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Hamas Approves Israeli Hostage List Amid Ceasefire Talks

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Hamas Approves Israeli Hostage List Amid Ceasefire Talks

Hamas has approved a list of 34 Israeli hostages for a potential exchange deal tied to ongoing ceasefire negotiations, according to a Hamas official cited by Reuters. The Israeli government, however, denied receiving such a list, stating that the names being circulated were from an earlier list Israel had provided to mediators in July 2024. 

“Contrary to claims, Hamas has not provided a list of hostages,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Sunday. “The list published in the media was originally transferred from Israel to the mediators. No response has been received from Hamas regarding the hostages’ status.” 

Hamas has reportedly linked the hostages’ release to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire agreement. Negotiators are also discussing the number and identities of Palestinian prisoners who would be exchanged in the deal. 

The status of the individuals on the list, including whether they are alive, remains unclear. Israeli officials told CNN they are still awaiting a complete list of living hostages from Hamas. 

Indirect talks mediated in Doha continue, with both sides reporting slow progress. White House Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and other officials are participating in the discussions. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in South Korea on Monday, said, “We very much want to finalize this in the next two weeks.” 

Hamas recently released a video of hostage Liri Albag, a 19-year-old Israeli abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks. The footage has intensified calls within Israel for a ceasefire agreement. Albag’s family urged Netanyahu to seize the opportunity to bring hostages home. 

As of December 5, Hamas was holding about 100 hostages in Gaza, with at least 36 believed to be dead, according to Netanyahu’s office. 

While negotiations continue, Israeli airstrikes on Sunday targeted a residential building in northern Gaza, killing 12 members of the Zuhd family, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported. 

Local residents described the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood as increasingly dangerous. “They attack us every day now, with missiles and bombs,” said Wissam Zuhd, a family member of the victims. 

Footage from CNN showed rescuers digging through rubble, and a young man’s body was seen hanging from the wreckage. Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City reported being overwhelmed by casualties. 

The Gaza Health Ministry said Sunday that 88 people were killed in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total death toll in Gaza since October 2023 to at least 45,805, with more than 109,000 injured. 

CNN

Rudy Giuliani Held in Contempt in Defamation Case Brought by Georgia Election Workers 

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Rudy Giuliani Held in Contempt in Defamation Case Brought by Georgia Election Workers 

Rudy Giuliani has been held in contempt by a federal judge for failing to produce court-ordered information in a defamation lawsuit filed by two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. The workers are seeking $150 million in damages over Giuliani’s false claims after the 2020 presidential election. 

The ruling, issued Monday by Judge Lewis Liman, comes as Giuliani faces mounting legal challenges, including a scheduled trial in less than two weeks concerning the ownership of his $3.5 million Palm Beach condominium. 

Judge Liman determined that Giuliani’s failure to comply with court orders was deliberate, accusing him of stalling to delay the trial. “His noncompliance was willful,” Liman stated, adding that Giuliani’s justification—distrusting the plaintiffs’ counsel—was not a valid excuse for disregarding legal obligations. 

“He has testified that he did not respond because he suspected the motives of plaintiff’s counsel. That is not an excuse for violating the court’s orders,” Liman said. “If there was reason to believe the plaintiff’s counsel misused discovery, he could raise that with the court. It was not an excuse to take the law into his own hands.” 

The case revolves around Giuliani’s false accusations against Freeman and Moss, whom he alleged had manipulated votes in Atlanta to harm Donald Trump during the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani, a former New York City mayor and attorney for Trump, repeatedly made the baseless claims while working to challenge Trump’s loss in Georgia. 

The defamation had severe repercussions for Freeman and Moss, who faced harassment and threats as a result. A jury in Washington, D.C., previously ruled that Giuliani’s statements caused significant harm and set the damages at $150 million. 

