Biden asserts that Netanyahu needs to address the ‘legitimate concerns’ of the Palestinian people

January 17, 2025

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a dinner with U.S. service members and their families ahead of Thanksgiving at U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York on Staten Island, New York, U.S.

Outgoing Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “must find a way to address the legitimate concerns” of Palestinians to ensure the long-term viability of Israel.

Biden emphasized, “The notion that Israel can maintain its sustainability in the long run without addressing the Palestinian issue… is unrealistic.” In an interview with MSNBC, he noted that he will be transferring power to Republican President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.

He added, “I have consistently reminded my friend, and he is indeed a friend, even though we have not seen eye to eye recently, Bibi Netanyahu, that he needs to find a way to address the legitimate concerns of a significant group of people known as Palestinians, who currently lack a place to live independently.”

Biden has faced backlash from various human rights advocates regarding his military and diplomatic backing of Israel amid its military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and allegations of war crimes and genocide, claims that Israel has denied.

While Biden has occasionally criticized Netanyahu, he has continued to express strong support for Israel. On Thursday, Washington indicated that it anticipated a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to be implemented on Sunday. The recent escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

Israel’s recent military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 46,000 Palestinians, as reported by the local health ministry. This conflict has led to the displacement of nearly the entire population and has triggered a severe hunger crisis.

For many years, the United States has supported a two-state solution aimed at establishing a Palestinian state in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza, existing alongside Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu asserts that Israel must maintain security control over all territories west of the Jordan River, which effectively rules out the possibility of a sovereign Palestinian state. The International Court of Justice has declared that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the settlements established there are illegal.

Israel delays approval of a ceasefire in Gaza, while the United States indicates that an agreement is progressing

Asif Shahid

January 17, 2025

Palestinians walk among the rubble of houses destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, amid ceasefire negotiations with Israel, in Gaza City.

Israel has postponed the approval of a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which includes the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. However, the United States has indicated that it still anticipates the agreement will take effect on Sunday as originally scheduled.

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continued to be intense, with Palestinian authorities reporting that at least 86 individuals lost their lives on the day following the announcement of the truce.

Amid visible divisions among ministers, Israel delayed the cabinet meetings that were set for Thursday to vote on the agreement, attributing the delay to Hamas. Reports from Israeli media suggest that the vote may take place on Friday or Saturday, with expectations that the accord will ultimately receive approval.

White House spokesperson John Kirby expressed confidence that the agreement remains on track, stating that a ceasefire in the ongoing 15-month conflict is likely to commence “as soon as late this weekend.”

Kirby noted on CNN that there are no indications suggesting the agreement will be derailed at this time. Meanwhile, a group representing families of Israeli hostages in Gaza, including 33 individuals slated for release in the initial six-week phase of the agreement, has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite the process.

The group emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “For the 98 hostages, each night is another night of terrible nightmare. Do not delay their return even for one more night,” in a statement reported by Israeli media late on Thursday.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated earlier on Thursday that a “loose end” in the ongoing negotiations required resolution. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that the issue at hand involved the identities of certain prisoners that Hamas sought to have released. Representatives from President Joe Biden’s administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team were in Doha, collaborating with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to address this matter, according to the official.

Hamas senior official Izzat el-Reshiq affirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement.

VOTE EXPECTED FRIDAY OR SATURDAY

In Gaza, the initial joy over the ceasefire quickly turned to grief and anger due to the intensified bombardment that ensued following the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday. Tamer Abu Shaaban’s voice trembled as he stood beside the small body of his young niece, wrapped in a white shroud at a morgue in Gaza City. She had been struck in the back by missile shrapnel while playing in the yard of a school where the family was taking refuge, he recounted. “Is this the truce they are discussing? What did this young girl, this child, do to deserve this?” he lamented.

Israel’s acceptance of the agreement will not be finalized until it receives approval from the security cabinet and the government. Prime Minister Netanyahu delayed the vote, accusing Hamas of introducing last-minute demands. “The Israeli cabinet will not meet until the mediators inform Israel that Hamas has agreed to all aspects of the deal,” stated Netanyahu’s office.

Israeli media sources indicated that the cabinet was anticipated to cast its vote on Friday or Saturday; however, the prime minister’s office refrained from commenting on the schedule. Some political analysts suggested that the commencement of the ceasefire, set for Sunday, might be postponed if Israel does not finalize its approval by Saturday. Hardliners within Netanyahu’s administration, who argue that the conflict has not met its goal of eliminating Hamas and should continue until it does, were still seeking to halt the agreement. Nonetheless, a majority of ministers were expected to support the deal and facilitate its ratification.

In Jerusalem, protests erupted as some Israelis marched through the streets carrying symbolic coffins in opposition to the ceasefire, obstructing roads and clashing with law enforcement. Other demonstrators blocked traffic until they were dispersed by security forces.

The ceasefire agreement was reached on Wednesday following negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The arrangement includes an initial six-week ceasefire and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops. In return for the release of dozens of hostages taken by Hamas, including women, children, the elderly, and the sick, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel would be freed. This agreement also aims to facilitate a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, where a large portion of the population has been displaced and is facing hunger, illness, and cold conditions.

Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli border communities on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 soldiers and civilians and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. If the ceasefire is successful, it would bring an end to hostilities that have devastated much of densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 fatalities and displacing the majority of the enclave’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, as reported by Gaza authorities.

SpaceX’s Starship explodes during a flight test, prompting airlines to reroute operations

Asif Shahid

January 17, 2025

SpaceX's Starship rocket is pictured after launching as seen from South Padre Island near Brownsville, Texas, U.S.

A SpaceX Starship rocket disintegrated in space just minutes after its launch from Texas on Thursday, prompting airlines to reroute flights over the Gulf of Mexico to steer clear of falling debris and hindering Elon Musk‘s flagship rocket initiative.

SpaceX mission control lost contact with the newly enhanced Starship, which was carrying its inaugural test payload of mock satellites and no crew, eight minutes post-launch from its South Texas facilities at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT).

Footage captured by Reuters displayed bright orange lights streaking across the sky above Port-au-Prince, Haiti, leaving behind trails of smoke. “We did lose all communications with the ship, which indicates an anomaly with the upper stage,” stated SpaceX Communications Manager Dan Huot, who later confirmed the loss of the spacecraft.

The previous failure of a Starship upper stage occurred in March of last year during its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere over the Indian Ocean, but such incidents have rarely disrupted air traffic on a large scale.

Numerous commercial flights were rerouted or adjusted their paths to avoid potential debris, as reported by flight tracking service FlightRadar24. Additionally, departures from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports in Florida experienced delays of approximately 45 minutes. The Federal Aviation Administration, responsible for overseeing private launch operations, indicated that it had temporarily slowed and redirected aircraft in the vicinity of the falling debris, although normal operations have since resumed.

The FAA frequently restricts airspace during space launches and reentries, but it has the authority to establish a “debris response area” to keep aircraft away if a space vehicle encounters an anomaly beyond the initially designated closed zone. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared a video on X depicting the debris field, remarking, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” This incident occurred just one day after Blue Origin, the space company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its New Glenn rocket into orbit for the first time.

