President Trump has proposed a "Board of Peace" for Gaza, inviting leaders from various countries to join. The plan has stirred concern among some U.S. allies due to the involvement of controversial leaders and the board's potentially expanded role beyond Gaza. The United Nations has backed the board, which will function until 2027.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced a "Board of Peace" aimed at addressing issues in Gaza.
The board has the approval of the UN Security Council and is set to operate until the end of 2027.
Leaders from countries including Russia, Belarus, India, and others have been invited to join.
Some U.S. allies like France have expressed concern and declined involvement, citing potential overreach beyond Gaza.
To join the board, countries may need to contribute $1 billion.
The board could expand its mission beyond Gaza, which has raised concerns about alignment with the United Nations' principles.
Trump claims he has invited prominent leaders like Russian President Putin to participate in the board.
France and other nations have voiced their hesitations based on the board's wide-ranging authority and implications for international law.
A baby girl in Gaza, named Shaza Abu Jarad, died due to cold weather. She is the ninth child to die from the cold this winter in Gaza, where Israeli aid restrictions remain in place despite a ceasefire with Hamas.
Key Facts
Shaza Abu Jarad was a baby girl in Gaza.
She died from cold weather conditions.
She is the ninth child in Gaza to die from the cold this winter.
There are ongoing restrictions on aid from Israel to Gaza.
These aid restrictions continue despite a ceasefire with Hamas in place.
President Donald Trump criticized the UK government for returning the Chagos Islands, calling it "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY!" This sparked questions about the relationship between UK's political leaders and President Trump. The UK government defended its decision amid these remarks.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized the UK's decision to return the Chagos Islands on social media.
The UK government defended its action of handing over the Chagos Islands.
The comments were discussed with Darren Jones, the UK's Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister.
There are questions about the relationship between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump.
Darren Jones shared ideas about digital reforms for the civil service in a recent speech.
The discussion took place on a BBC news program called Newscast.
At least four people died in Tunisia due to severe flooding caused by the heaviest rainfall in more than 70 years. The floods have disrupted daily life, cut off areas, and led to school closures. The army is helping with rescue efforts in affected regions.
Key Facts
Four people died in Moknine, Monastir governorate, due to flooding.
Tunisia experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years.
Flooding has affected daily life, causing cars to be submerged.
Several areas in Tunisia were isolated by floodwaters.
The National Institute of Meteorology reported exceptional rainfall, especially in Monastir, Nabeul, and greater Tunis.
The army is aiding in rescue operations.
Schools and transportation services are disrupted in several towns and the capital.
A 19-year-old woman named Piper James was found dead on a beach in Australia, surrounded by wild dogs. Queensland Police are investigating the incident and have asked the public for any information that could help.
Key Facts
Piper James, a 19-year-old from Canada, was found dead at K'gari, Australia.
Her body was surrounded by about 10 wild dingoes.
Police are asking for any information, including eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage.
The official cause of death has not been announced.
Piper was in Australia working at a hostel and traveling with a friend.
Local authorities had issued alerts for increased dingo activity in the area.
Piper's father expressed grief and shared memories of his daughter online.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
In the West Bank, Israel has increased its military operations, which it calls "counterinsurgency operations," against Palestinians. This has resulted in significant displacement and destruction of infrastructure. The ongoing situation has led to increased violence involving both the Israeli army and settlers against Palestinian communities.
Key Facts
In recent years, Israel expanded military operations in the West Bank.
These actions included destroying infrastructure like roads and water pipelines.
Nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been displaced since 2025.
Israeli military operations have targeted areas such as Jenin and Tulkarem.
The Israeli army has also undertaken operations in other West Bank cities such as Ramallah and Hebron.
Settler attacks have increased, with settlers using military-grade weapons.
The operations aim to control the region and limit Palestinian resistance.
The UK plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a deal valued at £3.4 billion ($4.6 billion), which includes a long-term lease for the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. President Donald Trump criticized this move, calling it an "act of GREAT STUPIDITY," despite previously endorsing the agreement. The deal is still awaiting approval from the UK Parliament, so the Chagos Islands remain under British control.
Key Facts
The UK has agreed to give the Chagos Islands' sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia for 99 years.
The lease agreement costs the UK an average of £101 million per year.
Diego Garcia has hosted a UK-US military base since the 1970s.
President Trump initially supported the UK's Chagos Islands deal but later criticized it.
Mauritius claims the Chagos Islands were illegally taken from them in 1965 during the independence process.
The UK will create a trust fund of £40 million to support people originally from the Chagos Islands, known as Chagossians.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasizes the strategic importance of Diego Garcia.
