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The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on the 1st that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington on the 3rd (Eastern Time) to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and launch the second phase of Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations.

According to Reuters, Netanyahu is expected to depart from Israel on the 2nd and meet with Trump at the White House on the 4th (Eastern Time) to discuss the situation in Gaza and the issue of Israeli hostages still held in the region.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Netanyahu will also meet with Witkoff to discuss Israel’s stance in the ceasefire agreement. Over the past 15 months, Egypt and Qatar, with U.S. support, have acted as mediators to facilitate dialogue between Israel and Hamas. As a result, Witkoff also plans to hold talks with officials from Egypt and Qatar.

Last month, Israel and Hamas reached a complex ceasefire agreement to be implemented in three phases, temporarily halting fighting in Gaza. So far, Hamas has released 18 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. However, more than 70 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the official negotiation date between representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Hamas, and Israel has yet to be determined. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, lasting 42 days, is set to end in March. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Witkoff will first negotiate with Qatari and Egyptian representatives before meeting with Netanyahu to discuss ways to accelerate the negotiation process, including setting a concrete date for the delegation to begin talks.

The second phase of the ceasefire agreement is expected to involve the release of the remaining hostages and discussions on permanently ending the war.

White House Announces: Trump Signs Executive Order Imposing Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, On the 1st, the White House spokesperson announced that President Trump had signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, effective immediately. According to CNBC, the energy tariff on Canada will be reduced to 10% to mitigate the impact on gasoline and other energy prices. Additionally, under the new order, if these countries retaliate against the U.S. in any way, the tariffs will escalate, sending shockwaves across the globe.

President Trump previously posted on the X platform, citing the powers granted to the president under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify tariff retaliation against the three countries. He stated that the tariffs were implemented “because illegal immigration and deadly drugs like fentanyl pose a major threat to the lives of our citizens.” He added, “We need to protect Americans. As president, I have a responsibility to ensure everyone’s safety.” Furthermore, Trump announced on X: “On February 18, we will finally impose tariffs on chips, oil, and natural gas, as well as steel, aluminum, and copper.”

Following Trump’s announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared that Canada would take strong countermeasures immediately and announced a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed strong opposition and ordered her Minister of Economy to implement both tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico’s interests. However, she also stated on X that her government does not seek confrontation with the U.S. but instead aims for cooperation and dialogue.

The move has sparked mixed reactions. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a statement saying: “The president is right to focus on critical issues such as border security and fentanyl, but imposing tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented. Tariffs will not solve these problems—they will only raise costs for American families and disrupt supply chains.” Experts are now evaluating the economic impact of these tariffs. Economists warn that full implementation could lead to rising prices, but the Trump administration argues that tariffs will bring manufacturing back to the U.S., boost employment and wages, and counter inflation by easing energy regulations to lower oil prices.

The U.S. trades approximately $1.6 trillion annually with these three nations. CNBC believes that Trump is using tariffs as a diplomatic tool, particularly regarding immigration and drug trafficking issues. Previously, Colombia had refused to accept deported migrants, but after Trump threatened tariffs, the Colombian government reversed its stance, demonstrating the political power of tariffs. Tariffs have long been a key component of Trump’s economic policy. During his campaign, he famously declared that "tariffs are the fourth most beautiful word in the dictionary, after ‘God,’ ‘love,’ and ‘religion.’” In his first term, Trump imposed heavy tariffs on China, leading to a major shift in the global economic landscape. In 2023, Mexico surpassed China as the United States' largest source of imports. This new trade war is expected to further reshape the global economy.

On January 28, 2025, a major plane crash occurred in Washington D.C., resulting in the deaths of 67 people. According to the preliminary investigation report, there were some unusual factors surrounding the cause of the accident, attracting widespread attention.

According to the preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft may have experienced a cabin depressurization during flight, which led to oxygen deprivation for both the crew and passengers, causing a loss of control of the plane. Investigators at the crash site found that the aircraft crashed at a high speed and almost vertical angle, with wreckage scattered over an area of 137 meters, suggesting that the plane may have lost control prior to the crash.

NTSB investigators stated that they would remain at the crash site for at least three to four days to conduct a detailed investigation. They emphasized that this is a highly challenging crash site and requires careful analysis of various possible causes, including mechanical failure, human error, and other potential factors.

The investigation is still ongoing, and the NTSB has not yet released a final report. Relevant authorities have urged the public to be patient and avoid jumping to conclusions in order to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the investigation’s results.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas took effect on the 20th of last month. The war has resulted in 46,000 Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip, with 93% of the local housing damaged. Following his recent visit to Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, spoke with the media and stated that the area has nearly been completely destroyed, and reconstruction is estimated to take 10 to 15 years.

Witkoff pointed out that people in Gaza are currently moving north to check on the condition of their homes, but due to the lack of water and electricity, the area is uninhabitable, and they are forced to leave again. The extent of the damage to buildings is shocking.

According to British media reports, Hamas estimates that out of every 15 houses in Gaza, 14 have been damaged, with 5 of them completely destroyed, resulting in an estimated 42 million tons of rubble. Satellite images from Gaza's northern region show that nearly all residential areas less than 1 km west of one of Gaza's major hospitals, the Indonesian Hospital, have been destroyed.

