Israel’s military set up roadblocks in southern Lebanon, delaying its withdrawal under a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The agreement required both sides to withdraw within 60 days, but Israel claims Hezbollah and the Lebanese army haven’t met obligations. Lebanon accuses Israel of hindering its military. The Israeli military says the process is progressing but delayed. The Lebanese military accuses Israel of procrastination. UN peacekeepers report Israeli roadblocks preventing displaced Lebanese from returning. Washington supports extending the withdrawal phase.

Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 11:00 pm

Robbers used explosives to break into the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, early Saturday, stealing gold artifacts, including a Coțofenești helmet and Dacian bracelets. The items were part of the “Dacia – Empire of Gold and Silver” exhibit. The museum, along with the National History Museum of Romania, expressed shock over the incident. No injuries occurred, and no arrests have been made. Police suspect multiple individuals were involved and are investigating, including a related car fire reported shortly after the theft.

Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 11:00 pm

Rwandan troops have reportedly crossed into the Democratic Republic of the Congo to support the M23 militia in capturing Goma before a UN Security Council meeting. Intelligence sources indicate that the Rwandan Defence Force has amassed troops near the border, with senior commanders positioned in Gisenyi. Fierce skirmishes between M23 and the Congolese army have been reported near Goma, with nine South African peacekeepers killed. A major offensive was foiled, but concerns remain about Rwanda’s intentions to seize Goma before international intervention.

Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 7:30 pm

Around 100,000 demonstrators across Slovakia protested against their government’s pro-Russia stance, urging adherence to NATO and EU commitments. Actor Tomáš Maštalír criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico’s claims of foreign interference and called for his resignation. The protests, organized by “Slovakia is Europe,” responded to Fico’s foreign policy shift towards Moscow, including ending military support for Ukraine and opposing EU sanctions on Russia. Fico’s party suggested considering EU exit, alarming pro-Western Slovaks. Protesters, including Eva Kulová, highlighted fears of authoritarianism reminiscent of Soviet-era oppression.

Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 7:30 pm

Khalida Jarrar, 61, a longtime political activist, lawyer, and former legislator, was released in a prisoner swap. A member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, she has been repeatedly detained by Israel, accused of supporting terrorism. Jarrar, who led Addameer and the Palestinian Legislative Council’s committee for prisoners’ rights, was held in administrative detention since December 2023. She reported harsh treatment during her imprisonment. Jarrar claims her arrests were politically motivated due to her opposition to the occupation.

Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 7:30 pm

Emergency crews began cleanup after Storm Éowyn hit Ireland and Scotland with record-breaking winds, leaving one dead and over a million without power. The storm, which became a bomb cyclone, caused widespread damage, including toppled trees, snapped telephone poles, and a fallen wind turbine. A 114 mph gust set a new record. Kacper Dudek, 20, died when a tree fell on his car in County Donegal. Efforts are underway to restore power and water. Schools closed, and transport was disrupted as people stayed home.

Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 7:30 pm

Ginette Kolinka, nearing 100, maintains a packed schedule, speaking to young people about the dangers of hatred. Despite residing at the National Institution of Invalides, she remains active, sharing her WWII experiences. For 20 years, Kolinka has focused on educating youth, emphasizing the impact of hatred rather than just recounting her story. Her talks often revisit her teenage years during the Holocaust, aiming to impart crucial lessons on the consequences of hatred.

Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 7:30 pm

On January 26, Belarusians will vote in a presidential election with five candidates, but President Alexander Lukashenko, in power for over 30 years, is expected to win. Known as “Europe’s last dictator,” Lukashenko’s rule has faced criticism from the opposition, the U.S., and rights groups, who label the election a “sham.” Past elections led to protests and crackdowns. Driven by a “thirst for power,” Lukashenko, a former Soviet pig farm manager, is seen as ruthless and distrustful, with allegations of threatening violence against dissenters.

Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 7:30 pm

Madison Keys won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. The 29-year-old American showcased a flawless game, overcoming past disappointments, including a 2017 US Open final loss. Despite losing momentum in the second set, Keys held her nerve in the final set, breaking Sabalenka at 7-5. Her victory followed an impressive tournament run, defeating top players like Iga Świątek. Overcoming injuries and past setbacks, Keys celebrated with her team and husband, expressing gratitude and hope for future successes.

Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 4:00 pm

Inshirah Darabeh, from Deir el-Balah, is determined to find her daughter Maram’s body for a proper burial amid Gaza’s devastation. She plans to walk over 10km through rubble to her home in Gaza City. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas allows displaced Palestinians to return home, but tensions remain due to a prisoner exchange issue. Gaza has been split since November 2023, with thousands displaced. The return route is via al-Rashid Street, connecting southern and northern Gaza.

Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 4:00 pm