News from January 6, 2025 at 2 AM

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday killed at least 21 people, including at least two children, as ceasefire talks continued in Qatar. Thousands in Israel rallied for a ceasefire deal, following a Hamas video showing a hostage still held in Gaza. Three airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, hit a car, a house, and people on the street. Gaza's Health Ministry reported at least 59 deaths and over 270 injuries from strikes in the past 24 hours. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue operations against Hamas, which regroups in areas vacated by Israeli forces. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are mediating the talks, with the U.S. planning an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel. The war, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and around 100 hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have resumed indirect ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar. Hamas stated that the negotiations aim to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the determination of implementation details, as well as the return of displaced persons to their homes. Hamas issued a statement on January 3, emphasizing their serious and proactive approach to the negotiations. Previous mediation efforts by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have been unsuccessful, with Israel's reluctance to agree to a permanent ceasefire being a major obstacle. On January 2, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the dispatch of a new delegation to Qatar. On the same day, the Israeli military bombed about 40 Hamas sites in Gaza, while Hamas fired rockets into Israel, resulting in approximately 30 deaths. Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, nearly all 2.3 million people in Gaza have been displaced, causing a severe humanitarian crisis. The International Organization for Migration noted that winter weather has exacerbated the situation, with about 945,000 people urgently needing assistance. Additionally, the U.S. plans to sell $8 billion in weapons to Israel, pending congressional approval.

On January 5, Russia stated that Ukraine launched a new attack in the Kursk region, an area where Ukrainian forces have held territory since a surprise incursion on August 6, 2024, potentially providing Kyiv with a key bargaining chip in peace talks. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed it was repelling Ukrainian forces, but Russian military bloggers reported heavy pressure on the Russian side. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, shared 'good news' from Kursk, while Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Centre Against Disinformation, noted multiple attacks on Russian troops. Russia said Ukraine attacked near Berdin village at 0600 GMT with tanks and armored vehicles. Despite initial defensive struggles, Russian forces reportedly regained control. Acting Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein urged trust in official sources. Ukrainian and Western assessments indicate around 11,000 North Korean troops are in Kursk supporting Russia, though Russia has not confirmed this. Zelensky claimed significant Russian and North Korean losses in the region. Putin vowed to expel Ukrainian forces but did not set a timeline. Ukraine's success could bolster its negotiating position, though it has weakened its eastern defenses.

On January 5th, the Ukrainian military announced a large-scale offensive in the direction of Russia's Kursk region. The confirmation of this news was made by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak. As of now, there has been no response from the Russian side. Earlier on the same day, four Russian airports suspended flight operations, reportedly due to possible drone attacks, though this has not been officially confirmed by Russian authorities. In August of the previous year, Ukraine had launched a significant attack on the Kursk region, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in the area.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced on Saturday that he will resign as the country's leader and the head of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) following the collapse of coalition talks. Nehammer stated that no agreement could be reached during negotiations between his OVP party and the Social Democrats. He plans to step down in the coming days. Nehammer, who previously served as interior minister, expressed it was an honor to serve his country. Austria's political future has been uncertain since September's parliamentary elections, where the populist, anti-mass immigration, anti-Brussels, pro-neutrality, anti-Ukraine conflict Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) nearly doubled its vote share to over 29%, causing the ruling People's Party/Green coalition to lose its majority. Nehammer refused to form a coalition with the FPO and attempted to form a new government with the New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS) and the SPOe, both attempts ending in failure.

The leadership of Austria's ruling conservatives held an emergency meeting on Sunday to select a successor to Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who resigned on Saturday after failing to form a coalition government without the far right. The collapse of both three-party and two-party talks leaves President Alexander Van der Bellen with limited options, including a snap election or tasking Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl with forming a government. The FPO, which won September's parliamentary election with around 29% of the vote, has seen its support grow since then. Nehammer's departure makes it likely that his successor will be more open to a coalition with the FPO, which shares similar views on immigration with the People's Party (OVP). The two parties previously governed together from 2017 to 2019 but the current situation would make OVP the junior partner. Prominent figures like former leader Sebastian Kurz are no longer in the running for the OVP leadership, with lesser-known candidates like Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer emerging.

On December 5, 2016, former UKIP leader Nigel Farage campaigned for UKIP candidate Victoria Ayling in the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election in Sleaford, England. Recently, Elon Musk abruptly called for Farage to step down as leader of Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, stating he lacks the necessary qualities on his social media platform X. Previously, Musk had supported Farage and posed for a photo with him. Reform won 4.1 million votes, or 14% of the total, and secured five parliamentary seats in last July's national election. Farage had been in talks with Musk about a donation to Reform but distanced himself from Musk's support for British anti-immigration and anti-Muslim activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. Farage responded to Musk's post, disagreeing with him. Last month, Musk endorsed the Alternative for Germany, an anti-immigration, anti-Islamic party. He has also repeatedly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, backing calls for a national inquiry into the handling of rape cases by men of Pakistani heritage against underage girls. A 2014 inquiry found at least 1,400 children were sexually exploited in Rotherham, northern England, between 1997 and 2013. Starmer is expected to address the criticism at a news conference but is unlikely to directly criticize Musk. UK Health Minister Wes Streeting defended Starmer and cabinet member Jess Phillips on Sunday.