This contempt ruling adds to Giuliani’s growing list of legal troubles. The former U.S. attorney and high-profile Trump ally is embroiled in several lawsuits and investigations. The upcoming trial concerning his Florida property adds further pressure to his already precarious legal and financial situation. 

Freeman and Moss continue to pursue damages as they prepare for trial. Judge Liman’s contempt ruling underscores the court’s commitment to holding Giuliani accountable for his actions and ensuring compliance with legal proceedings. 

Donald Trump to Seek Immunity in January 6 Riot Lawsuit -Newsweek

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Donald Trump to Seek Immunity in January 6 Riot Lawsuit -Newsweek

Former President Donald Trump will seek presidential immunity from a lawsuit filed by seven Capitol Police officers injured during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The lawsuit accuses Trump of inciting the violence, an allegation he denies. 

Edward Caspar, lead attorney for the plaintiffs in *Smith v. Trump*, confirmed on Sunday that Trump will file for immunity this month. The federal District Court for the District of Columbia must determine whether Trump is protected from civil liability for his alleged role in encouraging the attack. 

The lawsuit could set a significant precedent regarding the limits of presidential immunity and its application in cases involving civil liability and free speech. The outcome may also clarify the events surrounding the Capitol riot, during which Trump supporters attempted to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. 

In August 2021, seven Capitol Police officers filed a lawsuit against Trump and members of far-right groups, including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, seeking damages for injuries sustained during the riot. 

The plaintiffs argue that Trump perpetuated a false narrative that the 2020 election was stolen and encouraged his supporters to disrupt the certification process. Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, asserting that he called for peaceful protest. 

The lawsuit is being brought under a post-Civil War statute originally intended to prevent the Ku Klux Klan from intimidating African Americans and suppressing their right to vote. 

In July 2023, the Supreme Court addressed presidential immunity from criminal prosecution but did not clarify its stance on civil immunity, particularly in cases involving free speech. This case will explore whether Trump’s actions fall under the scope of presidential immunity. 

Discovery related to the immunity issue concluded in December 2024. Briefing on Trump’s immunity claim is scheduled to begin, with his initial filing due on January 24 and the plaintiffs’ response due on February 28. A decision is expected by April. 

Caspar, acting co-chief counsel at The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, emphasized the case’s importance. “This lawsuit remains a critical opportunity to achieve justice for those harmed by the attack,” Caspar said. “The federal District Court must determine whether Trump has immunity. We will continue to argue that he does not.” 

The Lawyers’ Committee, a prominent civil rights organization, has argued that the January 6 attack sought to disenfranchise African Americans and other voters, undermining their right to vote. 

The court’s decision on Trump’s immunity will not affect the ongoing proceedings against other defendants in the case, including members of far-right groups and the Trump 2020 campaign. Discovery in those claims is expected to continue until at least July 2025. 

Nigerian Police Summon Ex-Dunamis Pastor Over Allegations Against Church Founder Paul Enenche 

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Nigerian Police Summon Ex-Dunamis Pastor Over Allegations Against Church Founder Paul Enenche 

The Nigeria Police Force has summoned Pastor Abraham Daniel, a former minister at Dunamis International Gospel Centre, for questioning over allegations of criminal defamation, cyberbullying, forgery, and incitement of public nuisance. 

Pastor Paul Enenche

The invitation follows public accusations by Pastor Daniel against Pastor Paul Enenche, the founder and Senior Pastor of the church. Daniel alleged that Enenche reneged on a “gentleman’s agreement” and facilitated his imprisonment on false charges. 

The police letter dated January 3, 2025, and signed by DCP Alhassan Kawu Yahaya on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, instructed Pastor Daniel to appear for an interview on January 7 in Abuja. The notice emphasized that Daniel could attend the meeting with legal representation. 

The summons comes amid ongoing disputes between Pastor Daniel and the church leadership. Daniel claims the church failed to replace his 2004 Toyota Corolla, which was damaged under contentious circumstances in 2020. He alleged that the damage occurred while he was being trailed after publicly criticizing Enenche and the church on social media. 

