News from January 5, 2025 at 2 PM

On January 5, 2025, Hamas released a video of 19-year-old Israeli captive Liri Albag, urging the Israeli government to reach a deal. She was taken hostage during Hamas's October 2023 attack on the Nahal Oz army base on the Gaza border. Talks between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire and hostage release resumed in Qatar. Israel intensified attacks on Gaza, resulting in 88 deaths in the past 24 hours. A strike in Gaza City on Saturday killed 11, including seven children. The Israeli military claimed to have struck over 100 'terror targets' and eliminated dozens of Hamas members in two days. Liri's parents appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for action. Israeli President Isaac Herzog vowed to continue negotiations until all hostages are freed. Last month, a Palestinian official said talks were nearly complete but key issues remained. On Sunday, the Israeli military intercepted a missile from Yemen's Houthi movement, which claimed it was in response to Israeli actions in Gaza. Since Hamas's October 2023 attack, over 45,800 people have died. All three government hospitals in northern Gaza are out of service. The Israeli military has blockaded parts of northern Gaza, leading to a 'near-total siege' according to the UN. The Biden administration plans an $8 billion arms sale to Israel.

On October 22, 2024, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tel Aviv. The Biden administration has notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, including munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters, as well as artillery shells. The deal requires approval from House and Senate committees. Protesters have demanded an arms embargo against Israel for months, but US policy remains largely unchanged. In August, the US approved a $20 billion military equipment sale to Israel. The Biden administration claims it is aiding Israel in defending against Iran-backed groups like Hamas. The Gaza conflict has killed over 45,000 people and displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million population. Diplomatic efforts have failed to end the 15-month-old war triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Hundreds of South Koreans rallied near the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, demanding his ouster and arrest. On Friday, anti-corruption investigators and police attempted to execute a detention warrant but retreated after a five-hour standoff with the presidential security service. The warrant is valid until Monday. Last Tuesday, a Seoul court issued warrants for Yoon's detention and residence search after he refused questioning and obstructed searches. Yoon was impeached for declaring martial law, and his fate is now in the hands of the Constitutional Court. The presidential security service has refused to comply with the detention, and Yoon's legal team plans to sue the investigators involved.

At approximately 8 a.m. local time on March 3, personnel from South Korea's High Prosecutors' Office entered the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, attempting to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol. Investigators faced a 5.5-hour standoff with the Presidential Security Service and military police, involving physical altercations. Confronted by over 200 individuals, the Joint Investigation Headquarters aborted the arrest and withdrew at 1:30 p.m. The High Prosecutors' Office stated it would urge Acting President Choi Sang-moo to order the Security Service's cooperation. A reattempt is expected this weekend, though it may fail. Yoon's defense lawyer claimed the arrest warrant was illegal and invalid. South Korean political parties are divided on the issue, with the ruling party criticizing the investigation's aggressiveness and the opposition demanding a renewed arrest. The Constitutional Court scheduled the first formal hearing of Yoon's impeachment case for March 14.

