In his final speech as President, Joe Biden sounded the alarm on the rise of oligarchy in America, warning that it threatens democracy and basic rights. He credited his administration for the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire and called for accountability among the ultra-wealthy. With powerful words and a call to action, Biden urged Americans to come together and address the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a select few.
After months of negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar, a deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza. The ceasefire, set to last for six weeks, will see the exchange of hostages for Palestinian detainees, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and the repositioning of Israeli forces. The agreement, facilitated by the United States, has been welcomed by President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. Israel's security cabinet is expected to approve the deal on Thursday.
After months of fighting, the Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of Maungdaw in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, marking a significant shift in the ongoing civil war. The AA’s conquest gives them control of all three municipalities bordering Bangladesh and sparks fears of revenge against the Rohingya, who were forced to fight alongside the Myanmar military. The AA’s offensive began in 2022, after a ceasefire with the junta broke down, and they are now continuing to fight for control of other townships in the south of the state.
In yet another round of violence, Israel has launched an air strike on central Beirut, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring 24 others. This attack comes as the militant group Hezbollah considers a proposed ceasefire backed by the United States in Lebanon. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, a large fire has also broken out in Tel Aviv following the raid sirens that sounded.
Qatar has pulled out of its crucial role as a mediator in the ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, citing a lack of progress and a lack of willingness from both parties. The move comes after months of failed attempts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, leading the efforts. However, Washington has reportedly urged Qatar to expel Hamas leaders from Doha, claiming that the group's political office no longer serves a purpose in the negotiations. This decision marks a significant shift in Qatar's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
After weeks of efforts, the United States has successfully convinced Qatar to expel the leadership of Hamas from its capital, Doha. This comes after the militant group rejected a proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal, as well as ongoing pressure from the US to distance itself from the group. The move raises questions about where the expelled Hamas members will go, with Turkey being a potential destination. The US also plans to continue pressuring Qatar to effectively use its influence in negotiations for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In his first public remarks as the newly appointed leader of Hezbollah, Naim Kassem stated that the group would continue their fight against Israel until suitable ceasefire conditions are presented. Despite recent losses, Kassem asserted that Hezbollah's capabilities remain intact and prepared for a prolonged conflict. He also highlighted the group's coordination with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in negotiations with the US, but stated that no suitable proposal has emerged. Kassem warned the Israeli army to leave their lands to avoid further losses.
The US has declared that the recent air strikes by Israel against Iran should put an end to the direct conflict between the two countries. The White House has stated that Israel's retaliation to Iran's attack, which was in response to the assassination of a Hezbollah leader, should mark the conclusion of this exchange of fire. While the US remains fully prepared to support Israel and respond to any future provocations from Iran, they are urging for a de-escalation in the Middle East tensions. The Trump administration also emphasized the role of President Biden in encouraging a more measured approach from Israel.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent remarks come as a boost for India's efforts towards achieving a peaceful resolution in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Scholz praised India's reliable relations with all stakeholders and urged for a ceasefire in the region. His statement also comes in the light of appreciation from other world leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for India's support in addressing the conflict.
In response to an attack by suspected Kurdish militants on its key state-run defence company, Turkey launched an aerial offensive against Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria. The strike resulted in the destruction of over 30 targets, according to the Turkish defence ministry. The attack at the aerospace and defense company TUSAS also resulted in the deaths of two attackers, who were believed to be members of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is currently in Russia, condemned the attack, while the Iraqi embassy in Ankara also expressed solidarity with Turkey and condemned terrorism. The PKK, which has been fighting for Kurdish autonomy since the 1980s, has recently faced increased pressure from the Turkish government, particularly after a collapsed ceasefire in 2015.