The ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas continues, allowing humanitarian aid to reach previously inaccessible areas. Over 120 bodies have been recovered in Gaza, and two Palestinian brothers were killed by Israeli shelling. Meanwhile, Israel has launched a military operation in Jenin, West Bank, aiming to eliminate militancy, resulting in at least 10 Palestinian deaths. The UN reports a significant increase in aid delivery due to improved access and stability in Gaza. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 10:00 pm
In Jerusalem, Fergal Keane reports on the aftermath of Israeli forces withdrawing from Rafah, Gaza. Civilians report missing relatives, with Palestinian health authorities estimating 10,000 people missing. Search teams, led by Haitham al-Homs, rely on clothing markers, information from locals, or the smell of death to locate bodies under rubble. The Israeli government has banned international media from Gaza, so local journalists document the situation. Mr. Homs updates the list of found individuals daily, as his team carefully excavates the debris. Penelope Kingsley 23/01/2025 10:00 pm
Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years for murdering three girls and attempting to murder 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. At 17, he killed Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Aguiar, 9, and injured others. He pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder, possessing terrorist material, and producing ricin. Judge Julian Goose described the attack as extremely violent, and while not officially terrorism, it was equivalent. Rudakubana accessed extremist materials, revealing a long-standing obsession with violence. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 10:00 pm
Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to at least 52 years for killing three girls and injuring 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport, UK. The attack, which occurred when Rudakubana was 17, shocked the nation and led to widespread riots. Prosecutor Deanna Heer described Rudakubana as obsessed with violence and genocide, with some victims suffering sadistic injuries. Judge Julian Goose noted Rudakubana’s age prevented a life sentence, but he is unlikely to be released. The court saw distressing footage of the attack, and Rudakubana expressed no remorse. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 6:30 pm
The ICC’s top prosecutor, Karim Khan, seeks arrest warrants for Taliban leaders Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani for crimes against humanity, citing persecution of women and girls in Afghanistan. The ICC will decide on issuing warrants. The Taliban’s regime, unrecognized internationally, has imposed “morality laws” stripping women of rights, including education access. The persecution, involving severe human rights abuses, has persisted since August 2021. The Taliban has not commented on the ICC’s statement. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 6:30 pm
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of a 69-year-old French woman, condemning France for considering her “at fault” in a divorce for refusing sex. The court stated that marital consent doesn’t imply future sexual consent, emphasizing the importance of consent in sexual relations. This decision, hailed by the woman, highlights women’s rights and bodily integrity. The ruling comes amid French debates on consent, with advocates urging its inclusion in rape laws. The woman, identified as H., challenged the divorce grounds, not the divorce itself. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 6:30 pm
Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand legally registered their marriages as the Marriage Equality Act took effect, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. By the end of the day, 1,832 couples had married nationwide. Celebrations included a gala in Bangkok, where couples like actors Apiwat Apiwatsayree and Sappanyoo Panatkool expressed joy over their newfound rights. Activists aimed for at least 1,448 marriages, symbolizing the amended Article 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 6:30 pm
A new species of giant crustacean, Cirolana darthvaderi, resembling Darth Vader, was discovered in a Vietnamese market by Japanese and Vietnamese researchers. This 10-inch isopod, part of the Cirolanidae family, has sparked interest due to its unique appearance and potential deep-sea adaptations. The discovery highlights the ocean’s unexplored biodiversity and raises questions about its ecological role. Researchers confirmed its novelty through genetic and morphological studies, suggesting it inhabits waters off Vietnam, brought to market by local fishermen. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 6:30 pm
Palestinians in northern Gaza are setting up tent encampments for displaced families, preparing to return home as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The return is scheduled for Saturday, coinciding with Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinians jailed by Israel. Many returning will find their homes destroyed after a 15-month Israeli military offensive. Concerns arise over inadequate space in the camps, as 1.5 million people are expected to return to the devastated area. The conflict began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 6:30 pm
Israel killed two armed men, Qutaiba Shalabi and Mohammed Nazzal, suspected of a shooting attack in the West Bank. The operation in Jenin, targeting armed groups backed by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, has resulted in 12 Palestinian deaths, including civilians. Israel aims to prevent Iranian influence and attacks on Israeli targets. The operation has restricted medical access and blocked Jenin refugee camp. Ahmed al-Shayeb, a civilian, was killed by Israeli forces, highlighting the conflict’s impact on non-combatants. Penelope Kingsley 23/01/2025 3:00 pm
