US special envoy Steve Witkoff admitted that Hamas might have deceived him regarding a ceasefire proposal. The terms would have extended the Gaza ceasefire in exchange for hostages, but Hamas stuck to the original agreement, leading to resumed hostilities and US airstrikes against Houthi leaders.
Related news
Tens of thousands of Palestinians returned to the heavily destroyed northern Gaza Strip as Israel lifted its closure, following a 15-month war with Hamas. The temporary ceasefire also facilitated the release of hostages and prisoners, marking a crucial step towards de-escalation.
Leavitt said President Trump is a good listener and values every opinion which is fascinating to her though this means long working hours for her. "He's so generous with his time, I have noticed. And sometimes that means we are running late. Here in the White House, Trump time is a real thing," Leavitt said.
Elon Musk shared data from the US Social Security database, revealing many individuals listed as over 100 years old. Musk humorously suggested these could be vampires, sparking calls for an audit to check for database errors or potential fraud.
Daniel Noboa has secured a four-year term as Ecuador's president after winning the election. Noboa defeated Luisa Gonzalez, despite her allegations of electoral fraud. His crime-fighting strategies and tactics have faced scrutiny. Noboa's relationship with the US and Donald Trump played a role in voter decisions. He previously served a short term after a snap election.
US President Trump has reinstated the "foreign terrorist organisation" label on Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, reversing former President Biden's decision. This move follows recent Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and their declaration targeting US and British interests. The executive order highlights the group's attacks on civilian targets, including Saudi airports and Israel, with implementation expected in weeks.
On International Holocaust remembrance day, Fares Saeb, Israel's deputy ambassador to India, reflected on the Holocaust, recounting personal losses and warning against rising anti-semitism globally. He highlighted the alarming surge in anti-semitic content online, fueled by social media, AI, and deep fakes, especially after the October 7 attacks. Saeb connected this to real-world violence, with European anti-Semitic incidents rising 400 per cent since the war. He urged global unity against... Expand
The EU has agreed to new sanctions on Russia, including a ban on Russian aluminium imports, aligning with US-EU concerns over Trump's direct talks with Moscow for ending the Ukraine war. As the EU marks Russia's invasion anniversary, tensions rise over the US sidelining Ukraine and Europe in Riyadh discussions.
Elon Musk expressed concerns about declining birth rates potentially leading to civilization's collapse. He emphasised America's crucial role in supporting Western civilization, warning that weakening the nation could have dire consequences. Musk remains hopeful about the future if core values of freedom and opportunity are preserved.
US Vice President JD Vance criticised Denmark for inadequate protection of Greenland's security during his recent visit. He highlighted under-investment in the region and stressed its strategic importance. Amid renewed US interest in acquiring Greenland, Vance expects a peaceful negotiation. Danish and Greenlandic leaders condemned the uninvited visit, with a poll showing most Greenlanders opposing US annexation.
In Honolulu, a large New Year's firework tipped over and caused an explosion, killing three people and injuring over 20 others. Authorities are investigating the incident and urging residents to stop using fireworks. Governor Josh Green and other officials emphasize the severe dangers of fireworks, with new penalties being considered to prevent future tragedies.