The Rafah border crossing, closed for a long period due to Israel’s offensive and the war with Hamas, is set to reopen next week. The announcement came from a leader of the Palestinian technocrat administration in Washington, following discussions at the Peace Board. Palestinian technocrat leader Ali Shath stated via video link from Davos, Switzerland, that the crossing will open in both directions, describing it as Gaza’s lifeline and a symbol of hope and opportunity for its people.

Shath added that reopening Rafah signals a shift away from the policy of keeping Gaza completely sealed off. The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to establish a Peace Board aimed at ensuring a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. One of the key conditions of the ceasefire, brokered by Trump in October, was the reopening of Gaza’s main entry points.

Since 2024, Israel has controlled the Rafah crossing, but no immediate comment was available from Israeli authorities. More than half of Gaza remains under Israeli control, including the area around the crossing, while the rest is under Hamas control.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday formally launched his proposed 'Peace Board' in Washington, aimed at sustaining the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Although initially focused on Gaza, Trump suggested the board could expand its mandate to address broader global conflicts. He will chair the board himself, which includes figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The initiative has drawn mixed reactions in the international arena. Regional powers like Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia have joined, while major global powers and traditional Western allies remain cautious. Russia is reviewing the proposal, France has declined to join, Britain is holding off, and China has not stated its position. Each permanent member is expected to contribute $1 billion, though no major power or representatives from Israel or the Palestinian Authority attended the launch.

The board was approved under a UN Security Council resolution tied to Trump’s Gaza peace plan. A UN spokesperson clarified that the organization’s involvement will remain limited to that resolution’s scope.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has warned that directly confiscating Russian assets would be tantamount to an act of war and could trigger a severe crisis in Europe’s financial system. Speaking on Thursday at the ‘Ukrainian Breakfast 2026’ event on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he said Europe is not at war with Russia, and any unilateral seizure of Russian assets would violate international law and set a dangerous precedent.

De Wever explained that Europe has already immobilized a large portion of the Russian central bank’s assets, most of which are held through the Belgian financial institution Euroclear, but these assets have not been confiscated. He noted that even during World War II, frozen assets were not seized, and doing so now could severely undermine confidence in the eurozone’s financial system. He also cautioned that if sanctions were lifted in the future, Europe might face legal obligations to return seized assets, complicating the process.

Acknowledging Europe’s responsibility to support Ukraine, De Wever said the EU has pledged around 90 billion euros in aid for this year and next. He added that the frozen Russian assets would remain immobilized until the war ends and could later be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction and debt repayment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the ownership dispute between the United States and Denmark over Greenland is not a matter of concern for Russia. Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, he stated that the issue should be resolved bilaterally between the two nations. Referring to historical land transfers, Putin estimated Greenland’s potential sale value at around $1 billion.

Putin criticized Denmark’s historical governance of Greenland, describing it as colonial and harsh toward local residents. He also noted that Russia would not object to US pressure regarding Greenland, citing past examples of territorial sales such as Russia’s sale of Alaska to the US in 1867 and Denmark’s sale of the Virgin Islands in 1917. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland has strained transatlantic relations, though he ruled out tariffs or military action during a speech in Davos.

Residents of Greenland reportedly welcomed Trump’s assurance against military use, while Russia remains displeased with Denmark’s military and financial support for Ukraine since 2022. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov added that Greenland is not naturally or historically an inseparable part of Denmark.

The United States has started transferring thousands of ISIS detainees from northeast Syria to Iraq, according to a statement released Wednesday by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The process began with the relocation of 150 detainees from a detention facility in Syria’s Hasakah province to Iraq. CENTCOM indicated that up to 7,000 ISIS (Daesh) prisoners could eventually be moved under this initiative.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the United States is working closely with Iraq and other regional partners, praising their role in ensuring the defeat of Daesh. The statement emphasized coordination and cooperation among allied forces in managing the detainee transfer and maintaining regional security.

