January 10, 2025

Daily News Brief

Real 'progress' made in Gaza truce talks — Biden "United States President Joe Biden said there has been ""real progress"" toward a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens as the death toll surpasses 46,000 due to Israel's ongoing genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza since October 7, 2023, with the majority of casualties being women and children and 109,378 others reported wounded." US passes bill targeting ICC sanctions over Netanyahu warrants "The US House of Representatives passed a bill, with 243 votes to 140 in favour, sanctioning the International Criminal Court in response to arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant. The bill, dubbed the ""Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,"" backed by both Republicans and some Democrats, aims to protect US citizens and allies from ICC investigations. The Senate is expected to swiftly pass the legislation, allowing President-elect Donald Trump to sign it into law. The ICC issued the warrants in November 2024 for war crimes committed during Israel's Gaza invasion." Protests in Mozambique turn deadly as opposition leader Mondlane returns "At least three people were killed by police in Mozambique as they gathered to welcome opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who returned from exile following controversial election results. Mondlane, who claims to have won the election, rejects the official results. His return sparked protests, leading to clashes with police. Nearly 300 people have killed since post-election protests erupted in October. Mondlane called for accountability and justice, but his return could further escalate tensions." Lebanese parliament elects army chief Joseph Aoun as president "Lebanese lawmakers have elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the country's new president. Aoun secured 99 out of 128 votes in the second round of voting. The presidency has been vacant since October 2022, creating political instability. It comes amidst international pressure to fill the position, particularly due to an impending deadline for a ceasefire agreement in south Lebanon." Wildfires in California may become the costliest disaster in US history "Wildfires in Los Angeles are on track to become the most expensive disaster in US history, with economic losses expected to approach 50 billion dollars, nearly doubling earlier estimates. Insured losses could exceed 20 billion dollars, with figures rising if fires remain uncontrolled. The death toll has climbed to seven while President Joe Biden called the-fires the worst in California’s history and pledged additional federal support. Early reports indicate the event could rival past catastrophic fires like the 2018 Camp Fire, which saw insured losses of 12.5 billion dollars."