebanon’s prevention of an Iranian flight landing, amid tensions over Hezbollah’s exclusion from the new government. Iran retaliated by blocking Lebanese flights, stranding citizens. Noah Prescott 15/02/2025 1:30 pm
Hamas released three Israeli hostages, including American Sagui Dekel-Chen, preserving a fragile cease-fire. The hostages, kidnapped on October 7, were handed to the Red Cross in Gaza. Tensions rose as Hamas accused Israel of truce violations, threatening to delay further releases. Israeli leaders, backed by President Trump, warned of renewed conflict if hostages weren’t freed. Under pressure, Hamas agreed to release the captives, negotiating with Egyptian and Qatari officials for more aid. The hostages were taken from Kibbutz Nir Or during a deadly attack. Noah Prescott 15/02/2025 10:00 am