US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack added that Washington’s current priority in Syria is to promote national unity and stability, clarifying that the United States does not support separatism in the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed donating $1 billion to U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza reconstruction. The proposal suggests using Russian assets frozen in U.S. banks during the previous Biden administration. Putin made the remarks during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, where he also confirmed receiving Trump’s invitation to join the Gaza Peace Board but said Moscow has not yet made a decision.

Putin expressed gratitude to Trump for the invitation and emphasized that Russia’s relationship with the Palestinian people has always been special. He stated that Moscow would decide on joining the board only after reviewing the invitation and consulting with strategic allies. Putin added that the donation proposal should proceed even before Russia finalizes its decision on participation.

The proposal links humanitarian assistance for Gaza with the issue of frozen Russian funds in the United States, highlighting Moscow’s interest in leveraging seized assets for international cooperation under Trump’s peace initiative.

The United Nations reported that water production in Gaza City has dropped by about 70 percent because of Israel’s blockade. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a press conference on Wednesday that restrictions on the entry of so-called dual-use materials have prevented the repair of damaged water supply lines, severely disrupting the city’s water output.

According to Haq, the main supply line runs from Israel into Gaza and lies before the so-called “yellow line,” where Israeli forces are deployed. He explained that a steel pipe needed to fix the damaged line is unavailable in Gaza because Israel bans its entry as a dual-use item. Israel has also rejected a UN partner request to repair one of Gaza’s key water wells.

Haq added that UN partners are now seeking alternative water sources and increasing water transport to maintain safe water supplies for residents amid the ongoing blockade.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez is expected to visit the United States soon, according to a senior White House official. If realized, it would mark the first bilateral visit by a sitting Venezuelan president to the U.S. in nearly 25 years, excluding United Nations General Assembly sessions. Rodríguez said she has no hesitation about dialogue with Washington and emphasized that existing differences and complexities between the two nations are being addressed through diplomatic discussions.

The potential visit signals a notable shift in relations between Washington and Caracas. It follows the recent U.S. Delta Force operation that led to the arrest of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who now faces drug trafficking charges in the United States. Rodríguez, a close ally and former vice president under Maduro, currently serves as interim president. Despite U.S. sanctions, she has allowed Venezuelan oil exports through U.S. channels, supported foreign investment, and initiated the release of several political prisoners.

The White House stated that the visit’s schedule has not yet been finalized, and the Venezuelan government has not officially confirmed it.

Israel carried out airstrikes on four crossing points along the Syria-Lebanon border, claiming the sites were used by Hezbollah for arms smuggling. The attacks followed earlier Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed at least two people and injured around 20, according to Al Jazeera. The operations took place on Wednesday, breaking an existing ceasefire agreement.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks in a statement, accusing Israel of systematically targeting populated villages and endangering civilians. He said the actions demonstrated Israel’s refusal to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 19 people were injured in the southern city of Kanarit, while state media said Israeli forces struck several towns including Al-Kharaib, Al-Ansar, Kanarit, Kfour, and Jarjouh.

The previous day, Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed two separate Israeli strikes on vehicles in the Zahrani and Bazourieh areas, each killing one person. The renewed hostilities have heightened concerns about escalating conflict along the border region.

Rescue teams in Karachi have recovered 30 additional bodies from a shop inside the Gul Plaza shopping mall following a devastating fire. The discovery, made on the mezzanine floor of a crockery shop, has raised the death toll to 60. The bodies were sent to Civil Hospital by a special team formed by DIG (South) Syed Asad Raza. Several people remain missing as search operations continue.

The fire broke out on January 17 at the Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s largest shopping complexes. It reportedly started in the basement and spread rapidly throughout the building. Authorities suspect that an electrical short circuit triggered the blaze. Firefighters took 24 hours to bring the flames under control due to the intensity of the fire.

Rescue operations had been temporarily halted on the first and second floors before resuming on the mezzanine level, where the latest bodies were found. Officials continue to search for more victims amid reports of missing persons.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the world is entering a new era dominated by economic, military, and geopolitical power. Speaking before the World Economic Forum in Davos, she said the 27-member European Union must rapidly strengthen its economy and defense to maintain global influence. Von der Leyen cautioned the United States that disputes among allies over Greenland would only empower rivals of the Western world.

