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Israeli Cabinet Delays Gaza Ceasefire Approval as Airstrikes Kill 77

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Israel delayed a planned cabinet meeting on Thursday to ratify a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing last-minute demands from the militant group, as Palestinian officials reported 77 deaths from overnight airstrikes in Gaza.

Hamas official Izzat el-Reshiq said the group remained committed to the ceasefire, which was agreed upon a day earlier and scheduled to take effect on Sunday. The deal is expected to end 15 months of violence that have devastated Gaza and strained the region.

U.S. Special Envoy Brett McGurk and former President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff are in Doha, along with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, working to resolve outstanding disputes, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity. The primary issue involves the identities of prisoners Hamas demands to be released, a matter expected to be resolved soon.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer confirmed that Israeli negotiators are in Doha attempting to finalize the deal.

The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aims to end a conflict that has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza and triggered broader regional instability. The initial six-week agreement includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. Hamas-controlled hostages will be released in return for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.

The accord also includes provisions for humanitarian aid. A surge in supplies is expected to address severe shortages in Gaza, where much of the population is displaced. Aid trucks are reportedly lined up at the Egyptian border town of El-Arish, awaiting clearance to enter Gaza once the ceasefire begins.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed cabinet discussions, accusing Hamas of reneging on agreed terms. “The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” read a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

While a majority of Israeli ministers are expected to approve the deal, opposition from right-wing factions in Netanyahu’s coalition persists. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism Party has threatened to withdraw from the government if the agreement is not followed by renewed military action to dismantle Hamas. Far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also warned he would resign if the ceasefire is implemented.

In Jerusalem, protests erupted as Israelis marched through the streets carrying mock coffins, opposing the ceasefire and accusing the government of capitulation.

Gazan residents, meanwhile, expressed urgency for the truce. “We lose homes every hour. We demand this joy not to be delayed,” said Mahmoud Abu Wardeh, a Gaza resident.

The ceasefire deal mandates the delivery of 600 truckloads of aid daily during the truce, including 50 carrying fuel. Israel will also release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, while 33 hostages held in Gaza, including women, children, and men over 50, are set to be freed.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, airstrikes continued. Gaza’s health ministry reported 81 deaths over the past 24 hours, including 77 since the deal was publicized. Israeli military officials said they were reviewing the reports.

The conflict, which began after Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, has killed more than 46,000 people in Gaza and displaced most of its 2.3 million residents, according to Palestinian officials. Israel launched its military campaign in response to the assault, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage.

If successful, the ceasefire could halt fighting that has devastated Gaza and defuse tensions across the Middle East.

Drake Sues Universal Music Group Over Kendrick Lamar Diss Track ‘Not Like Us’

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Rapper Drake has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of promoting rival Kendrick Lamar’s diss track *Not Like Us* in a way that he claims incites false and harmful accusations. 

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, alleges that UMG deliberately marketed and exploited the track, which Drake says falsely portrays him as a pedophile. He also accuses the label of ensuring Lamar headlines the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, where the track is expected to be performed. 

Drake claims that the diss track, its music video, and its cover art—which allegedly shows his Toronto home marked with symbols resembling registered sex offenders—have incited threats against him. The rapper also points to a shooting incident at his home in May, which injured a security guard, as a direct result of the track’s promotion. 

The lawsuit states that UMG prioritized profits over the safety of its artists and accuses the label of using bots and other methods to artificially inflate streams of *Not Like Us*. 

“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us,’” the court filing reads. “It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize” the song. 

The diss track has garnered over one billion streams on Spotify and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year. 

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar escalated in March when Lamar criticized both Drake and J. Cole in a feature on Metro Boomin’s track *Like That*. 

Since then, the artists have traded diss tracks, including Drake’s *Push Ups* and *Taylor Made Freestyle*, followed by Lamar’s *Euphoria* and *6:16 in LA*. The feud reached a boiling point when Lamar released *Not Like Us*, which features lyrics accusing Drake of inappropriate behavior. 

The diss track has been widely circulated and is expected to be part of Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, a move Drake claims was orchestrated by UMG to maximize exposure. 

This is not the first legal action Drake has taken regarding the diss track. In November, he filed a petition in state courts in New York and Texas, accusing UMG, Spotify, and iHeartRadio of inflating the track’s popularity through bots and payola schemes. That petition was recently withdrawn, with Drake opting to focus on federal court action solely against UMG. 

A separate hearing regarding iHeartRadio and Spotify is scheduled for late January in Texas. 

UMG has not commented on the lawsuit. 