Austria's two main centrist parties' coalition talks collapsed on January 4, prompting conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer to announce his resignation. A day earlier, the liberal Neos party withdrew from the talks, blaming other parties for failing to take decisive action. Nehammer stated he would step down as chancellor and leader of the People's Party in the coming days to ensure an orderly transition. The collapse highlights the difficulty of forming stable governments in European countries like Germany and France, where the far right is rising. The eurosceptic, Russia-friendly Freedom Party (FPO) won 29% of the vote in September's election but failed to find a coalition partner due to Nehammer's refusal to govern with FPO leader Herbert Kickl. President Alexander Van der Bellen may now task Kickl with forming a government or call a snap election. Nehammer described Kickl as a conspiracy theorist but deemed parts of the FPO trustworthy. The People's Party leadership is set to meet on Sunday to discuss Nehammer's successor, who is likely to be more open to a coalition with the FPO. The two parties previously governed together from 2017 to 2019 before a scandal led to the coalition's collapse. Polls show the FPO leading the People's Party and the Social Democrats by over 10 points, posing a dilemma for President Van der Bellen. Social Democrats leader Andreas Babler blamed Nehammer's party for being stingy on pensions and salaries for teachers and police, while Nehammer criticized the Social Democrats for insisting on wealth and inheritance taxes.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation on Saturday following the failure of a second round of coalition talks. The announcement came after the People’s Party and the Social Democrats continued discussions following the surprise withdrawal of the Neos party. Nehammer cited ‘destructive forces’ within the Social Democratic Party as a key issue, stating that the People’s Party would not agree to a program that undermines economic competitiveness. Social Democratic leader Andreas Babler expressed regret, noting the main obstacle was the ‘record deficit’ left by the previous government. The EU Commission highlighted that Austria’s next government faces a financial challenge of between 18 to 24 billion euros. The People’s Party and the far-right Freedom Party share similar economic policies and may seek collaboration. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is expected to make a statement.

The farewell ceremony for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter began in Georgia on December 29, following his death at the age of 100. Carter's casket journeyed from his hometown of Plains, passing by the farm where he once worked, to the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. Accompanied by family and descendants, thousands of employees participated in the memorials. Grandson Jason Carter emphasized the continuation of Carter's legacy. The仪式 included Secret Service and Navy honor guards, with reflections from Carter's pastor and former legislator. Carter will lie in state in Washington before being buried in Plains.

Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. Flags across the country have been flying at half-mast since his death. A six-day farewell ceremony for Carter began on January 4. His casket, escorted by Secret Service agents, will tour Plains, pausing at his boyhood peanut farm where a bell will toll 39 times in honor of the 39th president. The body will then be taken to Atlanta for a stop at the Georgia Capitol and the Carter Presidential Centre, where it will lie in repose from January 4 to 7. On January 7, his remains will be flown to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington and transported to the US Navy Memorial. Carter's body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until January 9. A national funeral service will be held at the National Cathedral on January 9, with President Joe Biden delivering the eulogy. Carter's remains will be returned to Plains for a private funeral and burial alongside his wife, Rosalynn.

On January 4, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Accompanied by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Michael Waltz, the meeting aimed to strengthen ties ahead of Trump's inauguration on January 20. Discussions reportedly covered Russia's war in Ukraine, trade issues, the Middle East, and the plight of an Italian journalist detained in Tehran. Meloni, seen as a potential strong ally due to her conservative credentials and the stability of her right-wing coalition, also enjoys a close relationship with Trump ally Elon Musk. After the meeting, Trump and Meloni watched a documentary questioning the legal scrutiny faced by former Trump lawyer John Eastman. One of Meloni's challenges is the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Iran.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to fly to Florida for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, as reported by Italian media. This meeting comes amid a foreign policy challenge for Meloni following the arrest of Italian reporter Cecilia Sala in Iran on Dec. 19 under a regular journalistic visa. Sala's detention occurred shortly after Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini was arrested in Milan on a U.S. warrant for allegedly supplying drone parts used in a 2023 attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members. Iran denies involvement in the attack. Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, stated that world leaders are reaching out to Trump to improve relations with the U.S. Meloni's office has not commented on the reported meeting. On Friday, Iran's foreign ministry summoned Italy's ambassador over Abedini's detention, urging Italy to reject America's 'hostage policy' and release Abedini to prevent damage to bilateral ties. Abedini remains in prison, with a court decision on house arrest pending. Italian media report that Sala is in solitary confinement in harsh conditions.