On January 5, 2025, billionaire Elon Musk called for the replacement of Nigel Farage as the leader of Reform UK on his social media site X, just weeks after reports of his talks to donate to the party. Farage believes this call stems from a disagreement over Musk's support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Despite being surprised by Musk's comment, Farage insisted he would not compromise his principles. Previously, Farage had described Musk as a 'friend' on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Musk has been a vocal supporter of Farage and his party but a rift emerged this week over his support for Robinson, who is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court. Farage responded that Robinson is not right for Reform UK. Musk then posted a call to 'Free Tommy Robinson now.' Farage plans to discuss various issues, including Robinson, with Musk at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Founded in 2018, Reform UK saw Farage return as its leader in 2024. In December, Farage met Musk to discuss a potential donation. Recently, Musk has shown increasing interest in UK politics, particularly criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

A truck attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day resulted in 14 deaths, with the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, having previously visited the city twice and recorded videos of the French Quarter using Meta smart glasses. The FBI stated that Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and former U.S. Army soldier, had traveled to Cairo and Canada, though it is unclear if these trips were related to the attack. Jabbar was fatally shot by police at the scene. The FBI believes Jabbar acted alone but is investigating his contacts. Jabbar had visited New Orleans twice before the attack, recording videos with smart glasses. The FBI released videos from his planning trips. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell vowed to enhance security measures. President Joe Biden plans to visit New Orleans to comfort the victims' families.

On January 5th local time, the FBI stated that the suspect in the New Orleans car attack, Shamsudeen Jaber, acted alone, but they are still investigating potential accomplices. Jaber traveled to Egypt and Canada between June and July 2023 and visited New Orleans multiple times in 2024. He used Meta smart glasses to record video of the crime scene. On December 31, 2024, Jaber arrived in New Orleans from Texas and placed an explosive device and set a fire in the early hours of January 1, 2025. The incident resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 30 injuries, and the FBI has classified it as a terrorist attack.

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.

German lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter from the CDU posted on X claiming that Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit Moscow before the snap parliamentary election on February 23. He also mentioned a supposed meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Putin in March. Scholz dismissed these claims as 'untrue' and 'extremely indecent.' German Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated legal action would be taken against Kiesewetter. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also refuted the claims, stating there are no such plans.

New York City's new congestion pricing in Manhattan's central area officially launched on Sunday, requiring drivers to pay $9 during peak hours to enter the busy district. The toll aims to alleviate traffic congestion and raise funds for public transit infrastructure. Most drivers using E-ZPass will pay $9 on weekdays and specific weekend hours, with a reduced fee of $2.25 during off-peak times. Some motorists expressed dissatisfaction with the new policy, while others hoped it would reduce traffic jams. Former President-elect Donald Trump vowed to scrap the program, but its future remains uncertain. Similar congestion pricing schemes exist in cities like London and Stockholm. The plan was originally set to start last year with a $15 charge, but Governor Kathy Hochul paused it before the election and later restarted it at the lower $9 rate.

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.

US President-elect Donald Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 4. On January 5, Ms. Meloni expressed her readiness to work with Mr. Trump following the surprise visit, which had not been announced in advance. Leading a right-wing coalition in Italy since October 2022, Ms. Meloni posted a photo with Trump on social media, thanking him for the welcome. The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between Italy and the US.

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.

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.

The state funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter began on December 29 in Georgia, following his death at the age of 100. Carter's flag-draped casket journeyed from his hometown of Plains, passing by the farm where he once toiled, to the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. His son and grandson spoke at the memorial, praising his life and contributions. The casket will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center for public viewing until January 2. National rites will continue in Washington, culminating in a funeral at Washington National Cathedral, after which Carter will be buried in Plains. His life spanned from a poor Southern farm to the White House and impactful global humanitarian work.

Amazon Prime Video announced on November 6, 2024, that it has exclusively licensed a documentary film about former First Lady Melania Trump. The movie, executive produced by Fernando Sulichin of New Element Media and directed by Brett Ratner, began filming in December 2024 and is expected to be released in the second half of 2025. This announcement comes after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who plans to donate $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund, met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida following Trump's election win. Additionally, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes of The Washington Post resigned after her satirical cartoon depicting Bezos and other billionaires kneeling before Trump was rejected for publication.