Recent Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of several Palestinians, despite a ceasefire with Hamas. Meanwhile, a Palestinian committee met in Cairo to discuss the second phase of President Trump's peace plan for the region.
Key Facts
Israeli attacks in Gaza killed a 10-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, and an elderly woman.
A Palestinian technocratic committee met in Cairo to discuss President Trump's peace plan.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas began on October 10.
At least 463 Palestinians and 3 Israeli soldiers have died since the ceasefire started.
Israel reported targeting a Hamas military commander in its recent attacks.
The Palestinian committee will manage Gaza under oversight from a peace board led by international figures.
The United Nations estimates it could take seven years to clear debris in Gaza with consistent resources.
Disarmament of Hamas remains a controversial and unclear part of the peace plan.
Demonstrations have occurred for over two weeks in Iran, with over 2,600 protesters reportedly killed according to a human rights group. Authorities have used deadly force against the protesters and restricted internet access. The protests started due to economic issues and turned into demands for the resignation of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran have been ongoing for more than two weeks.
Over 2,600 protesters have been reported killed by a human rights group.
Authorities have responded with deadly force.
Internet and communication services in Iran have been largely shut down.
Protests began on December 28 over economic issues.
Demands have escalated to include the end of Supreme Leader Khamenei's rule.
The Iranian government describes the protests as "riots" backed by enemies.
Two teenage boys were arrested in Edinburgh after reports of people carrying weapons. Police were called to Rose Street when a young man was seen with a large machete.
Key Facts
Two teenage boys, aged 17 and 15, were arrested in central Edinburgh.
The incident involved people carrying bladed weapons.
A photo showed a young man carrying what looked like a large machete.
The event took place on Rose Street in Edinburgh city centre.
Police, including firearms officers, responded to the scene at about 14:55 on a Friday.
Iranian authorities arrested at least 3,000 people during recent protests. There is a heavy security presence in Tehran and other areas, and the internet has been shut down almost completely. President Trump has expressed concern but the situation has calmed with no recent executions of protesters.
Key Facts
Iranian officials report 3,000 arrests linked to antigovernment protests.
Tehran and other cities show heavy security but are relatively calm.
Iran’s internet has been widely shut down for more than a week.
Protests arose due to high inflation and a falling currency value.
Iranian leaders blame foreign countries like the U.S. and Israel for the unrest.
Over 1,000 protesters and at least 100 security officers have reportedly been killed, though numbers are unverified.
President Trump warned Iran but noted executions of protesters have been halted.
Human rights groups call for investigations into the reported killings.
Greenland, known for its rich natural resources, is causing diplomatic tension between Denmark and the United States. President Donald Trump has shown interest in the island, which has drawn international attention.
Key Facts
Greenland is rich in natural resources.
It is a large island but sparsely populated.
There is a diplomatic disagreement involving Greenland between Denmark and the USA.
President Trump has expressed interest in Greenland.
The interest in Greenland is part of broader international attention.
Canada has made a trade deal with China to reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, while China will lower its tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods. This agreement marks a shift in Canada's foreign policy focus away from the United States, with whom Canada has experienced trade tensions. The deal has received mixed reactions from Canadian leaders and U.S. officials.
Key Facts
Canada will reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
China will lower tariffs on key Canadian agricultural products.
This agreement signals a shift in Canada's foreign policy focus away from the U.S.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the relationship with China has become more predictable than with the U.S.
The deal has been praised by some Canadian officials but criticized by others concerned about its impact on local jobs.
Approximately 10% of Canada's electric vehicle sales could go to Chinese automakers due to the new tariffs.
U.S. reactions to the deal are mixed; President Trump sees some benefits, while others view it as problematic.
President Trump has previously imposed tariffs on Canadian industries, adding to economic uncertainty.
The Syrian army attacked Kurdish fighters in Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo, after earlier battles in the city. The Kurdish forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), plan to move eastward following calls from other countries to reduce tensions.
Key Facts
The Syrian army started a military operation against the Kurdish-led SDF in Deir Hafer.
Deir Hafer is located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Aleppo.
The Syrian army warned it would target areas used by Kurdish forces for attacks on Aleppo.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced the Kurdish forces would withdraw east of the Euphrates River.
The decision to withdraw follows requests from other countries and mediators to lessen conflict.
