Stay updated with the top news for January 16th in our Morning Briefing.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire.
Israel and Hamas have announced a multi-stage ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday. The agreement includes Israeli military redeployment, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and prisoner exchanges. Concerns remain over the durability of the truce amid political tensions.
2. Erdogan welcomes Gaza ceasefire.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed strong support for the Gaza ceasefire, calling it a step toward regional peace. In a statement on social media, Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to aiding the Palestinian people and pledged continued support for Gaza's recovery.
3. Former U.S. Presidents decline Trump’s inauguration dinner invitation.
Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama will not attend the inauguration dinner for President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Their absence underscores the significant political divisions during the transition of power.
4. TikTok faces U.S. ban deadline.
TikTok faces a potential ban as the January 19 deadline for ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets approaches. Lawmakers have called for an extension, while ByteDance warns a ban could disable the app, used by over 170 million Americans, disrupting its massive user base.
5. Peace mediation in the Caucasus.
The Wall Street Journal describes a "golden opportunity" for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to mediate peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both nations are reportedly eager to resolve their long-standing disputes, aligning with U.S. strategic interests in the region.
6. Iran accuses Israel of nuclear sabotage.
Iran has accused Israel of sabotaging its nuclear programme by supplying centrifuges rigged with explosives. The allegations follow prior claims of Israeli involvement in attacks on Iran's Natanz facility, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
7. Biden praises Gaza ceasefire, urges long-term stability.
Speaking from the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden commended the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a crucial step in reducing violence and humanitarian distress. He stressed the importance of all parties honoring the truce to ensure lasting peace and reiterated Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security. Biden also called for sustained diplomatic efforts and the expansion of humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the need for a long-term resolution to the conflict.
8.UN Secretary-General outlines priorities for 2025
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted four major global threats—runaway conflicts, inequalities, climate crisis, and uncontrolled technology—emphasizing urgent action through the Pact for the Future. He called for ceasefires in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, stronger peacekeeping, nuclear disarmament efforts, and global cooperation to tackle humanitarian and security challenges.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline after it was hit by a drone attack, with Riyadh and Baghdad sayin...
Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces struck two cargo vessels overnight in the Ukrainian Black Sea port o...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would “love” to see British-run Northern Ireland unify...
Overnight Iranian strikes on an air base in Jordan damaged multiple U.S. aircraft and left one without a wing, American media reported. Meanwhile, explosions were heard across parts of southern Iran according to local media reports.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the weekend BRICS summit, amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, joining a host of foreign dignitaries.
Ukrainian forces struck a Russian oil refinery in Siberia and a seaport in Dagestan in the past 24 hours, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. He will meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday to discuss air defences for Ukraine over winter.
Mexico and the U.S. are racing to secure a trade deal before the U.S. midterm elections in less than eight weeks, according to six sources familiar with the talks, with failed negotiations between Washington and Canada adding urgency.
A Russian strike on a gas station in Kyiv has killed two people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a statement on Telegram. In Russia, online marketplace Ozon has suspended operations in Saratov, southwestern Russia, following a drone strike on a warehouse in the region.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline after it was hit by a drone attack, with Riyadh and Baghdad saying the strike originated from Iraq.
Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces struck two cargo vessels overnight in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Chornomorsk, the Interfax news agency reported on Saturday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would “love” to see British-run Northern Ireland unify with Ireland, remarks made during a visit to Dublin that drew a sharp response from pro-British unionists in Northern Ireland.
BRICS leaders have called for maximum restraint over the war in the Middle East, warning against actions that could further worsen tensions as the United States and Iran resume strikes against each other.
Dubai’s property market has spent years climbing. Now, for the first time since 2021, prices are moving in the opposite direction.
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