In addition, the water supply and sanitation infrastructure have been severely damaged. Before the conflict, 80% of Gaza's water came from underground wells, but currently only 8% of the northern region's water sources are usable. The northern desalination plant, once a crucial source of drinking water, was also destroyed in the fighting. Aid organizations report that 70% of the water transported through damaged pipelines is leaking, and the water supply facilities have been severely impacted.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that out of the 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip, 50% have ceased operations due to a lack of medical supplies, fuel, and staff, and the remaining hospitals can only provide partial services. According to Palestinian authorities, at least 46,788 people have been killed due to airstrikes and ground assaults, with over 110,000 others injured. While houses and infrastructure can be rebuilt, the loss of life caused by the conflict will have long-lasting and severe consequences.

Media reports indicate that a stabbing attack by an Afghan migrant occurred in Aschaffenburg, Germany, on the 22nd of this month, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. The suspect had already lost asylum status in Germany as of December last year but remained in the country, sparking widespread debate. On the 29th, the Bundestag passed a proposal from the Union parties, calling for stricter asylum policies. With support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), the proposal was approved.

The proposal, titled "The German Bundestag Calls on the Federal Government to Immediately Implement the Following Measures," includes provisions such as permanent border controls, stricter restrictions on family immigration, and indefinite detention of criminals and dangerous individuals who have been ordered to leave Germany until they voluntarily depart or are deported. The vote tally was 348 in favor, 345 against, and 10 abstentions. Among the 348 votes in favor were 187 from Union party lawmakers, 75 from AfD members, and 80 from Free Democratic Party (FDP) members.

Although the proposal is not legally binding, it marks the first time the German parliament has passed a measure by majority vote with AfD support. With Germany's national elections just weeks away, immigration policy has once again become a focal point in the political debate.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Russia has conveyed a message through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, claiming that Jenkins is still alive and in custody. The Australian government is currently seeking further confirmation.

Rumors of Jenkins’ capture by Russian forces surfaced before Christmas 2024, when a video emerged showing him being interrogated and beaten by Russian troops. Two weeks ago, Australian media reported that Jenkins had possibly been executed by Russian forces, though this had not been officially confirmed at the time. The Australian government stated that it was in contact with Russia to verify Jenkins’ status and had also requested assistance from the Ukrainian government in the investigation. If the reports were confirmed, Australia would take the “strongest action.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Russia to release Jenkins, emphasizing that Australia had made it clear to Russia that under international humanitarian law, it has an obligation to treat all prisoners of war humanely. She warned that if Russia failed to uphold Jenkins' rights under international law, Australia would respond "decisively."

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko stated that the news of Jenkins’ survival was a positive development for Australia. However, he criticized Russia for refusing to confirm Jenkins' condition for over a month, leaving his family, friends, and the Australian public in distress. He condemned this as a typical act of brutality.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Survivors have stepped forward to remind the world not to forget history and to warn against the resurgence of anti-Semitism and extremist ideologies. Julia Wallach, now 99 years old, was captured by the Nazis at the age of 18 and was imprisoned in the Drancy internment camp before being sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Reflecting on her two years in the camp, she emphasized, "As long as I am here, I will continue to speak about it, so that we do not forget."

However, awareness of the Holocaust is fading in today's society. Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, pointed out that studies show younger generations in Europe and the United States lack knowledge of Holocaust history. He stressed that this is a warning sign, urging urgent and continuous action to prevent this history and its lessons from being forgotten.

The stories of survivors serve as a reminder that extremism and hatred can spread in societies marked by indifference. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, noted that the Holocaust was a process that began with rhetoric and isolated incidents before escalating into the systematic dehumanization of an entire community, ultimately leading to violence. He warned that even a spark of hatred can spread in a society that remains indifferent.

As the number of survivors dwindles, their testimonies are being preserved through films, writings, books, and recordings. Frankie Wallach, Julia Wallach’s granddaughter, emphasized that when the survivors are gone, these memories will be the traces they leave behind. For future generations, these testimonies are of vital importance.

On this 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, the calls from survivors serve as a crucial reminder to remain vigilant against the rise of anti-Semitism and extremist ideologies, ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten.

Wildfires in Los Angeles County and Ventura County, California, have been burning for days but are finally being eased by much-needed rainfall. However, authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant for threats from hazardous debris, toxic ash, and mudslides. The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory from 4 PM on the 27th to 4 PM on the 28th (Pacific Time), covering areas affected by the fires, including "burn scar" regions. The advisory also stated that any thunderstorms could bring "brief but heavy rainfall and gusty winds."

Rainfall is expected to range from 0.75 to 1 inch in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, with mountain areas potentially receiving between 1.5 to 3 inches. Additionally, small hail and waterspouts could occur near coastal waters. The National Weather Service's Los Angeles office warned on social media platform X, stating: "Heavy rain in burn scar areas may cause debris flows or mudslides. Please follow local officials' instructions!"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the damage from the wildfires could lead to multiple safety and health risks, including contamination from hazardous materials and chemicals. The CDC recommends that residents wear N95 masks when returning to their homes to avoid inhaling harmful particles, as well as goggles to protect eyes from ash, debris, and smoke. Additionally, they should wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and gloves to protect their skin. Residents are also advised not to clear hazardous debris without assistance.

Amb. Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, left, receives the “Key to the Heart” from Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL. The key symbolizes that a visionary leader plays a vital role in shaping the world’s future.

Nancy Sam, vice president of the ECOWAS Confederation Tourism Private Sector, back row, 2nd from left, poses for a group photo with Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center, and other peace advocates after ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love.