This military action happened despite efforts by the US-led coalition to calm tensions between the Syrian army and Kurdish forces.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado held a news conference to express her support for the United States and outline her vision for Venezuela. She emphasized the importance of Venezuela aligning with U.S. interests following the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro. The event happened after Machado met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a leader of the Venezuelan opposition.
She expressed support for U.S. policies and emphasized Venezuela's future alignment with U.S. interests.
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was abducted and taken to New York for trial.
President Trump launched a military operation in Venezuela that led to Maduro's abduction.
Machado thanked President Trump and his administration for their actions in Venezuela.
The interim government in Venezuela is led by President Delcy Rodriguez, according to Trump.
Machado claims to have a mandate from the Venezuelan people to lead the government.
There is currently no timeline for new elections in Venezuela, as stated by the Trump administration.
The Gaza Strip has accumulated around 61 million tonnes of rubble due to Israeli military actions over the past two years. The United Nations states that removing the debris is critical but could take up to seven years if there is no access to necessary resources and equipment.
Key Facts
Gaza has around 61 million tonnes of rubble from military actions.
Israeli bombardment over two years caused the debris.
The United Nations says clearing this rubble is important for recovery.
Removing the debris could take seven years without needed resources.
Essential needs include access, fuel, and machinery for cleanup.
UN teams highlight the rubble is mostly dangerous.
The U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, plans to secure deals with Venezuela for oil and minerals within the next few weeks. These deals aim to help Venezuela's economy and provide the U.S. with key resources. The U.S. is also focusing on stabilizing Venezuela's government, which was affected by the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power.
Key Facts
Energy Secretary Chris Wright plans to visit Caracas to secure oil and minerals deals with Venezuela.
The deals could provide the U.S. with exclusive access to important resources.
The goal is to aid Venezuela’s economy without using U.S. government funds.
Nicolas Maduro was removed from power by the U.S. earlier in the year.
The U.S. aims to stop drug trafficking, kidnappings, and crime in Venezuela.
President Donald Trump supports the control of Venezuela’s oil but did not endorse democracy there yet.
The U.S. supports Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez and her administration.
CIA director John Ratcliffe met Venezuelan leaders to strengthen the partnership.
Venezuela plans to reform its laws to allow more U.S. investment in its oil industry.
President Donald Trump commended Iran for stopping plans to execute over 800 political prisoners. He expressed that this action deserves significant respect.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is the current President of the United States.
He praised Iran for stopping plans to hang more than 800 people.
These individuals were described as political prisoners.
President Trump said this decision by Iran is deserving of respect.
The news relates to international relations between the US and Iran.
The United States has expressed concern over Canada's decision to allow the import of up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) at a reduced tariff rate. U.S. officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, believe this could negatively impact U.S. interests, as they maintain strict tariffs on Chinese vehicles. While the U.S. administration has concerns about the cybersecurity and competition aspects, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade agreement with China includes reduced tariffs on Canadian canola seed.
Key Facts
Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter its market at a 6.1% tariff rate.
U.S. officials stated these Chinese cars would not be allowed in the United States.
President Donald Trump’s administration expressed that Canada might regret allowing Chinese vehicles to enter its market.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer highlighted cybersecurity rules as a significant barrier for Chinese vehicles entering the U.S. market.
Canada and China’s trade agreement also includes lowering tariffs on Canadian canola seed.
President Trump has shown interest in Chinese automakers building vehicles in the U.S., despite opposition from U.S. lawmakers and carmakers.
U.S. politicians, like Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, strongly oppose Chinese vehicles being sold in the U.S.
The Canadian Embassy in Washington has not commented on the issue.
Global warming is causing the Arctic's ice to melt, leading countries like the United States, Russia, and China to show interest in its natural resources. Experts mention that the Arctic, once a peaceful area for cooperation, may now become a place for international tensions.
Key Facts
Global warming is causing the ice in the Arctic to melt.
The melting ice is revealing resources that countries are now interested in.
The United States, Russia, and China are focusing on these resources.
The Arctic was previously a peaceful area for international cooperation.
Experts suggest the region might now face increased geopolitical tensions.
The concept of a "second cold war" refers to possible conflicts over Arctic interests.
President Zelensky stated that Ukraine's air defense supplies are not enough, with some systems running out of missiles recently. This comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities, causing widespread power outages during a very cold winter. Zelensky is urging Ukraine's allies to quickly send more missiles to help defend against the attacks.
Key Facts
President Zelensky described Ukraine's air defense supplies as "insufficient."
