The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a contentious issue, with recent events highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two sides. In Gaza, ten Israeli soldiers were killed in Beit Hanoun over the course of two weeks, leading to concerns about the escalation of violence. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that a ceasefire deal is "very close" but has yet to be reached. The conflict has also been linked to the situation in Sudan, where the US has declared a genocide, with some activists accusing the US of playing a role in a similar genocide in Gaza.
https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/5-paintings-which-capture-the-spirit-of-palestinian-artist-sliman-mansour-18252053US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict is "very close" as mediators continue to negotiate. In recent strikes, eight people were killed and several more were wounded when their house was hit in Jabalia, northern Gaza. The US has proposed a three-phase plan for the release of hostages and a ceasefire, which President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20 is expected to be finalized by.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/gaza-rescuers-say-children-among-12-killed-in-israeli-strikes/article69079955.eceThe Israeli military's retaliatory offensive against Hamas in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life, with 1,208 people killed on the Israeli side and 45,936 people killed in Gaza, mostly civilians. The conflict has been ongoing since October 6, 2023, with a recent surge in violence resulting in at least 14 deaths in Gaza on Wednesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that a deal is "very close" to being reached through indirect negotiations brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which would be based on a plan unveiled by President Joe Biden in May.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/israeli-hostages-body-found-in-tunnel-in-gaza-rafah-says-army-13851152.htmlUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken is leading efforts to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, with the goal of releasing hostages and providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. A deal is reportedly "very close" and US President Joe Biden hopes to finalize it before his term ends on January 20. If not achieved, the plan will be passed on to the incoming administration.
https://www.voanews.com/a/palestinian-health-officials-say-gaza-death-toll-tops-46-000/7930745.htmlJohn Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, suggested that instead of demanding sovereignty over Greenland, the US should focus on expanding its influence through diplomatic discussions with Denmark and the Greenland government. This approach was echoed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who indicated a willingness to engage in talks about increased American investment and military presence on the island.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-greenland-artic-sea-water-danish-pm-mette-frederiksen/The G7, a group of non-communist nations formed in 1975, has faced challenges due to Russia's suspension in 2014 following its invasion of Ukraine. The BRICS countries, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have surpassed the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity since 2018 and now account for 35% of the world's GDP compared to the G7's 30%. The BRICS bloc has expanded to represent 45% of the global population, while the G7 accounts for only 10%. However, the group is responsible for 50% of global CO2 emissions. Russia, China, and Iran are pushing to compete with the US dollar as a reserve currency, but non-aligned members like Brazil and India may resist this strategy. The BRICS bloc is prioritizing integration and expansion, while also addressing sustainability and economic inequality concerns.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1962025/differences-between-brics-and-g7-which-one-is-strongerThe author argues that if Britain were to join the United States as a federal state, it would gain more power and control over its own affairs. The article cites examples such as Texas and Florida, which defied Covid lockdowns in contrast to Britain's strict measures. It also suggests that joining the US would allow Britain to escape the influence of European human rights courts and have greater control over its borders. The author notes that 46.6 million Americans claim English roots, including Elon Musk, and that a union with the US could potentially solve issues such as the Irish backstop problem.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-14267585/RICHARD-LITTLEJOHN-Donald-Trump-Greenland-Britain.htmlThe UK government has faced growing pressure to accept the return of women who married Islamic State fighters and are now being held in camps such as Camp Roj, where they are being detained with their children. One British mother, in her 20s, expressed frustration in a WhatsApp message that she felt ignored by UK authorities, highlighting the plight of these women who have been held for five years according to the UN.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14266135/UK-Donald-Trumps-Isis-Bride-Shamima-Begum-Syria-Lammy.htmlCanadian ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, are focused on addressing potential implications of US President Donald Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st state and imposing tariffs if re-elected. In a meeting with the Liberal caucus in Ottawa, they emphasized the need to counter these threats without being drawn into a confrontation.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/cabinet-ministers-say-take-trump-threats-seriously-but-don-t-overreact-1.7168931