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The Israeli UN ambassador has announced that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) must cease all operations in Jerusalem by January 30, 2025, in accordance with a controversial Israeli law. This legislation, which has drawn international criticism, prohibits UNRWA from functioning in Israel and east Jerusalem, a territory annexed by Israel after the 1967 Six Day War. Israel's criticism of UNRWA has intensified since the recent conflict in Gaza, with allegations that some agency employees were involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks. UNRWA, which provides essential aid to around six million Palestinian refugees across the region, has historically relied on east Jerusalem for its administrative operations, including schools and health clinics. Despite these challenges, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has affirmed the agency's commitment to continue delivering services where possible, although the lack of cooperation with Israeli officials complicates their efforts. 
Published: Jan 25 2025, 4 ameznews.inThe United States extended warm wishes to India on its Republic Day, acknowledging the significance of the occasion as a celebration of democracy. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, calling it the "defining relationship of the 21st century." Rubio emphasized the importance of the Quad alliance in promoting a "free, open, and prosperous" Indo-Pacific region, expressing eagerness to deepen cooperation in areas like space research and economic ties. As India marks its 76th Republic Day with a grand display of cultural diversity and military strength, President Droupadi Murmu will lead the celebrations, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attending as the Chief Guest. Earlier this week, Rubio hosted a meeting with the foreign ministers of Quad nations, reaffirming the commitment to enhancing security and economic opportunities in the region.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inHamas has released four Israeli hostages—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—in the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, which involves the exchange of 200 Palestinian prisoners. The women, aged between 19 and 20, were shown in a video being brought to Gaza by armed Hamas militants, where they were paraded on stage, smiling and waving to a crowd. In another video, the hostages expressed gratitude to Hamas for their treatment during their 477-day captivity, thanking the group for food, clothing, and care. The release of the women follows a series of exchanges initiated after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths. The ongoing ceasefire, which began on January 19, aims to facilitate the release of 33 hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inA fragile truce in Gaza has entered its second week, following the release of four Israeli hostages and approximately 200 Palestinian prisoners, marking the second swap under the ceasefire agreement. However, a dispute over the release of a civilian woman hostage, Arbel Yehud, has delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, which remains under Israeli military control. While the truce has facilitated the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the situation remains critical, with ongoing concerns about the remaining 87 hostages still held by Hamas. Protests in Tel Aviv continue as families of hostages demand their loved ones' safe return. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, over 1,210 people have died in Israel, while Gaza has suffered at least 47,283 fatalities, predominantly civilians, as reported by local health officials. The future of the truce and its multi-phase negotiations appears uncertain amid rising tensions.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inPresident Donald Trump has directed the US military to lift a hold on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, initially imposed by former President Joe Biden due to concerns about their potential impact on civilians in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that previously ordered munitions are now being dispatched. Both Trump and Biden have expressed strong support for Israel, despite mounting criticism from human rights advocates regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel's military actions against Hamas have resulted in over 47,000 deaths, according to local health officials. This escalation follows Hamas's October 7 attack, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and led to the taking of around 250 hostages. A ceasefire established last week has facilitated some hostage exchanges, but the situation remains tense, with calls for an arms embargo from protesters largely unheeded.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inPresident Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that he might reconsider the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), which he had ordered earlier this week due to perceived mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump stated, "Maybe we would consider doing it again," but emphasized that the WHO would need to "clean it up." The U.S. is set to officially exit the organization on January 22, 2026, and currently contributes approximately 18% of the WHO's funding, which totals $6.8 billion for the 2024-2025 budget cycle. Trump also expressed dissatisfaction over the U.S. financial contributions compared to China. Additionally, he announced plans to encourage Saudi Arabia to increase its investment in the U.S. from $600 billion to $1 trillion, following discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inDonald Trump's return to the White House has been marked by an unprecedented flurry of executive orders, reshaping the US political landscape within days of his inauguration. In a bold display of authority, Trump signed more orders on his first day than any previous president, including mass pardons for 1,500 Capitol rioters and sweeping changes to immigration and gender policies. His administration has emphasized a nationalistic agenda, with Trump claiming divine support for his mission to restore a "golden age" in America. Critics, however, express concern over the potential consequences of his actions, including a rollback of diversity efforts and withdrawal from international agreements. Despite claims of a disciplined approach, Trump continues to engage in familiar grievances and controversies. As he asserts control both domestically and internationally, the long-term sustainability of his agenda remains uncertain amid ongoing legal challenges and public skepticism.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inTel Aviv celebrated an emotional reunion on Saturday as four Israeli hostages, held by Hamas for 477 days, returned to their families amid the ongoing Gaza ceasefire. The women—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, all 20, and 19-year-old Liri Albag—were released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. Videos shared by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) captured the joyous moment as the women embraced their families, with Liri expressing gratitude to the IDF and the Israeli public for their support. "We remained optimistic," said Daniella's sister, reflecting the family's enduring hope. This reunion follows a six-week ceasefire that began on January 19, aimed at resolving a conflict that has claimed over 47,000 lives. While 87 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, the ceasefire has seen 33 hostages freed in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 7 ameznews.inAt the World Economic Forum in Davos, the United Nations has revealed that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has set back Gaza's development by an estimated 60 years, with around 65-70% of buildings either destroyed or damaged. Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Programme, highlighted the daunting challenges ahead, stating that the reconstruction effort will require tens of billions of dollars and could take "years and years" due to the extensive loss of infrastructure and economic stability. The destruction has left two million residents without essential services, including sewage and freshwater systems. While efforts to remove the estimated 42 million tonnes of rubble pose significant dangers, Steiner noted that recycling materials could aid reconstruction. He emphasized that the current focus remains on life-saving aid amid the fragile ceasefire, with the need for temporary infrastructure becoming increasingly urgent as the scale of destruction becomes apparent.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 1 ameznews.inSoumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO), expressed concern over the United States' potential withdrawal from the global health body, stating it would be detrimental not only for the US but for global health security as well. Speaking at the Hyderabad Literary Festival, she emphasized that contributions to the WHO are proportionate to a country's GDP, making the current system equitable. Swaminathan urged the US to reconsider its decision, warning that withdrawal would hinder its access to vital health data and collaborative solutions essential for addressing global health threats, particularly pandemics. Highlighting the interconnected nature of health risks, she stressed the importance of global cooperation and the WHO's role as a platform for 193 countries to formulate international health regulations and pandemic treaties, advocating for collective action to combat health crises effectively.
Published: Jan 25 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe US Senate has confirmed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a pivotal role in President Donald Trump's agenda to tighten immigration controls. This decision follows the recent confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Pentagon chief, further solidifying Trump's national security team. Noem, a 53-year-old Trump ally, will oversee border enforcement and deportations, alongside responsibilities in cybersecurity and emergency management. Known for her controversial admission of shooting her dog, she has also gained recognition for deploying National Guard troops to the southern border. During her confirmation hearing, Noem emphasized the importance of securing the border while ensuring a fair immigration process. However, Trump has threatened to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and withhold disaster aid to California unless the state alters its voting laws, highlighting ongoing tensions in disaster response politics.
Published: Jan 26 2025, 12 am
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