A ceasefire agreement has been reached to end the fighting in Gaza, with Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed announcing that the three countries of Qatar, Egypt and the US will monitor its implementation via a body based in Cairo. The deal includes the release of 33 hostages, including civilian women, children, elderly people, and those who are ill or wounded, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza's densely populated areas to allow for the return of displaced people to their residences. The agreement was welcomed by US President Biden, who said it would provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/qatar-us-announce-gaza-truce-hostage-release-dealQatar and the US announced a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, with the goal of paving the way for a permanent end to the war in Gaza. The agreement was mediated by Qatar and the US, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office noted that some issues remained unresolved.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/16/world/americas-emea/gaza-truce-hostage-release-deal-reached/2039735Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would take effect on Sunday, contingent on both parties acting in good faith to prevent its collapse. US President Joe Biden praised the deal from Washington, crediting months of diplomatic efforts by his administration and the previous Trump team for securing it. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the agreement was not yet complete, with final details still being negotiated, including a list of Palestinian prisoners to be released.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/israel-hamas-conflict/israel-and-hamas-agree-to-ceasefire-deal/507-32ea9a24-504f-4f00-a50b-199c77111a0cA ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announcing that it will take effect on Sunday. As part of the deal, hostages taken by Hamas are to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. China has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, aiming to cool down the situation and protect civilians.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1327001.shtmlQatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, set to take effect on Sunday, which includes the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The agreement comes as Israeli occupation forces have killed 73 people, including 20 children and 25 women, since the ceasefire announcement, with another 230 wounded in ongoing bombardments. This marks day 467 of Israel's war against Gaza, which has resulted in over 156,000 casualties, mostly women and children, and a humanitarian crisis that has left thousands missing and caused widespread destruction. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/20-palestinians-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-following-cease-fire-agreement-204739The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has eased Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rules to boost rupee payments in cross-border deals. The new regulations allow overseas branches of Authorised Dealer banks to open Indian Rupee (INR) accounts for non-resident Indians (NRIs) to settle current and capital account transactions with individuals in India. Additionally, NRIs can use their balances in repatriable INR accounts to settle transactions with other non-Indian residents and make foreign investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Indian exporters are also permitted to open foreign currency accounts overseas for trade transactions, such as receiving export proceeds and paying for imports. These changes aim to promote the use of the Indian Rupee in cross-border transactions and were made after consulting with the Central Government.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/rbi-eases-fema-rules-to-boost-rupee-payments-in-cross-border-deals-1/Frustrations are rising in Africa due to economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, which have led to increased food and fuel prices. This growing discontent is also fueled by a younger generation that is increasingly aware of its rights and empowered by the internet to take action for change, according to Murithi Mutiga, program director for Africa at the International Crisis Group.
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/africa/africa-s-youth-protests-a-storm-brewing-for-2025--4888534Romania has increased its contribution to NATO's collective defense efforts by deploying over 150 troops and military equipment to battle groups in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Poland. The country is also participating in several European Union missions, including the EU Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic and the EUFOR ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it will take on a leadership role. Romania's efforts are led by France in the NATO battle group in Romania, while Spain leads the battle group in Slovakia. The country's contributions underscore its commitment to regional and global security, with over 1,000 military personnel currently deployed.
https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-three-nato-battle-groups-january-2025Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Emil Hurezeanu met with James O'Brien, assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, to discuss US contributions to NATO's Eastern Flank security and defence. The two officials expressed appreciation for the bilateral dialogue, highlighting its meaningfulness and dynamics.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/james-o-brien-assistant-secretary-of-state-for-european-and-eurasian-affairs-received-by-formin-hurezeanu/112052