Hamas has reportedly approved an Israeli list of 34 hostages for a potential ceasefire deal, contingent on Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire, according to a Hamas official cited by Reuters. Israel denied receiving such a list but did not directly refute the report’s details. Indirect ceasefire negotiations are ongoing in Doha, involving US and Israeli officials. Meanwhile, Hamas has increased pressure by releasing … Continue reading Hamas approves Israeli list of hostages for potential exchange

Taiwan suspects China was behind the cutting of an undersea telecom cable early Friday. The cargo ship Shunxin-39, flagged in Cameroon but linked to a Chinese-owned Hong Kong company, was intercepted by Taiwan’s coast guard but escaped due to rough seas. Despite the damage, Chunghwa Telecom rerouted traffic, ensuring uninterrupted service on the $500 million Trans-Pacific Express cable. Taiwan has faced repeated cable disruptions in recent … Continue reading Taiwan suspects China of latest attack on undersea cables

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Masisi, their second town in two days, in DR Congo’s North Kivu province, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. The group, active since 2021, controls large areas in the mineral-rich east, displacing hundreds of thousands. Mediation efforts by Angola between DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame collapsed last month. While the Congolese government remains silent on the … Continue reading Rwanda-backed rebels seize key town in DR Congo

Guatemalan and Salvadoran security forces arrived in Haiti to join the US- and UN-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, aimed at combating the country’s escalating gang violence. High-ranking Haitian officials, including Transitional Council leader Leslie Voltaire and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, welcomed the troops in Port-au-Prince. Despite the MSS mission, led by Kenyan police, ongoing violence persists, with incidents targeting US Embassy vehicles and … Continue reading Guatemalan and Salvadoran forces arrive in Haiti to join fight against violent gangs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to urge allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses at a Ramstein group meeting in Germany this week, attended by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Biden administration aims to deliver maximum military aid to Ukraine before Trump’s potential return to office, raising concerns about continued U.S. support. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reportedly inflicted heavy losses on Russian and North Korean troops … Continue reading Ukraine presses attacks in Russia’s Kursk region

A Russian drone attack on Kyiv killed one person and injured four, including a teenager, as debris damaged homes. Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 60 of 93 drones launched across nine regions, with electronic warfare redirecting 26 others. Recent Russian strikes have intensified, including a deadly New Year’s Day attack, Al-Jazeera has reported. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported a precision strike on a Russian command post in … Continue reading One killed, four injured as barrage of Russian drones hits Ukraine’s Kyiv

A massive fire at Accra’s Kantamanto Market, one of the world’s largest secondhand clothing hubs, destroyed numerous businesses and livelihoods. The blaze was fully extinguished with no reported injuries, and an investigation is underway. Traders, like shoe dealer Kwabena Charles, suffered significant losses. Authorities, including the National Disaster Management Organization, have pledged support for those affected, CNN has reported. The market employs around 30,000 people … Continue reading Huge fire at Ghanaian clothing market destroys hundreds of market stalls

A 7-year-old boy, Tinotenda Pudu, survived five days alone in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona Game Park, surrounded by lions and elephants. He relied on his knowledge of the wild, eating fruit and finding water in dry riverbeds. Local villagers searched tirelessly, beating drums daily, while rangers ultimately tracked him down by spotting his footprints, CBS News has reported. The park, spanning 570 square miles and home to … Continue reading Boy survives 5 nights lost in game park full of lions, hippos and elephants

Italy has summoned Iran’s ambassador, demanding the release of journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Tehran on December 19 despite holding a valid visa. Italian authorities expressed concern over her treatment, as reports indicate she’s in solitary confinement in harsh conditions. Iran linked Sala’s case to the arrest of Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini in Milan on a U.S. warrant for allegedly supplying drone parts … Continue reading Italy summons Iranian ambassador, demands release of journalist Cecilia Sala