Source: the-sun.com

Justin Bieber Sparks Marriage Trouble Rumors with Hailey After Instagram Unfollows 

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Justin Bieber has ignited fresh speculation about his relationship with Hailey Baldwin Bieber after a string of Instagram unfollows, including Hailey’s father, Stephen Baldwin. 

The 30-year-old pop star, known for hits like Baby, recently unfollowed several close associates, raising eyebrows among fans. Those unfollowed include Usher, his former mentor, and Scooter Braun, his ex-manager whom he parted ways with in 2022.

Also, among the unfollowed are Allison Kaye, a former manager at SB Projects, Kenny Hamilton, his bodyguard from 2009-2010, Ryan Good, his “swag coach” and best man at his wedding, and Poo Bear, a producer he collaborated with on several albums. 

The latest unfollow of Stephen Baldwin has sparked widespread speculation, with some fans suggesting it might signal marital strife. One Reddit user wrote, “It’s so he doesn’t have to deal with her dad when the divorce happens.” Another commented, “Honestly, what if he wants a divorce and doesn’t want to deal with Hailey’s dad?” 

On X (formerly Twitter), fans also reacted. One user noted, “I mean, his own daughter doesn’t follow him,” referencing that Hailey doesn’t follow her father on Instagram either. Others speculated that Justin’s unfollowing spree could be linked to promoting a new album. 

Stephen Baldwin appeared to respond subtly with a cryptic Instagram story quoting, “Let us beware of making snap decisions… when life has turned against us… when we’re disheartened.” 

Despite the rumors, Justin and Hailey recently welcomed their first child, Jack Blues Bieber, in August. The couple announced the arrival with a heartfelt Instagram post, featuring Hailey holding their newborn’s foot. Justin captioned the photo, “WELCOME HOME. JACK BLUES BIEBER.” 

The couple was also recently spotted vacationing together in Aspen, suggesting that the fears of a split might be overblown. 

TikTok Could Shut Down in the US on Sunday as Federal Ban Looms 

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TikTok may completely shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday as a federal ban on the platform nears, according to reports. The looming ban, driven by national security concerns, has prompted a wave of users to flock to the Chinese-owned alternative app, RedNote. 

The U.S. government has issued ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, an ultimatum: sell the app to a government-approved buyer or face a nationwide ban. TikTokers attempting to access the app on Sunday may be greeted by a pop-up message redirecting them to a website explaining the ban and allowing them to download their data. 

While the app will not be immediately deleted from users’ devices or experience a full blackout, it will no longer appear in app stores or be available for download. Mobile carriers, including Apple and Google, will also be prohibited from supporting the app through updates, which is expected to render TikTok glitchy and ultimately unusable over time. 

Reports this week suggested Elon Musk was in talks with China about acquiring TikTok. However, the platform quickly refuted these rumors. “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson said. 

With the January 19 deadline fast approaching, the chances of a last-minute sale appear slim. TikTok has filed legal challenges to delay the ban, arguing that it violates the company’s First Amendment rights. The U.S. Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on the case Friday, is expected to rule soon. Early indications suggest the court is likely to uphold the ban. 

TikTok’s U.S. audience, which includes over 170 million users—nearly half the country’s population—is bracing for the app’s possible shutdown. The company estimates that one-third of its users would abandon the app within a month of the ban. 

In response, many Americans are turning to RedNote, another Chinese-owned app, as a replacement. RedNote quickly climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store this week, becoming the most downloaded app in the U.S. The platform, which originally catered to Chinese users, is now working to adapt its content for English-speaking audiences. 

Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire to End 15 Months of Conflict in Gaza

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Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, officials from Hamas and Qatar announced Wednesday, bringing an end to 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza.

The agreement is expected to release dozens of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, marking a significant breakthrough after violence resumed following the expiration of a temporary truce on December 1, 2023.

The ceasefire follows weeks of high-stakes negotiations brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt amid a harsh winter in Gaza and escalating tensions across the Middle East. The region has witnessed widespread devastation, with Gaza’s infrastructure shattered and its population heavily displaced.

While neither Israel nor Hamas has officially announced the deal, sources indicate swift approval is anticipated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to secure support from his security cabinet and the full government.

Israel’s Supreme Court will have 24 hours to review potential appeals, with the ceasefire potentially taking effect as early as Friday. The first hostages are expected to be freed by Sunday.

The truce comes after Israel’s military campaign against Gaza in response to Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. A temporary pause in November led to the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Health officials in Gaza report over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians, during the conflict. The violence has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, leaving millions in dire humanitarian conditions.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu faces criticism from hardline ministers who view the deal as a surrender, while families of hostages have intensified pressure on the government to reach a resolution.

