MEPs from the European Parliament are set to discuss the implications of Donald Trump's second term on transatlantic relations, focusing on issues such as support for Ukraine, relations with Russia and China, climate change, trade, and security. The discussion is expected to touch on NATO's two percent defence spending target, which Secretary-General Mark Rutte has deemed insufficient to ensure safety.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/agenda/briefing/2025-01-20/2/parliament-debates-consequences-of-trump-presidency-for-eu-us-relationsHuman Rights Watch has criticized the trial of an unnamed individual in Uganda, calling it a misuse of military courts to silence opposition figures. The organization claims that President Yoweri Museveni's government is using this tactic to target members of the opposition, echoing long-standing concerns about human rights abuses under his leadership.
https://africanews.com/2025/01/15/uganda-military-court-rules-kizza-besigye-can-be-tried-for-treachery/Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his British counterpart John Healey met in London to discuss deepening their bilateral ties, including advancing a joint fighter development program with Italy through the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). The two defense chiefs agreed to support the establishment of a joint venture by mid-2025, which will be led by an Italian company. This move marks the next stage in the multibillion-dollar project, enabling the full development and design phase of the sixth-generation fighter aircraft to begin later this year.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/16/japan/politics/uk-japan-defense-ministers/NATO countries gathered at a summit in Helsinki, Finland, to discuss security concerns following the suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The meeting was attended by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who emphasized that such actions would not go unanswered. The sabotage has been attributed to a "shadow fleet" of vessels carrying Russian crude oil and petroleum products, which have been embargoed since the invasion of Ukraine. To address these concerns, NATO plans to launch a patrol mission monitoring activity in the region, including on the sea surface.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/world/nato-baltic-leaders-seek-boost-security-after-cable-sabotageA ceasefire deal has been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, following weeks of negotiations in Qatar's capital Doha. The deal promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and allows for the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced people to their homes. It also includes the delivery of humanitarian aid to a territory ravaged by 15 months of war. The agreement is expected to be finalized tonight after approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet, with an initial six-week halt to fighting planned, followed by negotiations on ending the war altogether.
https://africanews.com/2025/01/16/gaza-erupts-in-celebration-on-news-of-ceasefire-deal/Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a "last-minute crisis" with Hamas is holding up Israeli approval of a long-awaited agreement to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages. The deal, announced by US President Joe Biden and mediator Qatar, aims to wind down a 15-month war that has destabilised the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests. Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement, while Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said the group is committed to the ceasefire. The Israeli cabinet will not meet to approve the deal until Hamas backs down, amid pressure from Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners who have threatened to bring down his government if he makes too many concessions.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/netanyahu-says-last-minute-crisis-with-hamas-holding-up-approval-of-gaza-truce-and-hostage-deal-20250116-p5l51n.htmlA ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US to free hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza is facing a last-minute crisis. The Israeli cabinet has yet to approve the draft proposal due to concerns that Hamas has reneged on parts of the agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that Israel will not convene until mediators notify them that Hamas has accepted all elements of the deal, which includes the release of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel in exchange for the hostages.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/israeli-strikes-kill-70-in-gaza-despite-ceasefire-deal-with-hamas-as-netanyahu-sees-last-minute-crisis-13853510.htmlThe Israeli military has imposed restrictions on movement in Israel and the West Bank, limiting the movement of people and goods. The restrictions are part of a broader conflict with Hamas in Gaza, where dozens have been killed in recent days due to Israeli strikes. A ceasefire deal is reportedly close, with Qatar saying that major issues between Israel and Hamas have been resolved and an announcement could be made soon. However, 94 hostages taken by Hamas from Israel remain unaccounted for, while a "humanitarian zone" in Gaza has been hit by nearly 100 strikes since May. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed ceasefire talks with US President Biden, but uncertainty remains over aspects of the deal.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67039975Palestinian leaders are pushing for self-governance in Gaza, rejecting any outside interference, while Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a role for Hamas in post-war governance. The Palestinian Authority (PA) is quietly maintaining a presence in Gaza through municipal employees and may secure a role in managing the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which could allow it to re-establish itself in the territory. Meanwhile, international mediators including the US, Qatar, and Egypt are monitoring the ceasefire from Cairo, while some Israeli politicians have called for the return of settlers or an international force to help run Gaza.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/after-ceasefire-war-ruined-gazas-future-is-unclear