Hamas accuses Israel of delaying a ceasefire by blocking Al-Rashid Street, hindering displaced Palestinians’ return to northern Gaza. They hold Israel responsible for any disruptions. The ceasefire deal includes Israeli troop withdrawal from populated areas, but military presence remains in border zones. Meanwhile, the Red Cross completed the second phase of a release operation, transferring 200 prisoners, with some returning to the West Bank and others deported. The Red Cross also aids in delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 4:00 pm
Hamas released four Israeli soldiers to the Red Cross in Gaza City, prompting Israel to free 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire. The soldiers appeared on stage under duress before being taken by the Red Cross. Israel released 70 prisoners who cannot return to Gaza or the West Bank, with Egypt mediating the truce. Buses carried the remaining prisoners to Jerusalem and Ramallah. Celebrations occurred in Tel Aviv, and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office shared a video of the freed soldiers. Israel delayed further actions until another civilian hostage is released. Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 12:30 pm
Madison Keys won her first Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open, defeating No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Sabalenka, on a 20-match winning streak, aimed for a third consecutive title but was thwarted by Keys, who had previously lost her only Grand Slam final in 2017. Keys, wielding a new racquet and service motion, became the fourth-oldest first-time Slam champion in the Open Era. She also became the 16th player to win a Slam after facing match point, having saved one against Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 12:30 pm
World leaders and royalty will join survivors to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, where over a million were murdered by Nazi Germany. The event highlights the urgency of hearing survivors’ testimonies as their numbers dwindle. Auschwitz, established in 1940, became infamous for mass killings, particularly at Birkenau. On January 27, 1945, Soviet troops liberated 7,000 emaciated prisoners. The Holocaust claimed six million Jewish lives, two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population, through camps, ghettos, and mass executions. Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 12:30 pm
Gaza is in ruins following the conflict between Israel and Hamas after the October 7, 2023, attack. With a ceasefire in place, families like the Ghalys are returning to devastated neighborhoods, hoping to rebuild. Eyad Abu Ghaly laments their flattened home, questioning the bombing’s rationale, as the area housed only civilians. Many homes are severely damaged, and residents fear future conflict. Eyad expresses concern for the youth, citing a lack of education, healthcare, and prospects for a better life. Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 9:00 am
Iga Swiatek’s tactics during her Australian Open semi-final against Madison Keys drew criticism, including from Martina Navratilova and Lindsay Davenport. Swiatek took a lengthy toilet break after losing the second set, which some fans saw as disrupting Keys’ rhythm. Additionally, Swiatek delayed Keys by facing away when she was ready to serve. Navratilova criticized Swiatek for frequently interrupting servers, emphasizing the need to play to the server’s timing. Both legends expressed disapproval of Swiatek’s actions on the Tennis Channel Live podcast. Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 9:00 am
The second batch of Israeli hostages, four female soldiers, is set to be released by Hamas this weekend under a ceasefire deal. In exchange, Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 militants. The ceasefire halts fighting in Gaza for six weeks, allowing aid to flow and displaced Palestinians to return home. Despite the ceasefire, Israel conducts military operations in the West Bank, resulting in 14 deaths. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’ October 7 attack, has killed over 47,000 Palestinians. Israel demands the UN agency for Palestinian refugees cease operations in Jerusalem by January 30. Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 9:00 am
In January 2025, Belarus shows little election enthusiasm, with minimal campaigning and no candidate billboards in Minsk. The presidential election outcome is predictable, with Alexander Lukashenko, ruling for over 30 years, expected to win a seventh term. Supporters call it “Belarusian democracy,” while opponents label it a “farce.” Lukashenko himself shows disinterest, stating he’s too busy to follow the campaign. During a visit to the Minsk Automobile Plant, workers gifted him an axe, which he promised to use before the election, receiving applause. Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 9:00 am
Tens of thousands in Slovakia are protesting against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, accusing him of undermining institutions and aligning with Moscow. Demonstrations occurred in 25 towns, with 100,000 participants nationwide. Fico denies plans to exit the EU and NATO, despite opposition claims. He alleges foreign provocateurs are inciting unrest, supported by Slovakia’s intelligence service. Fico also linked a recent cyber incident to opposition efforts, though it was later reported as a minor phishing attempt. Protests have remained peaceful, contrary to Fico’s warnings of potential violence. Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 5:30 am
The Taliban rejected the ICC’s request for arrest warrants against their leaders, accusing the court of baseless claims. The ICC seeks accountability for Taliban actions against women since 2021. The Afghan Foreign Ministry condemned the ICC, alleging bias and ignoring past foreign crimes. Meanwhile, the Afghan Women’s Movement praised the ICC’s decision as a step towards justice. Former official Mohammad Halim Fidai suggested the Taliban might use the decision for propaganda, portraying it as a testament to their faith and resilience against global powers. Ava Sinclair 25/01/2025 5:30 am
