Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 5th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Israeli PM Netanyahu Says “No Guarantees” Gaza Ceasefire Will Hold Ahead of White House Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there are "no guarantees" that the ceasefire in Gaza will hold, casting a shadow over the fragile peace in the region.
2. Trump says US will ‘take over’ Gaza Strip in shock announcement during Netanyahu visit
Donald Trump has vowed that the US would “take over” war ravaged Gaza and “own it”, effectively endorsing the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, in an announcement shocking even by the standards of his norm-shattering presidency.
3. At least 10 killed at adult education center in what officials say is Sweden’s worst mass shooting
At least 10 people, including the gunman, were killed Tuesday at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s worst mass shooting. But a final death toll, a conclusive number of wounded and a motive hadn’t yet been determined hours later.
4. China counters with tariffs on US products. It will also investigate Google
China announced retaliatory tariffs on select American imports and an antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday, just minutes after a sweeping levy on Chinese products imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump took effect.
5. Rwandan-backed M23 rebels declare ceasefire in DRC
Rwanda-backed forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have announced that they will pause their advance across the east of the country for humanitarian reasons.
6.NASA's Hubble Witnesses Galactic Spectacle: Nine Rings of LEDA 1313424
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured a cosmic bullseye! The gargantuan galaxy LEDA 1313424 is rippling with nine star-filled rings after an “arrow” — a far smaller blue dwarf galaxy — shot through its heart. Astronomers using Hubble identified eight visible rings, more than previously detected by any telescope in any galaxy, and confirmed a ninth using data from the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. Previous observations of other galaxies show a maximum of two or three rings.
7.Trump administration puts on leave USAID staff globally in dramatic aid overhaul
The Trump administration on Tuesday announced that it was going to put on leave all directly hired employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development globally and recall thousands of personnel working overseas.
"On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally," said an announcement on the USAID web site, which has been down since the weekend.
8. Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero
U.S. President Donald Trumpon Tuesday restored his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran that includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero in order to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump signed the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington's tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
9. Kazakhstan launches QR code card system for tourist safety
Kazakhstan has introduced a new safety measure for foreign visitors by issuing QR code cards upon entry. These cards link to a multilingual portal providing safety recommendations for travelers during their stay. The initiative aims to enhance tourist safety and ensure access to important information.
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10:20
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has denied reports by The Atlantic regarding the sharing of secret military plans for operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
09:17
The Houthi group in Yemen claimed responsibility for a series of missile and drone attacks, targeting Ben Gurion airport in Israel and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.
08:25
The European Union views the Palestinian Authority as "best placed to govern Gaza," according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, following her meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah.
07:19
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is prepared to take a more flexible stance on new tariffs for automobiles and other goods than initially expected.
04:45
A group of top Trump administration officials reportedly shared sensitive military plans over the encrypted messaging app Signal just hours before the United States launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, sparking a political storm in Washington.
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