The ceasefire in Gaza facilitated a smooth exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, with the Rafah border reopening ahead of crucial talks. Israeli PM Netanyahu will meet U.S. President Trump to discuss the truce’s next phase, which aims to release remaining hostages and extend the ceasefire indefinitely. Hamas released three hostages, and Israel freed 183 prisoners in the latest exchange. The process was orderly, contrasting with previous chaotic scenes. Talks on the truce’s second phase begin Monday, with potential resumption of fighting in March if no agreement is reached. Ava Sinclair 02/02/2025 10:30 am
Ahead of Germany’s federal election, tens of thousands protested against the far-right AfD and CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz. Demonstrations occurred nationwide, criticizing Merz for collaborating with the AfD on anti-immigration bills, breaching Germany’s post-WWII “firewall” against far-right cooperation. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius condemned Merz’s actions, saying they damaged democracy. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel also criticized Merz, urging him to avoid cooperation with extremist parties. More rallies are planned, with Berlin expecting the largest turnout. Noah Prescott 02/02/2025 7:00 am
At least 773 people were killed in Goma, eastern DRC, amid fighting with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who captured the city. The Congolese military, weakened by losses, recaptured some villages. The death toll may rise as rebels urged locals to clean streets, possibly hiding mass graves. Hundreds returned to Goma as rebels promised to restore services. M23, backed by 4,000 Rwandan troops, is advancing rapidly, posing a significant threat. The UN noted their proximity to Bukavu, South Kivu’s capital, highlighting the conflict’s escalation. Noah Prescott 02/02/2025 7:00 am
NATO jets were dispatched after Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilian, energy, and military targets, causing blackouts and destruction. In Poltava, apartment blocks were leveled, resulting in fires and casualties. The strikes, involving strategic bombers and missiles, suggest Putin’s continued aggression towards Ukraine. NATO activated Polish and allied aircraft in response. In Kharkiv, a drone crash caused one death and injuries. President Trump mentioned serious discussions to end the war but did not confirm direct talks with Putin. Noah Prescott 02/02/2025 7:00 am
Student protests against corruption in Serbia are intensifying, with 500 students marching from Belgrade to Novi Sad. The protests were sparked by a railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad, killing 15 people. Demonstrators demand transparency and accountability, distancing themselves from political parties. President Vučić, facing criticism, has sacrificed his prime minister but maintains control. The EU remains silent, despite Serbia’s EU candidacy since 2012, contrasting with its support for other democratic movements. The protests mark the largest mobilization since Milošević’s fall in 2000. Penelope Kingsley 02/02/2025 3:30 am
The ceasefire in Gaza facilitated a smooth exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, with the Rafah border reopening ahead of crucial truce discussions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Trump to discuss the truce’s second phase, which aims to release remaining hostages and extend the ceasefire indefinitely. Hamas released three hostages, including an American, while Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners. Further exchanges are planned, with negotiations involving Qatar and Egypt. The conflict could resume if no agreement is reached by early March. Penelope Kingsley 02/02/2025 3:30 am
Russia’s recent airstrike on Ukraine involved a coordinated use of Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers, along with Su-57 stealth fighters, showcasing advanced air aggression. This operation highlights Russia’s strategic shift towards modernizing its air capabilities, using cutting-edge technology to intensify pressure on Ukraine. The inclusion of the Su-57, still in testing, underscores its potential to alter regional power dynamics. The bombers’ long-range capabilities allow them to target critical infrastructure while avoiding Ukrainian air defenses, demonstrating a calculated and effective tactical approach. Penelope Kingsley 02/02/2025 3:30 am
Arab foreign ministers rejected U.S. President Trump’s proposal for Egypt and Jordan to take in Gaza residents, emphasizing it would destabilize the region and undermine peace efforts. In a Cairo meeting, officials from several Arab nations affirmed their opposition to compromising Palestinian rights through land transfers or evictions. They expressed willingness to work with the U.S. for a two-state solution. Trump’s suggestion, criticized as ethnic cleansing, was also rejected by Egyptian President al-Sisi, who warned of public protests against such displacement. Noah Prescott 02/02/2025 3:30 am
An attack by the Rapid Support Forces on Omdurman’s Sabrein Market killed 54 and wounded 158, mostly women and children, amid Sudan’s escalating civil war. The attack, condemned by government officials, caused widespread destruction and violated international humanitarian law. The Sudanese army claimed to have expelled RSF remnants from several areas. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has killed over 28,000 people, displaced millions, and led to severe famine and atrocities, including ethnically motivated violence. Noah Prescott 02/02/2025 3:30 am
Thirty-seven sick and wounded Palestinians, including 34 children, have left Gaza for medical treatment in Egypt after the Rafah border crossing reopened following an eight-month closure. The reopening is part of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Hamas and Israel. The World Health Organization reported that the evacuees, accompanied by 39 companions, crossed into Egypt. Footage shows children in stretchers and ambulances. Families expressed relief, hoping for improved health outcomes. The border had been closed since Israeli forces took control in May last year. Penelope Kingsley 02/02/2025 3:30 am
