Israel launches 'extensive' strikes on Lebanon (www.bbc.com)
77 Groups Worldwide Back Genocide Lawsuit Against Biden in U.S. Court (theintercept.com)
In late December, 77 groups — representing tens of thousands of lawyers, civil society leaders, and activists from six continents — filed an amicus brief in a lawsuit that Palestinian human rights organizations, residents of Gaza, and U.S. citizens with family members impacted by Israel’s ongoing assault brought against...
After approving blessings for same-sex couples, Pope asks Vatican staff to avoid 'rigid ideologies' (www.independent.co.uk)
Pope Francis has urged Vatican bureaucrats to avoid “rigid ideological positions” that prevent them from understanding today’s reality...
When the crowd chants 'ceasefire now', this is why some governments remain 'deaf' (www.abc.net.au)
China says US military aid to Taiwan will not deter its will to unify the island (apnews.com)
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China accused the United States of turning Taiwan into an “ammunition depot” after the White House announced a $345 million military aid package for Taipei, and the self-ruled island said Sunday it tracked six Chinese navy ships in waters off its shores....
US announces $345 mil. military aid package for Taiwan (koreatimes.co.kr)
The U.S. announced $345 million in military aid for Taiwan, Friday, in what is the Biden administration’s first major package drawing on America’s own stockpiles to help Taiwan counter China....
Israel describes a permanent cease-fire in Gaza as a ‘nonstarter,’ undermining Biden’s proposal (www.nbcnews.com)
Israeli forces shoot dead 12-year-old Palestinian who set off firework (www.bbc.com)
EU court says public employees may be barred from wearing head scarf (www.reuters.com)
The top European Union court ruled on Tuesday that public authorities in member states can prohibit employees from wearing signs of religious belief, such as an Islamic head scarf, in the latest decision on an issue that has divided Europe for years....
Israel tells Gazans to move south or risk being seen as 'terrorist' partner (www.reuters.com)
Japan Court Rules Against Mandatory Transgender Sterilization (www.hrw.org)
Surgery Requirement Held to be Unconstitutional...
Australians vote No in referendum that promised change for First Nations people but couldn’t deliver (www.cnn.com)
With a two-letter word, Australians have struck down the first attempt at constitutional change in 24 years, major media outlets reported, a move experts say will inflict lasting damage on First Nations people and suspend any hopes of modernizing the nation’s founding document....
Chinese censors block ‘Tiananmen’ image of athletes hugging (www.theguardian.com)
Kyiv imposes ban on Russian-language culture (www.dw.com)
Street musicians singing Russian songs in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv could soon face problems. Likewise, bars and restaurants playing Russian background music may end up getting in trouble....
Israel says Hamas weaponised rape. Does the evidence add up? (www.thetimes.com)
The Israeli government insists that Hamas formally sanctioned sexual assault on October 7, 2023. But investigators say the evidence does not stand up to scrutiny. Catherine Philp and Gabrielle Weiniger report on eight months of claim and counter-claim...
America’s Commute to Work Is Getting Longer and Longer (www.wsj.com)
Farmers warn food aisles will soon be empty because of crushing conditions: 'We are not in a good position' (www.yahoo.com)
Zelenskyy straight-up said Ukraine is going to lose if Congress doesn't send more aid (www.businessinsider.com)
President Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine would lose the war if the US didn’t send it more aid....
Norway says Israel response to Hamas attack disproportionate (www.timesofisrael.com)
Norway’s prime minister says the Israeli army’s response to the deadly Hamas attack that killed 1,400 people and saw over 230 abducted by terrorists has been disproportionate, and denounces a “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza.
16-Year-Old Girl In Coma After Alleged Assault Over Hijab Rules In Iran Metro (www.ndtv.com)
Paris is battling an infestation of bloodsucking bedbugs on trains and in movie theaters as the city gets ready to host the 2024 Olympics (www.insider.com)
UN tells Israel it will suspend aid operations across Gaza without improved safety, UN officials say (apnews.com)
U.K. temporarily criminalizes puberty blockers for trans kids (www.lgbtqnation.com)
Netanyahu says Israel will push on with Gaza offensive, including in Rafah (www.reuters.com)
Israel will push on with its offensive against Hamas, including into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite growing international pressure to stop, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday....
More people from China seeking asylum at US border (www.dw.com)
A weakening economy and increasing political repression are forcing ever more Chinese people to emigrate. Spurred by TikTok, many are seeking more sustainable conditions in the United States.