“new generation ship”

The Starship upper stage, which is 2 meters (6.56 feet) taller than its predecessors, was described by SpaceX as a “new generation ship with significant upgrades” in the mission briefing prior to the test. It was intended to execute a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean approximately one hour after its launch from Texas. Musk indicated that an initial evaluation of the failure revealed an internal leak of liquid oxygen fuel that caused a pressure buildup, ultimately resulting in the rocket’s disintegration.

The FAA is expected to initiate a mishap investigation, which could ground the Starship, similar to previous instances, and assess whether any debris from the rocket’s mid-flight explosion landed in populated areas or outside the designated hazard zone. This incident poses a risk to Musk’s ambition of conducting at least 12 Starship tests this year, contingent on how swiftly SpaceX can implement necessary repairs and whether the FAA proceeds with a mishap investigation. Musk stated, “Nothing so far suggests pushing next launch past next month.”

The billionaire appointed by incoming President Donald Trump to a new government cost-reduction position has consistently criticized the FAA for its perceived overreach and politically motivated actions. In September, Musk called for the resignation of FAA chief Mike Whitaker, shortly after the agency imposed a fine on SpaceX and postponed one of its launches. Whitaker announced in December that he would resign before Trump’s inauguration, but a successor has yet to be appointed.

On Thursday, SpaceX conducted its seventh Starship test of 2023, part of Musk’s ambitious multibillion-dollar initiative to develop a rocket capable of transporting humans and cargo to Mars, as well as launching large groups of satellites into Earth’s orbit. SpaceX’s approach to testing, which often involves pushing Starship prototypes to their limits, has previously resulted in dramatic failures. However, the failure during Thursday’s test occurred in a phase that SpaceX had successfully navigated before. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster returned to its launchpad approximately seven minutes after liftoff, executing a planned descent by reigniting its Raptor engines and securing itself with large mechanical arms attached to the launch tower.

Hungary proposes the EU discuss with Trump before deciding on renewing sanctions against Russia

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

Hungary has yet to make a decision regarding its support for the renewal of European Union sanctions on Russia, which are set to expire at the end of this month. The country believes that the EU should consult with the incoming Trump administration before making any determinations, according to Hungary’s EU minister.

Minister Janos Boka stated to reporters in Brussels, “It is only logical that we seek the perspective of the new U.S. administration on the future of the sanctions regime before committing to a six-month extension.”

Boka further noted, “No decision has been reached regarding Hungary’s stance at this time. We prefer to wait until we understand the U.S. administration’s views on the sanctions moving forward.”

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has implemented 15 rounds of sanctions and is currently preparing a 16th set. The sanctions under consideration encompass various economic sectors and involve the freezing of Russian central bank assets, as mentioned by Boka.

The EU typically renews existing sanctions every six months, requiring unanimous agreement from all 27 member states. Hungary has maintained closer economic and political ties with Moscow compared to other EU nations.

UK’s Starmer pledges to strengthen Ukraine’s position in its conflict with Russia

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Thursday that he would provide Ukraine with the necessary support to ensure it is in the best possible position to combat Russia in 2025, emphasizing before his discussions in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy: “We mustn’t let up.”

This marks Starmer’s first visit to Ukraine since assuming office in July of the previous year, and he aimed to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to the country just days ahead of Donald Trump’s anticipated return to power in the United States.

His trip follows closely on the heels of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius’s visit, as European leaders consider what security assurances they can offer as part of any potential peace deal that may be advocated by Trump. Concerns have arisen regarding Trump’s return to the White House, with fears that efforts to conclude Moscow’s conflict could compel Ukraine to relinquish significant territories to Russia for the foreseeable future.

“It is crucial that we ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position,” Starmer remarked to reporters after visiting a Kyiv hospital that specializes in burn treatment. “This is why I have engaged in extensive discussions with President Zelenskiy over the months since I became prime minister, and I will continue to do so here in Ukraine.”

“As we approach the three-year mark of this conflict, we must remain steadfast.” Ukraine currently finds itself in a challenging position on the front lines.

Ukrainian forces are currently facing significant manpower shortages and are losing territory in the eastern Donetsk region as Russian troops continue their gradual advance. During Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with officials in Kyiv, a loud explosion was heard as Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted Russian drones. Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022, the United Kingdom has been a strong advocate for Ukraine, with Starmer’s predecessors having visited Kyiv early in their terms.

Although it took Starmer longer to make the visit, he arrives with a commitment to a century-long partnership with Kyiv aimed at enhancing security and cultural connections. The treaty and political declaration seek to increase military collaboration to bolster security in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov, while also deterring Russian aggression. Additionally, the agreement will address sectors such as energy, critical minerals, and green steel production, according to Starmer’s office.

“Putin’s goal to separate Ukraine from its closest allies has proven to be a significant strategic miscalculation,” Starmer stated. “On the contrary, we are now more united than ever, and this partnership will elevate that friendship to new heights.” Since 2022, the UK has provided £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in support to Ukraine, a figure that pales in comparison to Washington’s $63.5 billion in security assistance, highlighting the critical nature of U.S. actions regarding Ukraine.

The partnership announced on Thursday includes £40 million for Ukraine’s economic recovery, along with additional support for grain verification and trade, particularly benefiting Ukraine’s robust technology sector that has developed equipment for combat readiness.

Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 70 people, following a ceasefire agreement

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

Palestinians stand among the rubble of houses destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, amid ceasefire negotiations with Israel, in Gaza City.

Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals in Gaza during the night on Thursday, according to local residents and authorities. This occurred just hours after a ceasefire and hostage release agreement was revealed, aimed at concluding 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The intricate ceasefire arrangement was brokered on Wednesday through the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, seeking to halt the hostilities that have severely impacted the coastal region and heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Set to take effect on Sunday, the agreement proposes an initial six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip, a region that has seen tens of thousands of casualties. In return for the release of hostages held by Hamas, the militant group governing the enclave, Palestinian prisoners held by Israel would be freed.

However, Israel’s endorsement of the agreement remains contingent upon approval from the country’s security cabinet and government, with a vote scheduled for Thursday, as noted by an Israeli official.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of introducing last-minute conditions and reneging on prior commitments. A statement from Netanyahu’s office indicated that the Israeli cabinet would not meet until mediators confirm Hamas’s acceptance of all aspects of the agreement. The implications of this latest delay on the deal remain uncertain. Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Izzat el-Reshiq affirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement announced by the mediators on Wednesday.

Hardliners within Netanyahu’s administration continued to seek ways to obstruct the agreement, although a majority of ministers were anticipated to support it. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that his party would remain in the government only if Israel intensifies its military efforts until Hamas is completely defeated. Additionally, far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has warned of his resignation should the ceasefire be ratified.

DEMANDS FOR SWIFTER ACTION

Some Palestinians urged for a quicker execution of the deal. “We are losing homes every hour. We demand that this joy not be fleeting, the joy that has appeared on our faces—do not squander it by postponing the truce’s implementation until Sunday,” said Gazan resident Mahmoud Abu Wardeh. While celebrations erupted in Gaza and Israel, reports indicated that the Israeli military continued its operations, according to the civil emergency service and local residents. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service, reported that 71 Palestinians had died and over 200 were injured. The Israeli military is currently investigating these claims, as stated by a military spokesperson.

During a press conference in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that negotiators are collaborating with both Israel and Hamas to facilitate the agreement’s implementation. “This deal will put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, provide essential humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after more than 15 months of captivity,” U.S. President Joe Biden remarked in Washington. His successor, Donald Trump, who assumes office on Monday, has taken credit for the progress made in Gaza.