US President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals at a White House ceremony on January 4, recognizing their contributions to public service. Recipients included former Secretary of State and Senator Hillary Clinton, retired basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, football star Lionel Messi, philanthropist George Soros, long-time fashion editor and media executive Anna Wintour, and film star Denzel Washington. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, acknowledging exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors. Although non-partisan, the recipients often reflect the president's political leanings. Biden also posthumously honored former Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party founder Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Governor George Romney. On January 2, Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to former Representative Liz Cheney and Representative Bennie Thompson for their leadership in investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. On January 3, he awarded the Medal of Honor to seven former US Army soldiers and the Medal of Valor to eight public safety officers for their acts of bravery.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros, and actor-director Denzel Washington will be awarded the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, at a White House ceremony on Saturday. President Joe Biden will bestow the medal on 19 prominent figures in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. The White House stated that the recipients have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors. Four medals will be awarded posthumously to Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act; former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy; George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; and Ash Carter, the former secretary of defense. Other awardees include Spanish American chef José Andrés, rock band U2 frontman and social justice activist Bono, professional soccer player Lionel Messi, retired basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Parkinson’s disease research advocate Michael J. Fox, science educator William Sanford Nye, conservationist Jane Goodall, Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, American fashion designer Ralph Lauren, American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr., entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm. Last year, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, and actor Michelle Yeoh.

The ongoing acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel, valued at approximately $12.7 billion, has been officially blocked by the Biden administration. Both companies expressed disappointment, stating that Biden's decision violates due process and is politically motivated, and they will take appropriate actions to protect their rights. The Japanese government called the US decision incomprehensible and regrettable. Despite multiple concessions by Nippon Steel, the US rejected the deal on national security grounds. This case is seen as a new example of US protectionism, potentially weakening economic ties between Japan and the US. Nippon Steel faces a substantial breach of contract penalty and has decided to sue the US government. The US has a history of intervening in Japanese economic affairs, such as forcing Japan to limit car exports and signing the Plaza Accord.

On January 3, 2025, US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's takeover of US Steel, citing national security concerns, fulfilling a political promise despite fears of straining Washington-Tokyo relations and deterring foreign investment. The United Steelworkers union opposed the deal, emphasizing its impact on national security. Nippon Steel and US Steel argued that the decision was politically motivated. US Steel, facing potential factory closures without new investment, had sought a buyer and made concessionsconcessions, including job guarantees and funding a workforce training center, but failed to sway Biden. The government review panel couldn't reach a consensus, leaving Biden to mandate the deal's abandonment within 30 days. The union praised the decision for national security, while experts noted political motives and potential bilateral relations strain with Japan.

The first congestion charge scheme for vehicles in the US has come into effect in New York. Car drivers will pay up to $9 a day, with varying rates for other vehicles. The congestion zone covers an area south of Central Park, including landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the financial district around Wall Street. The scheme aims to alleviate New York's notorious traffic problems and raise billions for the public transport network, but has faced resistance, including from President-elect Donald Trump. New York state Governor Kathy Hochul first proposed the scheme two years ago, but it was delayed and revised following complaints from some commuters and businesses. Most drivers will be charged $9 once per day to enter the congestion zone at peak hours, and $2.25 at other times. Small trucks and non-commuter buses will pay $14.40 at peak times, while larger trucks and tourist buses will pay $21.60. The charge has been met with significant opposition, including from taxi drivers' associations. Trump, a native New Yorker, has vowed to scrap the scheme when he returns to office this month. Congressman Mike Lawler, representing a suburban district north of New York City, has asked Trump to commit to ending the scheme. A judge denied an eleventh-hour effort by neighboring New Jersey state officials to block the scheme on environmental impact grounds. Last year, New York City was named the world's most-congested urban area for the second consecutive year by traffic-data analysis firm INRIX, with vehicles in downtown Manhattan averaging speeds of 11 mph during peak morning periods.

New York City's new congestion toll for drivers entering Manhattan's central area began on Sunday, with a $9 fee during peak hours. The toll aims to reduce traffic congestion and raise funds for public transit infrastructure improvements. Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber highlighted New York's significant traffic issues. The toll varies by time and use of the E-ZPass system, with $9 during peak hours and $2.25 off-peak. President-elect Donald Trump vowed to end the program but its implementation remains uncertain. The plan, initially stalled during Trump's first term awaiting federal environmental review, was paused by Gov. Kathy Hochul before the 2024 election and later restarted with a reduced $9 fee. New Jersey also challenged the program in court but failed to block it.

