A fire at the Grand Kartal hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey, killed at least 66 people and injured 51, with one in serious condition. The blaze occurred during a busy school break period. The fire, believed to have started in the restaurant, was reported at 3:27 a.m., with firefighters responding by 4:15 a.m. Two victims died after jumping from the building. Six prosecutors are investigating the incident. The hotel had 238 registered guests at the time. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 2:30 pm
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began, pausing fighting and facilitating hostage and prisoner exchanges, while allowing aid into Gaza. The conflict, intensified since October 7, has devastated Gaza, with critical infrastructure severely damaged. A study suggests the death toll exceeds 70,000, with one-third being children. Most of Gaza is in ruins, with 436,000 housing units affected and 1.9 million people displaced. The UN reports frequent evacuations, emphasizing no safe place exists in Gaza. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 2:30 pm
Hamas quickly declared victory amid a hostage release deal, despite significant losses and devastation in Gaza. Their propaganda aims to reinforce Palestinian consciousness and Hamas’ control. The battle for public perception intensifies, with Israel facing challenges countering Hamas’ messaging. Israel’s focus should be on the international audience, highlighting the cruelty of the enemy and the need for hostages’ return. The hostage deal offers a chance to provide critical context to the world, reminding them of Israel’s ongoing struggle and trauma. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 11:00 am
The renminbi weakened and Chinese stocks fell after President Trump suggested a 10% tariff on China. The CSI 300 and Hang Seng indices dropped 0.9% and 1.6%, respectively. The offshore renminbi fell to 7.29 a dollar before recovering slightly. The dollar strengthened, and gold prices hit an 11-week high. Trump’s tariff consideration aims to address fentanyl flows to Mexico and Canada. Goldman Sachs predicts more tariffs are likely. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 11:00 am
Tres Bocas, Colombia, has become a ghost town as residents flee to Venezuela due to escalating violence in the Catatumbo region. Over 18,000 people have fled, with 1,000 seeking refuge in Venezuela, amid clashes between the ELN and FARC-EMC. The violence surged when ELN rebels attacked civilians, accusing them of aiding FARC-EMC. Colombian President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks with the ELN, citing war crimes, and plans to issue an emergency decree. The UN condemned the violence and displacement of thousands. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 11:00 am
Israel conducted a military operation in Jenin, West Bank, killing nine Palestinians and wounding 40. In Tel Aviv, a stabbing attack injured four, with the suspect, a 28-year-old foreign national, killed by security forces. Israel’s top general resigned over security failures linked to Hamas’ October attack. Despite ongoing conflict, Hamas controls Gaza, where residents face devastation. The UN reports smooth aid flow into Gaza, with nearly 900 trucks entering on the ceasefire’s third day, surpassing the 600-truck target. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 7:30 am
A fire at the Grand Kartal hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey, killed at least 76 people and injured 51 during a school holiday. The blaze occurred at a popular ski resort, causing chaos as guests attempted to escape, with some jumping from the building. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya vowed justice for those responsible. Forty-five victims have been identified, and efforts continue to identify the remaining victims. Emergency teams will conduct a final search for victims. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 7:30 am
Palestinians in Gaza face devastation after a ceasefire ended over 15 months of conflict with Israel. Drone footage reveals extensive destruction across the enclave. Critics accuse Israel of a scorched earth campaign, with allegations of genocide being considered in global courts. Israel denies these charges, citing complex urban warfare. Military experts acknowledge the high damage but question the scorched earth label. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, argue the destruction suggests intent to displace Palestinians permanently, a claim Israel disputes. Noah Prescott 22/01/2025 4:00 am
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for “fundamental change” in citizen protection following the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. He announced a public inquiry into the case of Axel Rudakubana, who killed three and injured others, despite being flagged to anti-extremism programs. Rudakubana, who pled guilty, was misidentified by far-right activists as an asylum seeker. Starmer emphasized the need to address threats from violent individuals and the failures of state agencies in preventing such tragedies. Penelope Kingsley 22/01/2025 12:30 am
Elise Stefanik, nominated as U.S. ambassador to the UN, expressed belief in Israel’s “biblical” dominion over the West Bank during her Senate hearing. She pledged to advance Trump’s “America First” agenda, audit UN funding, counter China’s influence, and support Israel. Her stance contrasts with Biden’s administration, which, despite supporting Israel, opposed Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Stefanik affirmed Israel’s right to the West Bank but sidestepped questions on Palestinian self-determination, emphasizing Palestinian rights over leadership failures. Ava Sinclair 22/01/2025 12:30 am