It will be challenging for Israelis to accept the release of Palestinian militants who were serving life sentences for their roles in fatal attacks within their nation. However, numerous polls indicate significant public support for an agreement that would facilitate the release of hostages, even if it comes at a considerable cost. “This must be the only option we pursue to ensure our survival as a state and a nation, as we are willing to do anything to protect one another,” stated Chava Treitel, a resident of Jerusalem.

Israel has achieved significant advancements against Iran and its allies, particularly Hezbollah, as the conflict in Gaza escalated. While Hamas may have been weakened, the absence of an alternative governing body has allowed it to remain intact. If the ceasefire is successful, it will put an end to the hostilities that have devastated much of densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 fatalities and displacing the majority of the enclave’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, according to local authorities.

This development could also alleviate tensions throughout the broader Middle East, where the conflict has intensified strife in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, raising concerns about a potential all-out war between Israel and its primary regional adversary, Iran. With 98 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, the first phase of the agreement involves the release of 33 hostages, which includes all women, children, and men over the age of 50.

Humanitarian Aid Arriving at Gaza’s Borders

The agreement stipulates an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the U.N. and the International Committee of the Red Cross preparing to enhance their assistance efforts. The global response to the ceasefire has been overwhelmingly positive.

Following the incursion of Hamas-led militants into Israeli border communities on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 soldiers and civilians and the abduction of over 250 hostages, Israeli forces launched an invasion of Gaza.

Discussions regarding the implementation of the second phase of the agreement are set to commence on the 16th day of the first phase, which is anticipated to involve the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The third phase will focus on the recovery of all remaining deceased individuals and the initiation of Gaza’s reconstruction, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.

Russia claims Western allegations of sabotaging its undersea cables aim to limit its maritime oil exports

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

Spokesperson of Russia's Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova attends the annual press conference held by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia.

Russia has accused NATO and Western nations of making baseless claims regarding ships allegedly involved in the sabotage of undersea cables, which they assert is an attempt to restrict Russian oil exports by sea.

Last month, Finnish authorities confiscated a tanker carrying Russian oil, suspecting it of having damaged the Estlink 2 power line between Finland and Estonia, as well as four telecommunications cables, by dragging its anchor along the seabed.

Earlier this week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that NATO members are considering sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet in the region to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized NATO for what she described as the use of “myths” to justify an increased military presence in the Baltic Sea. She stated, “The true aim of these actions is to restrict Russian oil exports by any means necessary and to lay the groundwork for arbitrary limitations on international shipping in the Baltic Sea,” during a press conference.

Trump’s nominee for the State Department provides a sobering assessment of the situation in Ukraine

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

It is impractical to assume that Ukraine can achieve victory over Russia, and the United States should reconsider its ongoing support for Kiev, according to Marco Rubio, who has been nominated to serve as Secretary of State in the forthcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

During his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, part of his confirmation process, Rubio emphasized that the primary focus for Washington should be to bring the conflict to a resolution.

“I believe the official stance of the United States should be that this war needs to come to an end,” the senator from Florida stated to his peers.

“There is no scenario in which Russia occupies all of Ukraine,” Rubio asserted. “That is simply not feasible.”

“Similarly, Ukraine will not be able to drive Russian forces back to their original positions,” he continued, highlighting the significant disparities in size and population between the two nations.

Rubio pointed out that Ukraine’s challenge lies not in financial resources but in the diminishing number of its citizens, referencing a recent observation he encountered.

He noted that millions of Ukrainians currently reside abroad and may not return, given the extensive damage to the country’s infrastructure and economy, which will require decades and substantial financial investment to restore.

The US Congress has allocated nearly $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since the conflict intensified in February 2022, with approximately $65 billion designated for direct military support. However, according to Rubio, the previous administration “never clearly defined the ultimate objective of the conflict” during discussions with senators.

“What were we actually funding? What were we investing in? Often, it seemed like the approach was ‘whatever it takes for as long as it takes.’ This is neither a realistic nor a wise stance,” he remarked.

Rubio emphasized that achieving peace will require “significant effort” and “courageous diplomacy,” necessitating concessions from both Ukraine and Russia.

“It is crucial to maintain a degree of balance between both parties. Essentially, reaching a ceasefire and a lasting peace agreement will be challenging unless both sides possess some form of leverage,” he added.

Ukraine has prohibited any negotiations with Russia while President Vladimir Putin remains in power. Meanwhile, Moscow has expressed a willingness to engage in talks, but its conditions for resolving the conflict include ensuring that Ukraine becomes a neutral, demilitarized, and “denazified” nation that upholds the civil rights of Russian speakers and acknowledges the territorial changes that have occurred.

UK Prime Minister Starmer is set to visit Ukraine to formalize a new treaty

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Ukraine to formalize a new century-long partnership aimed at enhancing security relations, according to a statement released by the prime minister’s office on Thursday.

This partnership is anticipated to strengthen military cooperation in maritime security and establish the United Kingdom as a key ally in Ukraine’s energy sector, critical minerals strategy, and green steel production, among other areas, the office noted.

The treaty and accompanying political declaration will be submitted to the British Parliament in the upcoming weeks.

Trump administration has reportedly asked three senior State Department diplomats to resign

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

Aides to President-elect Donald Trump have requested that three senior career diplomats responsible for managing the U.S. State Department’s personnel and internal operations resign from their positions, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the situation. This move may indicate significant changes for the diplomatic service.

The Agency Review Team, which is overseeing the transition at the State Department, has asked Dereck Hogan, Marcia Bernicat, and Alaina Teplitz to vacate their roles, the sources reported.

While it is customary for political appointees to resign when a new president assumes office, most career foreign service officers typically remain in their positions across administrations. All three diplomats have served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, including roles as ambassadors.

Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on January 20, has vowed to “clean out the deep state” by dismissing bureaucrats he considers disloyal.

One U.S. official expressed concern, stating, “There’s a little bit of a concern that this might be setting the stage for something worse.”

In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team commented, “It is entirely appropriate for the transition to seek officials who share President Trump’s vision for putting our nation and America’s working men and women first. We have a lot of failures to fix and that requires a committed team focused on the same goals.”

A spokesperson for the State Department indicated that there are currently no personnel announcements to share. Hogan, Bernicat, and Teplitz did not provide comments when approached for their input.

Trump is expected to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy, pledging to foster peace between Ukraine and Russia while increasing support for Israel. He has also advocated for unconventional initiatives, such as the potential acquisition of Greenland and urging NATO allies to boost their defense expenditures. Experts suggest that a diplomatic team willing to implement his directives without resistance will be crucial for realizing his objectives.

The request for the three officials to resign echoes the staff reorganizations seen during Trump’s first term, when several prominent leaders were dismissed from their roles.

According to two sources familiar with Trump’s intentions for the State Department, the administration aims to appoint a greater number of political appointees to roles like assistant secretary, which are usually occupied by a combination of career and political officials. These sources noted that Trump’s team believes that career diplomats hindered his agenda during his previous term from 2017 to 2021, prompting a desire to embed more politically appointed individuals within the department. The Agency Review Team is already in the process of interviewing candidates for these positions, according to the two sources.