The New York State Supreme Court upheld the conviction of President-elect Donald Trump in a hush money case and set January 10 for sentencing. Judge Merchan indicated that Trump would not be imprisoned, though he could become the first U.S. president to hold office as a felon. Merchan rejected Trump's lawyers' motions to dismiss but signaled no intention to impose jail time, considering presidential immunity and other factors, suggesting unconditional release. Trump, originally facing four years in prison, was expected by legal experts to avoid jail. Trump must appear in court on January 10 for sentencing and is expected to appeal. If the appeal fails, he would enter the White House with a criminal conviction. Trump criticized the ruling as a political attack on social media. His team argued that sentencing would violate presidential immunity. The case involves Trump paying $130,000 in hush money during the 2016 election, violating New York law, with 34 criminal counts upheld.

New York Judge Juan M. Merchan set President-elect Donald Trump's sentencing in his hush money case for January 10, just over a week before he is due to return to the White House, but indicated he would not be jailed. This development positions Trump to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes. Merchan signaled in a written decision that he would sentence Trump to an unconditional discharge, closing the case without jail time, fines, or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing if he chooses. Merchan rejected Trump's bid to dismiss the verdict and the case on grounds of presidential immunity and his impending second term, stating that only bringing finality to the matter would serve justice. Trump communications director Steven Cheung reiterated that the case should be dismissed outright. Former Manhattan Judge Diane Kiesel said the ruling cannot be appealed under New York law, but Trump might still try. Trump, who takes office on January 20, was found guilty in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels. He decried the verdict as a 'witch hunt' by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The sentencing was initially set for July 11 and postponed twice at the defense's request.

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoon漫画家Ann Telnaes resigned from the Washington Post after the paper refused to publish a cartoon satirizing its billionaire owner Jeff Bezos. The cartoon depicted Bezos and other tycoons kneeling before a statue of President-elect Donald Trump. Telnaes called the refusal a threat to free press. Editor David Shipley explained the decision as avoiding repetition. Telnaes, who joined the paper in 2008, faced her first cartoon rejection. The cartoon criticized tech and media CEOs currying favor with Trump. Last month, Bezos announced a donation to Trump's inauguration fund, sparking controversy.

Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned after her satirical cartoon depicting billionaires, including one resembling Post owner Jeff Bezos, kneeling before President-elect Donald Trump was rejected. Telnaes stated in a blog post that this was the first time her work was 'killed' at the Post. Editorial page editor David Shipley explained the rejection was due to similarity with published columns, not the targets. The incident comes amid controversies over media and corporate executives' treatment of Trump. Reports reveal Bezos and Zuckerberg's interactions with Trump and donations to his inaugural fund. Senator Elizabeth Warren commented on Telnaes' resignation, highlighting billionaires' deference to Trump. Telnaes' departure is part of recent internal shakeups at the Post.

German parliamentarian Roderich Kiesewetter from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) stated that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz may visit Russia and meet with President Vladimir Putin before the early Bundestag elections on February 23. Kiesewetter also revealed that a meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Putin is planned for March 2025. Kiesewetter opposes any agreements regarding the end of the conflict in Ukraine, believing they will harm Kiev's interests. In December, German media reported rumors of Scholz possibly visiting Moscow on a 'peace mission' soon, but the German government's press service denied these reports.

Microsoft plans to invest $80 billion this fiscal year to develop data centers supporting generative AI models. President Satya Nadella stated that AI will profoundly change lives and urged the government to increase support for AI research. He noted the intense competition between the U.S. and China in AI, with China subsidizing developing nations to build AI data centers. Nadella advised the U.S. to formulate an international strategy to rapidly promote its AI technology. Over half of Microsoft's capital expenditure will be used for AI data centers in the U.S., while competitors like Google, Meta, and Amazon are also increasing their AI investments.