Pastor Abraham Daniel

Pastor Daniel also accused Enenche of orchestrating his three-week imprisonment in Suleja Prison over what he described as fabricated charges. He claimed his imprisonment caused significant personal losses, including the collapse of his business and the departure of his wife with their five children, allegedly influenced by the church. 

Daniel further alleged that an out-of-court settlement reached at the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID) included a promise by Enenche to replace the damaged vehicle. However, Daniel said the church failed to honor this agreement. 

In a recent interview, Daniel described the settlement as a “gentleman’s agreement” without legal documentation. He also criticized the church’s alleged interference in his family matters, asserting that it led to his estrangement from his wife and children. 

The Dunamis church leadership has not publicly responded to the accusations. The case has reignited discussions on church leadership accountability and the role of religious institutions in private disputes. 

SaharaReporters

Boko Haram Attacks Nigerian Army Base in Borno, Killing Soldiers and Destroying Vehicles 

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Boko Haram Attacks Nigerian Army Base in Borno, Killing Soldiers and Destroying Vehicles 

Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked a Forward Operating Base in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several Nigerian soldiers and leaving many others missing. 

The attack, which occurred early Saturday, January 4, 2025, targeted the 25 Taskforce Brigade in Sabon Gari. Security sources confirmed the incident, revealing that the assault lasted over two hours and involved heavy weapons. 

“The terrorists invaded the camp around 4 a.m., using various weapons. So far, we have recovered over seven bodies,” a source told reporters Monday. 

During the attack, the militants reportedly razed buildings and destroyed multiple military vehicles, further crippling the operational capacity of the base. 

ISWAP, an offshoot of Boko Haram, has been consolidating its hold in the Lake Chad region following the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. The group’s strength has grown with the defection of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters. 

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country despite the continued insurgency. Boko Haram and ISWAP have displaced millions and killed thousands across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states since the insurgency began in 2009. 

Source: SaharaReporters

Congo Executes 102 ‘Urban Bandits,’ 70 More Await Execution 

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Congo Executes 102 ‘Urban Bandits,’ 70 More Await Execution 

The Congolese government executed 102 men in the past week, with 70 more awaiting execution, the country’s minister of justice confirmed Sunday in a statement. The executions took place at Angenga prison in northwest Congo, targeting individuals identified as “urban bandits,” locally known as Kulunas. 

According to the statement, the men, aged 18 to 35, were convicted of armed robbery and other violent crimes. Forty-five were executed in late December, while the remaining 57 were put to death within the last 48 hours. 

A flight carrying 70 more prisoners from Kinshasa arrived at Angenga prison recently, though officials declined to comment on their status. 

Minister of Justice Mutamba, who oversees the executions, said Sunday night, “The third batch will be executed, so the first two have already undergone the measure of execution by the death penalty.” 

The decision to resume capital punishment has sparked mixed reactions across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Some citizens view the measure as necessary to combat escalating urban crime, while others voice concerns over potential abuses and human rights violations. 

“We welcome this decision by the minister because it will help put an end to urban crime. From 8 p.m. onwards, you can’t move around freely because you’re afraid of running into a Kuluna,” said Fiston Kakule, a resident of Goma, an eastern city. 

ATTENTION EDITORS – VISUAL COVERAGE OF SCENES OF INJURY An injured supporter of the Congolese main opposition party Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) is carried following clashes with riot police outside the party headquarters in the Limete municipality of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, March 28, 2017. REUTERS/Robert Carrubba TEMPLATE OUT

Human rights activists, however, raised alarm over the risk of extrajudicial executions. Espoir Muhinuka, a prominent activist, emphasized the need for strict adherence to judicial procedures and warned against political interference. 

“The situation in the DRC is complex and requires a multidimensional approach. The fight against urban gangs must go hand in hand with efforts to combat poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, which often contribute to crime,” Muhinuka said. 