Hogan serves as the executive secretary of the State Department, responsible for overseeing the flow of information between various department bureaus and the White House, as stated on the State Department’s website. Bernicat holds the position of director-general of the U.S. Foreign Service and is in charge of global talent, focusing on the recruitment, assignment, and career development of the department’s personnel.

Assistant Secretary Teplitz has dedicated over thirty years to the Department, with experience both abroad and in Washington. Recently, she has taken on the responsibilities of under secretary for management, which includes oversight of more than a dozen bureaus that handle a range of issues from budgeting to recruitment, procurement, and human resources.

Dennis Jett, a professor at Penn State’s School of International Affairs and a former foreign service officer for 28 years, remarked, “These are not policy positions. This is all the mechanics of the bureaucracy. But if you want to control the bureaucracy, that’s the way you do it.”

The selection of individuals for these three positions would enable Trump’s administration to reallocate resources within the State Department, manage the information flow from various bureaus and embassies, and influence personnel decisions.

“SHATTER THE DEEP STATE”

The call for these officials to resign coincided with Marco Rubio’s testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding his nomination as secretary of state. On his campaign website, Trump outlined a ten-step plan to “shatter the deep state” and “fire rogue bureaucrats and career politicians.”

The initial step involves reinstating a 2020 executive order aimed at eliminating employment protections for specific civil servants, thereby facilitating their dismissal. Critics of this initiative, commonly referred to as “Schedule F” due to the new category of civil servants it would establish, argue that removing these protections would enable Trump to politicize the federal workforce to advance his policy objectives.

Typically, presidents have the authority to select several thousand political appointees within the federal bureaucracy, while the career civil service, comprising approximately two million employees, remains untouched.

The implementation of Schedule F would empower Trump to terminate up to 50,000 of these employees and replace them with individuals who share his conservative views. According to Jett, a professor, taking control of the State Department’s personnel would “expedite” the appointment of loyal officials. Unions and government oversight organizations have indicated their intention to file a lawsuit against Trump should he proceed with his plan to re-establish Schedule F.

Biden to pass an incomplete agenda to Trump for a tumultuous Middle East

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

U.S. President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2024.

U.S. President Joe Biden‘s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, characterized the Middle East as “quieter” in late September 2023, marking a notable shift from the previous two decades. However, this assessment quickly proved inaccurate. Just eight days later, Hamas executed a surprise and lethal attack from Gaza into Israel, igniting a conflict that ravaged the Palestinian territory and unleashed chaos throughout the region. This series of events has overshadowed Biden’s foreign policy legacy as he approaches the end of his term on January 20.

Despite Biden’s team playing a crucial role in brokering a ceasefire deal that facilitated the release of hostages by Hamas, analysts suggest that his legacy in the Middle East will be defined more by the conflicts that escalated during his presidency rather than by their resolutions. This situation leaves a significant amount of unresolved issues for the next president, Donald Trump, and his administration.

Biden’s international reputation is likely to be significantly shaped by his management of the ongoing 15-month conflict in Gaza, which Trump and other Republicans have labeled as a “world on fire” during Biden’s administration. They criticize Biden for a perceived lack of resolve that has allowed adversaries to instigate disorder in the region. Conversely, Biden’s supporters argue that he has navigated a complex array of Middle Eastern challenges, many of which were not of his own making, and have effectively weakened Iran and its allies while striving to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon.

Biden’s unwavering support for Israel, which resulted in a significant blow to Hamas but also led to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza, severely impacted the United States’ international standing. This stance also created divisions within his Democratic Party, contributing to Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump in the November election.

“The positive aspect is that Biden positioned himself as a dependable ally for Israel,” noted Aaron David Miller, a former adviser on Middle Eastern affairs for both Democratic and Republican administrations. “However, the negative aspect is that he struggled to rein in Prime Minister Netanyahu in Gaza, which has inflicted considerable reputational harm on the U.S.”

The ceasefire plan for Gaza, finalized in the closing days of Biden’s presidency after extensive negotiations, was rooted in proposals he had introduced in mid-2024. Achieving this required relentless effort alongside Qatari and Egyptian mediators to bring it to fruition.

However, the last-minute diplomatic success in Doha was largely perceived by regional stakeholders as being influenced by Trump’s stern warnings that there would be “serious consequences” if hostages were not released by the time he took office on Monday. A source familiar with the Gaza negotiations described this threat as a “sword” looming over the discussions.

Trump sent his incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to work alongside Biden’s chief negotiator, Brett McGurk. An Israeli official indicated that Witkoff’s involvement provided additional momentum to the negotiations.

“Witkoff was instrumental in pressuring Netanyahu to accept the deal and act swiftly,” stated an official familiar with the discussions, referring to a meeting with the conservative leader who had developed a close rapport with Trump during his first term. Netanyahu’s cabinet is set to vote on the agreement on Thursday, with a majority of ministers anticipated to endorse it, according to an Israeli government official.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken presented a proposal for post-war Gaza on Tuesday, but the responsibility for ensuring the full execution of the ceasefire plan and determining the extent of involvement in the “Day After” will fall to the Trump administration.

BIDEN RECEIVES BOTH PRAISE AND CRITICISM

During his final year in office, President Biden has been recognized for building an international coalition that provided support to Israel against Iranian missile threats and for approving Israeli counterstrikes on Tehran’s air defenses, despite his cautions against targeting Iranian nuclear and oil facilities. In response to U.S. calls for restraint, Israel conducted multiple strikes against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon last year, often without prior notification to Washington. This aggressive approach was a significant factor in the Iran-aligned group’s acceptance of a U.S.-backed ceasefire in November.

The Biden administration was subsequently taken by surprise when a rapid rebel offensive led to the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, another key Iranian ally, in early December. Since then, the administration has been working to encourage the new Islamist leadership to establish an inclusive government and to avert a resurgence of the Islamic State, responsibilities that will now be passed on to Trump.

Elliott Abrams, who served as Trump’s special envoy on Iran during his first term, commented, “The most significant achievement is that Biden did not obstruct Israel, although he consistently advised against certain actions.” He assessed Biden’s performance in the Middle East as “mediocre,” stating, “I don’t believe he merits much credit regarding Lebanon or Syria.”

In his farewell foreign policy address at the State Department on Monday, Biden defended his administration’s strategy, asserting that the U.S. has played a crucial role in making Iran “weaker than it’s been in decades.”

Some analysts have praised his efforts in preventing a full-scale regional conflict. However, Biden leaves Trump with what many experts consider the most significant challenge in the Middle East: an Iranian nuclear program that has progressed over the last four years and could rapidly advance toward weaponization if Iran chooses to do so.

Critics argue that Trump’s 2018 decision to withdraw from the international nuclear agreement with Iran paved the way for these developments, while Secretary of State Blinken highlighted that one of Biden’s achievements has been deterring Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. Upon returning to office, Trump will face the decision of whether to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Iran or to authorize military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

“The approach to Iran will significantly influence Trump’s broader regional strategy,” noted Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. deputy national intelligence officer for the Middle East. Additionally, Trump will need to address the ongoing threat from Yemen’s Houthis, who have been launching missiles at shipping in the Red Sea and targeting Israel for over a year. Biden’s military actions, coordinated with U.S. allies, have not succeeded in neutralizing the Houthi threat.