On the global stage, Israel’s military offensive has drawn sharp criticism. In November, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.

Humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders, have accused Israel of committing genocide, charges the Israeli government has dismissed as false and antisemitic.

The ceasefire comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20. The Biden administration had been pushing for an agreement as part of its final efforts in the region.

Trump, who warned last month that all hell will break loose without a hostage release, has sent his Mideast envoy to assist in negotiations.

Mozambique’s Chapo Sworn in as President Amid Disputed Election, Nationwide Protests

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Mozambique’s new president, Daniel Chapo, was sworn in Wednesday in a subdued ceremony in Maputo, overshadowed by an opposition boycott and nationwide protests over allegations of election fraud.

Businesses in the capital shut down, and streets remained empty as opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane called for a nationwide strike. Mondlane, who ran as an independent, rejected the election results, which gave Chapo 65% of the vote, extending the Frelimo party’s nearly five-decade rule. Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, claims the results were rigged.

Chapo, 47, pledged in his inaugural address to focus on unity, human rights, and combating corruption in a country still grappling with post-election violence. Local civil society groups report that over 300 people have been killed in clashes since the October elections.

“Mozambique cannot remain a hostage to corruption, nepotism, and incompetence,” Chapo told the 2,500 attendees at the ceremony, which was heavily secured.

Police dispersed protesters near Independence Square after Chapo’s motorcade departed. The demonstrators included supporters of both Chapo and Mondlane, who were denied entry to the event.

Opposition parties Renamo and MDM joined the boycott, refusing to recognize Chapo as president. Mondlane has alleged electoral fraud and continues to advocate for his supporters from an undisclosed location in Maputo.

Chapo faces mounting challenges, including a fractured political landscape, economic instability, and accusations of electoral fraud. Analysts warn he must address systemic corruption and deliver on promises of economic reform and reconciliation to restore public trust.

Born in Sofala province, Chapo holds a law degree and a master’s in development management. His supporters describe him as hard-working and diplomatic, but critics question his ability to lead amid widespread discontent.

Chapo succeeds Filipe Nyusi, who steps down after two terms marked by unrest. Analysts say Chapo’s presidency represents a generational shift, but his legitimacy remains in doubt.

Mondlane, a former ally of the ruling party turned independent candidate, has emerged as a vocal critic of the government. He has called for systemic reforms, including changes to electoral law and decentralization of power. Reports indicate he is sheltering in Maputo after narrowly escaping an alleged assassination attempt last month.

Mondlane has accused security forces of targeting his supporters, echoing concerns raised by human rights groups over the government’s handling of post-election protests.

Political analysts argue Chapo’s success hinges on engaging with opposition leaders and enacting structural reforms. Calls for the dismissal of Mozambique’s police chief and the appointment of a new attorney general have grown louder as the country seeks accountability for human rights abuses.

Chapo, the first president not to have participated in Mozambique’s independence war, faces pressure to dismantle entrenched political and economic cartels while ensuring a peaceful transition of power.

Poland’s Tusk Accuses Russia of Plotting Global Airline Terror 

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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday accused Russia of planning global sabotage operations, including “acts of air terror” targeting airlines worldwide. 

Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Tusk underscored the gravity of the alleged threat. 

“I will not go into details, but I can confirm the validity of fears that Russia is planning acts of air terror, not only against Poland but against airlines around the world,” Tusk stated. 

Tusk’s comments come amid rising concerns over Russian activities in Europe and beyond. In November, Western intelligence agencies reported suspicions that Russian operatives were involved in a plot to place incendiary devices in packages aboard cargo planes destined for the United States and other countries. 

The alleged scheme, linked to fires at a courier facility in Germany and a warehouse in England, appeared to specifically target cargo planes, prompting heightened vigilance about global aviation security. 

In a related incident in October, Polish authorities announced the arrest of four individuals accused of ties to a foreign intelligence network conducting sabotage operations within the country. 

The allegations reflect growing fears of Russian covert actions as tensions between Moscow and Western nations remain at critical levels. 

Israeli Prime Minister’s Office Denies Hamas Agreed to Gaza Ceasefire Deal 

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday refuted reports that Hamas had accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar. 

Earlier in the day, an Israeli official claimed that the Palestinian militant group had approved the terms of the agreement. Israeli media outlets reported that the deal would be formally announced on Thursday, with its implementation beginning Sunday, including the release of the first group of hostages. 

However, Netanyahu’s office dismissed the reports, stating that Hamas had yet to provide a formal response to the proposal. 

