Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for January 28th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Extended
The White House announced that the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been extended until February 18th. This extension will allow for talks regarding the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023.
2. Tensions in Eastern Congo:
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have asserted control over Goma, a strategically important city in eastern Congo. The UN has described a scene of "mass panic" among the city's 2 million residents. Congo's government has condemned the rebel advance as a "declaration of war." Adding to the tension, the UN Secretary-General has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
3. US Halts WHO Collaboration
The CDC ordered staff to stop working with the World Health Organization, following Trump’s earlier withdrawal order
A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official, John Nkengasong, sent a memo to senior leaders at the agency on Sunday night telling them that all staff who work with the WHO must immediately stop their collaborations and “await further guidance.”
4.US Border Security
Texas deployed 400 National Guard troops to the Mexico border, supported by military aircraft
Governor Greg Abbott deployed the troops to the Rio Grande Valley, where he said they'll work side-by-side with U.S. Border Patrol agents to keep migrants from illegally entering the country.
5. EU agrees on 'step-by-step' roadmap to start easing sanctions on Syria
The European Union has taken the first step to ease its stringent, far-reaching sanctions against Syria after foreign affairs ministers endorsed on Monday a roadmap for a temporary suspension contingent upon progress on the ground.
6.Two hundred UK companies sign up for permanent four-day working week
Two hundred UK companies have signed up for a permanent four-day working week for all their employees with no loss of pay, in the latest landmark in the campaign to reinvent Britain’s working week.
Together the companies employ more than 5,000 people, with charities, marketing and technology firms among the best-represented, according to the latest update from the 4 Day Week Foundation.
7. 300,000 displaced Palestinians return to northern Gaza after ceasefire
Over 300,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Gaza Media Office said Monday.
“More than 300,000 displaced people from the southern and central Gaza governorates returned to Gaza and Northern governorates today via the Rashid (west) and Salah al-Din (east) streets, after 470 days,” the office reported in a statement.
8. Google Maps to rename 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America' for US users
Google Maps will change the name of "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" once it is officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System, Google said in an X post on Monday.
The change will be visible in the U.S., but the name will remain "Gulf of Mexico" in Mexico. Outside of the two countries, users will see both names on Google Maps.
9.Azerbaijan Enforces Campaign Silence Ahead of Municipal Elections
Azerbaijan has entered a mandatory "Silence Day" period ahead of its municipal elections on January 29, with all election campaigning halted 24 hours prior to voting in compliance with national law.
Under Part 1, Article 75 of Azerbaijan’s Electoral Code, political parties and candidates are barred from conducting any form of electioneering on voting day and the preceding day. The measure aims to ensure voters can make decisions without last-minute influence.
10. Kazakhstan, Türkiye Sign Military Cooperation Plan for 2025 in Ankara
A military cooperation plan for 2025 was signed between Kazakhstan and Türkiye during a visit of a Kazakh delegation led by Colonel Olzhas Khussainov, head of the International Cooperation Department of the Defense Ministry, to Ankara.
The agreement was signed by Khussainov and Turkish Brigadier General Çatal Erdoğan, reported the Kazakh Defense Ministry on Jan. 27.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran it could face devastating strikes within hours unless it agrees to a ceasefire by Tuesday night, escalating...
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that nig...
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back t...
Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York has warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to attack civilian infr...
Iran has rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, insisting any agreement must deliver a permanent end to the wa...
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The United Arab Emirates has warned that any settlement between the United States and Iran must guarantee free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital oil route.
In a highly unusual move highlighting shifting narcotics diplomacy, the U.S. has handed over a Chinese fugitive accused of serious drug crimes to authorities in Beijing.
A U.S. judge has blocked President Donald Trump from moving ahead with plans to build a $400 million ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House, pausing one of the most high-profile efforts to reshape the presidential complex.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's energy and transport infrastructure in a social media post containing expletives on Sunday (5 April), as he seperately gave Iran a deadline of Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
A new proposal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran could come into effect as soon as Monday, potentially reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday.
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears deepened over potential supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unsettling global energy markets and the row over the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
As Hungary approaches a crucial vote, younger citizens who grew up under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are increasingly backing the opposition, with some saying they may leave if he secures another term.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged EU prosecutors to speed up their probe into politicians from his party who are under investigation for fraud. The EU has asked to investigate 11 conservative MPs who are currently protected by parliamentary immunity.
In a move highlighting growing friction between global trade and digital retail, China on Monday issued new guidance for its rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.
North Korea's test of a solid-fuel rocket engine is intended for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) built with carbon fibre to extend range and allow for delivery of heavier and possibly multiple warheads, South Korean lawmakers said on Monday.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called an emergency defence council on Sunday (5 April) after powerful explosives were discovered near a pipeline in Serbia that carries Russian gas to Hungary.
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