While recognizing that the Middle East is still “fraught with danger,” Blinken, in his concluding policy address, highlighted achievements he attributed to the administration, such as facilitating a U.N.-brokered ceasefire in Yemen’s civil conflict, bolstering the international coalition against the Islamic State, and enhancing regional cooperation.

SAUDI-ISRAEL NORMALIZATION EFFORT DISRUPTED

Sullivan faced significant criticism from Biden’s opponents following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, particularly for his remarks made just over a week prior, stating that the Middle East “is quieter today than it has been in two decades,” despite acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Although Sullivan later clarified his statements to NBC News, emphasizing they were based on recent regional trends and asserting that the administration remained focused, the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict disrupted Biden’s international agenda.

In the wake of the Hamas assault, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in Israel and the abduction of over 250 hostages, Biden, who identifies as a “Zionist,” became the first U.S. president to visit Israel during a time of war.

He subsequently maintained a consistent supply of arms to Israel for its stated mission to dismantle Hamas, which is backed by Iran, despite ongoing resistance from Netanyahu regarding U.S. calls to mitigate civilian casualties and alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Biden’s reluctance to leverage U.S. influence as Israel’s primary arms supplier has estranged numerous Arab American voters and created significant unrest within the U.S. diplomatic community. “Gaza will be the legacy,” remarked Mike Casey, a former State Department official with 15 years of experience as a foreign service officer, who was among those who resigned in protest. “They will uncover bodies in the debris. People will continue to suffer from disease… It will always circle back to him.” The White House did not provide a response to inquiries regarding criticism of its policy on Gaza.

Simultaneously, the conflict in Gaza has hindered Biden’s attempts to facilitate a historic normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which would include U.S. security assurances for the kingdom. Some Arab nations are now observing whether Trump, who previously established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries through the Abraham Accords during his first term, will renew normalization initiatives and adopt a firmer stance against Iran.

Within Trump’s circle, there is a belief that an Israeli-Saudi agreement remains feasible, according to a source familiar with the discussions. However, despite some Arab allies maintaining relatively distant relations with Biden, they remain cautious of Trump due to his previous reluctance to pressure Netanyahu towards a pathway for Palestinian statehood, a longstanding Saudi prerequisite for normalization with Israel. “Biden hasn’t been perceived as the Arab world’s best ally,” stated a Middle East diplomat in Washington. “Yet, we are still uncertain about what to anticipate from Trump 2.0.”

What’s in the Hamas-Israel ceasefire and hostage release deal

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

Buildings lie in ruin in Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel.

The initial stage of the agreement established between Hamas and Israel on Wednesday entails a cessation of hostilities and the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza, alongside Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

However, numerous specifics and the timeline for the complete agreement remain ambiguous, which will be crucial for its future success.

This agreement marks the second ceasefire since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an assault on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 250 hostages, as reported by Israeli officials. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations have led to the deaths of at least 46,645 Palestinians and injuries to more than 110,000 in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The first ceasefire, which occurred in November 2023, lasted approximately one week. During this time, 105 hostages held by Hamas—mainly women, children, and the elderly—were freed, while Israel released around 240 Palestinian prisoners from its facilities.

The current ceasefire agreement is structured to unfold in three distinct phases.

The first phase is anticipated to commence on Sunday and continue for six weeks. This phase will include a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a swap of hostages and prisoners, and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. US hostages in Gaza are expected to be released during this initial phase, as stated by US President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

The specifics of the second and third phases are still under development, with details to be determined during the first phase, according to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in a briefing on Wednesday.

We will persist in our efforts, collaborating closely with our partners to ensure the successful implementation of this agreement as intended, he stated, highlighting that mediators have dedicated 411 days to finalizing the terms. “This agreement is expected to lead us to peace, hopefully in the end. I am convinced that its success hinges on the parties involved acting in good faith to prevent any potential collapse of the deal.”

Hamas described the agreement on Wednesday as a “significant turning point.” However, the Israeli cabinet must still vote to ratify the deal before it can take effect.

Here’s a detailed overview of the current ceasefire agreement and the forthcoming steps.

Ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and humanitarian aid

The ceasefire agreement would provide the first break from conflict for the people of Gaza in over a year, marking only the second such pause since the onset of Israeli bombardment.

According to an Israeli official, the military will initiate a withdrawal from populated areas in the first phase but will maintain a presence along the Gaza-Egypt border, known as the Philadelphi Corridor. Additionally, Israel will keep a buffer zone within Gaza adjacent to its border, which has been a key point of contention in the negotiations.

The agreement is anticipated to facilitate the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes throughout Gaza, including the heavily impacted northern regions. A significant influx of humanitarian aid is expected to enter the strip, where residents have been enduring severe humanitarian challenges, as noted by Al Thani.

Gaza’s injured individuals will be permitted to exit the enclave for medical treatment, and humanitarian aid will be allowed into the region, with hospitals and bakeries undergoing necessary repairs, as stated by officials.

Which hostages and prisoners will be released?

In the initial phase of the agreement, Hamas and its allied militant factions will free 33 hostages, which will include female soldiers, children, the elderly, and those with health issues, in exchange for an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners, according to Al Thani.

As part of the arrangement, American hostages held by Hamas will also be included in the first phase of the hostage release, as confirmed by Biden.

On the first day of the ceasefire, three female Israeli civilian hostages are anticipated to be released, followed by the release of four additional hostages on the seventh day, as outlined in a document shared by senior Hamas official Bassem Naim.

Subsequently, Hamas will release three Israeli detainees every week, beginning with women, both civilians and soldiers, as indicated in the document.

During the sixth week, Hamas is expected to release all remaining detainees included in this phase, while Israel will reciprocate by releasing the agreed number of Palestinian prisoners from its facilities, based on lists provided by Hamas.

Hamas and its affiliates are currently detaining 94 individuals who were taken from Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli government reports that at least 34 of these individuals are deceased, although the actual number may be higher. Among the hostages, 81 are men and 13 are women. The group includes 84 individuals from Israel, along with eight from Thailand, one from Nepal, and one from Tanzania.

Additionally, Hamas has four other hostages who have been held since 2014, with at least two confirmed dead.

On the other hand, Israel is reported to be holding at least 10,000 Palestinian prisoners, as stated by the Commission of Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society. This figure does not account for an unspecified number of Palestinians captured in Gaza. Included in the total of Palestinian prisoners are 3,376 individuals under administrative detention, who have not been publicly charged or tried, comprising 95 children and 22 women.

Second and third phases to be negotiated

Negotiations for the second and third phases of the ceasefire are yet to take place during the first phase. According to an Israeli official, these discussions are set to commence on the 16th day following the implementation of the agreement.

The continuation of the ceasefire beyond the initial phase of the agreement is not assured. Nevertheless, an official indicated that Israel is committed to “bringing all our hostages back home” and will engage in negotiations for the subsequent phase with sincerity, which may facilitate the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

President Biden stated that the second and third phases will involve the release of additional hostages and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

“When the second phase commences, there will be an exchange for the release of the remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and all Israeli forces will be withdrawn from Gaza, transitioning the temporary ceasefire into a permanent one,” he explained.

“Finally, in phase three, the remains of any hostages who have perished will be returned to their families, and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza will commence.”

How the deal will be enforced

Regarding the enforcement of the agreement, Al Thani responded to a question, stating that the US, Egypt, and Qatar have established a mechanism to ensure compliance with the ceasefire by both parties.

