A WFP worker, Ahmed, died in Houthi detention in northern Yemen, where he was held since January. His death led the UN to pause operations in Saada due to safety concerns. The UN reported additional detentions of its personnel by Houthis, amid ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis. WFP’s Cindy McCain mourned Ahmed, highlighting his humanitarian contributions. The conflict has caused over 150,000 deaths and severe displacement. No comment from Houthi authorities. Noah Prescott 12/02/2025 1:30 am
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have resumed attacks on Congolese forces in South Kivu, breaking a brief ceasefire. Despite calls for peace, the rebels have seized significant territory, including Goma, and are advancing towards Bukavu. Since January, around 2,900 people have died, and 700,000 have been displaced. Fighting erupted near Ihusi, with M23 threatening further action if Congolese military crimes continue. Reports claim M23 is forcing refugees to return home, which the group denies, stating returns are voluntary. The UN’s OCHA reported a 72-hour ultimatum for displaced people in Goma. Penelope Kingsley 12/02/2025 1:30 am
The black sea devil, a deep-sea anglerfish, was filmed near Tenerife’s surface, a rare event that astonished scientists. Captured by NGO Condrik Tenerife, the footage went viral, marking a potential first in marine biology. This deep-sea predator, usually found 200-2,000 meters below, was seen in daylight, sparking questions about its unusual appearance. Scientists speculate causes like illness, environmental stress, upwelling currents, or deep-sea disruptions, possibly linked to climate change, might explain this anomaly. Penelope Kingsley 12/02/2025 1:30 am
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that the ceasefire with Hamas will end if Israeli hostages aren’t returned by Saturday afternoon. This follows a security cabinet decision and comes amid accusations that Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement. President Trump echoed this sentiment, urging for the release of all hostages by Saturday, threatening to abandon the ceasefire otherwise. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri criticized Trump’s threats, emphasizing the need to respect the existing agreement. Concerns were also raised about the hostages’ physical condition. Noah Prescott 11/02/2025 10:00 pm
In the West Bank, Mohammed Shula’s pregnant daughter-in-law, Sondos Shalabi, was fatally shot after fleeing her home amid an Israeli military operation targeting Palestinian militants. The operation, part of a broader crackdown, has intensified since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Palestinians view Shalabi’s death as indicative of increasingly lethal Israeli tactics. The Israeli army is investigating her shooting. On the same day, another Palestinian woman was killed by an explosive device planted by Israeli forces, who claimed a militant was in her house. Noah Prescott 11/02/2025 10:00 pm
During a meeting with King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, President Trump proposed the U.S. seize control of Gaza and resettle displaced Palestinians in Jordan and Egypt. Both countries rejected the idea, but King Abdullah avoided direct criticism, suggesting consultation with other Arab nations. He emphasized considering the best interests of the U.S., the region, and Jordan. The meeting highlighted a critical moment for Middle East relations and the future of Gaza’s two million residents. Penelope Kingsley 11/02/2025 10:00 pm
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in Brussels for talks on the U.S. military’s role in Europe amid uncertainty over potential cuts under President Trump. Key issues include defense spending, the Ukraine war, and troop levels. Meetings with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and allied defense chiefs will precede the Munich Security Conference, led by Vice President JD Vance. Former commanders emphasize maintaining U.S. firepower in Europe to deter Russian expansion, despite possible shifts to the Pacific. Penelope Kingsley 11/02/2025 10:00 pm
A coordinated law enforcement operation dismantled the dark web sites of the 8Base ransomware gang. The takedown involved agencies from multiple countries, including the FBI and Europol. Four European nationals were arrested in Thailand as part of Operation Phobos Aetor. Authorities seized over 40 pieces of evidence linked to Phobos ransomware attacks on 17 Swiss companies. The 8Base gang, known for double extortion, allegedly earned $16 million from over 1,000 global victims. They have ties to RansomHouse, sharing similar ransom notes and infrastructure. Noah Prescott 11/02/2025 6:30 pm
The Israeli military confirmed that Shlomo Mansour, an 86-year-old Israeli man, was killed during Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack and his body is held in Gaza. Mansour was abducted from Kibbutz Kissufim, while his wife escaped. His death was confirmed based on intelligence and approved by a health ministry committee. Mansour is listed among hostages to be released by Hamas under a strained ceasefire deal. So far, 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai hostages have been freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Ava Sinclair 11/02/2025 6:30 pm
Italian police conducted major raids against Mafia clans in Palermo, involving over 1,200 officers. The operation aimed to dismantle the Mafia’s influence and prevent the reformation of its governing body, the Cupola. Despite many bosses being jailed, they continued activities using encrypted phones. Police discovered these communications through surveillance but haven’t cracked the encryption. The raids targeted various city areas, with authorities still pursuing members using nicknames like Robert de Niro and Spider Man. Ava Sinclair 11/02/2025 6:30 pm