Congo abolished the death penalty in 1981 but reinstated it in 2006, initially applying it only to military personnel accused of treason. The last official civilian execution occurred in 2003. 

In March 2024, the government announced a renewed application of capital punishment. Earlier this year, eight soldiers were sentenced to death for fleeing battle, and 25 more were convicted of similar offenses in July, though none have reportedly been executed. 

Uganda Military Chief Says He Wants to Behead Opposition Leader Bobi Wine

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Uganda Military Chief Says He Wants to Behead Opposition Leader Bobi Wine

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military head and the son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, made a shocking statement on social media Sunday, saying he would behead opposition leader Bobi Wine if not for his father’s protection. 

Kainerugaba, who is widely considered Museveni’s successor, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Museveni, referred to by the honorific “Mzee,” was the only reason Bobi Wine was still alive. “If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today,” Kainerugaba wrote. 

The post drew sharp reactions from Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Wine, who finished second in Uganda’s contentious 2021 presidential election, said he did not take the threat lightly, pointing to previous assassination attempts on his life. 

In a subsequent exchange, Kainerugaba taunted Wine, saying: “Finally! I woke you up? Before I behead you, repay us the money we loaned you,” hinting at alleged government efforts to compromise the opposition leader. 

Ugandan officials, including spokespeople for Kainerugaba and the government, did not respond to requests for comment. A military spokesperson declined to discuss the general’s remarks, which the government has previously dismissed as “casual” and not reflective of official policy. 

Bobi Wine

Bobi Wine has remained one of President Museveni’s most formidable opponents, accusing the regime of election fraud, voter intimidation, and human rights violations during the 2021 election. He rejected the official results that extended Museveni’s nearly 40-year rule. 

Kainerugaba, known for his controversial social media activity, previously made headlines in 2022 when he threatened to invade Kenya, a statement he later apologized for. Despite his apology, critics say his posts reflect a deeper culture of impunity in Uganda’s leadership. 

Human rights activists and international organizations have long accused Museveni’s administration of widespread abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and suppression of political dissent. The government denies these allegations. 

Trudeau Expected to Announce Resignation Amid Party Pressure 

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Trudeau Expected to Announce Resignation Amid Party Pressure 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly likely to announce his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, a source familiar with the matter said Sunday. While Trudeau has not made a final decision, an announcement could come as early as Monday, according to the Globe and Mail. 

The source, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, said Trudeau’s departure would leave the Liberals without a permanent leader ahead of an election that must be held by late October. Current polling suggests the party is on track to lose decisively to the opposition Conservatives. 

Trudeau’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The prime minister’s schedule for Monday indicates he is set to participate virtually in a cabinet meeting on Canada-U.S. relations. 

Sources cited by the Globe and Mail expect Trudeau to announce his intentions before a Wednesday emergency meeting of Liberal legislators. Growing calls from party members, alarmed by a string of unfavorable polls, have added to the pressure. 

Trudeau, who became Liberal leader in 2013 and led the party to victory in 2015, has faced increasing criticism for recent political missteps. In December, tensions rose after an attempt to demote Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland backfired, leading to her resignation and a public rebuke of Trudeau’s leadership style. 

It remains unclear whether Trudeau would immediately step down or remain as prime minister until a new leader is chosen. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is reportedly among those considered for interim leadership, though this could complicate his potential bid for the permanent role. 

If Trudeau resigns, analysts anticipate calls for a snap election to stabilize the government and address pressing challenges, including navigating relations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. 

Trudeau, 53, campaigned on a progressive platform emphasizing inclusivity and climate action. However, his tenure has been increasingly marked by challenges, including economic pressures, soaring housing costs, and public frustration over a botched immigration policy. 

While his government’s pandemic response included record deficit spending to shield Canadians from economic fallout, it failed to shield his party from mounting public dissatisfaction. 

