An undersea fiber optic cable between Latvia and Sweden was damaged, likely due to external influence, prompting an investigation by Latvian and NATO maritime forces. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina confirmed significant damage and coordination with NATO and Baltic Sea countries. Several vessels, including the Malta-flagged Vezhen, were near the damaged cable, but it’s unclear if they are under investigation. NATO and Baltic nations are collaborating to determine the cause, with Sweden contributing to the effort. The cause of the damage remains undetermined. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 8:30 pm
Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda amid escalating conflict involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels near Goma, resulting in 13 peacekeepers’ deaths and mass civilian displacement. M23, mainly ethnic Tutsis, has gained territory near the Rwandan border. Congo, the U.S., and U.N. accuse Rwanda of supporting M23, which Rwanda denies, despite acknowledging troops in eastern Congo. Rwanda’s foreign minister criticized Congo’s decision as unilateral. The conflict exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the mineral-rich region, with numerous armed groups vying for control. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 8:30 pm
Israeli forces killed 22 people in south Lebanon as a withdrawal deadline passed, with thousands defying military orders to return home. Israel extended its troop presence, citing Lebanon’s failure to disarm Hezbollah and deploy its army. Lebanon’s military accused Israel of delaying withdrawal. The conflict, linked to the Gaza war, displaced over a million and weakened Hezbollah. Lebanon reported 22 deaths and 124 injuries from Israeli attacks. Israel claimed its troops fired warning shots at threats, while Hezbollah’s TV showed residents returning to villages. Noah Prescott 26/01/2025 8:30 pm
President Trump proposed that Jordan and Egypt take in more Palestinian refugees to “clean out” Gaza, a plan previously supported by Israel’s far right. He discussed this with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who, along with other Arab leaders, has rejected the idea. Trump suggested relocating up to 1.5 million people, potentially temporarily or long-term. The White House hasn’t confirmed a policy change, and human rights groups, the Biden administration, and Israel’s Arab neighbors oppose forced displacement, fearing it undermines Palestinian statehood claims. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 8:30 pm
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are stranded near the Netzarim Corridor, unable to return to northern Gaza due to an Israeli blockade. The blockade is linked to the unresolved release of hostage Arbel Yehud, straining the ceasefire agreement. Aerial footage shows large crowds waiting with belongings. Hamas estimates 615,000-650,000 people wish to return, but Israel demands Yehud’s release first. Despite some hostages being freed, Yehud’s release remains pending, complicating the humanitarian situation. Penelope Kingsley 26/01/2025 8:30 pm
South Korean prosecutors indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on rebellion charges related to his martial law imposition, risking the death penalty or life imprisonment. Yoon, the first sitting president indicted, remains jailed as the Constitutional Court considers his dismissal. Prosecutors allege Yoon’s martial law aimed to undermine the constitution, while his defense claims political bias. Yoon argues his actions were legitimate governance against a liberal-controlled National Assembly. The trial is expected to last six months. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 8:30 pm
Alexander Lukashenko won a widely criticized presidential election in Belarus, securing 87.6% of the vote for his seventh term. The election featured opposition candidates loyal to him, with no genuine alternatives. The EU, UK, and US do not recognize his government as legitimate, citing past fraudulent elections and a brutal crackdown on protests in 2020. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the election as an affront to democracy, asserting Lukashenko’s lack of legitimacy. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 8:30 pm
South Korean prosecutors have indicted suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol on insurrection charges following his brief martial law declaration. Yoon justified the move by accusing the opposition of anti-state activities, but parliament swiftly overturned it and impeached him. Yoon, denying wrongdoing, was arrested and remains in custody. Prosecutors claim sufficient evidence supports the charges, including orders to forcibly remove lawmakers and plans to arrest opposition figures. Yoon’s arrest followed a failed initial attempt by the Corruption Investigation Office, amid resistance from his security detail. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 4:30 pm
The Israeli military fired warning shots at “suspects” approaching their forces, arresting several individuals. Despite a cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah, Israeli forces failed to withdraw, raising fears of renewed conflict. In Gaza, Israeli troops blocked Palestinians from returning home, accusing Hamas of violating a cease-fire. Both sides want truces to hold if terms are respected. In southern Lebanon, residents attempted to return home despite Israeli warnings, with a Lebanese soldier reportedly killed by Israeli fire. Displaced Palestinians in Gaza await permission to return north. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 4:30 pm
Katya Adler reports on German students visiting a Holocaust education center in Dachau. Xavier, 17, emphasizes the importance of learning from history as the far right gains support. Melike, 18, was deeply moved by survivor Eva Umlauf’s story and stresses the need for more discussions on racism and intolerance. Miguel and Ida, both 17, highlight the rise of racism and antisemitism on social media, stressing the urgency of addressing these issues as they are the last generation to hear firsthand accounts from survivors. Penelope Kingsley 26/01/2025 4:30 pm
