Clara Merman, held captive in Gaza for 53 days, criticized Hamas for staging their actions as a show of control during her release. She described the ordeal as a “blatant performance” and urged sensitivity in helping survivors recover. Merman reflected on the challenges of captivity, expressing disbelief at enduring such conditions and finding hope in the release of other hostages. She emphasized the need to continue supporting families still waiting for their loved ones’ return. Penelope Kingsley 20/01/2025 3:00 am
The icy inauguration of Donald Trump’s second presidency aligns with his extraordinary impact. This event affects everyone, not just Americans, as Trump promises sweeping changes domestically and globally. With experience shaping his team, Trump commands loyalty to push his agenda. Critics warn of chaos and instability, but his message resonates with many voters. The Trump era has transformed American politics, marking a new chapter with different dynamics and priorities. Ava Sinclair 20/01/2025 3:00 am
Eitan Gonen expressed immense gratitude and relief as his daughter Romi, abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack, is set to return from Gaza. Held captive for over 14 months, her imminent release brings cautious optimism to the family. Eitan likened the anticipation to awaiting a birth, capturing the joy and excitement of Romi’s homecoming. Her release is part of a broader hostage-ceasefire deal, symbolizing hope for Israel. The family is overwhelmed with support, as people celebrate Romi’s return. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 11:30 pm
More than 80 people have been killed and 20 injured in Colombia’s northeast, following failed peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN). Community leader Carmelo Guerrero and others seeking peace were among the victims. Attacks occurred in Catatumbo, near Venezuela, with kidnappings reported. Thousands are fleeing, some hiding in mountains or seeking shelter. Colombia’s army rescued dozens, and officials are sending aid. The violence follows suspended peace talks with the ELN, who are clashing with former FARC members over control of a strategic region with coca plantations. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 11:30 pm
An Israeli mother and her daughter welcomed three former hostages at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv, following their release in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. The hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were kidnapped during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. In exchange, Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners. Celebrations erupted in Tel Aviv as the hostages arrived, with people singing, waving flags, and expressing gratitude. The release marked a significant moment for Israelis amid the ongoing conflict. Penelope Kingsley 19/01/2025 11:30 pm
A disturbing video shows gun-wielding terrorists surrounding a Hamas truck holding three Israeli hostages in Gaza. The women, held captive for nearly 500 days, were being transferred to the Red Cross for release. Despite the chaos, all three—British Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher—were safely returned to Israel. This exchange marks the start of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of conflict. The women will receive medical and psychological support before reuniting with their families. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 8:00 pm
As Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term, loyalty will be crucial. Unlike 2017, Trump is now a seasoned political figure with a strong hold on the Republican Party. He has raised at least $170 million for his inauguration, surpassing his 2017 total. With increased support from businesses and tech, Trump is prepared to govern from day one, marking a new era in his presidency. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 8:00 pm
Sher Abbas Stanikzai, a senior Taliban figure, publicly urged the group’s leader to lift education bans on Afghan women and girls, stating there’s no justification for such restrictions. Speaking in Khost province, he emphasized that denying education is an injustice against 20 million people and not aligned with Islamic law. The Taliban government has barred females from education beyond sixth grade, with reports of halted medical training for women. Stanikzai, previously involved in talks for foreign troop withdrawal, has consistently advocated for women’s education rights, marking his first direct appeal to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
Romi Gonen, abducted by Hamas from the Nova Music Festival in October 2023, is set to be released as part of a hostage-ceasefire deal. She was 23 when taken, after being shot while fleeing with friends. Her final words to her mother were about being shot and bleeding. A rescuer, Ben Shimoni, saved nine people but was killed. Romi’s phone was tracked to Gaza, and a recording revealed terrorists debating her fate. A released hostage confirmed Romi is alive but in poor health, needing urgent medical attention for a hand injury. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
Ahead of Donald Trump’s second inauguration, Washington, D.C. is heavily fortified with anti-scale fencing, concrete barriers, and surveillance drones. Unlike the tense atmosphere of 2017, the mood in 2025 is more resigned. Many are accommodating the incoming president, with technology moguls and billionaires seeking favor, and some corporations dropping climate and diversity programs. Democrats and news organizations are also showing signs of cooperation and deference. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