Some missile systems were without missiles until a recent delivery.
Russian attacks on energy facilities have left many without heat or electricity.
Schools in Kyiv will close until February due to power shortages.
Zelensky called on allies for faster deliveries of missiles.
Ukraine needs ongoing missile supplies from Western partners.
Kyiv declared an energy emergency; a former prime minister is now energy minister.
Ukrainian and American officials are planning ceasefire talks.
Iran is experiencing a nationwide communications blackout after widespread protests began over rising prices. The Iranian government cut off internet and mobile services, and international calls were only restored partially. The government attributes the unrest to foreign influences, while casualty numbers vary and cannot be independently verified due to the communication shutdown.
Key Facts
Iran's entire internet and mobile communications were cut off on January 8.
The blackout started following protests against rising prices that evolved into broader demonstrations.
Local phone services resumed, but SMS remains blocked; only outgoing international calls were reconnected.
The Iranian government blames foreign "elements" for the protests and unrest.
Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 2,615 deaths, but Iranian officials dispute this number.
Iran claims the unrest was fueled by US and Israeli influences.
The UN emphasizes the need to avoid violence but is concerned about potential armed intervention from the US.
Security presence is heavy in Iranian cities, with numerous checkpoints and patrols.
Civilians are leaving areas near Aleppo, Syria, as tensions rise between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). More than 150,000 people have fled in recent days due to government orders and unrest.
Key Facts
Civilians are leaving areas close to Aleppo, a city in Syria.
The Syrian government has ordered people to evacuate.
Tensions are increasing between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF.
Over 150,000 Syrians have fled in recent days.
The area near Aleppo is experiencing unrest and instability.
The article discusses the potential future for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid ongoing protests in Iran and international tension. President Trump is considering his options regarding Iran, reflecting on past actions such as military operations against key figures in the Middle East. The article highlights the challenges Ayatollah Khamenei faces, both domestically with protests and internationally with strategic pressures.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is Iran's Supreme Leader and is facing significant unrest and protests in Iran.
President Donald Trump has mentioned previous U.S. military operations against leaders like Qassem Soleimani and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in considering options for Iran.
Qassem Soleimani, an important Iranian military leader, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020.
Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, was killed in an Israeli air raid in September 2024.
Recent protests in Iran have resulted in the death of at least 2,615 people, according to a U.S.-based human rights group.
Ayatollah Khamenei has pursued policies that are anti-American and pro-Russia and China, affecting Iran's international standing.
The Iranian security forces have been accused of killing thousands of protesters during recent demonstrations.
There is uncertainty about the future of Iran's leadership and policies if Ayatollah Khamenei is removed from power.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expressed hope for democracy's return to Venezuela while speaking in Washington. Despite the recent seizure of former President Maduro, she did not share specific details about her plans. The Trump administration continues to interact with parts of the Maduro regime that remain.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is an opposition leader from Venezuela.
She spoke in Washington about her confidence in the return of democracy to Venezuela.
Former President Maduro was recently seized from power.
Machado did not reveal details of her own plans for Venezuela.
President Trump's administration is still dealing with some of the remaining members of the Maduro government.
The chief of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, has retired following criticism over a decision to ban Israeli fans from attending a football match. The criticism included incorrect information given to authorities and the use of AI tools without proper evidence. Guildford cited political and media pressure as reasons for his retirement.
Key Facts
Craig Guildford retired from his position as chief constable of West Midlands Police.
His retirement followed criticism over banning Israeli fans from a match against Aston Villa.
The decision faced backlash, leading Downing Street and the home secretary to lose confidence in his leadership.
A review found "confirmation bias" influenced the decision, and inaccurate information was provided in reports.
Guildford initially suggested that false information came from online searches, later attributing it to AI technology.
Officials and the public raised concerns about misinformation and overstating threats.
Guildford expressed that political and media pressures influenced his decision to retire.
The home secretary supported his retirement, noting the errors damaged trust in the police force.
Iran has shut down the internet for a week, cutting off most of its 90 million people from online access. An Iranian exiled crown prince has called for U.S. military action, while experts discuss the situation.
Key Facts
Iran has blocked internet access for a week.
About 90 million people in Iran are affected by the internet shutdown.
An exiled Iranian crown prince has asked for U.S. military help.
Experts from Stanford University and the Council on Foreign Relations have been discussing the situation.
The discussions focus on the current unrest and how it is being handled by the Iranian government.
