Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire
The Israeli government and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire following a year of temporary truces and peace talks. Mediated by Qatari, Egyptian and U.S. ambassadors, the deal officially went into effect on January 19, 2025.
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire consists of three phases, focusing on reducing Israel’s military presence in Gaza, exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and eventually rebuilding Gaza. Phase 1 of the deal began with the exchange of three Israeli hostages captured by Hamas for 90 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Phase 1 of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire demands the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians. Phase 1 also calls for the removal of Israeli military forces from heavily populated areas, such as Gaza City and northern Gaza. The removal of Israeli troops allows displaced Palestinians as well as humanitarian aid to enter unoccupied regions.
As stated in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, phase 1 will last for 42 days as Israel and Hamas continue negotiations regarding phase 2 and phase 3 of the deal. If Israel’s government and Hamas fail to ratify a new deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to continue the war.
“If we need to go back to the fighting, we will do so in new ways and with great force,” Netanyahu said.
Trump inaugurated as 47th President.
Flags flew full staff on Monday, January 20, 2025, as Donald Trump entered the White House as the 47th President of the United States. Chief Justice John Roberts swore the Republican presidential elect into office alongside his running mate JD Vance.
Addressing gathered politicians and supporters, Trump reiterated the promises made during his presidential campaign.
“My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal and all of these many betrayals that have taken place and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and, indeed, their freedom,” Trump said. “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
After the inauguration ceremony, President Trump signed 69 executive orders. His executive orders centered around reversing the Biden administration’s polices on LGBTQ+ rights, climate change and immigration.
As one of his first acts as president, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and World Health Organization (WHO). He sought to eliminate birthright citizenship of children whose parents are not legal immigrants or U.S. citizens. The newly elected president ordered that the U.S. resume construction of a wall situated on the U.S-Mexico border.
Along with reversing the previous administration’s policies, Trump commuted several convicted prisoners’ sentences and issued pardons. Notably, he pardoned 1500 participants in the Jan. 6 Capitol Attack, which occurred before the inauguration of former President Joe Biden.
Justin Trudeau Resigns as Canadian Prime Minister
On Jan. 6, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his plans to resign following the election of a new leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau has served as the Canadian Prime Minister for ten years after the Liberal Party swept the 2015 federal elections.
In his public announcement, Trudeau thanked his supporters for the opportunity to advocate on the behalf of his fellow Canadians.
“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I have been inspired by the resilience, generosity and the determination of Canadians,” Trudeau said. “I have fought for this country, for you.”
During his national address, Trudeau reflected on what he considered to be his chief accomplishments: Canada’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, economic policy and
support of Ukraine. He advised the next prime minister of Canada that he or she will represent Canada during “a critical moment in the world.”
Trudeau’s resignation resulted in Canadian Governor General Mary Simon halting all parliamentary proceedings. The current session of parliament will renew on March 24 after Canadian voters elect a new prime minister. Until the election, Trudeau will continue to hold the position of prime minister, in a “caretaker capacity,” according to CNN.
