President Trump suggested Egypt and Jordan take in Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal likely to be rejected by both countries and the Palestinians, fearing permanent displacement. Trump proposed resettlement as temporary or long-term due to Gaza’s destruction from Israel’s military campaign. Israel might support the idea, aligning with some leaders’ views on Palestinian migration. The refugee crisis, rooted in the 1948 Nakba and 1967 war, remains a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, complicating peace efforts. Penelope Kingsley 26/01/2025 1:00 pm
Hila Weisz-Gut, the only Jew in OÅ›wiÄ™cim, Poland, lives near Auschwitz, where her grandmother survived. She moved there in 2023 with her Polish husband, despite her family’s tragic history. While facing skepticism from Jews and Israelis, her local community has been welcoming. Weisz-Gut emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Jewish presence amid rising antisemitism in Europe, exacerbated by Middle East tensions and far-right political gains. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights reports a significant increase in antisemitic incidents following recent Middle East conflicts. Penelope Kingsley 26/01/2025 1:00 pm
South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay reported soldiers killed in clashes with M23 rebels in eastern DRC. Nine South African soldiers died, including two UN peacekeepers, while three Malawian and one Uruguayan peacekeeper were also killed. The South African National Defense Force claimed to have halted the M23 advance on Goma. The Southern African Development Community praised the soldiers’ bravery. The UN Security Council rescheduled an emergency meeting to address the situation. Noah Prescott 26/01/2025 9:30 am
Dutch police are searching for suspects after robbers exploded into the Drents Museum in Assen, stealing a 2,450-year-old golden helmet and golden bracelets linked to ancient Romanian royalty. The artifacts, on loan from Romania, include the famed CoÈ›ofeneÈ™ti helmet. A nearby car fire may be connected to the crime. No injuries were reported, and the suspects remain unidentified. The stolen items are considered “archaeological masterpieces,” with the helmet noted in history books and once recreated for a Romanian film. Noah Prescott 26/01/2025 9:30 am
The war in Gaza has severely impacted children, with over 13,000 killed and an estimated 25,000 injured, according to U.N. agencies. Britain’s deputy U.N. ambassador, James Kariuki, described Gaza as the deadliest place for children, emphasizing they did not choose this conflict. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that one-third of the 40,717 identified Palestinian casualties were children. UNICEF’s injury estimates are based on data from Gaza’s Health Ministry. Penelope Kingsley 26/01/2025 9:30 am
President Trump proposed relocating over 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, discussing the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. Trump suggested Jordan and Egypt could house displaced Palestinians, citing Gaza’s destruction from the Israel-Hamas conflict. Jordan, already hosting over 2.39 million Palestinian refugees, did not confirm relocation plans. Trump’s proposal diverges from the traditional US stance supporting a two-state solution. The conflict has severely damaged Gaza, displacing 90% of its residents. Noah Prescott 26/01/2025 9:30 am
An attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, killed 70 people, according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The attack, blamed on the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), occurred amid escalating civil war tensions. The RSF has faced battlefield losses to Sudanese military forces led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack as a violation of international law. Despite international mediation and sanctions, fighting continues. Another health facility in Al Malha was also attacked. Communication challenges complicate accurate reporting. Penelope Kingsley 26/01/2025 9:30 am
President Trump suggested that Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations should accept more Palestinian refugees from Gaza to “clean out” the area, creating a “clean slate.” He announced lifting a ban on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, previously held to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza. Trump emphasized his pro-Israel stance and discussed refugee resettlement with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and planned talks with Egypt’s President el-Sissi. He acknowledged the deep Palestinian connection to Gaza but proposed resettlement as a temporary or long-term solution. Penelope Kingsley 26/01/2025 6:00 am
The deadline for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon has passed, but troops remain as the ceasefire with Hezbollah is not fully implemented. The US and France-brokered agreement required Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah’s removal, with Lebanese troops deployed. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is working to stabilize the region amid “dangerous Israeli practices.” The conflict, which escalated last September, resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Israel’s withdrawal is contingent on Lebanese army deployment and Hezbollah’s retreat beyond the Litani River. The situation remains tense, with no immediate response from Hezbollah. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 6:00 am
Fighting with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo resulted in the deaths of six UN peacekeepers, including two South Africans, one Uruguayan, and three Malawians. The UN Security Council advanced an emergency meeting to address the escalating violence. M23 has gained significant territory, encircling Goma, a key regional hub. The UN is relocating nonessential staff but maintaining essential operations. M23, one of many armed groups in the mineral-rich region, recently seized Sake, threatening Goma’s access. The conflict contributes to a major humanitarian crisis. Ava Sinclair 26/01/2025 6:00 am