“This mechanism will be based in Cairo, and a joint team from the three nations will oversee the implementation of the agreement,” he noted. “All aspects have been agreed upon and are expected to be operational by the execution date.”

Al Thani indicated that the current ceasefire agreement differs significantly from the one established in November 2023, which was only effective for a week.

“Regrettably, the November agreement was quite transactional, operating on a day-to-day basis,” he explained. “In contrast, this new agreement includes a well-defined framework for the initial 42 days, along with a structured approach for negotiating subsequent phases. All specifics of the agreements will be made public in the coming days as the details are finalized.”

Taiwan’s defense minister has stated that the navy will safeguard undersea cables if necessary

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo announced on Thursday that the navy will be deployed if necessary to assist the coast guard in addressing any suspicious activities near undersea communication cables. This statement follows an incident involving a ship linked to China, which is suspected of damaging one of these cables.

Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, reported that a vessel owned by a Hong Kong company, registered in both Cameroon and Tanzania, caused damage to a cable located north of the island earlier this month. However, Taiwan has been unable to confirm the ship’s intentions or board it due to adverse weather conditions.

The ship’s owner has refuted any claims of wrongdoing, while the Chinese government has accused Taiwan of fabricating allegations before establishing the facts. This incident has raised significant concerns in Taiwan, which has frequently expressed worries about “grey zone” activities by China aimed at exerting pressure without direct confrontation, including balloon overflights and sand dredging.

During a press conference at parliament, Koo emphasized that the armed forces would work in close coordination with the coast guard to monitor areas where undersea cables are situated. He stated, “If an incident occurs, the coast guard will respond first, and the navy will provide immediate support if necessary.”

Additionally, Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen informed the media that the government has initiated a mechanism to share information with “international friends” regarding Chinese “grey zone” maritime activities, although he did not disclose specific details.

Taiwan will concentrate on vessels that operate under flags of convenience—ships registered in countries different from their actual owners—and will examine how China may be utilizing these vessels in the waters surrounding the island, according to Tsai. The Taiwanese government, which disputes Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, has drawn parallels between its own experiences and the damage inflicted on undersea cables in the Baltic Sea after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Recently, Taiwan’s administration remarked that Chinese ships operating under flags of convenience carry “the mark of evil.”

U.S. has announced new sanctions on Russia ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

The United States announced a series of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, aiming to intensify pressure on Moscow during the final days of the Biden administration while safeguarding previously established sanctions.

The U.S. State and Treasury departments targeted over 250 entities, including some located in China, focusing on Russia’s attempts to circumvent U.S. sanctions and its military industrial sector.

As part of this initiative, the Treasury introduced new restrictions on nearly 100 entities that were already under sanctions, which could complicate future efforts to lift these measures.

The Russian embassy in Washington has not yet responded to inquiries for comment.

In a statement, the Treasury indicated that new sanctions were being imposed on almost 100 key Russian entities, including banks and companies in the energy sector, which had previously faced U.S. sanctions. This action heightens the risk of secondary sanctions for these entities.

These new sanctions are enacted under an executive order that, according to a senior Treasury official, mandates that Congress be informed before any of these actions can be undone.

Jeremy Paner, a partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, remarked that these measures are designed to be “Trump-proofed,” making it difficult to reverse the additional sanctions without congressional consent. “You can’t simply erase what’s been implemented with a quick decision,” he stated.

Edward Fishman, a former U.S. official and current research scholar at Columbia University, described the move as “very significant.” He noted that it safeguards these sanctions from any arbitrary decisions to lift them, thereby providing the incoming Trump administration with greater leverage in dealings with Russia.

Trump’s transition team did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment. It remains uncertain how Donald Trump, who will take over from President Joe Biden on Monday, plans to handle the issue of sanctions against Russia. Historically, Trump has maintained a cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and indicated on Monday that he intends to meet with him soon to discuss the situation in Ukraine. When questioned about his approach to ending the conflict, Trump stated to Newsmax: “There’s only one strategy, and it’s up to Putin. I can’t imagine he’s too pleased with how things have unfolded, as it hasn’t gone particularly well for him either.”

SANCTIONS EVASION SCHEME

The U.S. has also taken measures against a sanctions evasion scheme involving participants from Russia and China, focusing on regional clearing platforms in both nations that have reportedly facilitated cross-border payments for sensitive goods. The Treasury Department noted that several Russian banks under U.S. sanctions were involved. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, expressed in a statement, “China firmly opposes any illegal unilateral sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction.’ The normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia should not be interfered with or disrupted, and should not be used as a tool to smear and contain China.”

Keremet Bank, a financial institution based in Kyrgyzstan, was also subjected to sanctions on Wednesday. The U.S. Treasury accused the bank of collaborating with Russian officials and of being involved with another bank identified by the United States as evading sanctions. Keremet Bank has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

Additionally, the U.S. State Department placed sanctions on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control and is the largest in Europe. This facility, located in southeastern Ukraine, was seized by Russia shortly after the invasion began in 2022. Although the plant is currently shut down, it requires external power to maintain the cooling of its nuclear materials and prevent a potential meltdown. According to Russian news agencies, citing the plant’s spokeswoman, the sanctions will not impact its operations.

The Biden administration has enacted numerous punitive measures against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. Washington has consistently aimed to address the circumvention of these sanctions. Just days ago, the administration introduced its most extensive sanctions package to date, targeting Russia’s oil and gas revenues to provide leverage for Kyiv and the incoming Trump administration in negotiations for peace in Ukraine.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, but residents reported continued airstrikes on Gaza

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

Israel escalated its airstrikes on Gaza just hours after a ceasefire and hostage release agreement was announced, according to local residents and authorities in the Palestinian territory. Mediators are working to prevent further violence as the truce is set to begin on Sunday.

The intricate ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, was reached on Wednesday following extensive negotiations led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, amidst 15 months of conflict that has severely impacted the region.

The agreement stipulates an initial six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip, a region that has seen tens of thousands of casualties. In return for the release of hostages held by Hamas, Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel will be freed.

During a press conference in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that the ceasefire is scheduled to commence on Sunday. He indicated that negotiators are currently collaborating with both Israel and Hamas to finalize the implementation of the agreement.

“This deal will bring an end to the hostilities in Gaza, facilitate essential humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after enduring over 15 months of captivity,” stated U.S. President Joe Biden from Washington. His successor, Donald Trump, who will assume office on Monday, has claimed credit for facilitating the agreement in Gaza.

The formal acceptance of the deal by Israel is contingent upon approval from the country’s security cabinet and government, with votes anticipated on Thursday, according to an Israeli official.

The agreement was anticipated to receive approval despite resistance from certain hardliners within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government. While celebrations erupted in both Gaza and Israel, the Israeli military intensified its attacks following the announcement, according to reports from the civil emergency service and local residents.

Intense Israeli bombardment, particularly in Gaza City, resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals late Wednesday, as reported by medical personnel. The strikes persisted into early Thursday, demolishing homes in Rafah, Nuseirat, and northern Gaza, according to residents.

The Israeli military did not provide an immediate response, and there were no indications of Hamas launching attacks on Israel following the ceasefire declaration. A Palestinian official involved in the ceasefire discussions indicated that mediators were working to encourage both parties to halt hostilities prior to the ceasefire taking effect.