“Contrary to reports, the Hamas terror organization has not yet returned its response to the deal,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement. 

The ceasefire proposal comes amid heightened tensions in Gaza and southern Israel following weeks of conflict. Mediated by Qatar, the proposal reportedly includes a truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas. 

While Hamas has not publicly commented on the reports, speculation about the ceasefire has intensified, with both sides under international pressure to de-escalate the conflict. 

Former Georgian Prime Minister Hospitalized After Assault, Blames Government 

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Giorgi Gakharia, Georgia’s former prime minister and current leader of the opposition party For Georgia, was hospitalized Tuesday night after being attacked in a hotel lobby in the Black Sea city of Batumi. 

Gakharia sustained injuries to his face and head during what his party described as a “brutal, coordinated group attack.” Ana Buchukuri, a spokeswoman for the party, confirmed the assault to Reuters. 

“He was brutally beaten but survived,” Buchukuri said, adding that Gakharia’s condition was stable. 

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Gakharia assured supporters of his recovery. However, his party accused the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) government of orchestrating the attack. 

“This politically motivated attack is a blatant attempt to intimidate the opposition and suppress dissenting voices,” For Georgia said in a statement. 

The attack comes amid heightened political tensions in Georgia following an October parliamentary election that the opposition claims was rigged by the GD party, which has been in power since 2012. 

Protests have erupted across the country, with nightly demonstrations in the capital, Tbilisi, and other cities. The government’s decision to freeze European Union accession talks until 2028 has further fueled unrest. 

Rights groups have criticized the government for cracking down on pro-EU demonstrators, citing hundreds of arrests and reports of police brutality. 

“The ineffective response of investigative bodies to crimes against opposition figures, journalists, and activists worsens the criminal environment in Georgia,” said the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association in a statement condemning the attack on Gakharia. 

The assault on Gakharia is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting opposition leaders and journalists. In December, Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change party, was injured and briefly jailed after being detained by police during a protest in Tbilisi. 

Buchukuri said the attackers who targeted Gakharia have not yet been identified, and the party has urged authorities to review security footage from the hotel. 

A spokesperson for the ruling Georgian Dream party did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Russia Intensifies Missile Strikes on Ukraine, Targets Energy Infrastructure

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In this photo provided by Telegram Channel of Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, smoke and fire rise over the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant after Russian attacks in Dnipro, Ukraine, Friday, March 22, 2024. (Telegram Channel of Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal via AP)

Russia launched a massive wave of missiles and drones at Ukraine on Wednesday, focusing on critical energy infrastructure in the western regions amid freezing winter conditions. The strikes included attacks on gas facilities, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning the renewed offensive as an assault on civilian life.

In this photo provided by Telegram Channel of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, smoke and fire rise over the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant after Russian attacks in Dnipro, Ukraine, Friday, March 22, 2024. (Telegram Channel of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal via AP)

Russian forces fired more than 40 missiles during the morning attack and deployed over 70 drones overnight, according to Zelenskyy. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 30 missiles and 47 drones, with another 27 drones redirected using electronic countermeasures.

“Another massive Russian attack. It’s the middle of winter, and their target remains unchanged: our energy infrastructure,” Zelenskyy said in a post on social media platform X. “Among their objectives were gas and energy facilities that sustain normal life for our people.”

The capital Kyiv also faced significant attacks, forcing hundreds of residents to seek refuge in underground metro stations. Families and their pets took shelter on yoga mats and folding chairs as air raid sirens blared across the city.

In western Ukraine’s Lviv region, the governor confirmed that energy facilities in Drohobych and Stryi districts were damaged. In nearby Ivano-Frankivsk, air defenses were actively repelling Russian strikes. Gas infrastructure facilities in the Kharkiv region were also targeted.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its forces successfully struck all designated energy targets.

Despite the attacks, Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported no disruptions to gas supplies. “Gas supplies to the population remain uninterrupted,” the company said, adding that Ukraine relies on stored gas reserves accumulated during the summer months.

Ukraine’s underground gas storage facilities, located primarily in the west, play a crucial role in meeting winter energy demands, particularly after Kyiv declined to extend a gas transit agreement with Russia.

Since March 2024, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, knocking out half of the country’s power-generating capacity. The attacks have caused widespread blackouts, prompting residents and businesses to invest in alternative energy sources like solar panels, batteries, and generators.

Zelenskyy, who is meeting Western allies in Poland, renewed his call for additional air defense systems. “We need stronger air defenses to secure Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure. Discussions on production licenses for such systems must become a reality,” he said.

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