Mauritius cannot resettle the island of Diego Garcia under the current deal.
Wildfires in southern Chile have destroyed whole towns and resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people. Tens of thousands have been forced to leave their homes, and Al Jazeera correspondent Lucia Newman has reported from one of the most affected areas.
Key Facts
Wildfires in Chile have destroyed entire towns.
At least 20 people have died due to the fires.
Tens of thousands have been evacuated from their homes.
Lucia Newman from Al Jazeera has been reporting from the affected region.
Lucy Letby, a former nurse, will not face new criminal charges for additional allegations involving baby deaths and collapses at hospitals where she worked. This decision comes after an investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2025. Letby is already serving life sentences for prior convictions related to other cases.
Key Facts
Lucy Letby will not face new criminal charges for further allegations.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) made this decision after a 2025 investigation.
Letby was previously convicted for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more.
She is currently serving 15 life sentences.
The investigation reviewed allegations of murder and attempted murder against nine children.
The CPS found that evidence did not meet the requirement to bring new charges.
Families of the affected children have been informed of the decision.
Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been granted bail after being accused of two more sexual offence charges, including rape. He appeared in court via video link and has a trial scheduled for the original charges later this year. The new charges are said to have happened in London in 2009.
Key Facts
Russell Brand faces two additional charges: one for rape and one for sexual assault.
The alleged new offences occurred in London in 2009.
Brand attended a court hearing via video link from the US.
Brand confirmed his name and date of birth during the six-minute court session.
He previously denied five charges related to offences between 1999 and 2005.
His trial for these previous charges will take place at Southwark Crown Court.
Investigations began after reports in September 2023 by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches.
Brand gained fame as a comedian and actor, known for TV hosting and roles in Hollywood movies.
The Philippine coast guard released video footage showing an encounter with a Chinese warship in the South China Sea. The region is a hotspot of tension because both the Philippines and China claim territorial rights there. The incident highlights ongoing territorial disputes between the two countries and involves international maritime laws.
Key Facts
The Philippine coast guard shared video of a patrol plane encountering a Chinese warship.
The incident happened in the South China Sea, a contested area between the Philippines and China.
The encounter occurred near Scarborough Shoal, an area claimed by both nations.
The patrol was part of routine maritime domain awareness by the Philippines.
According to the Philippines, the patrol was legal under international maritime laws.
China claims the plane illegally entered its territorial airspace and expelled it.
The two countries have ongoing disputes over the legal control of these waters.
The region is significant as it lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
A man named Kevin Rees is on trial for allegedly causing an explosion that damaged a Ulez camera in Sidcup, south-east London. He denied the charges in court and stated he was caught on CCTV leaving his friend's house on the day of the incident. The trial also involves accusations that Rees possessed prohibited weapons.
Key Facts
Kevin Rees was accused of causing an explosion that damaged a Ulez camera in Sidcup, London.
He was arrested by counter-terror police in December 2023.
Rees denied the charges and attributed his arrest to anti-Ulez Facebook posts.
Rees claimed he was not involved and thought the arrest related to comments on Facebook.
Stephen Harwood-Stamper admitted to damaging the camera before it exploded.
CCTV footage reportedly showed Rees leaving his friend's house on the day of the explosion.
The prosecution alleged they found stun guns at Rees's home, which he claimed were homemade devices from his tinkering hobby.
A fire in the Gul Plaza shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, resulted in at least 23 deaths, including a firefighter. Firefighters struggled to control the blaze due to the building's collapse and poor ventilation, and rescue operations are ongoing to find those still missing.
Key Facts
A deadly fire broke out at Gul Plaza in Karachi, killing at least 23 people.
The fire started on Saturday night and took over 24 hours to extinguish.
Gul Plaza is a three-story commercial building housing over 1,200 shops.
The building was crowded due to the wedding season, increasing fatalities.
Parts of the building collapsed, complicating rescue efforts.
Over 60 people remain missing as rescue operations continue.
The Sindh government has announced compensation for families of the victims.
The fire may have started due to a potential electrical short circuit.
A cat owner thought her Bengal cat, Tony, needed an expensive vet visit because she saw what appeared to be "pink pee" in the snow. Upon closer inspection, she realized the color came from a pink Nerf ball, not a medical issue.
Key Facts
The Bengal cat's name is Tony, and he is 4 years old.
The owner saw what she thought was "pink pee" after letting Tony outside in the snow.
She was preparing for a $1,000 emergency vet visit before discovering the pink color was from a Nerf ball.
Tony was initially rescued because of "out-of-the-box" pee problems.
The incident gained over 3.3 million views on TikTok.