CELEBRATION IN GAZA

On social media, some residents of Gaza advised caution, fearing that Israel might increase its attacks in the coming days to gain an advantage before the ceasefire is implemented. Nonetheless, the announcement of the ceasefire agreement ignited celebrations in Gaza, where residents have been enduring critical shortages of food, water, shelter, and fuel. In Khan Younis, crowds filled the streets, honking horns, waving Palestinian flags, and dancing in joy.

“I am happy. Yes, I am crying, but those are tears of joy,” expressed Ghada, a mother of five who has been displaced.

In Tel Aviv, the families and friends of Israeli hostages expressed their profound joy and relief upon hearing the news of an agreement aimed at bringing their loved ones home. In a statement, they conveyed their overwhelming emotions regarding the development.

Hamas, in a social media announcement regarding the ceasefire, described the agreement as “an achievement for our people” and a significant turning point.

If the ceasefire proves effective, it will put an end to the hostilities that have devastated much of densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 fatalities and displacing a majority of the enclave’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, as reported by Gaza authorities. This could potentially ease tensions throughout the broader Middle East, where the conflict has exacerbated strife in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, raising concerns about a full-scale war between Israel and Iran.

With 98 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, the initial phase of the agreement involves the release of 33 hostages, which includes all women, children, and men over the age of 50. Among those set to be released in this first phase are two American hostages, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, according to a source.

FOOD LINED UP AT THE GAZA’S BORDERS

The agreement also stipulates an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the U.N. and the International Committee of the Red Cross preparing to enhance their assistance efforts. “A ceasefire is just the beginning, not the conclusion. We have food ready at the borders of Gaza and need to facilitate its entry on a large scale,” stated Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Program, on X.

The global response to the ceasefire was overwhelmingly positive, with leaders and officials from Egypt, Turkey, Britain, the United Nations, the European Union, Jordan, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates, among others, expressing their support for the development. Both President Biden and former President Trump took credit for the agreement, which had been in the works for months and was facilitated by a Trump envoy.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, participated in discussions in Qatar alongside White House representatives. A senior official from the Biden administration noted that Witkoff’s involvement was essential in finalizing an agreement following 96 hours of rigorous negotiations. President Biden remarked that the two delegations had “been speaking as one.”

Families of Israeli hostages voiced their apprehensions regarding the potential incomplete execution of the agreement, fearing that some hostages might remain in Gaza. Negotiations for the second phase of the agreement are set to commence on the 16th day of the first phase, which is anticipated to encompass the release of all remaining hostages, a lasting ceasefire, and the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase will focus on the return of all deceased individuals and the initiation of Gaza’s reconstruction, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations. If the process proceeds without issues, it will still require consensus among Palestinians, Arab nations, and Israel on a vision for post-war Gaza, particularly regarding governance in the region after the conflict.

Israeli forces launched an incursion into Gaza following an attack by Hamas-led militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 soldiers and civilians, along with the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

Biden claims the Gaza agreement is based on his framework, while Trump takes credit for the initiative

Asif Shahid

January 16, 2025

U.S. President Joe Biden, flanked by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaks after negotiators reached a phased deal for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, during remarks at the White House in Washington, U.S.,

U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both asserted their roles in the announcement of a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement concerning Gaza, a deal that had been in development for several months but was facilitated by a Trump envoy.

In his announcement, Biden highlighted that the final agreement closely resembled a proposal he had put forward in May. He responded with a smile when a reporter inquired about who would be credited in history for the ceasefire, jokingly asking, “Is that a joke?”

“This plan was crafted and negotiated by my team and will primarily be executed by the incoming administration. That’s why I ensured my team kept the incoming administration fully briefed,” Biden stated during a farewell address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night.

Trump, in a post on social media, quickly took some credit for the significant breakthrough that followed months of stalled discussions. He had consistently warned that there would be “hell to pay” if an agreement was not reached before he assumed office on Monday.

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could only have been achieved due to our Historic Victory in November, which demonstrated to the entire world that my Administration would pursue Peace and negotiate agreements to safeguard all Americans and our Allies,” he remarked. Trump had sent his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to participate in the negotiations in Doha, where Witkoff was present for the final 96 hours of discussions leading to the agreement.

A high-ranking official from the Biden administration, during a press briefing, acknowledged Witkoff’s significant role in facilitating the agreement, collaborating closely with Biden’s envoy, Brett McGurk, who has been stationed in Doha since January 5. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters that President Biden sought the involvement of the Trump administration, as Trump will be responsible for executing the ceasefire agreement.

“In recent days, we have been operating as a unified team,” Biden stated. While he refrained from providing detailed information beyond the general framework of the agreement already disclosed, he indicated that it could pave the way for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

“For the Palestinian people, a credible pathway to statehood. And for the region, a future characterized by normalization and the integration of Israel with all its Arab neighbors, including Saudi Arabia,” he remarked.

The recent escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian fatalities, as per the local health ministry, and have sparked allegations of genocide and war crimes, which Israel refutes. The military actions have led to the displacement of Gaza’s entire population and triggered a severe hunger crisis.

Ukraine launches a major air assault on Russia, employing missiles and drones in a large-scale operation

Asif Shahid

January 15, 2025

A drone view shows an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ternopil, Ukraine.

Russia’s military announced on Tuesday that it would respond to Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian territories, which included the launch of six U.S.-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and one of the largest drone assaults to date.

Following Ukraine’s initial use of ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles against Russia last year, Moscow retaliated on November 21 by deploying a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile called “Oreshnik,” or Hazel Tree, targeting Ukraine.

The Russian defense ministry reported that it successfully intercepted all Western missiles aimed at the Bryansk region, along with 146 drones outside the active conflict zone. Additionally, two Storm Shadow missiles were reportedly downed over the Black Sea.

“The actions of the Kyiv regime, backed by its Western allies, will not go unanswered,” stated the defense ministry.

The Ukrainian General Staff indicated that its strikes reached as far as 1,100 km (680 miles) into Russian territory, targeting oil storage facilities, refineries, chemical plants, and ammunition depots in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula, and Tatarstan regions.

While Kyiv did not disclose the specific methods used for these strikes, it confirmed that both drone and missile units participated in the operation.

In November, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that the conflict in Ukraine was escalating towards a global confrontation, particularly after the U.S. and Britain permitted Ukraine to launch missiles deep into Russian territory.

President-elect Donald Trump has advocated for a ceasefire and swift negotiations to resolve the conflict, raising questions about the future of Washington’s support for Ukraine.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities, displaced millions, and initiated the most significant deterioration in relations between Moscow and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

DRONES ATTACK

The recent drone assault on Russia marks one of the largest to date. Roman Busargin, the governor of the Saratov region, located approximately 720 km (450 miles) southeast of Moscow, reported that the cities of Saratov and Engels, situated on opposite sides of the Volga River, experienced a coordinated drone strike that caused damage to two industrial facilities. As a result, schools in the area have transitioned to remote learning.

Last week, Ukraine targeted the same region, claiming to have hit an oil depot that supports a Russian airbase housing nuclear bombers, which ignited a massive fire that took five days to extinguish. The Ukrainian General Staff indicated that the Kristall Plant oil storage facility in Engels was struck as part of an operation conducted by Ukrainian drone units and military intelligence. Additionally, they reported an attack on the Bryansk Chemical Plant, which is known to produce ammunition for artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, aviation, engineering munitions, and components for cruise missiles.

