Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is possible, noting Hamas’s isolation without support from Hezbollah or Iran. He emphasized the importance of US efforts in negotiations and questioned if Hamas is ready to agree, which would lead to a ceasefire and improve conditions for Palestinians. Blinken highlighted US support for Israel to prevent future conflicts like the October 7 incident. Penelope Kingsley 20/12/2024 11:30 am
A Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed one person and injured seven, damaging buildings and sparking fires. Russia launched eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles, in response to Ukrainian strikes on a Russian chemical plant. Kyiv’s air defenses were activated, and Ukraine’s Air Force downed five ballistic missiles and 40 drones. Explosions and fires occurred in multiple districts, with debris causing car fires. Prior warnings indicated a MiG-31 capable of firing hypersonic missiles had taken off from Russia. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 11:30 am
North Korean defectors warn against underestimating North Korean troops in Russia, despite their harsh conditions and malnutrition. Pyongyang has reportedly sent 11,000 troops to aid Russia in Ukraine, with significant casualties reported. These troops, mainly from the elite Storm Corps, have high morale but lack modern warfare understanding. Defectors emphasize their potential effectiveness despite challenges. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 11:30 am
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Macau’s new government to diversify its economy beyond gambling, emphasizing the need for new industries and alignment with China’s Greater Bay Area strategy. At the inauguration of Macau’s government led by Sam Hou Fai, Xi highlighted the importance of economic diversification and international competitiveness. Since 2013, Xi has advocated for Macau’s sustainable development, impacting gambling revenues. During his visit marking 25 years of Beijing’s rule, Xi encouraged Macau to be more open and inclusive, attracting global talent and enhancing its international presence. Ava Sinclair 20/12/2024 8:00 am
In 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to solidify his strategic goals by tightening military control over Gaza and countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions. With the collapse of Syrian President Assad and the weakening of Tehran’s allies, Israel is emerging as a dominant regional power. Netanyahu is focused on dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Iran faces pressure to negotiate or risk military confrontation. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s corruption trial continues, influencing his legacy amid regional tensions. Penelope Kingsley 20/12/2024 8:00 am
Dominique Pelicot, a 68-year-old pensioner, led a double life, plotting his wife’s mass rape. Despite his grim crimes, he maintained a confident demeanor, surprising experts like Dr. Laurent Layet. Pelicot drugged his wife, Gisele, and invited strangers to assault her. His trial shocked France, highlighting Gisele’s courage. Despite facing life in prison, Pelicot’s grandiose presence remained, defying expectations of remorse or despair. Ava Sinclair 20/12/2024 8:00 am
The North Korean 11th Army Corps faced heavy losses in an assault on Ukrainian positions in Kursk Oblast, Russia. Despite deploying 12,000 troops, they suffered up to 200 casualties, with most attacks ending in defeat. A temporary success in Plekhove was a Pyrrhic victory, as Ukrainian forces strategically retreated north of the Psel River, creating a natural barrier. This forced the North Korean and Russian forces to cross open terrain under Ukrainian UAV and artillery strikes. The ongoing failed assaults have significantly depleted North Korean manpower, with unsustainable losses. Ava Sinclair 20/12/2024 4:30 am
Putin expressed Russia’s readiness to negotiate with Ukraine, including President Zelenskyy, but emphasized Kyiv must be open to compromises. He dismissed a temporary truce, advocating for a lasting peace based on a previous Istanbul proposal. Putin defended the 2022 invasion as a defensive move against NATO, despite controlling a fifth of Ukraine. He admitted Russia should have been better prepared and considered deploying troops earlier. Putin also highlighted Russia’s strengthened position and independence, mentioning the “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile test. He expressed willingness to meet Trump to discuss the conflict. Ava Sinclair 20/12/2024 4:30 am
In his end-of-year Q&A, Putin addressed domestic issues but also sent signals to the West, particularly regarding expectations from U.S. President-elect Trump. He suggested Russia is open to compromise on Ukraine but attached conditions, maintaining goals of subjugating Ukraine and seeking security guarantees from NATO. Putin expressed readiness to meet Trump, emphasizing potential dialogue while leaving room to blame others if negotiations fail. He portrayed Russia as open to dialogue but reserved the right to close negotiations if necessary. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 1:00 am
A Google Street View image of a man loading a white bag into a car helped Spanish authorities arrest two people linked to a man’s disappearance in Soria. The suspects, a woman and her partner, were detained last month. Police found human remains believed to be the missing man’s. The pair face charges of aggravated illegal detention and involvement in the man’s disappearance and death. Ava Sinclair 20/12/2024 1:00 am
