Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, who were feared dead after their October 7, 2023, abduction. Israel mourned their loss, while Hamas claimed they were killed in airstrikes. The handover, part of a ceasefire, highlights ongoing hostage negotiations. With Hamas still holding about 60 captives, further exchanges hinge on ceasefire terms. Israel, backed by the US, remains committed to dismantling Hamas, while the war has devastated Gaza, killing over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and displacing millions.
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President Donald Trump reiterated his desire for Canada to become the 51st state, citing a $200 billion subsidy claim. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the seriousness of Trump's interest. Public opposition in Canada remains high, and economic retaliation could follow potential US tariffs.
U.S. aviation authorities are considering allowing Elon Musk to modernize the air traffic control system within a year. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy supports the initiative despite concerns from some Democrats about Musk's lack of expertise in aviation. Musk's team, known for rapid innovations, aims to enhance system efficiency significantly.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden delivered his final foreign policy speech, highlighting the strengthened American alliances, NATO's increased defense spending, and successful actions in Ukraine. He emphasized the nearing Gaza ceasefire deal and recounted the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Biden underscored the US's superiority over China and reaffirmed the importance of climate action.
China conducted its largest military drills in 30 years from December 6-12, 2024, aiming to blockade Taiwan and deter US intervention. The exercises involved 18 warships east of the first island chain and over 60 PLA-Navy vessels, 30 China Coast guard ships, and 134 aircraft. Using anti-access/area denial (A2AD) tactics, China practiced restricting US forces, intercepting commercial vessels, and asserting dominance over the region.
Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated Green Beret, died by suicide in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, driven by struggles with pain and traumatic brain injury after serving in Afghanistan. His act aimed to highlight societal issues and personal demons, emphasising America's fascination with violence. Pentagon encourages mental health support for troops.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine proposed measures to end the war, such as releasing Russian prisoners and halting strikes, contingent on Russia reciprocating. His proposal aims to shift the responsibility of peace onto Russia. This follows a turbulent meeting with President Trump and a subsequent suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
The Trump White House acknowledged February as Black History Month while the Defense Department declared identity months unnecessary, ceasing observances like Black History Month and Women's History Month. President Trump, targeting diversity programs, calls for a merit-based society. His proclamation praised key figures in Black history and anticipated future contributions under his administration.
Uganda has confirmed nine Ebola cases, with 265 people under quarantine. The outbreak, declared on January 30, has caused one death- a male nurse who traveled between Kampala and Mbale. Eight patients are receiving treatment, and authorities say the situation is under control. With no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, a clinical trial is underway. Uganda’s last outbreak in 2022 led to 55 deaths before being contained.
The world is seeing rising division and polarization, from the US under Trump to Europe's migration issues and the rise of far-right groups like Germany's AfD. This polarization hampers problem-solving and encourages prejudice. Addressing social issues like affordable housing and fair wages is crucial to overcoming these divisions and countering far-right agendas.
The viral video showing Zelenskyy belly-dancing in a red costume is digitally altered. The actual dancer is Vusal Mekhtyev, a Russian man, whose face has been replaced by that of Zelenskyy.​​ Donald Trump Jr shared a post with the fake video and wrote: "Zelenskyy should really just go won the war without our endless $$$. Let's see how that works out."