The drone strike also targeted a munitions storage site containing guided bombs and missiles at the Engels airbase in the Saratov region, along with other locations, according to a source from the Security Service of Ukraine. The General Staff noted that the assaults on the Saratov Oil Refinery and the Kazanorgsintez plant resulted in fires.

Moscow claims Ukraine and Western nations are pressuring African countries to oppose Russia

Asif Shahid

January 15, 2025

Anatoly Bashkin, director of the African department at the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Anatoly Bashkin, the director of the African department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in an interview with that Ukraine and Western nations are employing blackmail as part of their strategy to counteract Russia‘s expanding influence in Africa.

Bashkin noted that officials from Kiev and Western countries have been engaging in targeted “political demarches” and a comprehensive “information campaign” aimed at undermining Russia’s initiatives to build stronger ties with African nations.

He remarked, “The collective West’s opposition to our foreign policy in Africa is a constant presence… They utilize all available methods, including outright blackmail against African leaders.”

Bashkin also mentioned that various attempts to isolate Russia, such as pressuring African leaders to avoid events hosted by Moscow—like the recent inaugural Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership—have not succeeded.

“The West exerted all possible pressure on African capitals to minimize attendance and ensure the event’s failure. However, despite these efforts, the forum attracted 54 official delegations from countries and regional integration organizations, including over 40 ministers,” Bashkin added.

Russia’s engagement with African nations has strengthened in recent years, coinciding with growing concerns from Western governments regarding their diminishing influence. France and its allies have criticized Russia for allegedly engaging in exploitative initiatives and disseminating misinformation across African countries, where they have faced military and diplomatic setbacks. In contrast, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—former French colonies that have cut defense ties with Paris—have embraced Russia as a strategic ally. These three West African nations have accused Ukraine of providing arms and training to rebels and jihadist groups responsible for terrorism in the Sahel, a claim that Kiev has denied.

South Africa has also preserved its close relationship with Russia, despite international calls to distance itself from Moscow due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A faction of US lawmakers has urged the removal of Pretoria from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which permits eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export goods to the US without tariffs.

During discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to Moscow as a “valued” ally and “friend.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously accused the US and its allies of advancing “neocolonial” agendas in Africa and beyond. President Putin has also committed to supporting African nations in enhancing their national and cultural sovereignty in every possible way.

India’s Defence Minister highlights the competition for influence in the Indian Ocean region

Asif Shahid

January 15, 2025

India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh arrives for the 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers Meeting - Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia.

International power dynamics are increasingly evident in the Indian Ocean region, as stated by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday. He emphasized that maintaining a robust naval presence along this vital trade route is a top priority for the nation.

Although Singh refrained from naming specific countries, experts suggest that China‘s extensive naval capabilities, boasting over 370 vessels, have raised security concerns for India, particularly following the deterioration of relations in 2020 after deadly clashes in the Himalayan region.

Additionally, the United Kingdom and the United States operate a joint military base on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean. While Chinese and Indian forces have withdrawn from two confrontation sites following an agreement reached in October, India’s army chief noted that a certain level of tension remains.

Defence Minister Singh remarked, “A significant portion of global trade and commerce transits through the Indian Ocean region. Due to its geo-strategic importance, this area is becoming a focal point of international power competition.” His comments came during the commissioning of a submarine and two naval vessels in Mumbai.

He highlighted that 95% of India’s trade volume is associated with the Indian Ocean, asserting that a formidable Indian Navy is essential in this context. In response to China’s expanding influence in neighboring countries through investments and development initiatives in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, India aims to establish a naval fleet of 175 ships by 2035, with a focus on utilizing domestically produced components. However, analysts point out that India’s shipbuilding pace lags behind China’s, which constructs nearly 14 warships annually compared to India’s four.

Trump advisers acknowledge that a peace agreement for Ukraine is still several months off

Asif Shahid

January 15, 2025

Advisers to President-elect Donald Trump have acknowledged that the conflict in Ukraine is likely to take several months, if not longer, to resolve. This realization serves as a significant adjustment to his primary foreign policy commitment of achieving a peace agreement on his first day in office. Two associates of Trump, who have engaged in discussions regarding the Ukraine situation, informed Reuters that they anticipate a timeline extending over several months to address the conflict. They characterized the initial Day One promises as a mix of campaign exaggeration and a misunderstanding of the complexities involved, as well as the time required to establish a new administration.

These insights align with comments made by Trump’s designated envoy for Russia-Ukraine relations, retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, who expressed in a recent Fox News interview his hope for a resolution within 100 days—an expectation that significantly exceeds the president-elect’s original timeframe. However, John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and current member of the Atlantic Council, deemed even Kellogg’s timeline as “excessively optimistic.”

Herbst emphasized that for any progress to occur, Trump must convince Russian President Vladimir Putin that there are consequences for his obstinacy. During the lead-up to his election victory on November 5, Trump repeatedly asserted that he would finalize a deal between Ukraine and Russia on his first day in office, or even sooner. Nevertheless, by late October, he subtly adjusted his language, suggesting that he could resolve the conflict “very quickly.”

Since the election, Trump has moderated his rhetoric, often stating that he would “resolve” the conflict without specifying a timeline. He has indicated that concluding the war in Ukraine will be more challenging than achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. “I believe the Russia-Ukraine situation will actually be more difficult,” Trump remarked during a December press conference when questioned about Gaza. “I perceive it as more complex.”

Russia has conveyed mixed messages regarding a potential peace agreement, expressing openness to direct discussions with Trump while rejecting some proposals from his advisers as impractical. The Kremlin has refrained from commenting on the revised timeline from Trump’s team. Neither representatives from Trump’s incoming administration nor the Ukrainian embassy in Washington responded to inquiries for comment.

‘NOTHING OF INTEREST’

In recent months, Russia has made notable advances on the battlefield. Although these gains have come at a significant cost in terms of personnel and resources, many analysts suggest that Putin may prefer to delay a deal while attempting to secure additional Ukrainian territory. Herbst highlighted remarks made earlier this month by Russia’s UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, who stated that the peace proposals from Trump’s advisers were “nothing of interest.” While the specifics of a potential Trump peace plan are still under consideration, his advisers generally advocate for removing the prospect of NATO membership for Ukraine from discussion, at least in the near term, and maintaining the current front lines.

Many senior advisers to Trump are in favor of providing Ukraine with a substantial security guarantee, which could include establishing a demilitarized zone monitored by European forces. The efforts of the Trump team to resolve the conflict have been inconsistent, highlighting the challenges that campaign commitments face in the context of intricate diplomatic discussions.

Kellogg, who serves as Trump’s envoy for Ukraine, delayed a scheduled trip to Kyiv prior to the inauguration, which was intended as a reconnaissance mission to assist officials in developing a peace strategy, as reported by Reuters last week.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry referenced U.S. apprehensions regarding potential violations of the Logan Act, which restricts private citizens from engaging in negotiations with foreign governments. “I don’t believe it’s suitable for me to meet (Putin) until after the 20th, which I regret because every day, many young people are being killed,” Trump stated during a press conference last week.

In the meantime, officials from the incoming Trump administration at the State Department, National Security Council, and other agencies are still determining who holds influence and authority over various geopolitical matters, according to one of Trump’s foreign policy advisers speaking to Reuters.

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