Palestinians celebrated a ceasefire in Gaza, with Hamas releasing three hostages. In Tel Aviv, Israelis watched the hostages’ release on a giant screen. The hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were in good health. The truce, ending a 15-month conflict, involves exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Despite a delay due to a technical glitch, the ceasefire began after Israeli strikes killed 13 in Gaza. The truce aims to release 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners over six weeks. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
In Colombia’s Catatumbo region, the death toll from rebel attacks has reached 60, according to the human rights office. The violence involves the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), breaking a truce amid peace talks. The ELN is blamed for the violence, which has led to kidnappings, food shortages, and displacement. President Gustavo Petro accused the ELN of “war crimes,” stating they lack willingness for peace. Community leaders and peace treaty signatories are among the victims, with local advocacy groups reporting missing members. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party resigned from the government over a Gaza ceasefire deal, destabilizing Netanyahu’s coalition but not affecting the ceasefire. Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist leader, opposed the deal for requiring Israel to release Palestinian prisoners and potentially allowing Hamas to remain in power. He criticized the ceasefire as “reckless.” Previously, Ben-Gvir influenced Netanyahu to continue the war and has been a controversial figure, visiting sensitive religious sites and having a history of convictions for racism and supporting terrorism. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
A Seoul court extended the detention of South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, over a failed martial law attempt. Citing evidence destruction concerns, a judge issued a 20-day custody warrant. Yoon was arrested after a standoff with investigators. His detention sparked violent protests by supporters, condemned by Yoon and acting President Choi Sang-mok. Yoon faces insurrection charges and refuses to cooperate with investigators. The political crisis follows his impeachment, pending constitutional court approval. Security will be increased for future proceedings. Penelope Kingsley 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli national, was shot and taken hostage in Gaza 471 days ago. Injured and witnessing her dog’s death, she is now named among the first hostages Hamas plans to release under a ceasefire deal with Israel. Emily Cohen, representing the Damari family, expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the uncertainty until Emily’s release is confirmed. The family remains concerned about her condition and the need for humanitarian aid for other hostages. For Emily’s mother, Mandy, the past 15 months have been excruciating, marked by hope and uncertainty. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 4:30 pm
The Gaza ceasefire began after a delay, with Hamas set to release three Israeli hostages. The ceasefire was delayed due to Hamas not providing hostages’ names, leading to Israeli strikes. The ceasefire started at 11:15 after names were received. The hostages include dual nationals. Israel plans to exchange 33 hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces will withdraw, allowing displaced Palestinians to return and aid to enter Gaza. Future phases involve further hostage releases, troop withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction. Netanyahu warned the ceasefire is temporary, with potential for resumed conflict. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 1:00 pm
On January 19, Russian missile strikes in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia killed four and wounded 14. Ukraine downed two missiles and 24 drones. Russia claimed advances in Donetsk, while Ukrainian drones targeted Russian oil depots. Diplomatically, Swedish troops joined NATO forces in Latvia, and Germany’s defense minister expressed openness to sending troops to Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized UK-Ukraine cooperation in the Sea of Azov. Outgoing US ambassador warned of potential erosion of US global leadership under a second Trump term. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 1:00 pm
Hundreds of supporters of South Korea’s arrested president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building after his detention was extended, causing chaos and destruction. Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, faces insurrection allegations. Protesters overwhelmed police, damaged property, and injured officers. Authorities arrested 46 protesters and promised increased security. Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence, calling it “unimaginable” in a democratic society. About 40 people suffered minor injuries during the incident. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 1:00 pm
Police arrested Bangladeshi national Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla for stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Mumbai home. Rohilla, who entered India illegally and lived in Mumbai for four months, intended to commit theft. Khan was stabbed six times, including in the neck, and underwent emergency surgery. His wife Kareena Kapoor Khan and their sons were present during the attack. Rohilla, who changed his name to Bijoy Das, was unemployed and lived in Worli. Khan is recovering well after surgery. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 9:30 am
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is uncertain as Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza. Israel demands a list of hostages from Hamas before the ceasefire begins. Despite Hamas’s commitment, airstrikes have killed at least eight people. Israeli troops are withdrawing from parts of Rafah, while Palestinians return to northern Gaza. Demonstrations in Israel call for hostage negotiations. Thirty-three hostages are expected to be released in the ceasefire’s first phase, but the fate of many remains unclear. Hamas still holds 94 hostages from the October 7 attack. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 9:30 am