She described U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European allies as a mistake and said escalating conflicts and retaliatory actions would harm both Europe and the United States strategically. Addressing the European Parliament, she emphasized that current global shifts are permanent, citing tensions over Greenland, Russia’s continued attacks in Ukraine, and instability from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific.

Von der Leyen urged Europe to move beyond its traditionally cautious stance, asserting that the EU must act decisively to protect its interests. Her remarks came ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels to form a unified response to Trump’s statements.

Recent statements and actions by U.S. President Donald Trump, including moves toward Venezuela, Colombia, and Greenland, have drawn global attention. Analysts describe these as part of a broader strategic revival of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, now termed the 'Donroe Doctrine.' Trump declared that American dominance in the Western Hemisphere would never again be questioned, signaling a more assertive geopolitical stance.

The article links this renewed aggression to control over future energy and technology resources. Rare earth minerals such as lithium, copper, graphite, and gallium—vital for batteries, semiconductors, drones, and AI data centers—are concentrated in Latin America, where China has invested about $303 billion between 2000 and 2023. U.S. policymakers view this Chinese influence as a threat to their traditional dominance and seek to reclaim strategic leverage.

Beyond Latin America, Washington’s focus extends to Greenland, rich in oil, gas, and minerals. With Arctic ice expected to recede by 2050, the region’s trade routes and security value are rising. The 'Donroe Doctrine' thus reflects a long-term U.S. bid to preserve global hegemony against growing China-Russia influence.

At least five members of a Saudi-backed pro-government armed group were killed in a bomb attack targeting their convoy in the southern Yemeni city of Aden. Officials said Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, commander of the unit, was injured in the explosion. The attack occurred in the Ja’aoula area north of Aden when a car bomb detonated as the convoy of the Second Giants Brigade passed by. According to medical sources, Shukri sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg and is receiving treatment.

The Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council confirmed the casualties in a statement published by Yemen’s Saba news agency, adding that three others were wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions and clashes among rival pro-government factions in southern Yemen.

The Saudi-led military coalition condemned the bombing, pledging full support to Yemeni security forces in identifying and prosecuting those responsible. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen also denounced the attack as “provocative and unjustified.”

Eight countries from the Middle East and Asia have announced plans to join United States President Donald Trump’s “board of peace” in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the goal of achieving a permanent ceasefire in the war-torn enclave. The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar made the announcement in a joint statement on Wednesday, reaffirming support for Trump’s peace efforts. The board’s mission includes consolidating a lasting ceasefire, supporting Gaza’s reconstruction, and advancing a peace process based on Palestinian self-determination and statehood under international law.

The announcement follows the White House’s recent unveiling of the board’s composition, part of Trump’s 20-point plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza. The board includes senior Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and will oversee a Palestinian technocratic committee managing daily affairs in Gaza. However, Palestinians and observers have expressed doubts about the mechanism’s effectiveness and criticized the inclusion of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 466 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since a US-brokered ceasefire took effect in October.

At least 11 Palestinians, including two children and three journalists, were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Six others were injured in the strikes. The journalists—Anas Ghunaim, Abdul Ra’ouf Shaath, and Mohammad Qeshta—were working for the Egyptian Committee for Gaza Relief and were killed when their vehicle was hit in central Gaza near the Netzarim Corridor. The committee said they were filming a newly established displacement camp and that the vehicle was known to the Israeli military. Israeli Army Radio reported that the targeted vehicle’s occupants were allegedly using a drone to gather intelligence.

Separate attacks in central, southern, and northern Gaza killed additional civilians, including a father, his son, and another relative in Deir el-Balah, a 13-year-old boy in Bani Suheila, and a 32-year-old woman near Khan Younis. Two more Palestinians were killed in the north, according to Wafa news agency.

Palestinian officials accused Israel of repeatedly violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began on October 10. Israel continues to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza, where 2.2 million people face severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter amid cold weather.