Many viewers commented, sharing similar feelings of panic and humor.
Somalia is experiencing a severe health and nutrition crisis due to failed rainy seasons, high water costs, and reduced humanitarian aid. Many children show signs of malnutrition and preventable diseases like measles and diarrhea. Displacement camps have poor access to clean water, worsening the situation.
Key Facts
Somalia faces a health emergency with rising malnutrition and preventable diseases.
Failed rainy seasons and high water prices contribute to the crisis.
Humanitarian aid to Somalia has decreased significantly.
Over 3.3 million people are displaced and living in crowded camps.
The cost of water in camps is very high, making it hard for families to afford.
MSF reported a significant increase in child malnutrition admissions in October.
Water shortages led MSF to start emergency deliveries of safe drinking water.
French Judge Magali Lafourcade reported that two emissaries from President Trump's administration raised concerns about the trial of French politician Marine Le Pen. Lafourcade claimed these discussions aimed to portray Le Pen's legal troubles as politically motivated. Le Pen, who was found guilty of financial misconduct, is appealing her conviction, which prevents her from running for office.
Key Facts
Judge Magali Lafourcade spoke out about a meeting with two Trump administration officials in May 2025.
The officials allegedly questioned the legal proceedings against Marine Le Pen.
Le Pen was found guilty of misusing European Parliament funds from 2004 to 2016.
She has denied wrongdoing and is appealing the court's decision, which bars her from elected office for five years.
President Trump criticized Le Pen's trial on social media, calling it a "witch hunt."
Lafourcade informed the French Foreign Minister after her conversation with the Trump officials.
The French High Council of the Judiciary emphasized that political statements should not influence legal proceedings.
President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of Uganda’s presidential election with 72% of the vote. Bobi Wine, the main opposition candidate, received 25% and claims there was election fraud. He and his party allege ballot tampering and violence, and say they have evidence of these activities.
Key Facts
President Museveni won the Ugandan election with 72% of the vote.
Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, got 25% of the votes.
Bobi Wine and other opposition candidates claim the election had issues like ballot stuffing.
The United Nations mentioned widespread repression and intimidation during the election.
Bobi Wine said he was forced into hiding after his home was raided.
The internet was shut down for four days in Uganda after the elections.
The government says seven people died in election-related violence, but opposition claims there were more deaths.
Bobi Wine alleges he has evidence of election fraud, including videos of vote tampering.
Scientists in Austria discovered that a cow named Veronika can use tools, a skill not previously documented in cattle. This finding suggests cows might have more advanced thinking abilities than once believed.
Key Facts
Veronika is a cow living in Austria that uses tools like sticks, rakes, and brooms.
Veronika uses the bristle end of a broom for scratching hard-to-reach areas and the handle for softer areas.
This is the first time scientists have recorded a cow using a tool.
Tool use is uncommon among animals and was thought to occur mainly in chimpanzees apart from humans.
The research indicates that cows might be smarter than previously thought.
The discovery could mean other cows have the potential to develop similar skills.
The findings are published in the journal Current Biology.
A human rights group, AOHR UK, and a British law firm have requested that the UK impose sanctions on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They accuse him of inciting violence and committing acts deemed genocidal against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a former defense minister for alleged war crimes.
Key Facts
An Arab human rights NGO, AOHR UK, wants UK sanctions against Israeli PM Netanyahu for incitement to violence and genocide.
The request was filed by Deighton Pierce Glynn, a British law firm.
They cite Netanyahu's previous statements and actions, linking them to incitement and unlawful military operations.
Netanyahu is also accused of supporting illegal settlements in the West Bank.
The UK has previously sanctioned other Israeli officials for serious abuses of Palestinian rights.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a former minister for crimes during the war in Gaza.
South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide in Gaza.
Meteorologists are watching a winter storm called Winter Storm Fern, which could drop more than 6 inches of snow on New York City starting Sunday. The storm is expected to impact a large part of the U.S. from the Southern Plains to Virginia with snow and ice. As of now, no official weather warnings have been issued, but people should keep an eye on forecasts as the weekend nears.
Key Facts
A winter storm named Fern may bring over 6 inches of snow to New York City starting Sunday.
The storm is expected to affect 19 states from the Southern Plains to Virginia.
New York City currently has a 59% chance of seeing 6 inches or more of snow.
No winter storm warnings have been issued yet since the storm is still several days away.
A winter storm warning is issued when at least 6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours.
Possible effects include hazardous travel and very cold temperatures.
Areas further south may see even more severe conditions, like heavy snow, ice, and power outages.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging people to monitor local forecasts closely.