As Trudeau’s future hangs in the balance, his resignation could mark a significant turning point for the Liberal Party and Canadian politics at large. 

Russia Claims Capture of Eastern Ukraine Town, Kyiv Remains Silent 

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Russian forces claim to have captured the eastern Ukrainian stronghold of Kurakhove after a prolonged battle, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced Monday. The ministry stated the heavily damaged town was now part of the Kremlin’s list of conquests in the nearly three-year-long conflict. 

Ukrainian authorities have not responded to the claim, which follows reports from Russia’s Defense Ministry that Ukrainian forces had launched new attacks in the Kursk border region. 

Kurakhove, a strategic location for the Ukrainian military in the Donetsk region, features industrial infrastructure, including a thermal power plant and a reservoir. The town also serves as a key transit point along a highway linking eastern and southern Ukraine. 

In November, the Associated Press reported that between 7,000 and 10,000 residents remained in Kurakhove, which had a prewar population of about 20,000. The area has endured heavy bombardment from artillery, rocket launchers, and drones, leaving much of the town in ruins. 

Russian forces have focused on advancing westward in a slow and costly campaign to gain control of Donetsk. Ukrainian troops, stretched thin along the front lines, continue to resist Russia’s numerically superior army. 

Nearby Pokrovsk, a critical transportation hub providing supplies to Ukrainian forces, is also under pressure as Russian forces attempt to encircle it. 

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Western allies to expedite military aid, emphasizing its importance during his recent address. Zelenskyy expressed hope for additional support during an upcoming meeting with Western partners in Germany. 

Russia’s Defense Ministry also claimed on Sunday that Ukrainian forces launched a new offensive in the Kursk region. While Moscow stated it successfully repelled the attack, reports from Russian military bloggers hinted at considerable challenges faced by Russian troops. 

The developments come amid heightened uncertainty, as the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump approaches. Analysts suggest both sides are attempting to secure territorial gains ahead of potential peace negotiations. 

In 2022, Moscow declared the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, although Russian forces have yet to fully control any of the four. 

The prolonged conflict continues to reshape the region, with no clear resolution in sight. 

Lawsuit Claims Fox Sports Ex-Host Harassed Hairstylist, Offered $1.5M for Sex-AP

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Lawsuit Claims Fox Sports Ex-Host Harassed Hairstylist, Offered $1.5M for Sex-AP

A woman who worked as a hairstylist for Fox Sports alleges in a lawsuit that former host Skip Bayless made repeated, unwanted advances toward her — including an offer of $1.5 million to have sex with him.

Sports commentator and television personality Skip Bayless 

Attorneys for Noushin Faraji, who was a hairstylist at Fox for more than a decade, are seeking unspecified damages from Bayless, Fox Sports and its parent company, Fox Corporation, according to a copy of the lawsuit filed Friday in California Superior Court in Los Angeles.

The complaint claims Fox executives fostered a hostile work environment that allowed senior managers and on-air personalities including Bayless to abuse workers without fear of punishment.

The Associated Press does not generally identify, in text or images, those who say they have been sexually assaulted or subjected to abuse unless they have publicly identified themselves as Faraji has in filing the lawsuit.

An attorney for Bayless, Jared Levine, did not immediately respond to AP’s telephone and text messages seeking comment. Email and phone messages left at Bayless’s talent company were not immediately returned.

Bayless could not be reached directly for comment.

Fox Sports said in a statement that it takes the allegations seriously but had no further comment given the pending lawsuit.

Faraji claimed that the advances by Bayless, which began in 2017 and continued until last year — included lingering hugs, kisses on the cheek and comments from Bayless that he could change Faraji’s life if she had sex with him.

In 2021, she claims in the suit, Bayless offered Faraji $1.5 million for sex and, after she refused, later threatened her job.

“Ms. Faraji knew that he was trying to pressure her into having sex with him, but she kept repeating that she was a professional that had to be kind to all talent,” the lawsuit says.

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