Zakaria Zubeidi, a former leader of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, was released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Zubeidi, who had avoided capture for years and had been involved in high-profile militancy activities, was arrested again in 2019 for multiple shooting attacks.
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Donald and Melania Trump celebrated New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago with son Donald Trump Jr. sharing a lively Instagram video. The event featured music, with Trump Sr. dancing to 'YMCA' and Elon Musk also attending. Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump performed on stage. The couple’s festive attire and notable guests made the night memorable.
Sudan's army has recaptured the presidential palace from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict. Despite this, large areas remain under RSF control, indicating the war is far from over. Analysts highlight the strategic importance of Khartoum and Darfur in the battle for control.
John McFall, a British surgeon and former Paralympian, has been cleared for a long-duration mission onboard the International Space Station, making him the first-ever astronaut with a physical disability. McFall, who lost a leg in a motorbike accident, has been applauded for this significant cultural shift. ESA's announcement underscores commitment to inclusivity, despite recent DEI challenges.
A man climbed Big Ben tower in London on Saturday, holding a Palestinian flag. Emergency services closed nearby bridges and deployed vehicles to the scene. Three emergency workers communicated with the man from a fire brigade ladder. Tours of the Houses of Parliament were canceled.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged officials to enhance political capabilities and address domestic and international challenges calmly. China's economy is coping with sluggish demand, a prolonged property sector crisis, and potential trade conflicts with the US. Xi's call-to-action came ahead of the "Two Sessions" event, expected to reveal policy measures to boost the economy.
The White House withdrew Dr David Weldon's nomination to head the CDC, as he lacked the necessary confirmation votes. Concerns arose over his vaccine skepticism and debunked vaccine claims. Senator Patty Murray voiced strong opposition, deeming his stance dangerous amidst a significant measles outbreak. Weldon's withdrawal marks the third such instance in the Trump administration.
The White House budget office's directive pauses federal aid distribution, potentially affecting non-profits, universities, small businesses, and local governments. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and others criticize the decision, warning of widespread consequences for disaster relief, elderly support, and school meal programs.
Hamas has agreed to release an American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four others only if Israel adheres to the existing ceasefire agreement in Gaza. They demand immediate talks on the ceasefire's second phase, an end to humanitarian aid blockades, withdrawal from Gaza’s border with Egypt, and the release of more Palestinian prisoners.
The EU vowed Friday to respond "firmly and immediately" to trade barriers after US President Donald Trump unveiled tariffs that could hit both allies and competitors. "The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade," the commission, which runs trade policy for the bloc's 27 nations, said in a statement.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson mocked President Donald Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Johnson humorously suggested using Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate for resettlement. Trump insisted his Gaza redevelopment plan would involve neither the US military nor taxpayer dollars and emphasized relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries. Trump said he won't have to buy Gaza as there's nothing to buy.