In the latest news, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has vowed to continue fighting in Gaza, despite calls for restraint from the U.S. following the accidental killings of three hostages by the Israeli military. The deaths of the hostages have raised new questions about Israel’s prosecution of the war. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is visiting Israel and other Middle Eastern nations to pressure Israel to transition to a more focused phase of the conflict. Germany and Britain have also advocated for a sustainable cease-fire in an apparent shift from their previous support for Israel. Meanwhile, in China, a cold snap has caused widespread disruptions, including a subway collision in Beijing that left over 500 commuters hospitalized. Chilly conditions are expected to continue for the coming week.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, six million people have died and more than six million have been displaced after decades of fighting, corruption, and chaos. An upcoming presidential election is adding to the instability, as more than 100 armed groups and several armies vie for power. Amidst the suffering, aid groups struggle to draw attention to the crisis.
In the arts and ideas section, an app has been developed in India to teach children traditional prenatal and postnatal guidance combined with scientific research, to instill Hindu values and promote wellness.
Additionally, civil disobedience is spreading in Iran after a 70-year-old fish market stall owner danced in public, sparking a crackdown by the Islamic regime. The arrests went viral, igniting protests and demands for freedom and happiness.
In the obituaries section, Merle Goldman, a leading expert on China known for her ability to communicate complex topics to nonacademic readers, has passed away at the age of 92.
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