- Egypt to host emergency Arab summit on Palestinian displacement – 10.02.2025
Egypt has announced an emergency Arab summit for 27 February in response to US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to expel Palestinians from Gaza, relocate them to other countries, and transform the area into a luxury destination. The plan, unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was met with widespread condemnation from Hamas, Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab states, who emphasized its violation of international law, including the Geneva Conventions. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has been coordinating regional efforts to oppose the proposal, with Jordan warning of potential military action if Palestinians are forcibly expelled into its territory. Arab countries are also reportedly working on an alternative plan centered on regional reconstruction without displacement.
- China builds space alliances in Africa as Trump cuts foreign aid – 11.02.2025
China is investing significantly in Africa’s space programs to enhance cooperation with the continent. In Egypt, a Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Testing Center was established near Cairo with China’s support, and the facility’s first satellite was launched from China. The satellite, built with Chinese-made components, has contributed to Egypt’s space program and bolstered China’s influence in the region. In addition to Egypt, China has developed similar partnerships with countries like Nigeria and Algeria, focusing on satellite technology and ground stations. These projects aim to provide data sharing and technical support for climate change, disaster management, and agricultural development. However, the U.S. has expressed concerns, suggesting that China could use these initiatives for security and intelligence advantages. China maintains that its investments are intended solely to promote economic growth and development in African nations.
- North Korea warns of “armed force conflict” after nuclear-powered U.S. submarine docks in South Korea – 11.02.2025
North Korea condemned the docking of the U.S. Navy submarine USS Alexandria in South Korea, calling it a “hostile military act” that could escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The submarine, equipped with Tomahawk missiles and MK48 torpedoes, arrived at Busan naval base, marking the latest U.S. show of strategic presence in the region. North Korea’s defense ministry accused the U.S. of provoking instability and reiterated its commitment to strengthening self-defense, referencing Kim Jong Un’s vow to continue the country’s nuclear program. This comes amid ongoing missile tests by North Korea, heightened military activity, and diplomatic tensions, including past failed negotiations over sanctions relief.
- Top Trump officials set to meet with senior Russian officials to begin Ukraine talks – 15.02.2025
Top Trump administration officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, are set to meet with senior Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting follows a recent phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, where Trump emphasized the need for swift negotiations. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to play a role in the talks. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg stressed the need for Russia to make concessions, particularly regarding territorial issues and the renunciation of force, and suggested leveraging economic sanctions to pressure Moscow. The discussions will involve both Ukrainian and Russian representatives, but European nations are not expected to participate, reflecting a “dual-track” approach to negotiations.
- European countries will not create one united army, says Poland’s Sikorski – 16.02.2025
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that European countries will not form a unified army in response to threats from Russia, though he supports the development of the EU’s defense capabilities. His comments followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s call for a European army to reduce reliance on U.S. protection. Sikorski clarified that while the unification of national armies is unlikely, the EU is working on creating a reinforced brigade and strengthening its defense industry. He emphasized that Poland’s priority is protecting NATO’s eastern flank, ruling out Polish troops on the ground in Ukraine.
- Major storm in Eastern US brings bring severe flash floods – 16.02.2025
Heavy rain and flooding affected parts of the Southern U.S. on Saturday, particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina, with multiple Flash Flood Warnings issued. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency and requested federal disaster assistance, while serious flooding in areas like Jackson led to evacuations of nursing homes and hospitals. Tennessee and West Virginia also saw evacuations, with floodwaters prompting rescues and warnings of life-threatening conditions. In the Northeast, snow, sleet, and rain created hazardous conditions, with heavy snow expected in northern New England and up to 6 inches in cities like Hartford and Boston. Wind alerts are in effect for 86 million people, with gusts potentially reaching 50-60 mph across 22 states.
- At least 18 people die in crowd crush at Delhi railway station – 16.02.2025
At least 18 people, including 10 women and three children, died in a stampede at a railway station in Delhi as crowds surged to catch trains for the Kumbh Mela, a massive Hindu religious gathering in Prayagraj. The crush occurred as people struggled to board special trains for the event, which will conclude on February 26. The deaths were reportedly caused by hypoxia or blunt injuries, with many others suffering from orthopedic injuries. The railway minister ordered an inquiry, and additional trains were deployed to ease the crowd. The Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of devotees, has a history of crowd-related tragedies, including a fatal incident last month and another in 2013. Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, expressed their condolences.
- https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-set-host-emergency-arab-summit-palestinian-displacement
- https://www.reuters.com/investigations/china-builds-space-alliances-africa-trump-cuts-foreign-aid-2025-02-11/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-korea-us-submarine-south-korea-hostile-military-act/
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/15/politics/russia-ukraine-peace-talks-trump-officials/index.html
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-countries-will-not-create-one-united-army-says-polands-sikorski-2025-02-16/
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/major-storm-east-bringing-snow-ice-flooding-rain/story?id=118864620
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/15/at-least-15-people-die-in-crowd-crushes-at-new-dehli-railway-station
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