January 17, 2025

Daily News Brief

Netanyahu announces Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas "Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a deal to pause war in Gaza and return captives from the besieged Palestinian enclave has been reached. The announcement comes a day after Netanyahu's office said there were last minute snags in talks to free captives in return for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Palestinian abductees. Netanyahu said he will convene his security cabinet and then the government to approve the agreement. The conflict, now in its 469th day, has devastated Gaza, with estimates suggesting up to 200,000 deaths. Israel's Ben-Gvir threatens to quit Netanyahu govt over Gaza deal "Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatens to resign if the government approves the Gaza ceasefire deal brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar. Calling it a ""reckless deal,"" Ben-Gvir claims it undermines Israel’s war achievements by releasing Palestinian fighters and ceding strategic ground. Despite political tensions, Prime Minister Netanyahu retains a parliamentary majority. US officials expect the ceasefire to commence Sunday." At least $10B needed to rebuild Gaza health system: WHO "The World Health Organization estimates that at least $10 billion will be needed over the next 5–7 years to rebuild Gaza's devastated health system. With less than half of Gaza's hospitals functional, the need for immediate and sustained humanitarian aid is critical. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the ceasefire agreement, stating that ""the best medicine is peace,"" but urged its immediate implementation. He stressed the need for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need." UK and Ukraine sign '100 year partnership' agreement "During a surprise visit to Kiev, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a landmark ""100 Year Partnership"" agreement. The agreement aims to deepen defence cooperation, address maritime security challenges, and strengthen ties in areas such as trade, energy, and climate change. Zelenskyy described the partnership as a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the two nations." Space X Starship test flight explodes after the liftoff "Space X's latest Starship launch ended in disappointment with the spacecraft breaking apart shortly after liftoff. Despite a successful booster landing, the spacecraft experienced an ""unscheduled disassembly,"" losing contact with ground control. The test flight aimed to send the spacecraft on a near-orbital journey around the globe, but the mission was cut short. This was the seventh test flight for the world's most powerful rocket, which is crucial for Space X's plans for future lunar missions and ultimately, Mars exploration.